‘Ka’ for Kaba, ‘Ma’ for Masjid, and ‘Na’ for Namaz: MP School Principal Faces Inquiry Over Hindi Alphabet Charts Containing Islamic References
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 August 2025
File Photo; Representational Image
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• ‘Ka’ for Kaba, ‘Ma’ for Masjid, and ‘Na’ for Namaz: MP School Principal Faces Inquiry Over Hindi Alphabet Charts Containing Islamic References
• Assam Prepares For SIR Of Electoral Rolls With 38% Muslim Population Due To"Bangladeshi-Origin Mian Muslims"
• Sudan’s Umma Leader Urges Army to Sideline Islamists for Talks
• Over 80 Including One Woman Publicly Flogged Across Afghanistan In Past Month
• Advisor To Ayatollah Khamenei: "Yemen Is Jewel Of Axis Of Resistance, Sent By God To Support It"
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India
• Army Chief Mocks Pakistan's Victory Claim Against India During Op Sindoor
• Crediting Russian S-400, IAF Chief Says India Took Down 5 Pak Fighters, One ‘Large Aircraft’ During Op Sindoor
• Congress Cannot Stand Without IUML Support In Kerala: SNDP Gen. Secy.
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Africa
• Blood and Beef: Sahel’s armed groups now use cattle rustling to fund violence
• Tinubu’s presidency has damaged Nigeria – RotimiAmaechi
• ADC Replies APC Chairman Over ‘Irrelevant’ Comment
• Peter Obi Won 2023 Rivers Election – RotimiAmaechi
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South Asia
• Jubilant Scenes But Bumpy Road Ahead In Post-Hasina Bangladesh
• Bangladesh: 13th Jatiya SangsadElections To Be Held In February Next Year
• Scientific, Literary Gathering To Implement Leader’s Decrees To Uphold Islamic Values
• Xinjiang History Documentary Aims To Counter Western Narratives, Bolster Chinese Identity
• Islamic Emirate Strongly Condemns Israeli Decision to Seize Entire Gaza Strip
• Exiled Afghanistan Journalists in Pakistan Urge Global Action to Stop Forced Deportations
• Why must Bangladesh deepen ties with India to counter China’s $170 billion Brahmaputra Dam threat?
• Bangladesh to buy 40,000 body cameras for February election
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Mideast
• Dozens of Settlers Storm Bab al-Rahma Cemetery Near Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Iran lashes out at Israel's decision on occupying Gaza
• Turkey Says Muslim Countries Must Be United Against Israel's Gaza Plan
• Basij played a key role during 12-day Israeli imposed war
• Iran Concerned About U.S. Role In Corridor Through Armenia
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Europe
• West Midlands 'More Divided And Hateful' Warning As Racism 'Going Unchallenged'
• London Police Arrest 365 People As Pro-Palestinian Protesters Defy New Law
• Man charged with attempted murder after stabbing outside Accrington mosque
• Fire at the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba extinguished avoiding 'catastrophic situation'.By Cristian Caraballo
• Historic Spanish mosque-cathedral reopens after blaze
• Ukraine President: War’s end must serve European security interests
• 'Ukrainians will not give their land': No 'swapping' of territories? Zelenskyy vows to block 'second partition attempt'
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Southeast Asia
• Malaysian Govt Leverages AI To Promote Quran Appreciation Among Youth –Minister Religious Affairs
• Lawyer Denies Claims Of Public Donations For Zara Qairina’sFamily’s Legal Fees
• JPJ Smells A Syndicate After Foreigner Caught With Fake Malaysian Licence In Flashy Ride
• Malaysians flood social media with prayers, wishes for PM Anwar on 78th birthday
• Nuclear Pact With US? Ambassador Says Malaysia’s On Board, But Deal Still Needs Ratifying
• The Armed Forces Want More Non-Malays To Sign Up – And No, It’s Not About Going To War
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Arab World
• Arab, Islamic Blocs Slam Israel’s Plan To Impose Full Military Control Over Gaza
• Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Centre Holds Religious Lectures In Multiple Languages
• PMF’s Ansar al-Marjaiya pledges full support for al-Sudani reforms
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks 1st in Middle East
• Joint statement on developments in Gaza Strip issued by Ministerial Committee of Arab-Islamic Summit
• Final rounds of King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition open in Makkah
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North America
• Trump Courts Asim Munir As Pakistan Army Chief’s Political Challenges Mount At Home
• Canada warns Iran may escalate threats against critics this year
• Death of NYPD officer spotlights rise of Bangladeshi immigrants within ranks
• $20,000 to fast-track green card applications: What is the provision of the proposed Dignity Act?
• Immigration Policy By Proxy: How The US Is Using Antisemitism Settlements To Curb Foreign Student Enrolment
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/containing-islamic-references-hindi-alphabet/d/136455
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‘Ka’ for Kaba, ‘Ma’ for Masjid, and ‘Na’ for Namaz: MP School Principal Faces Inquiry Over Hindi Alphabet Charts Containing Islamic References
by: Saher Hiba Khan
9 August 2025
File Photo; Representational Image
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An inquiry has been launched by the education department into an incident at a convent school in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, after the principal allegedly distributed Hindi alphabet charts containing Islamic references to students. According to PTI, the investigation is ongoing.
The principal, IA Qureshi, reportedly gave students charts featuring ‘Ka’ for Kaba, ‘Ma’ for Masjid, and ‘Na’ for Namaz. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested on Friday and surrounded the principal.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pratibha Sharma said police intervened and brought the situation under control. She added the matter has been referred to the district education officer (DEO).
According to PTI, DEO D D Rajak confirmed an investigation is ongoing. He stated that the education department’s guidelines prohibit study material containing religious symbols or references to any particular faith in schools.
Principal Qureshi accepted it was an inadvertent mistake. She said some books with mixed Urdu-Hindi multiplication tables, generally used in madrasas, had mistakenly reached students. The charts were sourced from Bhopal, and the seller had included three or four such items in error.
Source: Www.outlookindia.com
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Assam Prepares For SIR Of Electoral Rolls With 38% Muslim Population Due To"Bangladeshi-Origin Mian Muslims"
Sonali Sharma
Aug 10, 2025
Assam has started preparing for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Voter List, following West Bengal and Bihar. District Election Officers (DEOs) have been directed by Assam's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Anurag Goyal, to make sure that all preparations are made in advance of the Election Commission's (EC) schedule, which is anticipated to be revealed in the next 15 to 20 days.
All Election Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant EROs, and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are required to deploy immediately, according to the mandate. For newly constructed polling stations, more BLOs must be found so that construction may start as soon as the Commission gives its approval.
Assembly elections in Assam are scheduled for early next year. In 2023, the 126 assembly seats in the state underwent redistricting. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister, has emphasized the importance of the SIR procedure in clearing the voter list of what he refers to as "illegal names." Sarma asserted that the continuing discussion about voting fraud and voter ID cards connected to Aadhaar further supports the need for the change, citing a recent statement made by Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP.
The names of "Bangladeshi-origin Mian Muslims" from Assam, according to Sarma, are listed on the voting lists of Kerala and Delhi in addition to Barpeta and Guwahati. The topic has long been a political hot spot in Assam, where Muslims make up about 35% of the population. Strict rules will also apply to this year's SIR: election workers and data entry operators will not be permitted to work on other projects while the process is underway, especially in the regions of the Bodoland Territorial Council, where separate autonomous council elections are anticipated in September.
