Islam Not Linked to Terrorism, Banditry, Other Criminal Activities, Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria Says
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 June 2026
· Islam Not Linked to Terrorism, Banditry, Other Criminal Activities, Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria Says
· 'Exercise restraint, prioritise safety of civilians': India condemns attack on merchant vessels, sea lane in UN
· Israel and Iran are undermining US peace efforts, Lebanese envoy tells UN Security Council
· Saudi crown prince directs resumption of Lebanese exports to Kingdom
· Glasgow mosque worshippers 'locked in' as people attacked during city centre unrest
· 22 ships, no lights: The 'secret mission' in Hormuz Trump says Iran didn't know about
· Malaysia, Japan agree on energy security, nuclear and critical minerals cooperation
· India Calls for Review of UN Sanctions on Afghanistan
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Africa
· Somali football referee denied entry to US returns home to hero's welcome
· Manhunt underway in South Africa after 12 killed in mass shooting
· Photos: DSS, Army Raid Suspected ESN Armouries In Enugu, Recover Rocket Launcher
· Identities Of Bandit Commanders Killed During Failed School Attack In Kogi Revealed
· We Operate Strictly By Invitation – AFRICOM Speaks On US Military Presence In Nigeria
· Tinubu Govt Monitoring Northern Ireland Unrest, Urges Nigerians To Remain Peaceful
· ‘We Are Not Bandits’ – Ibadan Hausa Community Protest Alleged Ethnic Profiling Over Oyo Kidnappings
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India
· Kerala’s Hindu and Christian populations see negative natural growth as deaths exceed births
· Cockroach Janta Party launches nationwide protest over exam scandal accountability
· Trump congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM
· English translation of writer Mohsin Khan's ‘Allah Miyan ka Karkhana' to hit stands on June 23
· 'In tune with new realities': India pledges $2.5 million to Palestine
· Mirwaiz describes situation in PoK as deeply disturbing, calls for sensitive handling of protests
· 19 TMC MPs join rebel group; Yusuf Pathan, Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy on list
· India summons US charge d'affaires after attack on tanker with 24 Indian crew off Oman coast
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Mideast
· Egypt strongly condemns Iran’s repeated attacks against Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait
· Iran targets Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan for a second day
· Iraqi government says received data on weapons from pro-Iran faction
· Israel to approve plan to fund de facto establishment of 61 new West Bank settlements, Axios reporter says
· Israeli military says two ‘launches’ fall near Israeli troops in southern Lebanon
· Iran says will target any vessel traffic in Strait of Hormuz
· Hundreds rally in south Beirut suburbs in support of Iran, allies
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia wins senior leadership role in key UN space body
· Riyadh Air opens new chapter with maiden Boeing 787-9 flight to London
· Saudi FM participates in ministerial meeting between GCC and Canada
· Saudi camera operator tells of thrilling learning experience filming Hollywood movie ‘7 Dogs’
· Saudi program to empower 500 Yemeni teachers with digital skills
· Saudi leadership extends condolences to president after Philippines earthquake
· First Saudi Water Week to shape future of regional and global water sector
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Europe
· Police called to Bolton mosque after reports of 'suspicious package'
· Dismissing Jim Allister's 'alien culture' remark was 'totally out of order' says England's first Muslim MP
· 'Misleading commentary' over Borehamwood mosque condemned
· Zelensky under pressure to end row with Poland over WW2 name of army unit
· Ukraine says missiles hit military plant deep inside Russia
· Ukraine conflict is ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Russian speakers – Candace Owens
· Arrogance and downfall: Germany gets a well-deserved UN put-down
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North America
· CAIR-NY Condemns Rep. Lawler and EPA Administrator Zeldin for Appearing with SidRosenberg After Anti-Muslim ‘Cockroach’ Remark Targeting Mayor Mamdani
· CAIR-Arizona Calls for Accountability After Peoria School Board Member’s Islamophobic Posts, Raises Concerns Over Effort to Restrict Public Participation
· CAIR Welcomes Hate Crime Charges for Reported Assault on Honduran Man in Tennessee
· Trump says he 'loves the inflation' as US prices rise at fastest rate in three years
· Milwaukee Muslim leader has unmet medical, religious needs in immigration detention, lawyers say
· Canada proposes teen social media ban - with workaround for tech firms
· Knicks owner clashes with Mamdani over tight security, cancelling NBA Finals watch party
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Southeast Asia
· Non-Muslim religious council objects to Selangor worship-house guidelines, says 5,000-resident rule and commercial-lot restrictions unrealistic
· KLIA T2 to host Malaysia’s first ultra-fast EV charger
· UKM study finds Malaysian students struggling with basic maths as reliance on calculators and ChatGPT grows
· Economy minister says Malaysia looks at Russia, Türkiye as potential new oil supply sources
· Anwar hails Malaysia–Japan ties as vital amid global uncertainty, energy security and regional stability
· PM Anwar stresses Unity Government stability, rejects talk of betrayal as PAS ends Bersatu ties
· Umno vows to back Unity Government until GE16, citing Sultan Ibrahim’s decree on stability, says sec-gen
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South Asia
· Bangladesh, China sign deal for 9th friendship bridge over Lohalia river
· Home minister’s claim on Islami Bank ‘false’
· 16 Congo Fever Cases Reported in Afghanistan’s Herat After Eid al-Adha
· UN Confirms 13 Killed in Pakistan Airstrikes on Afghanistan
· Kabul Summons Pakistani Diplomat Over Deadly Airstrikes
· Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee Approves Commercial Market Project in Jawzjan
· Afghanistan, GCC Officials Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Islam Not Linked to Terrorism, Banditry, Other Criminal Activities, Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria Says
Jun 11, 2026
An Islamic group, Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria (FASON), has declared that Islam has no link with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any other criminal activities.
This is just as it said anyone who believes in the teachings and principles of Islam will not engage in any form of criminal activities against either individuals, groups or communities.
The National Amir of the group, Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul-Kareem (Baba Lagbeni), made the revelations while addressing a press conference in Ibadan, attended by Deputy National Amir of FASON, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi; Amir of Universal Muslim Brotherhood, Alhaji Abdulateef Olaniyan and Chairman of Sharia Panel in Oyo State, Sheikh Abdullahi Adedeji.
Abdul-Kareem noted that the press conference became necessary in view of the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State and negative comments made by some individuals and groups against Islam and Muslims across the country, maintaining that all the evil acts been committed by bandits or terrorists or any other groups in the country or any part of the world have no link or basis in Islam.
While quoting Qur’an 5:23 for the punishment for terrorism, bandits and other vices, he added that those who are linking Islam with terrorism and other criminal activities are enemies of Islam and Muslims.
He then urged the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed, state governors and security agencies to immediately curtail insecurity across the country.
Abdul-Kareem, who disclosed that members of the group have been praying for the release of the 39 students and seven teachers that were kidnapped in Oriire local government area of Oyo State last month, condemned the abduction of the victims.
He then charged governments to make laws and policies aimed to improve the living conditions of the people.
According to him, “This press conference centers on the current issues in the country especially the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. It also centres on our resolve to pray for the successful release of the people who are in captivity. It is over a week now that we have been praying for the successful release of the victims, we will continue to pray till they are released. We are also praying for the country to overcome all these challenges. We don’t want war in Nigeria or any other parts of the world.
“The bandits should stop it. It is better for them to stop it because it has no reward here and in the heaven. We want the federal government, the state and local governments not to treat security issues with levity hands. Do not use the issue of banditry to cause problem in Oyo State.
“Do not attribute violence, banditry with Islam or the Muslims. We want people to know that Islam has no link with terrorism or kidnapping. People should know that. We also want to advice the governments at all levels to ensure that they do what they supposed to do for the people. All those things that will make the life of the people more meaningful should be done.
“All those who are causing troubles should also know that it is not good. Whoever kills people unjustly should be killed. That is the judgment under Islamic injunction. The government should call themselves to order. The people too should be careful. Don’t kill people unjustly. All those who are fomenting troubles are not Muslims. A good Muslim will not kill his fellow human likewise, a good Christian will not kill his fellow human being unjustly.
“There are some people out there who want to destroy the image of Islam and the Muslims, they will not succeed. We should all work together for the sake of peace and harmony. A person who believes in Islam will not kill his fellow human being.
“The bandits should fear God. They should desist from those criminal activities because they are not good. The politicians should know that this is a political season. They should not mix politics with religion because they are different things.”
Source: thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/06/10/islam-not-linked-to-terrorism-banditry-other-criminal-activities-muslim-group-says/
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'Exercise restraint, prioritise safety of civilians': India condemns attack on merchant vessels, sea lane in UN
Jun 11, 2026
NEW DELHI: India has firmly opposed the attacks on merchant vessels and called for restraint, stressing the need to protect civilian lives, as several Indian nationals had either lost their lives or gone missing in attacks linked to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish Parvathaneni, "We expressed our deep concern at the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region that unfortunately began in the holy month of Ramadan and urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians."
"Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication," he added.
The remarks came hours after India lodged a strong protest with the US Embassy in New Delhi over an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman. The vessel had 24 Indian crew members on board.
While 21 have been rescued, two Indian nationals have been confirmed dead and one remains missing. The three were initially reported missing following the attack.
