Donation Spree For Babri: Righting The Wrong That Had Happened At Ayodhya
New Age Islam News Bureau
07 December 2025
People carry bricks to donate for the construction of the proposed Babri mosque in Murshidabad on Saturday.
Abdul Halim
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• Donation Spree For Babri: Righting The Wrong That Had Happened At Ayodhya
• After Murshidabad Mosque, Now A Babri Masjid Memorial To Come Up In Hyderabad
• Bandits Attack Mosque In Sokoto Community, Kill Imam, One Other, Abduct Worshippers
• Curtain Rises On Qiddiya Studios In Boost For Kingdom's Film Industry
• Hamas Says Will Give Up Arms to a Palestinian Authority ‘If Occupation Ends’
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India
• Why Mumbai’s Top Police Officers Walk To Dargahs With An Offering Every Year
• Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Secy: Babri Mosque Plan Politically Motivated
• Murshidabad Masjid Row: Won’t Accept Mosque In The Name Of Babar, Says BJP’s Dilip Ghosh
• Kolkata CM: Fight Against Those Igniting Communal Fire Will Go On
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Africa
• Media Ignoring Muslims In ‘Christian Genocide’ Debate, Says MURIC
• PDP chieftain urges Northern leaders to take responsibility for insecurity
• 2027: ADC Gives Obi Fresh Conditions, Says He Must Decide on Joining Coalition
• Mohamed Salah uses Harry Kane example to argue he has been treated unfairly by media
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Arab world
• Why Saudi Arabia’s desert night skies are becoming a magnet for stargazers
• Cruise Saudi celebrates first visit of Greek cruise ship Celestyal Discovery
• How A Young Saudi Inventor Is Looking To Advance Political Science
• Grand mosque imam meets president of Assembly of North Macedonia
• Noor Riyadh 2025 draws more than 7 million visitors, wins 12 global awards
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Mideast
• Al-Aqsa Mosque Preacher: Palestinian Cause Needs Action, Not Condemnation
• Iran armed forces fully prepared to counter any threat
• Number of martyrs in Israeli enemy aggression on Gaza rises to 70,354
• 'Azar 16th' Symbol Of Anti-Global Arrogance In Iran
• Army budget to be strengthened, Iran’s parliamentary committee says
• Israel strikes central Gaza as ceasefire at 'critical moment', risks shattering
• KSrelief Delivers Shelter Aid to Palestinian People in Gaza
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South Asia
• Australia Government Announces Sanctions On Senior Officials Of Afghanistan Taliban-Run Government
• Bangladesh: Is The International Crimes Tribunal A Weapon Of Revenge, Now?
• Three Months Since Afghan Women Staff Prevented From Entering United Nations Premises Across The Country
• Afghanistan says 5 killed in heavy fire exchanges with Pakistani forces
• For how long can Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death, stay in India?
• Afghanistan Welcomes Impartial, Truth-Based Remarks
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Southeast Asia
• Anwar Says Freedom Of Speech Comes With Limits And Moral Duty
• Legal aid made easier: Malaysian Bar’s new pro bono plan helps lawyers reach those who need justice most
• New govt-paid insurance scheme raises payouts for death and disability; up to RM26,500 for Malaysia’s poorest families
• ‘Every single cent’: PM Anwar pledges latest book royalties to students who need aid
• Zahid says Putrajaya under Madani treats all states equally, regardless of political leanings
• Can Japan find space for Muslim burials? Not if right-wing rhetoric prevails
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Europe
• Muslim Group Faults Use Of Church-Owned Venues For Passport Intervention Exercise In UK
• “A Systematic Islamophobic Campaign Has Been Launched, Targeting Bosnia and Herzegovina”
• Reflecting After Starr’s Lecture, or the Old Problems of Contemporary Islam
• NATO alone to decide on Ukraine’s membership, Canada’s FM says
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North America
• Inside The Push To Bring Mental Health Care Into American Mosques
• ‘Reviewing it’: Hegseth on releasing video of Caribbean strike; survivors died on alleged drug boat
• National park fee: No more free entry on MLK Day, Juneteenth; replaced by Trump's birthday
• ‘We will sink you’: Hegseth defends alleged drug-boat strikes, says Trump can take ‘action as he sees fit’
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/donation-babri-happened-ayodhya/d/137922
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Donation Spree For Babri: Righting The Wrong That Had Happened At Ayodhya
Alamgir Hossain
07.12.25
People carry bricks to donate for the construction of the proposed Babri mosque in Murshidabad on Saturday.
Abdul Halim
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Amin Sheikh, Mainul Sheikh, Anowar Ali and thousands of others poured into Beldanga in Murshidabad with bricks from their villages on Saturday, driven by a common desire to “undo the mistake that the Muslims of Ayodhya committed by not rebuilding the Babri mosque”.
The villagers, mostly migrant labourers, said that contributing to the foundation-stone laying ceremony for the proposed Babri mosque, spearheaded by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, was an attempt at righting the wrong that had happened at Ayodhya.
They claimed it was also a mark of protest against the atrocities allegedly faced by Bengal's Muslims in Odisha and other states where they once worked before being forced to return.
“It is an event to correct the wrong done in the past and establish our right as legitimate Indian citizens,” said Aminul, who was labelled a Bangladeshi and had to face attacks in a BJP-ruled state.
Trucks and tractors loaded with bricks brought from as far as North Dinajpur and Canning in South 24-Parganas weaved past the crowds to unload the construction material at the proposed Babri Masjid site at Chetiani village, 2km away.
Police said a 15km stretch of NH-12 between Beldanga and Rejinagar remained completely blocked as “about 1 lakh people were on the road near the venue of the programme”.
Amid the frenzy, several people were seen carrying bricks, calling it a contribution to a holy cause and retribution for the “error perpetrated through the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya”. Many of them equated the gesture with the brick-donation spree during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Ashraf Ali, who identified himself as an ISF activist from Bhangar, arrived with friends in a car loaded with bricks. “We have not come here for political reasons, but to participate in the construction of the Babri Masjid, which is a passion for us. It was unjustly demolished. So we rushed here because the Babri Masjid will be built here,” he said.
The organisers said that villagers had arrived carrying bricks on their heads, while others rode in on motorbikes with bricks strapped behind them. Many sent bricks by lorry, with more than a hundred such vehicles standing on the road, a traffic officer said.
Piled at the proposed mosque site, the bricks resembled an ever-growing mountain. Next to the site stood a brickfield from where bricks were being bought and donated.
Moved by the scenes unfolding before him, an euphoric Kabir said: “The main mosque will be built on a three-cottah plot, while a medical college and hospital and a university will come up on a 25-bigha plot.”