In Assam, the most recent thorough revision was completed in 2005. Manoj Agarwal, the CEO of West Bengal, has also attested to the fact that SIR preparations are in progress in his state. The procedure has already caused political turmoil in Bihar. When the SIR starts, a similar commotion is expected because of Assam's delicate demographic balance and unstable political environment.
Source: www.dnaindia.com
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Sudan’s Umma Leader Urges Army to Sideline Islamists for Talks
Mohammed Amin Yassin
10 August 2025
Umma Party leader Fadlallah Burma Nasser (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Sudan’s “Founding Sudan Alliance” and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will not negotiate with the Islamist movement or its affiliates, but will only engage with the Sudanese army, Umma Party leader Fadlallah Burma Nasser said, stressing that the 22-month war would end only through a combination of military and political action.
“The basic condition for talks with the army is to exclude the Islamists who ignited this war,” Nasser told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview in Nairobi.
“They cannot be rewarded for the crimes they committed against the Sudanese people by allowing them to join negotiations,” he said, adding that any settlement must incorporate the Founding Alliance’s political charter and draft transitional constitution.
Nasser, a retired general whose Umma Party is one of Sudan’s largest, described the conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023 as “unprecedented,” saying its toll had surpassed that of Sudan’s longest civil wars – the first and second southern wars and the Darfur conflict – combined. “All those wars together did not cause the destruction we are witnessing today,” he said.
Citing a previous statement by Ibrahim Ghandour, a senior figure in the now-banned National Congress Party, Nasser accused the Islamist movement of triggering the conflict by attacking an RSF base in Khartoum and killing more than 4,000 fighters in Omdurman’s al-Merkhiat camp.
Nasser said the war would only stop if “a rifle faces a rifle” alongside a political campaign to mobilize regional, international and domestic support. Without that, he warned, the fighting would continue until one side is defeated.
He recalled that former prime minister AbdallaHamdok, then head of the now-defunct “Tagadom” coalition, had written to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) urging a ceasefire.
“Every Sudanese wants to stop the war – except the Islamists, who control the army,” Nasser said, estimating that more than 100,000 fighters on both sides had been killed, with millions displaced and facing hunger.
Nasser defended his party’s alliance with the RSF in the Founding Sudan Alliance, saying its primary goal was to end the war. The bloc has formed a government to engage the world diplomatically while fighting continues on the ground, he said.
He claimed the RSF and alliance forces were advancing in Darfur and Kordofan, home to more than 80% of Sudan’s population, but insisted they remained open to peace.
Nasser accused Islamists allied with the army and the Port Sudan-based government of seeking to fragment the country by issuing a new currency, denying identity papers to residents of RSF-held areas and enforcing a “foreign faces” law targeting specific communities.
He rejected the idea that the army leadership alone opposed talks, noting that Burhan’s deputy Shams al-Din Kabashi had signed a principles agreement with RSF deputy chief Abdelrahim Dagalo in Bahrain, only for Islamists to derail regional and international peace efforts.
Nasser acknowledged disputes inside the Umma Party, with one faction siding with the Port Sudan government. He said they had been given time to reverse their stance or face expulsion.
Another group aligned with Hamdok’s “Samood” bloc shared the same goals as the Founding Alliance but disagreed over tactics, arguing that forming a government in Nyala would split the country.
Nasser said the Umma Party would join the Founding Alliance government at all levels but he personally would not take a cabinet post, focusing instead on uniting Sudan’s political forces. He predicted the new government would win international recognition by establishing “facts on the ground” while presenting a vision for peace.
Source: English.aawsat.com
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Over 80 Including One Woman Publicly Flogged Across Afghanistan In Past Month
By Fidel Rahmati
August 10, 2025
Over the past month, authorities have publicly flogged more than 80 men and women across Afghanistan, amid ongoing concerns over human rights abuses and legal transparency.
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The Taliban’s Supreme Court says 31 people were publicly flogged over the past week in the provinces of Maidan Wardak, Kabul, Zabul, Kapisa, Baghlan, and Kunduz for various alleged offences.
In its weekly report issued on Saturday, August 9, the court did not disclose the identities or detailed charges of those punished. However, separate statements last week confirmed that 14 people, including one woman, were flogged in Kabul and Zabul on accusations of selling and trafficking alcohol, narcotic tablets, and engaging in extramarital relations.
The court also reported that 10 people in Kabul and Maidan Wardak faced public floggings for alleged theft and drug-related crimes, while another eight in Kabul and Kapisa were punished for alleged drug trafficking.
These punishments, often carried out in front of large crowds, continue despite international condemnation and calls to end corporal punishment, which human rights organisations classify as torture.
Rights advocates warn that such actions reflect the Taliban’s continued disregard for fair trial standards and due process, deepening concerns over the country’s human rights situation.
Observers say the persistence of these practices undermines Afghanistan’s prospects for legal reform and further isolates the Taliban regime from the international community.
Source: Www.khaama.com
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Advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei: "Yemen is Jewel of Axis of Resistance, Sent by God to Support It"
09 Aug 2025
Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Iran’s Islamic Revolution Leader, described Yemen as "the jewel of the Axis of Resistance," divinely destined to bolster its cause.
He noted that the USS Harry Truman was among military assets hit by Yemeni forces dozens of times, forcing its withdrawal under direct orders from Trump.
"Yemen has paralyzed the Israeli enemy and the U.S. Today, Syria’s Resistance will also rise to further thwart Zionist plots."
Source: www.saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3531236.htm
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India
Army Chief Mocks Pakistan's Victory Claim Against India During Op Sindoor
by: ChandrajitMitra
Aug 10, 2025
Chennai:Army chief General UpendraDwivedi has mocked Pakistan's victory claim against India during the recent conflict, underlining the importance of the narrative management system. Victory is in the mind, the Army chief said while explaining how Pakistan managed to convince its populace that it had won, in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. That is how you influence the domestic population, the adversary's population, and the neutral population, Gen Dwivedi told a gathering at IIT Madras.
"Narrative management system is something which we realise in a big way because victory is in mind. It's always in the mind. If you ask a Pakistani whether you lost or won, he'd say, my chief has become field marshal, we must have won only, that's why he has become field marshal," said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), taking a subtle jibe at Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's promotion to Field Marshal.
The Indian forces countered Pakistan's strategy in their own way - using social media and other platforms to convey their message to the masses. "Strategic messaging was very important, and that's why the first messaging that we did was, justice done. That hit the maximum, I am told, in the world today, the number of hits which we received," he said.
The strategic messaging was "simple" but travelled worldwide, the COAS underlined, pointing to the press conferences held by two women officers of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
"The logo which you see all over the world was created by a Lieutenant Colonel and an NCO. We prepared all this. When we were going in for these kinds of operations, we were also going for these things (strategic messaging) because the narrative management system is important. It took a lot of time and a lot of effort," said the Army chief.
Source: www.ndtv.com
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Crediting Russian S-400, IAF chief says India took down 5 Pak fighters, one ‘large aircraft’ during Op Sindoor
by Amrita Nayak Dutta
August 10, 2025
Pakistani fighter jet losses: Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Saturday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) took down “at least” five Pakistani fighter jets and “one large aircraft” during Operation Sindoor in May.