Parvathaneni noted that nearly 10 million Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf region, making their safety a top priority for New Delhi.
"Our trade and energy supply chains are dependent on stability in the region and any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy," he said.
"The intensification of the Iran conflict and its spread to other nations have evoked great anxiety." He noted that the ongoing violence has had a direct impact on India because of its geographical proximity and strategic interests in the region.
"The mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region," he added.
India also strongly reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy, avoiding impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, avoiding military targeting of commercial shipping, avoiding targeting of the civilian population and infrastructure, and seeking an early end to the conflict.
The diplomatic intervention came after a US strike on the chemical and oil products tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," the ministry of external affairs said in a statement after three were initially reported missing following the attack.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities as search and rescue efforts continue. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the tanker reported an engine-room fire around 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's Sohar port.
Parvathaneni's remarks at the UN came shortly after India summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a formal protest.
The attack on Settebello came just two days after another Palau-flagged vessel carrying 24 Indian crew members was disabled by US forces while attempting to breach the American blockade on Iranian ports. All crew members from that vessel were later rescued with assistance from Omani authorities.
Unlike the earlier vessel, Settebello was not listed under sanctions imposed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a point reportedly highlighted by Indian officials during discussions with the American side.
This comes as the US imposed a maritime blockade on April 13 in response to Iranian restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had targeted vessels that failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exercise-restraint-prioritise-safety-of-civilians-india-condemns-attack-on-merchant-vessels-sea-lane-in-un/articleshowprint/131650224.cms
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Israel and Iran are undermining US peace efforts, Lebanese envoy tells UN Security Council
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
June 11, 2026
Lebanon’s permanent representative to the UN, Ahmad Arafa, accused both Israel and Iran of actively undermining US-brokered efforts to end the conflict in his country. (AFP)
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NEW YORK CITY: Lebanon’s permanent representative to the UN, Ahmad Arafa, accused both Israel and Iran on Wednesday of actively undermining US-brokered efforts to end the conflict in his country, as he told the Security Council that “the cost of diplomacy is always lower than the cost of war.”
He said Lebanon’s government remains engaged in ongoing discussions with Israel, facilitated by Washington through an initiative launched by President Donald Trump on March 9, with the aim of ending what he described as “devastating Israeli aggression,” concluding the occupation of Lebanese territory by Israel, and restoring the country’s full sovereignty.
But despite Beirut’s commitment to the diplomatic process, Israel’s conduct on the ground was working against it, he added.
Arafa also called out Iran directly, noting that authorities in Tehran had publicly rejected a June 3 ceasefire agreement, a move he characterized as “a stark statement of interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.”
He added: “One would legitimately wonder whether perpetual confrontation is a deliberate policy to pursue, not a problem to be solved” in Iran.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2646708/middle-east
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Saudi crown prince directs resumption of Lebanese exports to Kingdom
June 10, 2026
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
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RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has directed the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The move comes “in accordance with the positive steps taken by the Lebanese government in the way of rebuilding state institutions, what specialized teams have accomplished throughout the past year, and the cooperation shown by the Lebanese side with them and its provision of the required commitements.”
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also requested that the directive be issued, SPA added.
The decision was communicated to Salam during a phone call with the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Prince Faisal affirmed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty over all its territory, and the well-being of its people, and expressed his confidence that Lebanon’s government will take all necessary measures to ensure the country is not used as a platform to harm regional countries.
Salam thanked Prince Mohammed and welcomed the decision, describing it as a reflection of the “deep fraternal and historical relations” between the two countries.
He said the move demonstrated the Kingdom’s confidence in Lebanon and would help support the Lebanese economy by creating new opportunities for producers and exporters.
Salam also expressed hope for closer economic cooperation between Beirut and Riyadh and thanked Prince Faisal bin Farhan for his efforts in bringing the issue to a successful conclusion.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2646691/saudi-arabia
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Glasgow mosque worshippers 'locked in' as people attacked during city centre unrest
10 Jun 2026
Hooded protestors were spotted at the four corners area of Glasgow(Image: X/@CraigHouston)
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Worshippers at Glasgow's largest mosque were locked in for their own safety as tensions flared following a stabbing in Northern Ireland, with Police Scotland saying today that people were "attacked because of the colour of their skin".
Three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, were arrested on Wednesday in Scotland's largest city following the unrest, in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt, Police Scotland said.
The situation followed a stabbing attack on Monday night in North Belfast.
Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the attack, with the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, said to have lost an eye as a result.
Protesters took to the streets in several parts of Scotland, including Glasgow city centre, with some of those involved invoking the memory of murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak, with one banner saying "white lives matter".
Videos circulating on social media appear to show violent clashes between those in the protest in Glasgow – as a gang marched through the city centre – and members of the public.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: "Our priority is public safety and last night we had a conventional police response to demonstrations across the country.
"We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour.
"Officers responded to disorder and violence, including incidents in Glasgow where members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Officers were also attacked.
"I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland."
Police Scotland have an "appropriate policing plan in place" to deal with "any escalation in disorder", Mr Waddell added.
Other "disruptive but peaceful demonstrations" sprung up in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley, with no arrests being made.
Speaking to the Press Association on Wednesday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said worshippers in Glasgow Central Mosque had to be locked in the building, as marchers appeared to be heading towards the building.
Mr Sarwar, who is also a Glasgow MSP, added that many of those marching in the city were clad in balaclavas and black hoodies, saying their behaviour was "intimidating" to passers-by "particularly those from certain minority backgrounds".
Saying the group had tried to "march towards the mosque, which was nearby in the city centre", he insisted: "That is not the right response to this disorder and actually it is not Glasgow.
"It is not the best of humanity, I think in many ways that demonstrates the worst of humanity."
He stressed members of the public in the city would have had "nothing to do with the attacker in Belfast" and would be "equally horrified by the attack".
Mr Sarwar continued: "The people inside that mosque who had to be locked in with the doors locked and the gates locked surrounded by police, what did they have to do with the attacker in Belfast?
"They would be equally horrified by the knife attack there, they too will want justice to prevail."
First Minister John Swinney said the scenes were "unacceptable".
Speaking to PA during a visit to a health centre in Aberdeen, Health Secretary Angela Constance called for calm – telling those involved in such scenes: "Just go home and behave yourself."
Ms Constance added: "Our communities don't need this level of disruption."
Responding to images circulating of violence in Glasgow, the former justice secretary added: "We have to be very clear and stand united against any form of hatred, intolerance or racism.
"As a former justice secretary, I can assure you that Police Scotland take these matters, very, very seriously and will, of course, follow up on any complaint or in any investigation."
Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer described those in Glasgow as "scumbags".
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme, the Green MSP said: "From what I heard from people in Glasgow yesterday, you had grown men walking down Buchanan Street screaming at anyone who wasn't white, including children who were not white, screaming at them, 'send them home'.
"So, scumbag would be the word that I would use to describe them as well."
Source: glasgowlive.co.uk
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https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-mosque-worshippers-locked-in-34098203
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22 ships, no lights: The 'secret mission' in Hormuz Trump says Iran didn't know about
Jun 11, 2026
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that the United States had secretly facilitated the movement of millions of barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz without Iran's knowledge, describing it as a covert operation that Tehran was learning about only now.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the US had quietly moved large quantities of oil by guiding ships through the strategically vital waterway.
"I can say it now. Something you didn't know," Trump said. "Do you know we've been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran — until right now."He further claimed that 22 ships had been moved in a single night without lights and beyond the reach of Iranian detection capabilities.
According to New York Times, Trump had claimed that this “secret mission” that he authorized last month had resulted in more than 100 million barrels of oil reaching the open market. That claim could not be immediately verified independently.
However, a senior US military official later indicated that Trump was referring to an American effort to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz rather than a previously undisclosed operation.
According to the official, US military forces have been helping commercial ships transit the narrow waterway while minimising the risk of attacks. The vessels reportedly switched off their transponders during parts of the journey to reduce the chances of detection.
The operation had already been reported publicly. Last month, media reports said the US Central Command had facilitated the passage of around 70 commercial ships through the strait. The number has since risen to more than 200 vessels over a little more than a month, according to the military official.
US authorities have not disclosed the types of vessels involved or the exact routes used. However, officials indicated that some crossings took place along routes closer to the coast of Oman rather than near Iran, where ships face a heightened risk of drone or missile attacks.
Later on Wednesday, Trump claimed on social media that the operation had helped bring more than 100 million barrels of oil to global markets. The figure could not be independently verified.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/131650453.cms
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Malaysia, Japan agree on energy security, nuclear and critical minerals cooperation
10 Jun 2026
Malaysia and Japan agree to boost cooperation in energy security, civil nuclear power and critical minerals amid global supply challenges
TOKYO: Malaysia and Japan today agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security and civil nuclear power, as both countries seek to strengthen resilience against global supply disruptions and growing geopolitical uncertainty.
According a joint statement issued following talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, the two leaders confirmed their commitment in light of the destabilisation of global energy supply and risks linked to tensions in West Asia.
“Anwar expressed Malaysia’s utmost commitment to promote open and stable trade flows to Japan, including for essential energy supplies such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as petroleum and chemicals products such as naphtha, urea, and medical gloves,” the statement said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was in Japan for a three-day official visit ending today.