Kabir, who reached Moradighi around 10am, was welcomed by students and teachers of various Beldanga madrasas. He said the bricks collected would not be used only for the mosque but also for a school, hospital, inn and other ancillary projects, “which nobody ever imagined”. Two qazis from Medina were present.
At the start of the event, Kabir attacked the state government and Trinamool, while expressing gratitude to the judiciary. "A lot of conspiracy was done to stop the laying of the foundation stone. But they failed to stop it,” he said as the crowd chanted slogans against the ruling party.
As people continued streaming towards the venue, an unusual problem arose — voluntary deposits into an SBI account associated with the project exceeded the day’s permissible transaction limit. Around noon, Kabir urged supporters not to send any more money.
The block on online transactions didn’t stop the cash flow. Within two hours, the two containers kept near the venue were overflowing with cash. People dug into their savings and made contributions — big and small.
Amid the charged atmosphere, Kabir announced that an Indian Muslim businessman with an annual turnover of about ₹4,000 crore had expressed willingness to donate ₹80 crore.
“We are not taking his money right now. We will take that help before the work begins,” he said, adding that a doctor from Calcutta had offered ₹1 crore.
“This is just a trailer... the big picture is waiting next year for Mamata Banerjee. She will have to pay the price for conspiring against me and misleading the Muslim community,” the MLA added.
About 200 maulanas and social workers sat on the stage during the programme, along with teachers and students from local madrasas. No political leaders were seen.
“I am happy with the way everyone cooperated. There was not even a small accident on the stretch today despite the huge gathering," he said.
"The police helped end the programme peacefully and arranged for the return of the people. As a result, both the Chetiani and Moradighi events under Rejinagar police station ended smoothly."
Source: Www.Telegraphindia.Com
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After Murshidabad mosque, now a Babri Masjid memorial to come up in Hyderabad
December 07, 2025
Tahreek Muslim Shabban president Mushtaq Malik announced that a Babri Masjid memorial, along with a few welfare institutions, would be built in Greater Hyderabad.
“We decided that a memorial for the Babri Masjid would be built in Greater Hyderabad, and some welfare institutions would also be built within it. We will soon announce how it will be built and for how long," Malik said, reported ANI.
He said no one should be bothered by the name “Babur” and claimed that the BJP and the RSS were creating political propaganda to divide the country. Malik also claimed that there was no mention in the Tulsidas Ramayana, which was written around 60 years after the construction of Babri Masjid, about the demolition of a temple.
"After Babur came Humayun's reign, and after that came Akbar's. There were rituals and prayers in Akbar's palace. Jodha Bai was in Akbar's palace. There were rituals, prayers, and havans... Tulsidas was also alive at that time. During Akbar's period, Tulsidas could have spoken to Akbar. Man Singh was the Chief of the Army at that time. He could have asked him... Such a thing doesn't appear in Tulsi Das's Ramayana," he said.
"So, this is political propaganda to divide the country. The brotherhood that existed between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits has been shattered by this, and the seeds of hatred have been sown,” he added.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir led the foundation-laying ceremony of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad.
The TMC, which distanced itself from the event after suspending Kabir, observed ‘Samhiti Diwas’ (Unity Day) to symbolise communal harmony, while the BJP hit out at the MLA for “encouraging religious polarisation”.
“Babur, who came to India aiming to wipe out the country's culture, was condemned by Guru Nanak Sahib as a tyrant. He turned the Ganga, Yamuna and Saryu rivers red with Hindu blood. India will never accept any monument or object in his name,” said BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh.
Source: Www.theweek.in
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Bandits Attack Mosque In Sokoto Community, Kill Imam, One Other, Abduct Worshippers
December 6, 2025
Bandits in the early hours of Saturday launched a deadly attack on worshippers observing the Subh prayer in KibaRuwa, a community in the Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In neighbouring Kebbi State, bandits weeks ago attacked the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, where 26 schoolgirls were abducted.
All soldiers previously stationed at the school had been summoned to Abuja for interrogation as part of efforts to determine why the security post was vacated shortly before the attack.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi, expressed alarm over what he described as the “withdrawal of military personnel” from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits stormed the facility and abducted several students.
The governor said the situation was particularly disturbing because the state had earlier received intelligence warning of a possible attack and had immediately convened a security meeting to address the threat.
“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting,” NAN quoted the governor as saying.
“Who authorised the military to withdraw?” How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” the governor said.
The Maga District Head, Muhammad Dantani, also raised serious concerns over the role of the Nigerian military in the recent attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, where armed bandits killed a staff member and abducted 25 students.
Source: saharareporters.com
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Curtain rises on Qiddiya studios in boost for Kingdom's film industry
December 06, 2025
Qiddiya Investment Co. has announced the opening of PlayMaker Studios in Qiddiya City, marking the launch of Saudi Arabia’s latest film production hub. (Supplied)
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JEDDAH: Qiddiya Investment Co. has announced the opening of PlayMaker Studios in Qiddiya City, marking the launch of Saudi Arabia’s latest film production hub.
The opening is a milestone for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing film and creative industries, adding strategically to the production infrastructure available in the country.
The studios feature two high-spec, purpose-built soundstages, flexible workshops, and fully integrated production facilities designed for large-scale international and regional productions.
Modern production offices and on-site support amenities are also available, providing a seamless, end-to-end production environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
With strong demand for studio space, construction has begun on two additional world-class soundstages, scheduled for completion in 2026, which will expand PlayMaker Studios’ capacity and allow it to host multiple major productions simultaneously.
PlayMaker Studios also offers streamlined access to Saudi Arabia’s 40 percent production cash rebate, one of the world’s most competitive incentives, the SPA added.
As part of its long-term strategy, the studio will introduce dedicated post-production, visual effects, volumetric, and music facilities, further strengthening the Kingdom’s creative and production ecosystem.
Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., said: “PlayMaker Studios is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s ambition and builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing success in the creative industries.
"It strengthens this momentum and advances our vision to create a world-class destination where innovation, culture, and entertainment converge, and where the global film industry can find a new home in the Kingdom.”
Located at the heart of Qiddiya City — the world’s first destination where culture, sport, and creativity converge — PlayMaker Studios sits just 40 minutes from Riyadh, offering producers integrated logistics, premium accommodation for production teams, and direct access to a dynamic entertainment environment designed to inspire world-class content creation.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2625263/saudi-arabia
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Hamas Says Will Give Up Arms to a Palestinian Authority ‘If Occupation Ends’
7 December 2025
A Palestinian gunman stands guard as Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters transport a white body bag believed to carry the remains of an Israeli hostage in the town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on December 3, 2025. (AFP
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Hamas said Saturday it was ready to hand over its weapons in the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian authority governing the territory on the condition that the Israeli army’s occupation ends.