In the three months since the operation, while India has talked about the losses suffered by Pakistan, this is the first time that a senior officer has specified the number of Pakistani aircraft and jets downed.
“We have at least five fighters confirmed killed and one large aircraft, which could be an ELINT aircraft or an AEW&C aircraft, which was taken out from a distance of about 300 kilometres, which is the largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about,” the IAF Chief said during a keynote address at the 16th Air Chief Marshal L M Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru.
He said a key reason for the success of the operation was political will, adding that there were “very clear directions” given to the defence forces and no restrictions were imposed.
He did not specify which Pakistani fighter jets were downed. Initial assessments showed that no Pakistani F-16 fighter was shot in the air.
Giving details of Pakistan’s losses, the IAF Chief said the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield suffered major damage. “Here, there’s an F-16 hangar. One half of the hangar is gone. And I’m sure there were some aircraft inside that got damaged there. We were able to get at least two command and control centres, like Murid and Chaklala,” he said, explaining the images captured.
“At least six radars, some of them big, some of them small… We have an indication of at least one AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) in that AEW&C hangar (in Bholari) and a few F-16s, which were under maintenance there, ” he said.
He also pointed to the damage in other Pakistani military bases like Sargodha. “We’ve grown up in the Air Force dreaming about days like this, someday we’ll get a chance to go there… I got my chance just before I retired… So we took on the airfield there,” he said.
The IAF Chief said a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, some of whose missiles had fallen in Indian territory, were also recovered alongside other wreckage. He said these were being studied “so we can make out what they did, where they were launched from, what route they followed, what kind of systems they had, what generation they belonged to, what kind of features they had, etc.”
He also showed the ‘before and after’ images of the damage caused in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur — the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). “There’s hardly any collateral (damage) here… The adjacent buildings are fairly intact… Not only did we have satellite pictures, but also from local media, through which we could get inside pictures,” he said.
Visuals displayed during an address of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh at the 16th edition of the Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture, in Bengaluru, Saturday, August 9, 2025. (PTI Photo) Pakistani fighter jet losses: Visuals displayed during an address of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh at the 16th edition of the Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture, in Bengaluru, Saturday, August 9, 2025. (PTI Photo)
Praising Indian air defence systems, he said the S-400 surface-to-air missile system, which was recently bought, “has been a gamechanger”. The kill range of the S400 system kept their aircraft away from the maximum distance at which they could employ their long range air-to-ground weapons, like those long-range glide bombs that they have, he said, adding that Pakistan was not able to use these as they were not been able to penetrate the system.
Source: Indianexpress.com
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Congress Cannot Stand Without IUML Support In Kerala: SNDP Gen. Secy.
August 9, 2025
Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary VellappallyNatesan on Saturday alleged that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is trying to create a Muslim state in this country and implement Sharia law.
Inaugurating the SNDP Yogam branch leadership meeting at Edathua in Kuttanad on Saturday, the leader of the Ezhava OBC organisation said the Congress party in Kerala cannot move forward without using the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as a crutch.
He said not even a single tea shop is allowed to open in Malappuram during the Ramzan fasting period. He said that the Muslim faction is taking steps to threaten the ruling government by showing a vote bank.
Source: www.thestatesman.com
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Africa
Blood and Beef: Sahel’s armed groups now use cattle rustling to fund violence
by Yakubu Mohammed
August 10, 2025
In the war-torn Sahel, armed groups including an al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), its opponent, Islamic State Sahel Province (IS Sahel) and state-backed militia do not just need oil or gold to sustain their operations, but also need livestock, a recent study has shown.
The study revealed how cattle rustling by jihadist groups, bandits and state-backed militias has become a central component of the war economy in the Sahel, extending deep into coastal West Africa, and benefiting not only the perpetrators but also key players such as younger herders, butchers, traders and transporters.
The study, published in July 2025 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) in partnership with Equal Access International/ ResilienceForPeace (EAI/R4P) and Acting for Life (AFL), documents how armed groups operating across the tri-border area of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have systematised livestock theft as a means of financing operations, asserting territorial control and weakening local resilience.
Junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have been faced by violent attacks by JNIM and its Islamic State-aligned opponent. While these Sahelian states remain the cattle rustling fronts, some coastal West African countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire serve as a laundering hub. However, some parts of Côte d’Ivoire have also witnessed violent raids and cattle rustling by these groups.
The study reveals that between 2022 and 2024, about 3,000 cattle were either rustled or forcefully taken as a form of tax from herders or cattle owners.
Between 2022 and 2024, over 2,000 cattle were stolen in Burkina Faso’s Sud-Ouest region alone, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Bounkani region recorded 25 incidents in 2024, involving approximately 640 stolen cattle—a doubling of incidents from previous years.
In Ghana’s Upper West region, security sources say recent thefts now involve hundreds of cattle at a time, a scale considered beyond the capacity of petty thieves.
“Cattle rustling remains one of the most resilient and lucrative sources of financing for armed groups operating in the region,” the report states, explaining that the activity is no longer just an opportunistic crime but part of an entrenched transnational economy.
Apart from JNIM, other key perpetrators are Burkina Faso’s Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) and a network of criminal bandits and traders operating across porous borders. In regions under its control, JNIM imposes zakat (tax) on livestock owners, collecting hundreds of cattle annually as part of its governance model. Where its control is weaker, the group turns to outright lootings, sometimes seizing entire herds to intimidate or punish communities.
This is the playbook of many terrorist groups operating in West Africa. PREMIUM TIMES reports that in Nigeria, the style is also common with Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Mahmuda terror group in Kwara State, and other bandit groups such as that of Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
In one case cited by Flore Berger, the author of the report, a marabout in Djigouè, Burkina Faso, lost 400 cattle in a single night. The group accused him of corruption and seized his herd as punishment.
“One evening, the terrorists took 400 heads of cattle from me on the pretext that I make gris-gris for people [cast spells] and that I’m not honest, I’m corrupt and therefore I deserve to die and since I have to be killed, my property is rightfully theirs,” the marabout was quoted in the report.
In Burkina Faso, the government has backed the VDP militia, now widely accused of human rights abuses and cattle looting. Since 2022, Ivorian military crackdowns have targeted jihadist infiltration in Bounkani, forcing JNIM to shift operations toward Ghana, where enforcement is weaker.
In Ghana, while there are no recorded jihadist attacks, authorities have done little to address cattle laundering, possibly as part of a strategy to avoid provoking violence.
Source: Www.premiumtimesng.com
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Tinubu’s presidency has damaged Nigeria – RotimiAmaechi
Israel Arogbonlo
August 9, 2025
Former Minister of Transportation, RotimiAmaechi, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu-led administration, saying it has damaged Nigeria.
Amaechi said; “Tinubu’s presidency has damaged Nigeria a lot. He brought Muslim-Muslim ticket. He should have made the sacrifice of not even running if he loves Nigeria.
“The only way he could have run is to say, ‘look, what I’m bringing to the table is what nobody is bringing to the table’. But what he’s bringing the table is what anybody could have brought.
Source: Tribuneonlineng.Com
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https://tribuneonlineng.com/tinubus-presidency-has-damaged-nigeria-rotimi-amaechi/
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ADC Replies APC Chairman Over ‘Irrelevant’ Comment
by Haruna Usman
August 10, 2025
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has responded to remarks by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, AlhajiAbubakar Kana-Zuru, describing the party as “irrelevant” and “led by immature youths.”