The two sides agreed to explore ways Malaysia could help meet Japan’s energy needs while balancing domestic priorities and available surplus capacity.
Meanwhile, Anwar and Takaichi also agreed to expand cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as Malaysia prepares to introduce nuclear power as part of the long-term energy strategy.
“Takaichi welcomed the sharing of updates on Malaysia’s preparations for the introduction of nuclear power — including reactor technology options, site selection, and business and institutional arrangements — as a basis for formulating Japan’s support plan,” the statement said.
The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in economic security and strengthen the resilience of critical mineral and rare earth supply chains.
They expressed concern over economic coercion, non-market practices and arbitrary export restrictions that could disrupt global supply chains, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting secure, diversified and reliable supply chains among trusted partners.
The statement said both leaders agreed as well to enhance cooperation on critical minerals through ongoing collaboration involving Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, while also exploring partnerships with countries such as Australia and France.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/malaysia-japan-agree-on-energy-security-nuclear-and-critical-minerals-cooperation/
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India Calls for Review of UN Sanctions on Afghanistan
June 10, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, has called for a reassessment of the UN sanctions on Afghanistan, saying the country’s political reality has changed significantly over the past five years.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Harish said that current sanctions frameworks must reflect the evolving situation in the country and should be designed to benefit the Afghan people rather than rely solely on punitive measures.
He warned that such measures are gradually losing effectiveness if they are not aligned with present-day realities.
The Indian envoy emphasized that the United Nations and the wider international community should focus on developing policy tools that support humanitarian and developmental needs in Afghanistan and help guide the country toward stability.
Harish also strongly condemned the recent Pakistani military regime’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, citing a UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report that indicated significant civilian casualties.
He further accused Pakistan of repeatedly blaming neighboring countries for its internal challenges, stating that this approach reflects a long-standing pattern.
He also criticized Pakistan’s trade and transit restrictions on Afghanistan, arguing that blocking access to trade routes for a landlocked country contradicts international principles and UN declarations concerning landlocked developing states.
Meanwhile, UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Georgette Gagnon told the Security Council that Afghanistan currently remains relatively stable under the authorities of the Islamic Emirate, with no significant armed or political challenge to their rule.
She noted that this situation is viewed by the authorities as one of their key achievements.
China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, also described the situation in Afghanistan as stable, while warning that serious humanitarian and counterterrorism challenges persist.
He called for stronger mutual trust and cooperation between Afghanistan’s authorities and the international community to ensure long-term stability and improved living conditions for the Afghan people.
The Security Council meeting was part of a series of discussions on Afghanistan, including upcoming talks scheduled for June 16, during which the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is expected to be reviewed and potentially extended.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://www.thekabultimes.com/india-calls-for-review-of-un-sanctions-on-afghanistan/
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Africa
Somali football referee denied entry to US returns home to hero's welcome
Jun 11, 2026
Somali international referee Omar Artan has returned home to a hero’s welcome after being banned from entering the United States.
He was due to officiate at matches during the FIFA World Cup but was turned away at the border in Miami over the weekend, despite having a valid visa.
FIFA subsequently cut him from the tournament's referee list. His exclusion has sparked outrage across the world.
As Artan disembarked in Mogadishu, supporters waving Somali flags crowded around him before draping him in the flag.
He was set to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament.
Artan is one of Africa’s top football umpires and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025.
Speaking on his arrival, he thanked the Somali government, the public, and FIFA for their support. Artan said he plans to be at the next World Cup and urged Somali youths to be proud of their country.
“Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country,” he said.
The Trump administration said Artan was denied entry because of his links to what it described as “suspected members of terror organisations”.
Artan was issued a visa to travel to the US last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya that processed it.
The US is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada, and he was due to meet up with other World Cup referees at their training base in Miami.
The highly unusual move to deny a FIFA-appointed match official permission to enter a World Cup host country has also raised questions about the US' capacity to host the competition.
Somalia is one of nearly 40 countries subject to new travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
Decades of war and the rise of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab extremist group has limited the potential of many in Somalia.
Although Artan's denial of entry brought disappointment, his achievement reminded some in the country about what is possible if they chase their dreams.
Writing on X on Tuesday, the World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote that Artan's expected milestone “stands no matter what”.
“You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that,” he added.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/06/10/somali-football-referee-denied-entry-to-us-returns-home-to-heros-welcome/
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Manhunt underway in South Africa after 12 killed in mass shooting
Jun 11, 2026
A manhunt is underway in South Africa after a group of 10 armed men opened fire killing 12 people at an informal settlement in Johannesburg late on Tuesday.
Police said the shooters were dropped at the site in a minibus and moved through the area, opening fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
As investigators work to establish the motive for the attack, Gauteng province’s top cop visited this latest scene of a deadly mass shooting in the East Rand region.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said it was too early to say if the incident was related to illegal mining in the area.
"But of course we cannot overrule that because I've seen some of the victims. There were, … some of the victims where they were lying it looks like this a place of the processing centre for illegal mining,” he said.
Jumpers informal settlement is located near several known illegal mining sites.
Residents are reported as saying they believe the attack was linked to a turf war between groups of illegal miners living in the area.
At least nine people were injured in the shooting that has left people in shock and has once again raised concerns about gun violence.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/06/10/manhunt-underway-in-south-africa-after-12-killed-in-mass-shooting/
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Photos: DSS, Army Raid Suspected ESN Armouries In Enugu, Recover Rocket Launcher
June 11, 2026
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, have raided suspected armouries linked to the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Enugu State, recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.
According to Zagagola Makama, security sources said the operations were carried out following credible intelligence indicating that members of the group were planning attacks in parts of the South-East.
The first operation was conducted on Tuesday in the Garki area of Enugu State, where security operatives uncovered an armoury stocked with sophisticated weapons.
Items recovered during the raid included a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers, three AK-47 rifles and six AK-47 magazines.
The operatives also recovered two handheld grenades, a teargas gun, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered included a bandolier and a baton.
A security source said the operation was based on intelligence suggesting that the group was planning attacks in some states in the region.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and targeted facilities used by the group for storing weapons and other logistics,” the source said.
The raid came shortly after the arrest of several suspected members of the outlawed group in the state.
In a follow-up operation on Wednesday, the joint security team reportedly raided another suspected armoury in the Agbani area of Enugu State.
The operation led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, a smoke grenade launcher, 12 AK-47 magazines, two teargas canisters and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security sources said operatives also recovered 10 National Youth Service Corps trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards from the location.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the purpose of the recovered items and identify other members of the network.
The latest operation comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to gunmen involved in the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State.
The suspects, including two Nigerien nationals, were apprehended during coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states.
Security operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.
According to security sources, the recent operations highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle arms trafficking networks and prevent attacks by criminal and terrorist groups across the country.
Source: naijanews.com
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Identities Of Bandit Commanders Killed During Failed School Attack In Kogi Revealed
June 11, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted mass abduction of students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and residents of Iluke community in Kogi State, killing two suspected bandits, including a notorious gang leader identified as Ibrahim Aliyu, popularly known as Baccujo or Battijo.
Security sources said the attack occurred on June 10 in Iluke, Bunu community, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the sources, heavily armed bandits stormed a school where students were sitting for their examinations and reportedly held several students and community members hostage.
The attackers were said to have assembled their captives and were preparing to move them to an unknown destination when troops of the 12 Brigade responded to a distress call.
The soldiers reportedly engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, disrupting the planned abduction.
“The bandits had already taken control of the school and some members of the community and were attempting to move the victims when troops arrived and engaged them,” a security source told Zagagola Makama.
The source added that two bandits were killed during the operation.
Among those reportedly killed was Ibrahim Aliyu, a notorious bandit commander believed to have coordinated several kidnapping operations in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
“Two bandits were neutralised during the encounter, including the notorious leader Ibrahim Aliyu, popularly known as Baccujo or Battijo,” the source stated.
However, the attackers reportedly succeeded in evacuating the body of the gang leader during their retreat, while troops recovered the corpse of the second slain bandit.
The operation was not without casualties.
A soldier reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and is receiving treatment.
Security sources also disclosed that three civilians, including a teacher and a minor, were killed by the fleeing bandits during the attack.
Following the incident, troops intensified security operations in the area and launched domination patrols to prevent further attacks and ensure that students continued their examinations without disruption.
Fresh intelligence intercepted by security agencies reportedly corroborated reports of Baccujo’s death.
Sources familiar with the intelligence said monitored communications among suspected bandit associates revealed discussions confirming that the gang leader died during the failed operation.
According to the intercepted conversations, a suspected bandit identified as Tukuri informed his associates that Baccujo was killed while attempting to kidnap students.
In another communication, Tukuri allegedly disclosed that another bandit commander, Isa Mai Dabbaba, was also killed during a military operation, while Baccujo was reportedly shot by a vigilante operative during the failed raid.
Security analysts described the development as a major setback for criminal networks operating within Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
They noted that the elimination of key commanders could disrupt ongoing kidnapping activities and weaken the operational capacity of the affected groups.
However, they cautioned that sustained military pressure and intelligence-driven operations would be required to prevent the emergence of replacement leaders and dismantle wider criminal networks.