“Our weapons are linked to the existence of the occupation and the aggression,” Hamas chief negotiator and its Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in a statement, adding: “If the occupation ends, these weapons will be placed under the authority of the state.”
“We accept the deployment of UN forces as a separation force, tasked with monitoring the borders and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire in Gaza,” al-Hayya added, signaling his group’s rejection of the deployment of an international force in the Strip whose mission would be to disarm it.
Source: English.aawsat.com
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India
Why Mumbai’s top police officers walk to dargahs with an offering every year
by Zeeshan Shaikh
December 7, 2025
Every year, as Urs begins at Mahim Dargah, a scene plays out on the streets of Mumbai with a police band at the front, uniformed officers behind and senior police officers carrying a green chadar as they walk towards the 600-year-old shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi.
While it does appear to be a religious ritual performed by a secular force this tradition is rooted in a much older story that stretches back to colonial Bombay, the policing of massive public fairs, and the city’s distinctive relationship with its Sufi saints.
After Independence, while most government departments quietly shed the ceremonial and religious practices they had inherited from the British era a few exceptions endured, particularly at dargahs such as Mahim, and Dongri’s Rehman Shah Baba.
The Mahim Dargah of Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most historically layered Islamic shrines, with a lineage stretching back over six centuries. Long before Mumbai grew into a metropolis, this coastal dargah functioned as a spiritual anchor for sailors, traders, scholars and communities along the western coast.
The saint himself was of Arab descent; his ancestors are believed to have arrived in India around AD 860 (AH 252) after fleeing the persecution of Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the powerful and feared governor of Basra. Born roughly five centuries later in India, Makhdoom Ali Mahimi received rigorous training in Islamic law and theology and was eventually appointed the faqih, or law officer, for the Muslim community of Mahim. He passed away in 1431, and soon after his death, the local community built a mosque and shrine in his honour. Over the centuries, that shrine evolved into one of Mumbai’s most significant pilgrimage centres.
The Mumbai Police’s association with the Mahim Dargah goes back far earlier than the modern force itself. Long before the establishment of a formal police structure, lawkeeping on the islands of Bombay was carried out by the Bhandari Militia, an indigenous group drawn largely from the Bhandari community of coastal Maharashtra. They served as the earliest police, security guards and night watchmen of the region, and their affinity with the shrine appears to have been carried forward into the British era.
mahimurs The first written references to the police’s involvement with the Dargah come from S M Edwardes, Bombay Police Commissioner from 1909 to 1916. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Indo-Islamic Cultural FoundationSecy: Babri Mosque Plan Politically Motivated
Dec 7, 2025
Lucknow: Secretary of Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), Athar Husain, on Saturday criticized the decision of suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to build a mosque named after Mughal king Babur in Beldanga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, terming it as a "politically motivated act".
"It is a politically motivated act and defeats the sacred purpose of building a place of worship. The intention to construct a mosque is good and sacred and there is nothing wrong in it. But when you deliberately link it to the politics of the past and choose a name that carries decades of controversy, it no longer serves the purpose of faith," he said.
He said the basic pillar of Islam is ‘taqwa' — god-consciousness and purity of belief."Performing ‘namaz' is among the most important acts for a believer, but that purity is lost the moment politics enters the mosque," he said, adding that there should be absolutely no space for political symbolism in a house of Allah.Pointing to the Supreme Court's verdict in Ayodhya case on Nov 9, 2019, which settled the dispute by allotting the original site for Ram temple and five acres in Dhannipur village to the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board for a new mosque, Husain said that the chapter was closed. "Anything done now in the name of ‘Babri Masjid' is purely politics," he remarked.
The IICF secretary urged Humayun Kabir to reconsider the name of the mosque. "You carry the beautiful name of Kabir — the great saint of this land, who always preached Hindu-Muslim unity and uplift of the downtrodden, exactly what Islam teaches. If you truly want to build a mosque with your own resources, name it ‘Kabir Masjid', ‘Hindustani Masjid' or after Murshidabad itself," he said.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Murshidabad Masjid row: Won’t accept mosque in the name of Babar, says BJP’s Dilip Ghosh
December 7, 2025
Amid the row over suspended TMC leader Humayun Kabir’s move to erect a mosque in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has warned that the society will never accept a mosque in the name of Mughal ruler Babar.
Ghosh further suggested that the suspended TMC leader should form his own party to help underprivileged Muslims instead of constructing a mosque in the name of Babar.
“I want to ask Humayun Kabir to make a different party and fight for the Muslims of West Bengal who are very underprivileged, and try to develop them. Don’t make a mosque after the name of Babar, the society here would not accept it,” Ghosh said.
His remarks came a day after Humayun laid the foundation stone for the construction of Babri Masjid in Murshidabad on Saturday, December 6, the day a controversial structure of the same name was demolished in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya in 1992.
Source: Www.thestatesman.Com
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Kolkata CM: Fight Against Those Igniting Communal Fire Will Go On
Dec 7, 2025
Kolkata: On the occasion of Sanghati Diwas on Saturday, CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X: "Our fight will continue against those who are playing the game of destroying the country by igniting the fire of communalism."
"Unity is strength. I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to everyone on the occasion of ‘Solidarity Day'/‘Harmony Day'. The soil of Bengal is the soil of unity. This is the land of Rabindranath, Nazrul, Ramakrishna-Vivekananda — this land has never bowed down to division, and it never will," she wrote.
Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists — all of us in Bengal know how to walk shoulder to shoulder. We share our joys. Because we believe that religion is personal, but festivals are for everyone. Let everyone maintain peace and harmony," she added.
At a Sanghati Diwas meet at Mayo Road, Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim said a certain section of people was trying to use religion to stoke communalism in Bengal.
"Some are inciting unrest in the name of mosques, some in the name of temples. But the people of Bengal don't believe in religious fanaticism. Bengal stands for unity and believes in poets like Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore, who have said: ‘Hindus and Muslims are like two flowers on the same stem," said Hakim.
He did not, however, mention the suspended Trinamool MLA of Bharatpur, Humayun Kabir, who organised a programme at Beldanga in Murshidabad for the construction of a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
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Africa
Media ignoring Muslims in ‘Christian genocide’ debate, says MURIC
December 6, 2025
The Muslim Rights Concern has accused the Nigerian media of sidelining Islamic scholars and Muslim voices in ongoing discussions about alleged Christian genocide in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said both print and electronic media have “excluded Islamic scholars in particular and Nigerian Muslims in general” from the national debate, which he described as one-sided and unprofessional.