Kana-Zuru made the comments on Saturday during the flag-off of fertiliser and farm input distribution by the member representing Bagudu/Suru Federal Constituency, Bello Ka’oje, in Kaoje town, Bagudu Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Engr. Bala Sufiyanu, the ADC accused the APC of what it called “desperation” amid alleged growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s performance in the state.
The party alleged that poverty levels have risen under the APC administration in Kebbi, while farmers face insecurity and poor market access. It also claimed that youth unemployment has increased and basic infrastructure projects have stalled.
Source: Independent.Ng
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https://independent.ng/adc-replies-apc-chairman-over-irrelevant-comment/
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Peter Obi Won 2023 Rivers Election – RotimiAmaechi
August 9, 2025
By Justina Otio
A former Minister of Transportation, RotimiAmaechi, has declared that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
“I challenged the present FCT minister, Wike, to take a walk along the streets of Port Harcourt, which will reveal who is healthy and who the people actually loved,” the ex-Rivers governor said.
Source: Www.naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/08/09/peter-obi-won-2023-rivers-election-rotimi-amaechi/
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South Asia
Jubilant scenes but bumpy road ahead in post-Hasina Bangladesh
AnbarasanEthirajan
10-08-2025
Thousands of people gathered in central Dhaka this week celebrating the anniversary of the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the promise of a new future for the country.
In the pouring rain, the head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, leaders of various political parties and activists stood united as they unveiled plans for a "New Bangladesh".
Across the country, people waved the national flag in concerts, rallies and special prayer sessions marking what some activists are calling the "second liberation" of this Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people.
Rights groups say there have been instances of lynching, mob violence, revenge attacks, and a resurgence of religious extremism which threaten to derail the country's journey towards democracy.
Meanwhile, the ex-prime minister who was so spectacularly pushed from power watches from the sidelines of exile in neighbouring India, denying her role in the deadly crackdown and refusing to return to face charges that amount to crimes against humanity.
Source: www.bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c741qken2wvo
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Bangladesh: 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections to be held in February next year
Site Admin
August 10, 2025
Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) elections will be held in the first half of February next year. He said, the schedule may be announced in early December, two months before the elections. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Rangpur divisional administration, the CEC said the Commission is actively coordinating with divisional and local election officials to ensure smooth holding of the polls.
Admitting that public trust in the electoral process has eroded, he acknowledged that an encouraging voter turnout remains a significant challenge. The CEC said restoring confidence in the system and bringing people to the polling centres is a major task ahead. He said, Election Commission will do everything necessary to hold a free, fair and acceptable election. Earlier, on August 4, Election Commission issued a press release announcing that the draft voter list will be published on August 10. Following necessary corrections, the final voter list is scheduled for release on August 31.
Source: Www.Newsonair.gov.in
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Scientific, Literary Gathering To Implement Leader’s Decrees To Uphold Islamic Values
August 10, 2025
KABUL: A scientific and literary gathering has been held in Balkh province to enhance the implementation of the Islamic Emirate’s Supreme Leader’s decrees and uphold Islamic values, the Ministry of Information and Culture said in a statement Saturday. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including Mawlavi Amanullah Mustaghfir, Head of Tarana and Taranum of the Ministry of Information and Culture; Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, Governor of Balkh; the provincial Director of Information and Culture; various civil and military officials; scholars and cultural figures, the statement said. Addressing the gathering, MawlaviMustaghfir elaborated on a new law concerning poetic recitations (mushairas), recently endorsed by the IEA’s Supreme Leader, emphasizing that the law provides a Sharia-compliant framework for organizing poetic events, aiming to align cultural expressions with Islamic principles. Governor Wafa highlighted that the Leader’s decrees serve as a pathway to reforming the system and realizing an Islamic way of life.
He stressed that it is both a religious and national duty for all Afghans to adhere to these guidelines and asserted that the Islamic Emirate is a shared home for all, where everyone’s rights are preserved within the framework of Islam.
Source: Thekabultimes.Com
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https://thekabultimes.com/scientific-literary-gathering-to-implement-leaders-decrees-held-in-balkh/
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Xinjiang history documentary aims to counter Western narratives, bolster Chinese identity
Carl Zhang
10 Aug 2025
China aired a documentary last week showing how the Qing dynasty took back Xinjiang from foreign forces in the late 19th century – Beijing’s latest effort to counter Western narratives and strengthen Chinese national identity in ethnic minority border areas.
The six-episode documentary, titled ZuoZongtang Recovers Xinjiang, was produced and aired by the broadcaster of Hunan province, the birthplace of ZuoZongtang, one of the most famous generals and reformists in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
The documentary comes as Beijing has worked to cement its narrative on the history and governance of China’s borderlands, with the aim of “forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation” – a phrase coined by President Xi Jinping in 2014.
Xinjiang has been a part of Chinese territory since ancient times, when it was known as the “Western Regions”. As early as 60BC, during the Western Han dynasty, the government established the Protectorate of the Western Regions, formally incorporating Xinjiang into Chinese territory.
Source: www.scmp.Com
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Islamic Emirate Strongly Condemns Israeli Decision to Seize Entire Gaza Strip
2025-08-09
KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s recent decision to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, calling the decision “dangerous and deeply troubling,” and warning it would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that this decision risks escalating and prolonging the conflict in Gaza, significantly worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by the innocent Palestinian people. The Ministry described the move as a serious threat that could lead to expanded war and increased suffering among civilians.
The statement further called on the international community — particularly influential regional states and global actors — to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities. It urged them to actively intervene to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and to avoid allowing Gaza’s crisis to become more prolonged and bloody.
Source: www.bakhtarnews.af
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Exiled Afghanistan Journalists in Pakistan Urge Global Action to Stop Forced Deportations
By Fidel Rahmati
August 10, 2025
Thousands of Afghanistan’s journalists who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban’s return to power are now facing the threat of forced deportation. Many have been living in uncertainty for months or even years while awaiting relocation to Europe or the United States.
On Saturday, August 9, exiled journalists issued an urgent appeal to the Pakistani government, media advocacy groups, and international organizations, calling for immediate intervention. Their concerns follow Pakistan’s suspension of visa extensions and a surge in arrests and deportations targeting Afghan refugees.
Journalists reported that the ongoing crackdown has left men, women, and children living in constant fear, with some forced to seek shelter on the streets or in unfamiliar areas where their safety is at even greater risk.
While expressing gratitude for the hospitality of the Pakistani people and government, they stressed that any deportations must respect international human rights standards and ensure that no one is returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Source: Www.khaama.com
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Why must Bangladesh deepen ties with India to counter China’s $170 billion Brahmaputra Dam threat?
August 10, 2025
For Bangladesh, a nation where over 160 million people depend on the Brahmaputra – known locally as the Jamuna – the consequences of China building a colossal $170 billion hydropower dam in Tibet could be catastrophic, a report cited on Saturday.
“It represents more than just an engineering marvel — it stands as a stark indictment of Bangladesh’s misplaced diplomatic priorities and naive trust in Beijing. As this mega-dam threatens to devastate Bangladesh’s water security, economy, and environment, Dhaka’s leadership must confront an uncomfortable truth: their extensive courting of China has blinded them to the very real dangers of hydro-hegemony,” a Northeast News report detailed.