Source: naijanews.com
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We Operate Strictly By Invitation – AFRICOM Speaks On US Military Presence In Nigeria
June 11, 2026
By Justina Otio
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has stated that American forces operate in the country strictly by invitation and within an agreed bilateral framework.
Naija News reports that AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col Rebecca Heyse, stated this during an 𝕏 Space discussion on Tuesday, titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism.”
Heyse explained that its military cooperation with Nigeria is firmly grounded in respect for Nigerian sovereignty and mutual interest.
Heyse was unequivocal that the partnership was not an imposition.
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” she said.
Heyse said the United States remained committed to the partnership for as long as both countries considered it mutually beneficial.
“As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership,” she said.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Maj Gen Samiala Uba, reinforced this position from the Nigerian side, making clear that it was Nigeria, not the United States, that determined the scope and duration of the collaboration.
“The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework,” he said.
Uba disclosed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel were currently undergoing training in the North-East as part of the partnership, describing the benefits as significant.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are benefiting immensely from this collaboration, including skills development and specialised training. There are many operational lessons we continue to learn through our interaction with the United States,” he said.
Presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, also weighed in, crediting the partnership with improving the pace and consistency of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
“We want to thank the US government for the active collaboration they have had with our military.
“Nigeria has seen the war against terror increase in tempo and consistency, and we have recorded massive successes in counter-insurgency operations,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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Tinubu Govt Monitoring Northern Ireland Unrest, Urges Nigerians To Remain Peaceful
June 10, 2026
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said it is closely monitoring recent developments in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following reports of unrest and isolated incidents affecting parts of the community.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the commission was concerned about the situation and called for peace, unity and mutual respect among residents.
Masked men reportedly burned families out of their homes in Belfast in a wave of anti-immigrant violence on Tuesday night after a Sudanese man was charged over a knife attack.
Hundreds of protesters, many with their faces covered, attacked police and burned vehicles in a number of locations across Northern Ireland after a video of the knife attack, which left one person with serious neck and head wounds, went viral.
The rioters targeted minority communities, with Black residents, including Nigerian families, bearing the brunt of the violence and intimidation.
In a statement to Naija News issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM extended its thoughts to individuals and families affected by the disturbances.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, periods of tension should not be allowed to create divisions within communities.
“Whenever communities experience moments of tension, it is important that we do not allow isolated incidents to divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to peace, dialogue, and mutual respect,” she said.
The commission stressed the need for restraint, understanding and respect for law and order during the sensitive period.
It also acknowledged the efforts of community leaders and organisations working to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible engagement among residents.
NiDCOM highlighted recent comments made by a Nigerian community leader in Northern Ireland, Mr Jahswill Emmanuel, founder of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures Northern Ireland, during an interview with the BBC.
According to the commission, Emmanuel expressed sadness over the situation and sympathised with those affected by the unrest.
He also called for unity and collective responsibility in maintaining peace within the community.
Emmanuel noted that migrant communities, including Nigerians, remained committed to making positive contributions to Northern Ireland.
He urged residents not to allow isolated incidents to create divisions and emphasised the importance of cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.
The commission urged Nigerians and other residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tensions.
It stressed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and respect among all communities.
“The Commission will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and monitor the situation in the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora,” the statement added.
NiDCOM also assured Nigerians in Northern Ireland that it would continue to follow developments closely while working with relevant stakeholders to safeguard their interests.
Source: naijanews.com
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‘We Are Not Bandits’ – Ibadan Hausa Community Protest Alleged Ethnic Profiling Over Oyo Kidnappings
June 11, 2026
By Richard Ogunsile
Some members of the Hausa community in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, staged a protest against what they described as ethnic profiling and stigmatisation following recent kidnapping incidents in the state.
The protesters said they were worried that members of their community were being unfairly linked to criminal activities because of their ethnic background.
Naija News reports that the protest came a few weeks after the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers during a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The incident had heightened security concerns across Oyo State, with residents and community leaders calling for stronger action against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Hausa residents, who marched in Ibadan, said it was wrong to blame an entire ethnic group for the actions of criminals.
They argued that kidnapping and other forms of insecurity should be treated as criminal matters rather than ethnic issues.
According to them, members of the Hausa community in the state are law-abiding residents who have lived peacefully with other groups in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State for years.
They appealed to the government, security agencies and the public to avoid statements and actions capable of creating division among residents.
The protesters also called for fairness in the handling of security matters, insisting that anyone found guilty of a crime should be arrested and prosecuted as an individual, not as a representative of any ethnic group.
See more photos from the protest below.
They maintained that insecurity affects all residents, regardless of tribe or religion, and should be tackled through intelligence-led policing, community cooperation and prosecution of offenders.
They also appealed to residents of Oyo State to continue to promote peaceful coexistence while supporting security agencies with useful information that could help prevent further attacks.
The protest followed growing tension after the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly taken during a coordinated attack on three schools, a development that sparked fear among parents, teachers and residents of the affected communities.
The incident also renewed public concern over the safety of schools in parts of the state, especially in rural communities.
Security agencies and government authorities have since come under pressure to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to attacks on schools and communities.
Meanwhile, popular controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, dismissed criticisms over his visit to Ibadan late last year.
Gumi, in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, said his visit to the Oyo State capital had been wrongly linked to what he described as “dirty local politics” in the South-West.
The cleric had faced criticism in some quarters following allegations that the visit was part of an attempt to promote northern Islamic ideologies and Islamise Oyo State.
Reacting to the controversy, Gumi said he was not invited to Ibadan by any Muslim individual or group in the South-West.
He explained that he attended the event as a representative of northern Islamic scholars.
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW (South-West) and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.
“I was in Ibadan, not by the invitation of any SW Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.
“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
Source: naijanews.com
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India
Kerala’s Hindu and Christian populations see negative natural growth as deaths exceed births
June 10, 2026
Official data from Kerala’s Department of Economics and Statistics reveals that the Hindu and Christian communities have entered a negative Natural Growth Rate (NGR), meaning annual deaths now outnumber annual live births within these groups.
According to a decadal analysis of the state’s Vital Statistics Reports, the state’s overall population growth continues to remain positive solely due to the Muslim community, whose births still exceed deaths. However, demographic experts note that birth rates across all communities in Kerala are steadily declining.
A negative natural growth rate means a community’s death rate exceeds its birth rate, causing the population to shrink from natural changes alone. For Hindus, it was the second consecutive year in negative territory, and for Christians, the third. Hindu NGR, which turned negative for the first time in 2022 (-0.080%) worsened further to -0.115% in 2023, while Christians have been in negative territory since 2021 (-0.095%), reaching -0.084% in 2023.
While the individual trajectories of Hindus and Christians are shrinking, Kerala’s overall natural growth rate was marginally positive at 0.249% in 2023 due to the Muslim community Demographic models indicate that the Muslim population’s growth rate is also sharply decelerating.
Experts project that the entire state of Kerala will transition to a completely negative natural population growth rate within the next two decades, around 2041.
Sociologists attribute this rapid demographic transition to high literacy rates, increased female labor force participation, late marriages, higher out-migration among young adults, and an overall preference for smaller families across the state.
Source: thestatesman.com
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Cockroach Janta Party launches nationwide protest over exam scandal accountability
11.06.26
Online satirical platform Cockroach Janta Party on Wednesday announced a nationwide protest beginning in Pune on June 11 to demand the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam-related discrepancies.
The party said the protest would spread across multiple cities, including Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Hyderabad.
The party also warned of a protest in Delhi on June 20 if Pradhan did not resign.
"Beginning June 11, this peaceful protest will start across the country, starting with Pune and continuing in cities including Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Hyderabad until education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," the CJP said.
"It is a national issue affecting millions of families and young people whose futures have been put at risk."
The CJP's journey began as an online meme-driven political movement in mid-May, later evolving into a street-protest platform that channelled youths and students to seek accountability in the education sector following multiple examination scandals.
Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said on X that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was also present at the June 6 protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, would join them in Pune on Thursday.
The CJP, in a scathing attack on Pradhan, said he had failed to take responsibility for repeated failures in the education sector.
“Accountability must begin at the top. That is why we reiterate our demand: Dharmendra Pradhan must resign,” the CJP said, adding that if their demand was not met, youths from across the country would gather again at Jantar Mantar on June 20 for a peaceful protest.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Trump congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM
11 Jun 2026
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday joined the world leaders in congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister, And a Great One he is."
"He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead of him," he said.
Modi reached the milestone of becoming India's longest-serving prime minister on Wednesday, with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days in office, surpassing the record of the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Congratulatory messages by world leaders, a standing ovation at Union Cabinet meeting and puja-aarti by BJP leaders across the country marked the day.
Those who greeted Modi on social media include Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Israeli envoy Reuven Azar congratulated the prime minister and said this achievement is a powerful testament to Modi's decades of dedicated public service and leadership.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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English translation of writer Mohsin Khan's ‘Allah Miyan ka Karkhana' to hit stands on June 23
Jun 10, 2026
New Delhi, Celebrated Urdu writer Mohsin Khan's acclaimed first novel, "Allah Miyan ka Karkhana", has been translated into English for the first time by noted translator and poet Maaz Bin Bilal, announced publishing house Harper Collins India.
Scheduled for release on June 23, "Allah Miyan's Workshop" is a story about childhood and its travails at once "humorous, tender and piercing".