He further asserted: “The Muslims are being framed. Worse still, they are gagged by the press. They are voiceless, oppressed and repressed… The question on our lips is: when will the media hear from the Muslims?”
Akintola warned that the press, “except for very few, has drifted away from balance, fairness and professionalism,” insisting that Muslims are being unfairly portrayed without being given a right of reply.
In a recent article titled CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE: WHEN WILL THE PRESS HEAR FROM THE MUSLIMS? – MURIC, the group criticised media organisations over what it called biased platforming.
“We are constrained to call attention to the way and manner the ongoing debate on the imaginary Christian genocide is being handled by the Nigerian media. We note with grave concern how both the print and electronic media have excluded Islamic scholars in particular and Nigerian Muslims in general,” Akintola said.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/media-ignoring-muslims-in-christian-genocide-debate-says-muric/
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PDP chieftain urges Northern leaders to take responsibility for insecurity
December 7, 2025
By Godwin Isenyo
Presidential aspirant and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has urged Northern political, traditional, and social elites to take responsibility for what he described as the region’s escalating security collapse.
He also welcomed the appointment of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as Minister of Defence, insisting that the new role must translate into “practical results, not symbolism.”
The PUNCH Online reported that Musa, whose nomination by President Bola Tinubu followed the exit of his predecessor, AbubakarBadaru, had earlier appeared before the Senate for screening.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday, Hashim said he watched Musa’s Senate screening and was convinced the nominee demonstrated sincerity and clarity on how to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.
“I watched General Musa’s Senate clearance session. He sounded like someone genuinely committed to Nigeria. I hope he receives the full executive support needed to succeed in this critical assignment,” he said.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/pdp-chieftain-urges-northern-leaders-to-take-responsibility-for-insecurity/
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2027: ADC Gives Obi Fresh Conditions, Says He Must Decide on Joining Coalition
Daniel Mfonobong Daniel
December 7, 2025
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to take a definite stand on whether he wants to work with the party’s coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi had earlier expressed reservations about what he described as a “faltering” process within the coalition, noting concerns around zoning, power rotation, and the distribution of key roles.
He, however, said he still believed in the leadership coordinating the project, including former Senate President David Mark and ex–Vice President AtikuAbubakar.
Speaking on the matter, ADC spokesperson BolajiAbdullahi explained that the coalition had not reached the stage where zoning should even be discussed.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
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Mohamed Salah uses Harry Kane example to argue he has been treated unfairly by media
07 December 2025
Will Castle
Mohamed Salah drew comparisons to fellow Premier League great Harry Kane to prove how his drop in form has been treated differently to any patch of adversity experienced by the England captain.
Salah went on an astonishing tirade against manager Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy after he was benched for the third successive game for the first time in his career, opening the door to an imminent Anfield exit.
Claiming to have been thrown “under the bus” by Liverpool, the 33-year-old said he no longer has a relationship with Slot and that he has been made the scapegoat of the club’s dire run of form, which has seen them pick up just four wins in their last 15 outings, losing nine.
He also lambasted his portrayal in the media amid a dry spell in front of goal - having only scored five this season off the back of a record-breaking 2024/25 campaign - and pointed to former Tottenham talisman Kane as proof of preferential treatment.
“I have been at this club, scoring more than anyone in this generation, since I came to the Premier League,” said the Egyptian, after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds. “I don’t think anyone has scored more goals and made more assists than me in the Premier League.
Source: www.independent.co.uk
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Arab world
Why Saudi Arabia’s desert night skies are becoming a magnet for stargazers
Jonathan Gornall
December 06, 2025
LONDON: Within living memory, knowledge of the famously vivid night skies over Arabia was essential for the safe passage of sailors on the high seas, and travelers crossing the region’s great, trackless deserts.
Now, fascination with, and knowledge of, the heavenly bodies over the deserts of Saudi Arabia is flourishing once again as astronomy and simple stargazing are poised to play a starring role in the development of the Kingdom as an attractive destination for cultural tourism.
The science of astronomy flourished during the Golden Age of Islam, from the 9th to the 13th centuries, to the extent that many stars still have their original Arabic names, including Altair in the constellation Aquila, and Aldebaran in Taurus.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2625280/saudi-arabia
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Cruise Saudi celebrates first visit of Greek cruise ship Celestyal Discovery
December 07, 2025
JEDDAH: Cruise Saudi has welcomed the Celestyal Discovery ship from the Greek cruise line Celestyal Cruises at Jeddah Islamic Port. The liner’s first visit to the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its presence on the map of Red Sea cruise tourism.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the occasion featured an exchange of commemorative plaques in line with international traditions in the cruise industry, attended by the ship’s captain, Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen, Celestyal Cruises CEO Chris Theophilides, and officials from government entities and the maritime sector.
The event included a tour of the ship for the delegation, underscoring the level of cooperation among relevant stakeholders and enhancing the readiness of Saudi ports to receive international cruise ships with high operational capacity.
The visit comes just days after the inaugural call of the Celestyal Journey on Nov. 29, during which the two ships carried more than 400 tourists from Europe and the United States — an indicator of the strong return of international cruise activity to the Kingdom and the growing demand for Red Sea itineraries.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2625323/saudi-arabia
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How a young Saudi inventor is looking to advance political science
Waad Hussain
December 06, 2025
RIYADH: Samar Al-Shalahi, 22, is one of Saudi Arabia’s young innovators, having created a patented technology and now researching ways to advance political science through AI.
In 2023, Al-Shalahi was granted a Saudi patent (SAIP Patent No. SA13753) for developing self-cleaning floor tiles, a system designed to reduce manual cleaning and water waste through internal self-washing channels.
The patent was officially registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property on Sept. 26, 2023, and was showcased at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions under the Saudi Arabia pavilion.
Her experimental work was supervised by Dr. Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Faisal, whose guidance helped her transform a theoretical idea into a practical prototype; a project that later evolved into her patented technology.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2625301/saudi-arabia
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Grand mosque imam meets president of Assembly of North Macedonia
December 06, 2025
SKOPJE: The Imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Maher Al-Muaiqly, met with AfrimGashi, president of the Assembly of North Macedonia, in Skopje recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Al-Muaiqly’s visit was part of a Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance program to strengthen ties with religious and official institutions worldwide.
Gashi thanked the Saudi leadership for its efforts to serve Islam and Muslims and praised the Kingdom’s role in promoting peace and moderation. He added that the imam’s visit was “a reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation between the two countries,” the SPA reported.