It mentioned that the most damaging is the Chinese dam’s impact on sediment flow as the nutrient-rich sediments carried by the Brahmaputra are essential for maintaining soil fertility across Bangladesh’s delta region.
By blocking these sediments, the report stated, China’s dam threatens to undermine the “very foundation” of Bangladesh’s agricultural productivity, potentially reducing rice yields by millions of tons annually.
Source: Www.financialexpress.com
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Bangladesh to buy 40,000 body cameras for February election
Aug 10, 2025
Bangladesh's Interim Government plans to procure at least 40,000 body-worn cameras for police to enhance security at voting booths during the upcoming general election in February.
The move was discussed at a high-level meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Home Adviser Lt General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the Chief Adviser's Special Assistants Khuda Baksh Chowdhury and Faiz Tayeb Ahmed attended the meeting.
Faiz Tayeb Ahmed said the procurement process for the 40,000 body cameras--commonly known as bodycams--was in its final stage. He emphasised that the devices would strengthen security in thousands of vulnerable polling centres.
Source: Economictimes.indiatimes.com
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Mideast
Dozens of Settlers Storm Bab al-Rahma Cemetery Near Al-Aqsa Mosque
09 Aug 2025
Occupied Quds - Saba:Dozens of settlers stormed the Bab al-Rahma Islamic Cemetery, adjacent to Al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied Quds this Saturday morning.
According to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), local sources reported that settlers stormed the Bab al-Rahma Cemetery and performed Talmudic rituals at the Gate of Mercy in the middle of the cemetery. They also performed provocative dances on top of the graves.
Source: Www.saba.ye
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Iran lashes out at Israel's decision on occupying Gaza
Aug 10, 2025
Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement has strongly condemned a resolution by the Israeli regime's security cabinet to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, and assessed it as part of completing the plan to genocide the Palestinians and eliminate the identity and existence of Palestine.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while expressing its strong concern and disgust over the continued killing and genocide in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the attack on Islamic holy sites in Holy Quds, and while appreciating the principled positions of freedom-loving governments and nations in declaring solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, emphasizes the responsibility of the international community to stop the genocide and provide immediate assistance to the oppressed people of Gaza,” the statement said.
It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly condemns the recent decision of the Zionist regime's cabinet to completely occupy the Gaza Strip and displace its residents, and assesses it as part of completing the plan to genocide the Palestinians and eliminate the identity and existence of Palestine.
“This resolution is a gross violation of international law and a targeted measure to expand the occupation and impose new realities throughout occupied Palestine by using force and military force. Without a doubt, the Zionist regime's actions to re-displace the Palestinian people are condemned, and it is necessary to preserve the identity and historical and legal status of the holy sites in the city of Holy Quds,” the statement further said.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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Turkey says Muslim countries must be united against Israel's Gaza plan
10 August 2025
STORY: Turkish foreign minister HakanFidan said on Saturday that Muslim nations must act in unison and rally international opposition against Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City.
Both countries condemned the plan on Friday. Turkey has said it marked a new phase in what it called Israel's genocidal and expansionist policies, while calling for global measures to stop the plan's implementation.
Fidan said Israel's policy aimed to force Palestinians out of their lands through hunger and that it aimed to permanently invade Gaza, adding there was no justifiable excuse for nations to continue supporting Israel.
Israel denies having a policy of starvation in Gaza and says Palestinian militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 people in its October 2023 attack, could end the war by surrendering.
Source: Uk.news.yahoo.com
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Basij played a key role during 12-day Israeli imposed war
Aug 9, 2025,
The top Iranian general made the remarks during a visit to Basij Organization in the east of Tehran on Saturday, stating that Basij has always played a key role in various national and international stages since the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution 1979.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he referred to the lofty and exalted position of Basij in the Islamic Republic Establishment, noting that Basij is considered as flagbearer in meeting the demands of the country in different fields.
The Israeli regime waged an unprovoked war of aggression against the Iranian territories on June 13 with the support of the United States that resulted in the martyrdom of senior Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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Iran Concerned About U.S. Role In Corridor Through Armenia
Օգոստոս 09, 2025
Iran signaled concern on Saturday over Armenia’s decision to grant the United States exclusive rights to a transit corridor to Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan exclave that would pass through Armenia’s Syunik region bordering the Islamic Republic.
Prime Minister NikolPashinian committed to such an arrangement during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. The three leaders also presided over the initialing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the finalization of a peace agreement between the two countries, considering it an important step toward achieving lasting peace in the region,” read a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
“At the same time, the Islamic Republic expresses concern over the negative consequences of any form of foreign intervention, especially near its shared borders, that could undermine the security and lasting stability of the region,” it said.
Source: www.azatutyun.am
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Europe
West Midlands 'more divided and hateful' warning as racism 'going unchallenged'
Jane Haynes
10 Aug 2025
There is more division, anti Muslim hate and 'hardened debate' since riots scarred inner cities and towns across the country a year ago, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has warned.
Words and rhetoric that would have once been condemned now 'slips into everyday politics' while there has been an alarming shift in what is considered acceptable to say, he told a 'one year on' event organised by the Birmingham-based British Muslim Network.
"The populist right haven’t just got louder - they’ve been given more space to shout, and in too many places, fear is being left to fester and ferment while racism is going unchallenged," he told the event at Digbeth's new arts quarter venue in Allison Street, held Wednesday August 6.
He said some of the Muslims he had spoken to in the region this year "feel less safe, less welcome and less heard than they did even a year ago."
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Riots broke out in parts of the country last summer following the vicious killings of three little girls at a dance class in Southport, on Merseyside. As rumours wrongly spread that the killer was a Muslim migrant, race hatred was fuelled by the blizzard of misinformation that flooded social media.
Far right groups seized the opportunity to share a 'hit list' of targets including mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, with locations in Solihull and Tamworth among those attacked.
Misbah Malik, from Hope Not Hate, told the gathering that 'narratives around migration, talk of 'the Muslim vote' and comments from the likes of Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick but also Labour PM Keir Starmer's 'island of strangers' reference...'roll out a red carpet for the far right to be able to become more and more extreme'.
Muslim women had shared their experiences and it had painted a shocking picture of fear, the event heard. One woman told them: "I could not believe people could be so openly racist, it leaves me speechless and scared."
Attitudes towards Islam have particularly hardened, the event heard. Post the riots, some 38% of people believe Islam is a threat to the British way of life, and half of people surveyed think multiculturalism is not working - both up on previous years.
Malik said strong, uncompromising policies and actions were needed to counter false narratives and build cohesion, backed by resources. This needs to include regulating tech platforms like X, Facebook and Youtube, and strengthening the online safety act, she said.
Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-more-divided-hateful-32220185
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London police arrest 365 people as pro-Palestinian protesters defy new law
Aug 9, 2025
LONDON: British police said they arrested 365 people in central London on Saturday as supporters of a recently banned pro-Palestinian group intentionally flouted the law as part of their effort to force the government to reconsider the ban.
Parliament in early July passed a law banning Palestine Action and making it a crime to publicly support the organization. That came after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and vandalized two tanker planes to protest against Britain's support for Israel's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Backers of the group, who have held a series of protests around the U.K. over the past month, argue that the law illegally restricts freedom of expression.