Set in a village in Awadh, the novel tells the story of 14-year-old Gibran, a curious and mischievous boy whose conservative father wants him to work at a mosque. His carefree childhood is shattered when his father is arrested on suspicion of terrorism.
Faced with loss, separation, and uncertainty, Gibran turns to his imagination for refuge and hope.
Originally published in Urdu, the book, according to the translator, is at once a universal as well as an Indian-Muslim tale of boyhood its joys and travails.
"It drew me to itself immediately with its emotional roller-coaster of a ride, and its inquisitive, skeptical, yet innocent protagonist, Gibran, who has a unique narratorial voice.
"The socio-political churn of our time also provides an important backdrop to the novel a churn that is tough for so many of us to escape in our own," said Bilal, who has also translated Mirza Ghalib's "Chirag-e-Dair" as "Temple Lamp" in English.
According to commissioning Editor , Rinita Banerjee, the book is a tale that carries "love, fear, anguish and measureless wonder", all of which come alive in Bilal's luminous English translation.
"Much like Gibran's kites, it becomes a thing to be treasured. 'Allah Miyan's Workshop' is perhaps one of the finest works of Urdu literature in translation, which we at HarperCollins are delighted to bring to readers this June. Do read it," she added.
The Hindi translation of "Allah Miyan ka Karkhana" has won the inaugural Bank of Baroda Award in 2023. Khan has also won prizes for the radio plays "Khvaabon ki Taabeer" and "Kaisi Kaisi Majbooriyan" in the multilingual All India Radio national play contests in two different years.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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'In tune with new realities': India pledges $2.5 million to Palestine
Jun 11, 2026
India announced a $2.5 million contribution to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees on Wednesday while reiterating its long-standing position that a two-state solution is the only way to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Addressing the UN Security Council, India's ambassador Harish Parvathaneni said the situation in Gaza remains dire and requires immediate global attention.
"We will be handing over in a few days, USD 2.5 million to UNRWA, the first tranche of our annual USD 5 million contribution," he said.
India has steadily increased its support to UNRWA over the years, raising its annual contribution from $1.25 million to $5 million starting in 2018-19. The decision came during a financial crisis that threatened the agency's ability to deliver services to Palestinian refugees across the region.
The enhanced engagement with Palestine follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first-ever visit to Palestine in February 2018, a historic trip that marked a new phase in bilateral ties.
Parvathaneni reaffirmed India's support for "a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine" existing peacefully alongside Israel within secure and recognised borders.
He also noted that many of the existing mediation frameworks on Palestine are outdated and no longer relevant. "Today's Gaza Peace Plan and the Board of Peace framework are very distinct as compared to earlier frameworks," he said, calling for fresh approaches that reflect current realities.
The ambassador emphasised that any peace effort must put human suffering at its centre, particularly the protection of women and children who bear the heaviest toll in conflicts.
He also called for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and full humanitarian access to the region.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Mirwaiz describes situation in PoK as deeply disturbing, calls for sensitive handling of protests
Jun 11, 2026
SRINAGAR: Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday described the situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), where more than 20 people have been killed in clashes between police and protesters, as “deeply disturbing”, and urged the authorities there to show restraint.
2 soldiers killed in 'accidental blast' near LoC in Uri2 soldiers killed in 'accidental blast' near LoC in Uri
“Deeply disturbed by the news coming from across the LoC. The govt there should know better than to use force to handle public grievances and demands in this manner,” Mirwaiz said.
“When people take to the streets to express their concerns, it is a signal that they seek to be heard. It is the responsibility of those in authority to listen, engage and peacefully resolve the matter, rather than allow it to escalate into violence, arbitrary arrests and loss of life. Hope and pray that better sense prevails and the matter is handled with maturity, while addressing the concerns of the people,” he added.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, too, called for peace in POK, and prayed that “people’s troubles should get over.”
POK has been gripped by unrest in recent days after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and intensified a crackdown against its members, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. JAAC has been demanding abolition of 12 seats in the 53-member POK assembly reserved for refugees from Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. It argues that these seats have historically allowed major Pakistani political parties to influence govt formation in Muzaffarabad.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mirwaiz-describes-situation-in-pok-as-deeply-disturbing-calls-for-sensitive-handling-of-protests/articleshowprint/131642955.cms
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19 TMC MPs join rebel group; Yusuf Pathan, Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy on list
Jun 10, 2026
NEW DELHI: The rebel group of parliamentarians in the Trinamool Congress is believed to have secured the support of 19 MPs — the two-thirds of the party's parliamentary strength required to form a separate faction.
Yusuf Pathan, Saayoni Ghosh and Mala Roy are among the MPs who have signed the rebel list, pushing the party towards a vertical split.
Trinamool Congress is heading towards one of the biggest setbacks in its 28-year history as the party battles a full-fledged internal uprising. Weeks after suffering a bruising defeat in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's party has already witnessed a major split in the assembly and is now facing the threat of a vertical split in Parliament.
This comes as Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that a large section of TMC MPs are prepared to part ways with Mamata Banerjee. Kakoli, who resigned from the party, has emerged as the face of the parliamentary rebellion.
The rebels insist they are not planning to formally join the BJP. "We will not join BJP. We will support NDA," Dastidar said.
A letter carrying the signatures of rebel MPs was reportedly submitted to the Speaker's office, although no formal acknowledgement has yet been made public.
The party had earlier faced a rebellion by its MLAs, with expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee stating that 58 TMC legislators have been given recognition in the Assembly as the opposition group.
Meanwhile, TMC MP Mahua Moitra slammed the rebel faction, terming them "traitors", and said that even if they get two-thirds of the MPs, "which they have not", the only option "is to merge with BJP along with two-thirds of the political party".
She said in a post on X that the matter has already been settled by a court verdict.
"Even if traitors get 19 MPs (2/3), which they have not, the only option is to merge with BJP along with 2/3 of the political party. Bhupinder Yadav and the Lok Sabha Speaker cannot create a separate political party or faction. A five-judge bench in Subhash Desai vs Principal Secretary, Governor of Maharashtra (2023), settled this," she said.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/19-tmc-mps-join-rebel-group-yusuf-pathan-saayoni-ghosh-mala-roy-on-list/articleshowprint/131635909.cms
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India summons US charge d'affaires after attack on tanker with 24 Indian crew off Oman coast
10.06.26
India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest a US military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast that left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing.
Sources said Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks was handed demarche or diplomatic note of protests over the incident.
In its official reaction, New Delhi strongly condemned the strike and said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia must end, and free and unimpeded navigation through the international waterways should be restored at the earliest.
The attack on commercial vessel Settebello came two days after a Palao-flagged vessel with 24 Indians came under attack of the US Navy as the ship tried to evade the US blockade of Iranian ports.
The US Central Command acknowledged the strike on the vessel saying it violated the ongoing US blockade of the Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
"The US Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A US aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces," it said in a statement.
In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing," it said.
The MEA said the Indian embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the local authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region," the MEA said.
"We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region," it said.
The UKMTO, a British military organisation that tracks movements of various vessels in strategic waterways, said the vessel reported one casualty and two missing.
Local authorities have reported a tanker has experienced a fire in their engine room, it said.
The MEA said "targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest".
The incident came amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Israel carried out air strikes in western and central Iran after Iran fired missiles at northern Israel.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Mideast
Egypt strongly condemns Iran’s repeated attacks against Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait
June 11, 2026
DUBAI: Egypt strongly condemned on Thursday Iran’s attacks against Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, describing Tehran’s actions a flagrant violation of the three countries’ sovereignty and integrity.
The US launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran into Thursday morning after President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations.
Iran responded with strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.
Kuwait closed its airspace for several hours because of the Thursday morning attack. Jordan didn’t acknowledge the attack, though the US Embassy in Amman warned about it.
Bahrain’s interior ministry said an 11-year-old girl was injured and several houses and homes were damaged Hamad City and the capital Manama due to shrapnel from intercepted Iranian drones.
The third back-and-forth strikes this week have tested a two-month shaky ceasefire. The first were attacks between Iran and Israel on Sunday into Monday, followed by the two rounds of fire between America and Tehran.
Trump has urged Iran to sign a deal to end the war and suggested earlier this week that an agreement could be reached in days.
But Iran has proved resilient despite weeks of heavy bombing. It is betting that its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passageway for oil and natural gas — gives it a strong bargaining chip.
Still, both countries seem to be looking for a way to end the conflict — if they can manage to sell it as a win at home.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iran targets Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan for a second day
June 11, 2026
RIYADH: Iran hit Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan with retaliatory strikes on Thursday as the United states launched new assault across multiple Iranian cities, after President Donald Trump earlier warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations.
Kuwait said it was dealing with aerial threats and Bahrain activated air raid sirens early Thursday after a night of clashes between the US and Iran threatened to reignite the Middle East war.
The Kuwaiti army said, in a post on social media, that “air defense systems are currently intercepting hostile aerial targets.”
The Gulf nation also briefly shut its airspace and diverted flights due to the attacks.
“Air traffic in Kuwaiti airspace has returned to normal,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
Bahrain’s interior ministry said an 11-year-old girl was injured and several houses and homes were damaged Hamad City and the capital Manama due to shrapnel from intercepted Iranian drones.