Al-Muaiqly, meanwhile, “reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Islamic affairs and engaging Muslim communities,” according to the SPA.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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Noor Riyadh 2025 draws more than 7 million visitors, wins 12 global awards
December 06, 2025
RIYADH: The Noor Riyadh 2025 festival concluded its fifth edition on Saturday after attracting more than seven million visitors and securing 12 international cultural awards, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest light art festival.
Organized under the Riyadh Art programme of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the festival showcased 60 artworks by 59 local and international artists from 24 countries.
This year’s edition was held under the theme “In the Blink of an Eye” and featured installations across six locations in the capital, including the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Qasr Al-Hokm District, JAX District, Al-Faisaliah Tower and the King Abdullah Financial District.
Noor Riyadh received a series of global honors, including LIT Lighting Design Awards, Muse Design Awards, New York Architecture Awards and TITAN Awards.
Source: www.Arabnews.com
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Mideast
Al-Aqsa Mosque Preacher: Palestinian Cause Needs Action, Not Condemnation
06 Dec 2025
Istanbul – Saba:SheikhEkrima Sabri, the preacher of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, affirmed on Saturday that the Palestinian cause and the dangers it faces require action, not mere words of condemnation and denunciation.
During his address at the "Covenant for Al-Quds" conference, held in Istanbul and lasting two days, he stated that Palestine needs the will to implement resolutions, protect prisoners, safeguard the lives of the people of Gaza and Palestine, achieve their aspirations for freedom and independence, and support those working for the Palestinian cause, according to the Palestinian news agency Safa.
Source: Www.saba.ye
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Iran armed forces fully prepared to counter any threat
Dec 6, 2025
Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan made the remarks in an interview and pointed to the pivotal and unprecedented role of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in changing the enemy’s calculations following the Operation True-Promise 3.
Turning to the 12-day Israeli imposed war against Iran, he stated, “As Iran was negotiating indirectly with the US government, the Israeli regime, under the guidance and direct support of the United States, carried out a brutal and cowardly attack against Iranian soil in a short period of time.”
Pourdastan emphasized the outstanding and key role played by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in guiding the Iranian armed forces during the 12-day Israeli war against Iran.
Source: En.Mehrnews.Com
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Number of martyrs in Israeli enemy aggression on Gaza rises to 70,354
06 Dec 2025
Gaza – Saba:The death toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip rose to 70,354 martyrs and 171,030 wounded since October 7, 2023, on Saturday.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip explained in its daily statistical report on the number of martyrs and wounded as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Strip that hospitals received six martyrs during the past 48 hours, including one new martyr and five martyrs whose bodies were recovered, in addition to receiving 15 wounded.
The ministry noted that since the ceasefire on October 11, the total number of martyrs killed by enemy fire has reached 367, with 953 wounded and 617 bodies recovered.
Source: www.saba.ye
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'Azar 16th' symbol of anti-global arrogance in Iran
Dec 7, 2025
Azar 16th has its roots in commemorating the anniversary of the killing of three Iranian students of the University of Tehran on December 7, 1953, when they were martyred by the agents of colonial powers in the Pahlavi era.
The three students organized a protest against the resumption of political relations between Iran and Britain as well as the official visit by Richard Nixon, the then vice president of the United States, around four months after the 1953 Iranian coup d'état to overthrow the democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in order to reinvigorate monarchical rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Mostafa Bozorgnia, Ahmad Ghandchi, and Azar Shariat Razavi are the three martyred students, who lost their lives when they stood against tyranny.
On December 14, 2008, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that “the student movement has a very interesting history in our country. I am stressing this issue because it should continue and it is not a movement that can be stopped. The country is in such conditions and the Islamic Republic has such a make-up, characteristics, and traits that they need this movement to be by their side.”
“In the recorded and well-known history of our country, this student movement has always been against arrogance, domination, dictatorship, and oppression and it has always sought justice. These have been the distinctive characteristics of our student movement from the first day until today. If someone claims to support this student movement but lacks these characteristics, then they are not honest.”
Source: En.mehrnews.Com
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Israel strikes central Gaza as ceasefire at 'critical moment', risks shattering
07 December, 2025
Israeli strikes targeted the eastern area of Maghazi camp in central Gaza on Sunday, while the military carried out demolitions in the east and southern areas of the enclave, violating the truce.
Israel's increased attacks on Gaza have prompted Qatar's prime minister to warn that the ceasefire, which began on 10 October, is at a "critical moment", before urging a move to the next phase. He said the truce risks shattering if it does not move towards a permanent deal soon, with Turkey's foreign minister echoing the same sentiment.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attacked an elderly woman, her grandson, and two volunteers in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, and set up mobile homes in the area.
Israeli bulldozers levelled land and uprooted dozens of olive trees in Qaryut, south of Nablus, affecting the livelihoods of Palestinian farmers, Wafa reports.
Source: www.newarab.com
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KSrelief Delivers Shelter Aid to Palestinian People in Gaza
7 December 2025
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) delivered a new shipment of shelter aid to the Gaza Strip on Saturday, targeting urgent winter needs for displaced residents and offering protection from increasingly harsh weather conditions.
The latest consignment included fully equipped tents prepared by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, ahead of distribution to affected families.
The Kingdom has so far established air and sea bridges that have transported more than 7,677 tons of food, medical supplies, and shelter materials aboard 74 aircraft and eight ships.
Saudi Arabia has also supplied 20 ambulances to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. In addition, the center has signed relief agreements for projects in the strip totaling $90.35 million and is conducting joint airdrop operations with Jordan to widen access to aid.
Source: English.aawsat.com
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South Asia
Australia government announces sanctions on senior officials of Afghanistan Taliban-run government
SarishaHarikrishna
December 7, 2025
The Australian government on Saturday announced that it had imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on four senior officials of Afghanistan’s Taliban-run government, in an effort to curtail the regime’s humanitarian violations against women and girls in the country.
In early December 2025, Australia unveiled the autonomous sanctions framework in relation to the dire situation in Afghanistan, empowering the Australian Foreign Minister to implement travel bans and impose financial sanctions if he/she is satisfied that they fulfil item 1A of regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011. The Australian government conducted a comprehensive assessment of Afghan officials responsible for repressing the rights of women and girls, persecuting minority groups, contributing to the widespread suffering of the Afghan people, and impeding the rule of law.
Following this assessment, four individuals of interest were identified, being Muhammad Khalid Hanafi, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, Shaikh-Al-Hadith Mawlawi Abdul-Hakim Sharei and Abdul Hakim Haqqani. In essence, the effects of these designations mean that they have been prohibited from entering, travelling to, or remaining in Australia. Abdul Hakim Haqqani is the acting Taliban Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan, and stands accused of manipulating the law to effectively exclude women from undertaking positions as judges and issuing guidance to strip women of the right to partake in public life.