Daring police to arrest them More than 500 protesters filled the square outside the Houses of Parliament on Saturday, many daring police to arrest them by displaying signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." That was enough for police to step in.
But as the demonstration began to wind down, police and protest organizers sparred over the number of arrests as the organizers sought to show that the law was unworkable.
"The police have only been able to arrest a fraction of those supposedly committing 'terrorism' offenses, and most of those have been given street bail and allowed to go home," Defend Our Juries, which organized the protest, said in a statement. "This is a major embarrassment to (the government), further undermining the credibility of this widely ridiculed law, brought in to punish those exposing the government's own crimes."
London's Metropolitan Police Service quickly hit back, saying this wasn't true and that many of those who gathered in the square were onlookers, media or people who didn't hold placards supporting the group.
"We are confident that anyone who came to Parliament Square today to hold a placard expressing support for Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested," the police force said in a statement.
On Friday, police said the demonstration was unusual in that the protesters wanted to be arrested in large numbers so as to place a strain on police and the broader criminal justice system.
Why the group is being banned The government moved to ban Palestine Action after the activists broke into a British air force base in southern England on June 20 to protest British military support for the Israel-Hamas war. The activists sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker planes at the RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire and caused further damage with crowbars.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Man charged with attempted murder after stabbing outside Accrington mosque
By Emma Dukes
10th Aug 2025
A man has been charged with attempted murder, following a stabbing outside a mosque and a series of violent incidents in Accrington in July.
The trouble began when Lancashire Police were called to Lower Antley Street outside Raza Jamia Masjid at around 2.30pm on Friday, July 18. Officers found a man in his 40s had been stabbed in the back. He was taken to hospital with “serious injuries”.
Later that day, officers were then called to Steiner Street following reports around a dozen people were fighting in the street with weapons. They were also called to Craven Street following reports of a further assault which had happened in Richmond Street.
The National Security Adviser’s rambling appearance at IIT Chennai has sparked speculation about his cognitive fitness, institutional drift in Indian intelligence, and why Narendra Modi continues to rely on an ageing aide in a high-stakes post.
Officials anticipate a surprise from President Trump in U.S.-India trade negotiations, with agriculture and automotive components as key issues.
Source: www.lep.co.uk
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Fire at the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba extinguished avoiding 'catastrophic situation'.By Cristian Caraballo
09/08/2025
A fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, caused by the short circuit of a sweeper in the chapel of Almanzor, forced the area to be evacuated. However, the blaze has now been extinguished according to the town's mayor.
A fire, reported shortly after 9 pm on Friday, affected the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. The blaze began in the Patio de losNaranjos, near the Puerta de San José, prompting the evacuation of the area around Magistral González Francés Street to allow fire crews to carry out their work.
Thank you, President. Fortunately, the swift and magnificent response of the #CordobaEsp Firefighters has prevented a catastrophe. The fire is now extinguished, and tonight, Fire Department and Local Police teams will remain on site to prevent any risks.
Five fire engines, a crane, and officers from the National Police were on site, with all access to the monument remaining closed. Municipal sources suggest the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in a floor sweeper located in the Chapel of Almanzor.
The flames and plumes of smoke, visible from various parts of the city, drew numerous local residents, some of whom shared videos of the incident on social media. The Puerta de San José, built in the 10th century and restored in 2017, forms part of this World Heritage site—an iconic blend of Islamic art and Christian architecture following its conversion into a cathedral in 1236.
Source: www.euronews.com
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Historic Spanish mosque-cathedral reopens after blaze
09/08/2025
The spectacular blaze broke out on Friday at about 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), raising fears for the early medieval architectural gem and evoking memories of the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.
Widely shared videos had shown flames and smoke billowing from inside the major tourist attraction, which is considered a jewel of Islamic architecture and is visited by two million people per year.
"There is some damage, significant damage, but it is very, very localised," the mayor of Cordoba, Jose Maria Bellido, told reporters outside the site which opened to the public as usual in the morning.
Most of the wreckage is concentrated in a chapel where the fire broke out, whose roof "completely collapsed" due to the flames and the weight of the water used to put them out, he added in an interview with Spanish public television.
He estimated that the fire damaged just 50 to 60 square metres of the vast interior of the building, which stands in the centre of Cordoba, surrounded by the old Jewish and Moorish quarters.
Source: www.france24.com
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https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250809-historic-spanish-mosque-cathedral-reopens-after-blaze
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Ukraine President: War’s end must serve European security interests
by Maria Tril
10/08/2025
Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy said on 10 August that ending the war against Ukraine must be honest and serve the security interests of European nations.
“The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to all those who are now with Ukraine, with our people for the sake of peace in Ukraine, which defends the vital security interests of our European peoples,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized his country’s support for a joint declaration by major European leaders regarding peace for Ukraine. The statement was issued by French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Source: euromaidanpress.com
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'Ukrainians will not give their land': No 'swapping' of territories? Zelenskyy vows to block 'second partition attempt'
Aug 10, 2025
Ukraine President VolodymyrZelenskyy on Saturday accused Valdimir Putin of trying to ‘legalise the occupation’ of Kyiv's territories amid the ongoing attempts to reach a peace deal between the two nations.
"Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them. He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land," Zelenskyy said.
"He wants to gain territorial spoils for the second time already. But, now we will not allow his second attempt, Zelensky said, noting what happened with Crimea," he added.
The Ukrainian president further said that Trump has the levers and the determination, stressing that Ukraine has supported every proposal of Trump's, starting back in February.
"I have not heard any partners express doubts about America's ability to ensure that the war ends. The President of the United States has the levers and the determination. Ukraine has supported all of President Trump’s proposals, starting back in February. Ceasefire, all formats have been supported," he said in his video message.
Earlier Saturday, Zelenskyy criticized the planned Trump-Putin summit set for Friday in Alaska, insisting that “any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not bring anything. These are dead decisions. They will never work.”
Source: timesofindia.com
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Southeast Asia
Malaysian Govt Leverages AI To Promote Quran Appreciation Among Youth –Minister Religious Affairs
09/08/2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to promote appreciation of the Quran among the younger generation by leveraging modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr MohdNa’im Mokhtar.
“This effort will continue to be intensified for the benefit of a MADANI generation with a Quranic soul,” he said in his welcoming speech at the closing ceremony and prize presentation of the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA), here, today. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul; and Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Sheikh Dr Salah
Source: www.bernama.com
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https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2455013
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Lawyer denies claims of public donations for Zara Qairina’s family’s legal fees
By Malay Mail
10 Aug 2025
KOTA KINABALU — The lawyer representing the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir has denied claims that public donations are being sought to cover alleged legal expenses in the case, The Star reported.
“If there’s anyone who is opening a fund or claiming it’s to pay RM2 million in legal fees, that is false and untrue,” he was quoted as saying when met at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s forensic department today.
“As expected, it will take a long time. We are not allowed to go inside,” he said, adding that Zara Qairina’s mother was seen leaving the site briefly and appeared very emotional.
The rally, held at the Labuan Food Court and coinciding with the Labuan Bike event, was organised by KelabWanita Sejahtera and led by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Rafi Ali Hassan.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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JPJ smells a syndicate after foreigner caught with fake Malaysian licence in flashy ride
10 Aug 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Ops Luxury 3.0, carried out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) that ended yesterday, uncovered several offences, including a foreign national driving a luxury vehicle with a Malaysian driving licence believed to be fake.
JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the individual was among nine foreigners caught driving luxury vehicles with various offences, including with no insurance and expired road tax, during the operation that began last Thursday.
“The most serious offence detected was the possession of a fake Malaysian driving licence by a foreigner from a South Asian country. JPJ will conduct further investigations to identify how the fake licence was obtained.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Malaysians flood social media with prayers, wishes for PM Anwar on 78th birthday
10 Aug 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Social media was flooded today with prayers and well-wishes for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his 78th birthday, reflecting the affection and strong support he enjoys from Malaysians.
Heartfelt messages from Cabinet members, state leaders, senior government officials, netizens and citizens of all backgrounds showed public confidence in Anwar’s leadership and his push to advance the Malaysia Madani vision for a prosperous and harmonious nation.
In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister’s Office wished Anwar good health, longevity and strength to continue steering the country towards a just and prosperous Malaysia Madani.
“All staff at the Prime Minister’s Office extend our warmest wishes to YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his 78th birthday,” the post read, accompanied by a 44-second video highlighting key moments in his leadership journey.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr MohdNa’im Mokhtar also prayed for the PM to be blessed with health, strength and wisdom in leading the nation and realising the Malaysia Madani vision.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Nuclear pact with US? Ambassador says Malaysia’s on board, but deal still needs ratifying
10 Aug 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — Malaysia’s move to pursue deeper nuclear cooperation with the United States (US) through the 123 Agreement reflects its recognition of the importance of working with partners that prioritise safety and cutting-edge technology, said US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
Kagan said the development, announced during the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Kuala Lumpur in July, marked a positive step towards formalising peaceful nuclear collaboration through the legal framework required under US law.
Malaysia and the US, represented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Rubio respectively, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation on July 10.
During the signing ceremony which was held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings and related meetings, Mohamad said Malaysia is ready to begin negotiations on the 123 Agreement.
“It’s a very, very positive step that shows Malaysia’s recognition that US technology remains cutting-edge, and that when it comes to nuclear, trying to have reliable partners who have a commitment to safety is really key.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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The armed forces want more non-Malays to sign up – and no, it’s not about going to war
10 Aug 2025
SEREMBAN, Aug 10 — Non-Malays are being encouraged to join the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to strengthen national defence while building a disciplined and promising career.
Negeri Sembilan MAF Indian Veterans Association (Perim) chairman Major (Rtd) K Ranney said joining the force not only builds resilience and identity but also offers opportunities in diverse career fields, including technical, logistics, medical and engineering.
“The MAF has three branches – the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force. Within the Army alone, there are over 17 career specialisations, and the same applies to the other branches.
“Many think joining the military means going to war. While training is provided for combat, the roles you take on may not involve going into the jungle. The scope is much broader, covering a range of expertise,” she told Bernama after the Warriors’ Day memorial ceremony at the Seremban War Memorial today.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Arab World
Arab, Islamic blocs slam Israel’s plan to impose full military control over Gaza
August 10, 2025
The ministerial committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, along with 23 countries, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, on Saturday jointly voiced “strong condemnation and categorical rejection” of Israel’s intention to impose full military control over Gaza.
The joint statement, released by the foreign ministries of the countries, including Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Mauritania, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Somalia, Türkiye, and Gambia, described the Israeli intention as “a dangerous and unacceptable escalation, a flagrant violation of international law, and an attempt to entrench the illegal occupation and impose a fait accompli on the ground by force, in contravention of international legitimacy.”
The statement warned that the declared Israeli course of action “constitutes a continuation of its grave violations, including killing and starvation, attempts at forced displacement and annexation of Palestinian land, and settler terrorism, which are crimes that may amount to crimes against humanity.”
It added that such measures “obliterate any opportunity for peace, undermine regional and international efforts towards de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and exacerbate the severe violations against the Palestinian people.”
The countries and blocs demanded “the immediate and comprehensive cessation of the Israeli aggression” in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, as well as the “unconditional entry” of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the freedom of operation for relief agencies.
Source: www.macaubusiness.com
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Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid CentreHolds Religious Lectures In Multiple Languages
10 Aug 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, organised a series of religious lectures for non-Arabic-speaking Muslim communities.
These lectures are part of the center’s ongoing programmes to promote religious awareness and Islamic values among various communities in the country, and the events witnessed wide participation and notable engagement.
In this context, a lecture in English was held at Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani Mosque in The Pearl area, attended by more than 80 members of the community.
The preacher addressed the topic of having good thoughts about Allah, emphasising that this virtue is one of the greatest doors to hope, as it motivates Muslims to perform righteous deeds in pursuit of Allah’s mercy, without falling into complacency or arrogance, but rather combining hope with action and reliance on Allah’s forgiveness.
At the center’s lecture hall, two additional lectures were held. The first was for the Ethiopian community in Amharic, delivered by preacher WaheebKurto on love of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He stressed that loving the Prophet is both a legal and heartfelt obligation, manifested in following his Sunnah and emulating his character. He noted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sacrificed dearly to guide humanity, and our love for him is shown through our behaviour, speech, and actions.
The third lecture was directed at the Urdu-speaking community, on relationship with Allah as the foundation of happiness, attended by around 150 community members.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Joint statement on developments in Gaza Strip issued by Ministerial Committee of Arab-Islamic Summit
09 Aug 2025
Manama, Aug. 9 (BNA): The Ministerial Committee mandated by the Joint Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in addition to People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of Chad, Republic of Djibouti, Republic of The Gambia, State of Kuwait, State of Libya, Malaysia, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of the Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Republic of Yemen expresses their strong condemnation and categorical rejection of Israel’s announcement of its intention to impose full military control over the Gaza Strip. We consider this announcement a dangerous and unacceptable escalation, a flagrant violation of international law, and an attempt to entrench the illegal occupation and impose a fait accompli/ facts on the ground by force, in contravention of international legitimacy.
We affirm that this declared course of action by Israel constitutes a continuation of its grave violations, including killing and starvation, attempts at forced displacement and annexation of Palestinian land, settler terrorism, which are crimes that may amount to crimes against humanity. Such actions obliterate any opportunity for peace, undermine regional and international efforts towards de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and exacerbate the severe violations against the Palestinian people, who have faced for nearly two years a comprehensive aggression and blockade affecting all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip, alongside serious violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Source: www.bna.bh
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Final rounds of King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition open in Makkah
August 09, 2025
MAKKAH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh inaugurated on Saturday the final rounds of the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Qur’an at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the competition brings together 179 contestants from 128 countries across five continents.
The six-day finals are being held in morning and evening sessions, with judging conducted by an elite panel of international referees.
In his opening address, Al Al-Sheikh welcomed participants and attendees, stressing that one of the Kingdom’s greatest honors is its service to the Qur’an and recognition of its memorizers, a tradition upheld since the era of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz, through to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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North America
Trump courts Asim Munir as Pakistan Army chief’s political challenges mount at home
BhagyasreeSengupta
August 10, 2025
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir will be visiting the United States once again. Munir will be attending a farewell event for US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla in Tampa, Florida. But what garnered attention was the fact that this would be Munir’s second visit to the US in just two months, following the four-day military clash between India and Pakistan.