Bahraini authorities earlier set off sirens and told the public to shelter in a safe place.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Thursday it had fired ballistic missiles at a US command center in Jordan, according to state media.
This “punitive operation against the aggressor” targeted “Al-Azraq Air Base and its control center, using 12 ballistic missiles,” the Guards said, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency, claiming to have destroyed these facilities “and a large number of fighter aircraft.”
It was the third time this week that back-and-forth strikes have tested a two-month shaky ceasefire. On Monday, Iran and Israel targeted each other. US hit Iranian sites on Wednesday in retaliation for the downing of an American helicopter. Tehran struck back and targeted US assets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to hit Iran “very hard” if a peace deal was not agreed. Tehran said it had responded against US forces in the Strait of Hormuz, but the US military denied the claim.
Iran said that the strait was now closed and any vessel transiting the waterway would be attacked.
Negotiations to end the conflict continues with the help of mediators, but Trump’s repeated claims that a deal is imminent has yet to materialize.
Israel and the US launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28. and a deal to cease the fighting has largely held for two months.
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Iraqi government says received data on weapons from pro-Iran faction
June 10, 2026
BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities announced on Wednesday that they had received data on weapons belonging to a pro-Iran faction, a first step in a plan to integrate it and other such groups into the state forces.
The move comes a week after two pro-Iran factions, the Kataeb Imam Ali and Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, announced they would be handing over administration of their brigades in the Hashed Al-Shaabi to the state.
The former paramilitary, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is an umbrella group made up of dozens of armed factions with varying links to Iran.
The government’s security media cell said in a statement that “Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi oversaw the handover of all files and data related to the personnel, weapons, equipment and vehicles that were in the possession of the Kataeb Imam Ali.”
It added that this came “as a prelude to completing the stages of integrating” the members of the faction into state institutions.
Under heavy US pressure, Iraqi authorities have said they would seek the full integration of the member factions in the Hashed into the government forces in a bid to limit the possession of weapons to the hands of the state.
The government aims to include within the integration drive brigades that currently operate outside the framework of the Hashed.
The move came after some of the factions with forces in the Hashed launched attacks on US interests in Iraq following the start of the Middle East war in late February.
The US has also launched strikes on some of the factions, an exchange that has heavily strained ties between Washington and Baghdad.
The Hashed was formed in 2014 based on a religious call to fight the Daesh group, before being integrated into the state armed forces.
On Wednesday, government spokesman Haidar Al-Aboudi said at a press conference that “the state monopoly over weapons will be achieved in a specific timeframe” that he did not disclose.
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Israel to approve plan to fund de facto establishment of 61 new West Bank settlements, Axios reporter says
June 11, 2026
Israeli cabinet is set to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, Axios reporter Barak Ravid posted on social media platform X on Wednesday.
Israel’s hardline finance minister earlier announced a major expansion by more than 2,000 homes of three Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank that Palestinians hope will be part of a future independent state.
Most nations consider Israeli settlements there to be illegal under international law and a major obstacle to a two-state solution for long-term peace.
Bezalel Smotrich, who holds authority over parts of Israel’s civilian administration in the West Bank, said a planning committee approved the construction of 2,162 new Jewish homes.
They include 1,006 units in a new settlement near Jerusalem, 922 near the Palestinian city of Nablus and 234 near Hebron.
“We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice,” said Smotrich, an ultranationalist sanctioned by Britain, France and others who accuse him of inciting violence against Palestinians.
According to Ravid the draft government decision will allocate more than $350 million over several years to move 61 newly authorized settlements from paper to reality.
The plan would fund temporary residential compounds, public buildings and infrastructure even before formal planning procedures are completed.
Ravid said the government was seeking to approve the funding before a possible vote to dissolve the Knesset and trigger new elections - a scenario that could make large-scale budget allocations substantially more difficult.
Many of the settlements included in the proposal are located in strategically sensitive areas, including along Highway 90 in the Jordan Valley, in the South Hebron Hills, and in locations designed to create territorial continuity between existing settlements. The move is likely to undermine the prospect of a future Palestinian state and comes amid a broader effort by the Israeli government to strengthen its hold over Area C of the West Bank.
The proposal follows a government decision approved last week that allocated roughly $35 million for planning and regulatory work related to the same settlements.
The new homes would “strengthen our hold on the land, reinforce Israel’s security, and establish clear facts on the ground that prevent the creation of an Arab terror state in the heart of the country,” Smotrich said in a statement, without specifying when construction would begin.
Since becoming a minister three years ago, Smotrich has sought to tighten Israel’s control and presence in the West Bank while advocating against the idea of a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government has overseen the significant expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the establishment of new settlements.
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Israeli military says two ‘launches’ fall near Israeli troops in southern Lebanon
June 11, 2026
DUBAI: The Israeli military said on Thursday that two “launches” were identified falling adjacent to an area where Israeli troops are operating in southern Lebanon, after sirens sounded in several areas of northern Israel.
Earlier, the military said Home Front Command had issued a precautionary directive after detecting “launches” from Lebanon toward several communities in northern Israel, urging residents to enter protected spaces.
More than three months since the US-Israeli attack on Iran ignited conflict around the Middle East, Lebanon remains a major frontline in the war.
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Iran says will target any vessel traffic in Strait of Hormuz
June 11, 2026
TEHRAN: Iran’s military command said Thursday it will target any ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after it struck two vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, as talks to end the war faltered.
The United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump vowing to “hit them hard” after accusing Tehran’s negotiators of “playing us for suckers.”
The Khatam Al-Anbiya command said Thursday, “any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted” adding that the strait is now “completely closed to all types of vessel,” according to the Tasnim news agency.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy, quoted by state television IRIB and the Mehr agency, said that “two ships attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz were hit.”
“Following repeated violations of the ceasefire by the American enemy, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice,” it said.
“We warn that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy.”
Iranian media reported explosions across the country’s south near the Strait of Hormuz, the same area where US forces had already bombarded air defense, radar and other sites on Tuesday.
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Hundreds rally in south Beirut suburbs in support of Iran, allies
June 10, 2026
BEIRUT: Hundreds of people rallied on Wednesday evening in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, in support of Iran and its allies in the Middle East war, AFP correspondents said.
The rally came despite the ongoing war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, with Israel pounding south and east Lebanon daily and still occasionally striking Beirut’s southern suburbs, known locally as Dahiyeh, most recently on Sunday.
AFP correspondents said hundreds of people including many women and children were at the rally, some waving Hezbollah or Iranian flags.
Some held images of Iranian leaders, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and his father and predecessor Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28 at the start of the Middle East war.
Others held images of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in massive Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs in September 2024 during a previous round of hostilities.
“We are here Dahiyeh in solidarity with the resistance, to send a message that we are steadfast,” Samar Hammoud, 54, told AFP at the rally.
“Their planes don’t frighten us, their weapons don’t frighten us. We will stay and struggle and we will be victorious, God willing.”
Some women held pictures of relatives killed in Israeli strikes in the latest war, while some children waved the Lebanese flag as the crowd chanted slogans in support of Iran, Hezbollah, Gaza and Yemen.
Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza are part of an “axis of resistance” grouping of pro-Iran forces opposed to Israel and the United States.
In Yemen on Wednesday evening, the Houthi rebels’ Al-Masirah channel reported crowds holding a similar gathering in Sanaa, with images of scores of demonstrators in the Yemeni capital, which is held by the Iran-backed group.
Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
Israel has responded with massive airstrikes and a ground invasion.
Tehran insists a halt to the wider Middle East conflict must include a ceasefire in Lebanon, and it launched missiles at Israel on Sunday in response to Israel bombing Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier that day, sparking Israeli strikes on Iran before both sides halted their fire.
Iran has warned it will resume attacks on Israel if the latter keeps striking Lebanon.
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia wins senior leadership role in key UN space body
June 11, 2026
VIENNA: Saudi Arabia has been elected first vice-chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), a senior leadership position that underscores the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global space sector and international space governance.
The appointment was announced during the committee’s latest session in Vienna and was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia will be represented in the role by Muryah Al-Shahrani, general manager of Space Systems and Infrastructure at the Saudi Space Agency. Al-Shahrani is regarded as one of the Kingdom’s leading space specialists and has contributed to international initiatives on space governance, including participation in COPUOS activities and the global DebriSolver competition focused on addressing space debris challenges.
He has also played a key role in developing Saudi Arabia’s national capabilities in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), a field critical to monitoring and managing activities in Earth’s increasingly congested orbital environment.
The first vice-chair position forms part of the five-member Bureau that guides the work of COPUOS and its subsidiary bodies. The Bureau helps manage committee proceedings, facilitate consensus among member states and shape discussions on international policies governing the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 1959, COPUOS is the principal international forum for cooperation in space affairs and currently comprises 110 member states. The committee works to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing outer space while promoting international collaboration in space science, technology and exploration.
The committee meets annually in Vienna to discuss issues ranging from space debris, orbital safety and space weather to asteroid threats, climate monitoring, satellite navigation systems and the development of international space law.
Its work is supported by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, which oversees scientific, technical, legal and policy aspects of international space activities.
Saudi officials said the election reflects international confidence in the Kingdom’s contributions to the space sector and its support for the United Nations system. The appointment also highlights Saudi efforts to strengthen international cooperation and advance sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space.