Source: www.jurist.org
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Bangladesh: Is the International Crimes Tribunal a weapon of revenge, now?
6 Dec 2025
New Delhi: August 5, 2024, will be remembered as a historic turning point in Bangladesh’s political journey. The fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government marked the end of an era—an era deeply intertwined with the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, the pursuit of transitional justice, and an increasingly authoritarian political framework. Also Read - Ex Bangla PM Hasina sentenced to death In its place, a fragile and confused new political setup has emerged, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who, despite his international acclaim, appears ill-equipped to manage the complexities of a fractured nation. Bangladesh today stands at a crossroads—politically unstable, socially fragmented, and economically stalled. Law and order have collapsed, with law enforcement either absent or complicit. Amid this chaos, one of the most disturbing developments has been the reported takeover of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) by anti-liberation forces, particularly from right-wing factions. Also Read - Left alliance accuses Yunus of driving Bangladesh towards crisis The new ICT leadership appears preoccupied with finding ways to punish Sheikh Hasina and her allies. Even former prosecutors have not been spared—Tureen Afroz, a former prosecutor, was arrested and reportedly tortured in her own home after the fall of the Hasina government. The tribunal’s primary focus now seems to be targeting members of a specific political party—the Awami League—on accusations related to the mass uprising of 2024 that led to the government’s collapse. This is not merely a political transition. It is a dangerous reversal—a grotesque distortion of justice and history. Also Read - B'desh: Awami League warns of conspiracies by Yunus-led interim govt amid 'Dhaka Lockdown programme' From Transitional justice to political vendetta The International Crimes Tribunal was established in 2009 with the aim of bringing to justice the perpetrators of war crimes committed during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. In principle, it was a noble endeavour—a long-overdue acknowledgement of the need for historical accountability. Many war criminals, particularly from Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP, were prosecuted, with some even sentenced to death. Also Read - Bangladesh: NCP setting preconditions for Feb election exposes growing insecurity While many ordinary Bangladeshis, especially families of 1971 martyrs, supported the idea of justice, the overt politicisation of the tribunal gradually eroded its legitimacy. But no one could have imagined that the tribunal itself would one day fall into the hands of the very forces it once sought to prosecute. Yet, that is the grim reality today. Jamaat’s spectre returns The resurgence of Jamaat-Shibir elements within the current political framework is deeply alarming—not only because of their past, but because of what it symbolises. It marks the complete reversal of the political narrative that has shaped Bangladesh for the past two decades. Reports now suggest that several individuals with known ties to Jamaat-
Source: www.thehansindia.com
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Three months since Afghan women staff prevented from entering United Nations premises across the country
7 December 2025
It has now been three months since the de facto authorities (DFA) in Afghanistan imposed restrictions preventing Afghan women staff and contractors from entering United Nations premises across the country.
Over these 91 days, our Afghan women colleagues have continued their vital work for the people of Afghanistan, from their homes and in communities.
With determination and professionalism, they have supported more families affected by recent earthquakes in eastern and northern Afghanistan, more returnees arriving from Pakistan and Iran, and countless men, women and children seeking food and clean water, healthcare, safe shelter and agriculture, climate resilience and livelihoods support.
Source: asiapacific.unwomen.org
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Afghanistan says 5 killed in heavy fire exchanges with Pakistani forces
By News Agencies
6 Dec 2025
Afghanistan authorities say five people have been killed after an exchange of heavy fire with Pakistan’s forces along their shared border, as tensions between the South Asian neighbours escalate after peace talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a breakthrough.
The governor of Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district in the Kandahar province confirmed four civilian deaths on Saturday. Deputy Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitra later told Reuters news agency that shelling by Pakistan killed five people, including a Taliban member.
In a post on X, the spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Pakistani forces had “launched attacks towards” the Spin Boldak district, prompting Afghan forces to respond.
“Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens,” spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said in a statement.
Residents on the Afghan side of the border told the AFP news agency that the exchange of fire broke out around 10:30pm local time (18:00 GMT) and lasted about two hours.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
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For how long can Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death, stay in India?
December 6, 2025
By Tahir Qureshi
New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been staying in India ever since she arrived on 5 August 2024, following a violent protest against her regime. Her stay in India has caused diplomatic tensions between the two countries as Dhaka has sought her extradition several times.
It was reported that Sheikh Hasina has been living in a “safe house” in New Delhi’s Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone under an arrangement made for her by the Government of India, according to the information shared by ThePrint in October 2024. The 78-year-old ex-premier has been allotted a similar type of bungalow that is allotted to ministers, senior Members of Parliament (MPs), and top officials, said the report.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has demanded that India return Sheikh Hasina, who is sentenced to death, to face judgment. The verdict was delivered on Monday, 17 November 2025, by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Sheikh Hasina for her alleged role in last year’s violent crackdown on a nationwide student uprising.
Amidst all these developments and the clamour from across the border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, 06 December 2025, said that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India is her personal decision influenced by the “circumstances” that led her to flee from her country and take refuge in India.
Source: www.india.com
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Afghanistan Welcomes Impartial, Truth-Based Remarks
December 7, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India has generated significant discussion across regional diplomatic circles, particularly due to his explicit acknowledgment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s control over the country. In an interview with India Today, Putin stated that the Islamic Emirate “clearly controls the situation” and is actively working to curb terrorism and drug trafficking, two long-standing security concerns for Afghanistan and its neighbors.
Putin’s remarks are notable not only for their clarity but also for their timing. As global actors continue to debate how to approach Kabul, Russia’s president presented a position grounded in realpolitik, saying engagement, rather than isolation, is the more effective strategy. His comment, “It is better to have contact than none at all”, captures a shift in Moscow’s approach, one that prioritizes pragmatic cooperation over political hesitation.
For years, the question of how to deal with the Islamic Emirate’s current authorities has divided regional and international powers. Many states have been hesitant to formalize diplomatic ties, yet nearly all acknowledge that the Islamic system remains the decisive authority within the country. The remarks by President Putin underscore the fact and reality of the country and send a message to other regional players.
Afghanistan’s ongoing efforts to combat anti-security militant groups is also the main focus of the region. By highlighting these actions, the Russian president implicitly recognized the Islamic Emirate as a partner, however unconventional, in containing regional threats. This aligns with Russia’s broader security calculus, which prioritizes stability along its southern flank and aims to prevent militant networks from expanding into Central Asia.