During a last visit, the world saw a rare instance of Trump sitting with the Army chief of a country in the Oval Office, treating him like a head of state. The rise of the newly appointed Pakistani Field Marshal in the span of a few years has many people comparing him to the country’s erstwhile dictatorial Army chiefs, General Zia Ul Haq, Ayub Khan and Pervez Musharraf, all of whom eventually toppled the then-governments and took the reins of Pakistan.
Amid all the speculations, America is treating Munir as what some call a “de facto” leader of Pakistan. However, the Pakistani general is facing his share of challenges within the country, some of which are as follows.
The speculations started to become rife soon after Munir received promotion in May to the ceremonial rank of Field Marshal — a distinction rarely granted in Pakistan. It is pertinent to note that there is only one other individual in Pakistani history who has previously held the title, General Ayub Khan.
Khan eventually seized the government and became the President of Pakistan following a brutal 1958 coup. Hence, when Munir was appointed to the post, questions began to arise whether the country’s President Asif Ali Zardari's seat is at risk.
However, multiple Pakistani high-ranking officials have already dismissed the idea. While speaking to The Economist, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry called the claims “completely baseless”, saying, “Talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming the president of Pakistan are completely baseless.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed the sentiment, labelling the rumour mill as a “malicious campaign.” “President Zardari enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces”, and stated that “Munir’s sole focus is Pakistan’s strength and stability, and nothing else," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the reports, saying, “Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing.” However, Sharif himself is not able to enjoy the same stature in the United States and China that Munir has received.
Hence, Munir’s rise to prominence is bound to increase animosities between the Pakistani leadership and the country’s army. And if history is a witness, the cracks between the two never end well in Pakistan.
On August 5, thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan rallied across the country to demand his release on the second anniversary of his imprisonment. The jail sentencing of the supremo of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has been garnering international attention for a while.
In the February 8 elections last year, Khan’s party managed to gain significant seats in the parliament without him, despite the party facing a ban forcing the leaders to contest independently. However, they had to sit on the opposition due to all sorts of problematic efforts undertaken by the current Pakistani ruling regime.
Last month, an independent news outlet, Drop Site News, released an explosive report which revealed that during his White House meeting in June, Munir was told by Trump that “he needed to resolve the situation with Imran Khan.” Not only this, the sons of the Pakistani cricketing legend have been consistently lobbying with both British and American politicians to ensure the release of their father.
Over the years, Imran Khan has gained significant popularity among Pakistani-Americans. Two sources familiar with the matter told Drop Site News that Trump told Munir of his commitment to settling the political standoff involving Imran Khan. The president told the Pakistani army chief that he had promised supporters he would get the Imran Khan situation resolved.
Source: Www.firstpost.com
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Canada warns Iran may escalate threats against critics this year
10-08-2025
The Islamic Republic's threats to critics in Canada could grow in 2025, with Iran using organized crime networks to intimidate and harm them, Canada’s intelligence agency warned on Saturday.
“Iranian threat-related activities directed at Canada and its allies are likely to continue in 2025 and may increase depending on developments in the Middle East and the Iranian regime’s own threat perceptions,” the Canadian Security Intelligence Service said in a statement.
“Given the need to protect our sources, tradecraft and methods, however, we cannot confirm or deny specific investigative details,” said CSIS spokesperson Magali Hébert.
The agency’s warning follows an announcement by Iran International that two of its Canada-based journalists were targeted by the Islamic Republic in recent weeks.
"People get all sorts of messages of, 'We know where you live, remember we watch you, remember we know all about you, we know where your family lives.' It's that kind of thing," Baillie said.
On Tuesday, Iran International filed an urgent appeal with United Nations experts urging them to take action against Iran over serious risks to the lives and safety of their journalists worldwide and relatives inside Iran.
Source: www.iranintl.com
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Death of NYPD officer spotlights rise of Bangladeshi immigrants within ranks
By Philip Marcelo
August 9, 2025
NEW YORK (AP) — Outside the Bronx mosque where a New York City police officer was eulogized last week, a group of officers in their formal navy blue uniforms solemnly hung a banner bearing the young officer’s photograph and the name of his fraternity, the Bangladeshi American Police Association.
Didarul Islam - one of four people killed in the July 28 shooting at the Manhattan office tower housing the NFL’s headquarters - was the NYPD’s first Bangladeshi American officer killed in the line of duty.
His funeral underscored the fertile recruiting ground the department has found in the city’s thriving Bangladeshi community. More than 1,000 of the NYPD’s roughly 33,000 uniformed members are Bangladeshi Americans, according to the association. Another 1,500 people of Bangladeshi heritage are among the department’s 19,000 civilian employees.
Those numbers are up from just a handful of officers a few decades ago, a phenomenon some Bangladeshi officers attribute partly to their own patriotic response to anti-Muslim sentiment after the 9/11 attacks, as well as active recruitment and word-of-mouth in the community.
Among the sea of NYPD officers who lined the street to honor Islam, 36, were some who opted for traditional South Asian attire, their police badges worn around their necks. Many joined the throngs of mourners who knelt in the street in prayer.
Source: www.washingtontimes.com
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$20,000 to fast-track green card applications: What is the provision of the proposed Dignity Act?
Aug 10, 2025
American activists are opposing the proposed Dignity Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (Democrat), as one of its provisions includes a payment of $ 20,000 to fast-track green card applications for those who have waited over ten years already.
For applicants in family-based or employment-based green card queues who have waited over 10 years, the bill proposes a $20,000 fee to expedite their application and bypass the usual backlog. This fast-track option is intended to cap wait times and help clear the immigration backlog by 2035
The legislation aims to reduce the maximum waiting period for green cards and eliminate the backlog within the next decade. It also raises the per-country cap for both family- and employment-based green cards from 7% to 15%, helping ease delays for applicants from countries like India and China.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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Immigration Policy By Proxy: How The US Is Using Antisemitism Settlements To Curb Foreign Student Enrolment
Aug 10, 2025
The Trump administration has introduced measures that link antisemitism investigations with policies aimed at reducing international student enrolment at US universities. A recent agreement with Columbia University has revealed provisions that extend beyond antisemitism-related enforcement, including a clause that calls for a reduction in international student dependence.
This approach follows a series of similar investigations and settlements initiated by the White House. According to Forbes, over 50 universities are currently under investigation, with administration officials stating they hope the Columbia agreement will become a template for future settlements.
As reported by Forbes, the Trump administration and Columbia University signed a formal agreement on July 23. This occurred after the US government withheld over $400 million in federal research funds, accusing Columbia of insufficient action against antisemitism on campus. Under the terms of the settlement, Columbia agreed to pay $200 million to the US Treasury and $21 million into a fund connected to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The agreement also installs a Resolution Monitor to oversee Columbia's compliance.
Page nine of the agreement includes a controversial immigration provision. It states that Columbia University must “examine its business model and take steps to decrease financial dependence on international student enrollment,” a clause that has received little public attention. Columbia leadership reportedly viewed the settlement as necessary to protect over $1 billion in future funding, Forbes noted.
International students in US higher educationAccording to Forbes, international students make up around 40% of Columbia's student population. In contrast, Brown University, which signed a similar agreement on July 30, has an international student proportion of 14% and was not required to include an immigration-related clause.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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