The Kingdom has expanded its space ambitions in recent years through investments in research, satellite technologies, astronaut programs and international partnerships, positioning itself as an increasingly active player in the global space economy.
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Riyadh Air opens new chapter with maiden Boeing 787-9 flight to London
June 11, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air launched its first scheduled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the airline’s commercial rollout and the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
The inaugural flight, RX401, departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and arrived at London Heathrow at 7:30 a.m. local time, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
The service marks the operational debut of Riyadh Air’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 fleet, less than a week after the airline received its first custom-built Dreamliners. The carrier took delivery of its first two aircraft on June 5, followed by a third on June 7, with additional deliveries expected in the coming months.
The London flight represents a significant step for Riyadh Air, which had been operating daily services to Heathrow since October using its reserve aircraft “Jamila” under the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” readiness program. The initiative was designed to test operations, evaluate passenger touchpoints and prepare for full commercial service using the new Dreamliner fleet.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a four-class cabin configuration comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy, along with next-generation in-flight entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity and high-speed digital services that support the airline’s technology-focused business model.
Wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was launched in 2023 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand air connectivity, boost tourism and diversify the economy beyond oil. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate from Saudi aviation regulators in April 2025.
The carrier plans to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030 and is targeting nearly 20 destinations by the end of this year. Its current fleet deliveries form part of a broader order for 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with longer-term plans to expand to more than 180 aircraft.
Riyadh Air is expected to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation, with authorities projecting the airline will contribute nearly $20 billion to the non-oil economy and support more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The London Heathrow route will serve as the cornerstone of Riyadh Air’s international network as the carrier seeks to position Riyadh as a major gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe.
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Saudi FM participates in ministerial meeting between GCC and Canada
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a strategic dialogue ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Canada in Manama on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed relations between GCC countries and Canada, ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation, and joint coordination on issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting also discussed the latest regional and international developments, views on current events, and their repercussions on the region’s security and stability.
Participants emphasized the importance of intensifying international efforts to protect maritime routes and ensure freedom of international navigation, which would safeguard shared interests and strengthen regional and international stability, SPA added.
The meeting also discussed Iranian attacks on several countries in the region, most recently Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The GCC condemned these attacks and their repercussions on the security and territorial integrity of targeted nations and their airspace, and the undermining of efforts aimed at de-escalation and restoring security and stability in the region.
Prince Faisal was also received by the Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed relations among GCC member states, discussed ways to enhance joint Gulf action, and emphasized the council’s role and its mandated efforts to achieve coordination, integration, and cooperation among member states in various fields.
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Saudi camera operator tells of thrilling learning experience filming Hollywood movie ‘7 Dogs’
NADA ALTURKI
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: B-camera operator Ali Khalid Al-Ghamdi was one of 106 Saudi talents who helped bring the script for the Kingdom-backed Hollywood film “7 Dogs” to life on the screen.
The movie hit the headlines regionally and globally when it was released on May 27, with some hailing it as one of the biggest, most action-packed productions to emerge from the region.
Al-Ghamdi said his professional journey on set was filled with life-altering learning experiences, explosive action, fun moments with the cast and crew, and the creation of some unforgettable memories.
He is full of praise for directorial duo of Bilall Fallah and Adil El-Arbi, the filmmaking team who previously worked on movies such as “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Gangstas,” as well as the superhero TV series “Ms. Marvel.”
“They’re two directors but they are one mind,” he said. “They are terrifyingly in sync. They are crazy personalities with incredibly high energy levels, so they gave the set so much energy and vitality.”
He recalled his first day on set, when he had to shoot a scene with actor Martin Lawrence and one of the directors instructed him to use a “dutch tilt,” an angled camera technique that is used to generate suspense.
A little intimidated, Al-Ghamdi thought the director was asking him to pay attention and avoid any camera tilt, so he checked several times and said: “Nothing is tilted, man.” Then the director clarified: “Give me dutch.”
“I was filming on sets for at least three years at that point and no one had ever requested a dutch angle from me,” Al-Ghamdi said. “It was a weird request for me but after I did that I started using that technique. They brought me out of my box on so many levels.”
That was just one of the many things he said he learned on the film set. Another learning opportunity came from the chance to work with the second unit director of photography, Andrew Banwell, who had extensive experience in using a steadicam.
“This is the camera stabilizer I use, so I offered my device for free for them to use on set,” he said. His goal was not to get paid for renting out his equipment, though he did later receive a fee, it was to gain experience from watching an expert use it.
“In return, it’s a masterclass for me,” he said. “You can offer what you have, sometimes, and the return is way bigger than you expect.”
“7 Dogs” is considered one of the largest Arab cinematic productions to date. It was filmed in Riyadh and features a distinguished cast of leading Arab actors alongside international stars such as Lawrence, Monica Bellucci, Giancarlo Esposito and Salman Khan.
An action-thriller, its story centers on a complex mission that teams an Interpol agent with a member of the “7 Dogs” gang in a confrontation with a criminal network involved in drug trafficking.
The movie set a Guinness World Record for the largest on-screen explosion in cinema history, measured at 170.7 tonnes of TNT equivalent, and Al-Ghamdi was there to help capture it on film.
“The feeling of seeing this explosion happen in front of you can’t be described,” he said. “The world is shaking around you, and at the same time I have to hold my camera position knowing that there’s no second take. This is the shot of the film — it has to be done.”
He added that an important factor that helped ensure the scene was so successful was the amount of safety precautions: “The team was really vigilant in making sure we moved around safely on set.”
In addition to such big, dramatic moments, Al-Ghamdi also shared some of his lighter, funny moments with the actors, including the time he got a little too close to Esposito, which taught him that camera operators need to be ready to react to actors’ movements even if they shift off their marks.
“7 Dogs” was not Al-Ghamdi’s first time on the set of a big movie; he was previously a trainee-turned-camera assistant on the Anthony Mackie move “Desert Warrior,” which was shot in Neom, and “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” which was filmed in Estonia. He has also worked on Saudi productions, including the films “Alhamour H.A.” and “Sattar,” and the TV series “Shabab Albomb.”
The biggest difference between working on a Saudi production compared with an international one is the extent of the order and discipline, Al-Ghamdi said. For example, the call sheets for many Saudi productions only outline the time for filming and the scenes to be shot, while those for international productions also detail everyone’s duties during shooting.
He also had some sound advice for young Saudis interested in following in his footsteps and building a career in filmmaking.
“The biggest thing I would highlight to anyone who wants to work in the field is not to rush the learning experience,” he said. “For ‘Desert Warrior,’ all I did was fetch coffee and food, clean filters and lenses, but I wanted to learn. You have to learn in order to get to where you want to go.
“And don’t be afraid to ask questions or say what you want. There are a million ways to do things that you can’t learn from a curriculum.”
Saudi entertainment companies work to prioritize the inclusion of local talent on the sets of productions filmed in or funded by the Kingdom, so that the can gain experience and are exposed to every stage of the filmmaking process, from production planning to filming, location management and all of the supporting artistic elements that are essential to any fully realized cinematic work.
The Saudi participants in the production of “7Dogs” were distributed across several specialized teams, including 11 in production, six in directing, five in camera operations, four in art direction, four in makeup and hair, four in costume design, two in sound, two in behind-the-scenes support, and eight in other supporting departments. They also included 60 male and female trainees, reflecting the commitment to expanding hands-on learning opportunities.
“I always say, there are Saudis that can do the job,” Al-Ghamdi said. “There are a lot of people in Saudi Arabia, even, who doubt that, but there are … and I’d like to thank the guys at (production company) Sela Studio for pushing for us in these big Hollywood productions.”
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Saudi program to empower 500 Yemeni teachers with digital skills
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen signed an agreement with King Abdulaziz University’s Almobdioon Center for Studies and Research to implement a digital empowerment project for Yemeni teachers.
The project aims to strengthen the capabilities of 500 male and female teachers in Aden, Hadramout, Al-Mahra and Socotra in modern digital technologies.
It also seeks to enhance their professional and technical skills in the education process, the Saudi Press Agency recently reported.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, general supervisor of the program, and Esam Kawther, CEO of the center, represented their respective sides at the signing ceremony.
Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Afrah Al-Zouba and Deputy Minister of Education for the Training Sector Zaid Qahtan joined the ceremony remotely.
The project will enhance teachers’ technical and professional skills through a specialized training program combining in-person and virtual learning. It will enable educators to effectively integrate modern technologies into the classroom.
The program includes two main tracks. The first focuses on artificial intelligence and content generation, equipping teachers to use AI tools in developing educational materials.
The second focuses on digital instructional design, enabling people to create interactive digital learning content in line with modern educational practices.
The project is part of the Saudi program’s broader efforts to support Yemen’s education sector and strengthen human capital through sustainable development initiatives. These efforts aim to build national capabilities and keep pace with digital transformation in education.
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Saudi leadership extends condolences to president after Philippines earthquake
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent separate cables of condolences to the president of the Philippines after a powerful earthquake killed at least 45 people.
Monday’s quake was one of the most powerful to hit the Philippines in a half century. It injured at least 630 people and damaged more than 3,100 houses, 29 roads, 11 bridges and more than 100 government buildings.