Source: Thekabultimes.com
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Southeast Asia
Anwar Says Freedom Of Speech Comes With Limits And Moral Duty
07 Dec 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7 — The freedom of speech enjoyed by the people in a democratic system must go hand in hand with understanding constitutional limits, shared values and the principles of truth in a diverse society, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that, while the public has every right to express their views, including dissatisfaction, such expressions must be grounded in knowledge, decorum and an awareness of moral values.
SHAH ALAM, Dec 6 — The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will reportedly step up enforcement against car workshops, automotive accessory outlets, carwash and tyre shops that...
“We give the people freedom of speech, but I ask that it be accompanied by understanding,” Anwar said during a 30-minute townhall session held in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the Rancakkan Madani BersamaMalaysiaku programme today.
Anwar said Islamic political traditions emphasise that freedom must be accompanied by responsibility, as well as the ability to assess issues fairly, civilly and based on truth.
Therefore, he said that education, government agencies, the Akademi Kenegaraan and communication initiatives all play an important role in continuously fostering understanding among the people.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the existence of groups which loudly condemn corruption, yet at the same time glorify or support individuals who offer bribes.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Legal aid made easier: Malaysian Bar’s new pro bono plan helps lawyers reach those who need justice most
By AnisZalani
07 Dec 2025
PETALING JAYA, Dec 7 — The Bar Council’s Human Rights Committee has launched MyBar Pro Bono Hub, an initiative aimed at connecting law firms with civil society groups seeking legal assistance.
Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said pro bono work is a professional obligation rooted in the ethics and oaths of the legal profession, not charity, or something done merely for convenience.
JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 5 — Malaysia’s newly launched Maharani Energy Freeport in Johor is positioning itself as a deep-water alternative to Singapore, targeting the flow of oil...
“Access to justice must not depend on the weight of one’s wallet, the location of one’s birth, or the status of one’s citizenship. Justice is a public good, not a premium product. Pro bono is the bridge between entitlement and reality,” he said during his speech at Human Rights Festival 2025 here today.
He said the platform will provide coordinated support for civil society partners, create pathways for young lawyers to build a culture of service early in their careers, strengthen access to legal representation for vulnerable groups, and highlight the often invisible work undertaken by members of the Bar.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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New govt-paid insurance scheme raises payouts for death and disability; up to RM26,500 for Malaysia’s poorest families
07 Dec 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7 — The People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme (SIKR) 3.0, launched today, offers enhanced coverage to protect low-income households, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
CYBERJAYA, Dec 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a full, transparent investigation into the recent shooting in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, and deaths in police...
“For SIKR 3.0, the sum insured has been increased to RM13,500 for natural death, RM26,500 for accidental death, and RM13,500 for permanent disability resulting from accidents,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Rancakkan Madani BersamaMalaysiaku programme here today.
Anwar added that the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department will formalise the scheme through a memorandum of understanding with Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad.
SIKR is a complimentary syariah-compliant annual group term takaful plan sponsored by the government, providing protection for 300,000 heads of households from the hardcore poor and poor categories registered with the eKasih database.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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‘Every single cent’: PM Anwar pledges latest book royalties to students who need aid
07 Dec 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that every cent of the royalty from his latest book, Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times, will be channelled entirely to underprivileged students in the country.
He said the book is published by Hurst for the United Kingdom, United States and Europe markets; Penguin for Asia; and Hong Kong University Press for China and East Asia, with projected royalties expected to be significant as pricing is determined by the publishers.
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 4 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) sole Chinese elected representative said it was acceptable that there were no Chinese representatives in the state Cabinet...
“So thank you once again, and my staff will ensure that when the royalty is received, every single cent will immediately be directed to poor students,” he said when speaking at the book launch at Tsutaya Books, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, here today.
Elaborating on the book, Anwar said it is not a traditional autobiography but a compilation of the evolution of his ideas since the 1970s, touching on themes such as justice, reform, corruption, religious extremism and the challenges of Malaysia’s multiracial society.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Zahid says Putrajaya under Madani treats all states equally, regardless of political leanings
07 Dec 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7 — The Madani government has always adopted a ‘colour-blind’ approach without distinguishing political leanings in policy implementation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself “has never marked out political geography in the implementation of his policies,” including in matters of regional development and allocation distribution.
KUCHING, Dec 6 — A 69-year-old blind woman who was discovered living with her deceased daughter’s body for several days will be placed at Rumah Seri Kenangan for care and...
“The Madani government has never seen political differences as a basis for revenge, never,” he said as a panel member at a forum titled “The Madani Government - Retrospective and Mapping the Journey Forward” here today.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Can Japan find space for Muslim burials? Not if right-wing rhetoric prevails
Maria Siow
7 Dec 2025
Japan’s struggle to accept outsiders has been exposed once again after a video of a right-wing lawmaker arguing against Muslim burials went viral.
The video showed Mizuho Umemura, a House of Councillors member from the populist Sanseito party, objecting to the burial of Muslim residents during a parliamentary debate late last month.
She argued that cremation was a vital national custom practised by more than 99 per cent of Japanese people and said that approving new burial grounds for Muslims would be inappropriate given land constraints and concerns about groundwater contamination.
Responding to calls for Muslim residents’ burial options to be expanded, Umemura reportedly said that foreigners settling in Japan should be told that if they die “they can either be cremated or have their remains repatriated” at their own expense.
Her remarks triggered a wave of online debate about balancing respect for cultural heritage with the realities of a changing population in the ageing nation.
“The foreigners should respect the country’s laws and traditions,” read one reply to a social media post on the controversy. “What about the Muslim citizens of Japan?” asked another. “Those who are not foreigners are actually natives born there. They believe in the Islamic way.”
Source: www.scmp.com
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Europe
Muslim group faults use of church-owned venues for passport intervention exercise in UK
December 7, 2025
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has criticised the Nigeria High Commission in London over its choice of venues for the December 2025 Passport Intervention Exercise.
According to MPAC, the selection of exclusively church-owned facilities undermines Nigeria’s religious diversity and violates the principle of government neutrality in public service delivery.
In a statement signed by its Executive Chairman, DisuKamor, MPAC said it discovered that all the published venues for the upcoming passport intervention were either Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) facilities or centres formerly established by the denomination, including locations where RCCG’s name had been removed from signage but remained the recognised owner.
MPAC listed the venues published by the High Commission for cities including Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Swansea and Aberdeen, noting that the pattern “cannot be explained away as coincidence or logistical inevitability.”
The group said the arrangement was “unmistakable, deeply troubling, and inconsistent with the constitutional and moral obligation of the Nigerian government to maintain religious neutrality.”
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
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“A Systematic Islamophobic Campaign Has Been Launched, Targeting Bosnia and Herzegovina”
December 6, 2025
The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a statement in which, as they say, they warn the domestic and international public that a systematic Islamophobic campaign has apparently been launched in recent days targeting Bosniaks and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“In public appearances by radical right-wing politicians from the homeland, the surrounding area and the world, and in quasi-scientific texts, an attempt is being made to construct an imaginary ‘Islamic threat’, solely due to the fact that a significant portion of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina identify as Muslims. Islam in the political, public and cultural life of Bosniaks, and thus Bosnia and Herzegovina, plays the role that Christianity in its various sects, with less specific features, has among other Bosnian and Herzegovinian peoples, but also in other regional and European secular states and societies,” the statement from the Public Relations Office of the Riyaset of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina states.
He adds that it is shameful today to accuse a people who survived genocide and who were exposed to systematic and organized crimes of extermination for more than four years, and whose biological substance was destroyed in a large part of the land where they lived for centuries, of “demographic opportunism”.
Source: Sarajevotimes.com
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Reflecting After Starr’s Lecture, or the Old Problems of Contemporary Islam
By InalSherip
Dec. 7, 2025
For a Ukrainian reader living in wartime, a lecture at Yale on Islam’s Golden Age may at first glance seem far removed from the reality of the front.
But the person giving this lecture is not just a specialist in history. Frederick Starr is one of the key architects of how Washington thinks about Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia – the entire southern belt around the Russian Federation. He is the founder and long-time chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (CACI), a Washington-based think tank, and a long-standing expert on Russia, Eurasia, and the post-Soviet space.
In 2023, Starr published an analytical paper, “US Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes” (Silk Road Paper), in which he explicitly proposed turning the C5+1 format into C6+1 by adding Azerbaijan to the five Central Asian states as the western “anchor” of the East-West corridor and the linking element between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
He argued that, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is precisely the Caspian axis “Central Asia - Azerbaijan” that becomes critically important for bypassing Russia and for a new configuration of Eurasia’s energy and transport routes. Today we see how this logic is moving from analytical papers into practical policy: The historic C5+1 summit at the White House on Nov. 6, 2025, and subsequent statements about transforming the format into C6+1 with Azerbaijan’s participation, as well as the decision by the Central Asian heads-of-state summit to invite Baku as a full-fledged participant, coincide with the architecture Starr described back in his 2023 paper.
A building belonging to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Chechnya reportedly burned down after a drone strike, with new attacks also hitting sites linked to Kadyrov’s forces.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
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https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/65500
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NATO alone to decide on Ukraine’s membership, Canada’s FM says
07-12-2025
Only NATO members themselves can take part in decision-making regarding the accession of new countries to the Alliance, UATV English reports.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated this in response to a question about possible restrictions that could be imposed on Ukraine within the peace proposal put forward by the United States.
“The key there is to ensure that conversations about NATO membership rest with NATO itself and in particular Canada has long supported the open accession process for NATO membership, and we continue to support Ukraine’s path towards that,” Anand said.
Source: uatv.ua
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North America
Inside the push to bring mental health care into American mosques
By Nargis Rahman
December 6, 2025
American Muslim communities are working to reduce stigma around therapy by bringing mental health services into mosques and making counseling easier to access.
For some American Muslims, seeking mental health care is complicated. Oftentimes, there's a cultural expectation that issues should be resolved within the family or through an imam. But now there's an effort to destigmatize therapy and to make it more easily accessible. From member station WDET in Detroit, Nargis Rahman reports.
NARGIS RAHMAN, BYLINE: Sabrina Ali is a stay-at-home mother and former teacher. She grew up in a South Asian home in Canton, a multicultural suburb of Detroit. And she learned from a young age that she couldn't talk about all her problems with her immigrant parents.
SABRINA ALI: They just came from a totally different world, and for them, it was like, well, what do you have to be depressed about? Like, you're 13. You know, you have a good home. You have a good family. Like, you have food on the table.
Source: www.npr.org
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‘Reviewing it’: Hegseth on releasing video of Caribbean strike; survivors died on alleged drug boat
Dec 7, 2025
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday declined to say whether the Pentagon will release video footage from the September 2 operation targeting an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean - an attack that killed eleven people and has drawn renewed scrutiny after reports that a second missile killed survivors of the initial strike."We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Hegseth said during a Q&A at a defense forum hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. "Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now."
The Washington Post reported last week that two survivors attempting to climb back aboard the vessel were struck by a second missile. The White House has confirmed that the second strike occurred, though both the White House and Hegseth deny he ordered it. Hegseth reiterated that the second missile was authorised by navy admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who led the operation. “In this particular case, it was well within the authorities of Adm. Bradley,” he said.
Lawmakers were shown video of the second strike in a closed-door session on Thursday. After the briefing, Sen. Tom Cotton and Rep. Jim Himes told reporters that Bradley had said he had not been ordered to leave no survivors. The Post, citing an anonymous source, had reported that Hegseth issued an order that “everyone on the boat be taken out.”
Source: www.npr.org
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National park fee: No more free entry on MLK Day, Juneteenth; replaced by Trump's birthday
Dec 7, 2025
The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from next year’s list of fee-free entry days at US national parks and added President Donald Trump’s birthday, according to the national park service (NPS). The revised calendar, effective January 1, comes as the administration continues reshaping how US history is reflected on federal lands.
Trump’s birthday, which falls on June 14 - also observed as Flag Day - is among several new commemorative dates. Others include the 110th anniversary of the NPS on August 25, constitution day on September 17 and President Teddy Roosevelt’s birthday on October 27.
Under the administration’s new “America-first pricing” policy, non-US residents will still be required to pay entrance fees on those dates. At 11 of the country’s most visited parks, international visitors will be charged an extra $100 on top of the standard fee, while the annual pass for non-residents will rise to $250. The pass for US residents will remain $80.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/125813082.cms
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‘We will sink you’: Hegseth defends alleged drug-boat strikes, says Trump can take ‘action as he sees fit’
Dec 7, 2025
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday defended the ongoing series of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, asserting that President Donald Trump has full authority to order military action to protect national security. His remarks came during a keynote address at the Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.
The strikes, which have reportedly killed more than 80 people, have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers over questions of legality and compliance with international law. Some members of Congress have also sought clarity on whether US forces were directed to carry out a second strike in September despite Pentagon awareness of survivors from the first.
Rejecting criticism, Hegseth compared the counter-narcotics campaign to the post-9/11 war on terror. “If you’re working for a designated terrorist organization and you bring drugs to this country in a boat, we will find you and we will sink you. Let there be no doubt about it,” he said.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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