More than 25,000 people remain displaced, many of them staying in 45 government-run emergency shelters and still too traumatized to return home, officials have said.
In a cable to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., King Salman extended his condolences to the president, the families of the deceased, and the people of the Philippines.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and that you may be spared any further harm,” the cable said.
The crown prince sent a similar cable.
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First Saudi Water Week to shape future of regional and global water sector
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the inaugural Saudi Water Week from June 28 to July 2, building on the legacy of previous sessions of the Saudi Water Forum as the Kingdom steps up efforts to strengthen water security and support sustainable water management.
The water week, which will be held in Jeddah, is expected to serve as a specialized international platform that brings together policymakers, experts, researchers, private-sector leaders, and stakeholders from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
According to the ministry, the Saudi Water Week will feature a wide range of specialized events, including the Arab Water Forum and the second stakeholder consultation meeting for the 11th World Water Forum.
The 11th World Water Forum, set to be held in Riyadh in 2027, is considered the world’s largest event focused on water issues, bringing together governments, international organizations and leading experts from around the globe.
The stakeholder consultation meeting for the 11th World Water Forum, which will take place during the water week, is viewed as a key milestone in preparations for the global event, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing international role in tackling water-related challenges and advancing global cooperation in the sector.
The Saudi Water Week will also include more than 97 panel discussions, technical workshops, and detailed presentations highlighting achievements in Saudi Arabia’s water sector and other national industries.
The ministry said the event reflects the Kingdom’s growing leadership role in advancing water systems at the local, regional and global levels.
Saudi Water Week aims to encourage knowledge exchange, address shared challenges and showcase practical solutions and advanced technologies, while also supporting strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the water sector in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
The event is expected to draw broad regional and international attention because of its strategic focus on water sustainability and its role in supporting economic development and quality of life.
The World Water Forum to be held in Riyadh will highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, conserving water, improving standards of living, and its key role in addressing regional and global issues related to water supplies.
World Water Council officials declared Riyadh as host for the international gathering after it secured a majority vote over Italy.
The World Water Council organizes the World Water Forum every three years with a host country, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and nurturing cooperation between global parties.
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Europe
Police called to Bolton mosque after reports of 'suspicious package'
Ramazani Mwamba
10 Jun 2026
Greater Manchester Police were called to a mosque in Bolton after the discovery of a 'suspicious package'. Officers attended the Zakariya Mosque in Bolton following reports of the incident on Wednesday (June 10).
A statement issued by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) said the package contained a 'device that was left in the masjid.'
The group said that GMP are investigating the matter. It added that while there was 'no cause for alarm' worshippers were encouraged to remain vigilant and continue reporting anything 'unusual or suspicious.'
The M.E.N understands the package contained a battery pack.
The full statement by BCoM, reads: "Dear respected members of the community,
There was an incident at Zakariya Mosque, Bolton this morning. This is an update regarding the incident.
A suspect package which contained a device was left in the masjid. BCOM is in communication with GMP and the local authority regarding this very serious matter. At present, the GMP are investigating this incident.
BCOM would encourage everyone attending the mosques for prayers to remain vigilant and report anything unusual or suspicious to the committees.
"Further, please note that if anyone notices any unattended item, package or object that causes concern then the following guidance should be adopted:
Do not touch, move, or investigate the suspect package yourself.
Move away from the immediate area.
Inform mosque officials immediately.
Contact 999 if there is an immediate safety concern.
"At this stage BCOM understands that there is no cause for alarm, but vigilance and cooperation would be appreciated. Whilst the investigation is ongoing we urge not to speculate anything.
"BCOM will provide further updates when additional information is available from the GMP. If anyone has witnessed anything on this matter, they must contact GMP with the log number 920 of today's date."
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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Dismissing Jim Allister's 'alien culture' remark was 'totally out of order' says England's first Muslim MP
By Adam Kula
10 Jun 2026
England’s first Muslim MP has said the Northern Ireland secretary was “totally out of order” to dismiss comments from Jim Allister about “the importation of an alien culture”.
Former long-time Birmingham Labour MP Khalid Mahmood was reacting to remarks made by TUV leader Mr Allister in the House of Commons on Tuesday in the wake of the knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night.
Mr Allister has since said he stands by those remarks.
Referring to the attack, over which a Sudanese immigrant has been charged, Mr Allister had said in Parliament: “What I want to know, and what I know that my constituents want to hear, is what will be done to stop the importation of an alien culture that thinks it is appropriate to try to behead someone within the United Kingdom.”
Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary, had responded: “I am sorry that the honourable and learned gentleman used the words ‘alien culture’; what exactly is he referring to?
“What the British people have had enough of is anyone, from wherever they come and whatever their background, who seeks to commit violence against citizens of the United Kingdom.”
Mr Mahmood, who lost his seat to a pro-Gaza independent in 2024, told GB News that Hilary Benn’s response is “totally out of order”.
He went on to say: “[For] somebody, wherever they have come from, to say that trying to behead somebody is a normal culture, that is absolutely wrong.”
He said the crime in this case was “barbaric, it’s horrid, and it’s not normal for any community, any society, or any peoples of this country – or any other country for that matter”.
Asked about his own comments in the Commons on ‘The World Tonight’ on Radio 4, Mr Allister said: “I think the secretary of state’s response showed just how out of touch he is with the reality if he thinks there’s nothing alien about that.”
The interviewer said the phrase “seems to paint an entire group of people rather than one specific individual”, to which Mr Allister replied: “A culture that thinks it’s ok to cut off someone’s head – that’s alien. Of course it is.”
The interviewer said “I come back to the fact it was a specific individual” who is alleged to have committed the offence.
“If that is a manifestation of his approach to how you should live and behave, then that is a manifestation of a culture that is alien to anyone right-thinking person in this United Kingdom, surely,” said Mr Allister.
He also said that the immigration background of the alleged perpetrator, who travelled from Sudan to France, then France to Dublin, then Dublin to Belfast, “is but a snapshot of what has been happening”.
He said: “This gentleman, he claims to be a refugee, but he passed through the safe country of France, he passed through the safe country of the Republic of Ireland, and he comes to the United Kingdom to demand refugee status.
“That in itself is making a mockery of the very principles of refugee operation which is meant to be it is offered in the first safe country.”
Also on GB News, independent peer and commentator Claire Fox was asked about people who would take offence at the phrase ‘alien culture’.
“Trying to demonise anyone who uses the wrong words is so at odds with the public mood,” she said.
“It’s an insult and a slap across the face to the public isn’t it, because the public are looking at this and they’re outraged, and everyone is saying ‘how dare you use that kind of language, you’re whipping up public anger’.
“It doesn’t need whipping up, mate.
“They’ve just watched the video.
“I mean it’s just ridiculous.”
She went on to add that “everybody has a responsibility to say that is a backward, alien culture… so ‘alien culture’ was well chosen”.
Mr Benn’s response is indicative of “politicians who are not allowing us to have a frank conversation”, she added.
Subsequently in the conservative magazine The Spectator, commentator Brendan O’Neill wrote: “Benn’s comment sums up everything that’s gone wrong in the political class.
“It confirms that the cult of relativism still swirls in establishment circles.
“To the modern left there is no greater thoughtcrime than to make a moral distinction between cultures.
“It is tantamount to heresy in their world to suggest that some cultures enjoy fewer virtues than others.”
Source: newsletter.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/dismissing-jim-allisters-alien-culture-remark-was-totally-out-of-order-says-englands-first-muslim-mp-8668355
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'Misleading commentary' over Borehamwood mosque condemned
10TH JUNE
“Misleading commentary” has been criticised amid plans for a mosque and community facility in Borehamwood.
The former Girl Guide hut by Maxwell Park has been operated by Borehamwood Islamic Society (BIS) since 2020 and has now been purchased by the society with a view to building a mosque.
Backlash followed the announcement amid claims that the park was under threat and the facility would be built on protected green space.
This morning (June 10), Hertsmere Borough Council shared a statement to clarify that “Maxwell Park itself is unaffected” and “the lease relates only to the former Girl Guide hut and its surrounding land”.
The land around the hut is currently tarmac and separated from the park by trees and fences, meaning no parkland or green space can be lost.
A "protect Maxwell Park" petition was started in response to the initial announcement, gathering 747 signatures, as residents also claimed to be organising a protest.
The petition says it is not in opposition to any “faith, community group, or lawful use of land”, but raises concerns about access to green space, local infrastructure, and parking capacity.
It calls for “thorough scrutiny” and “meaningful public consultation” over proposals affecting the park.
The council statement confirmed: “Any future construction will remain subject to the standard, rigorous statutory planning process.
“That process would consider all relevant matters, including traffic, parking, and environmental impact, alongside full public consultation.”
It added that BIS trustees showed clear intent to invest in the site and replace a dilapidated hut, which its group had outgrown, into a new self-funded facility.
The leasehold was sold at market value.
“While we welcome open, democratic debate about local developments, we strongly condemn and will continue to reject any attempt to use these matters to stoke division or spread misleading commentary,” the spokesperson added.
“We welcome the recent statement from Hertsmere's Faith Leaders reinforcing this stance.
“Hertsmere is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and the council will always work to keep it that way.”
The council and BIS have formally exchanged contracts and completed a 999-year lease transfer for the specific footprint of the former Guide Hut site. The community centre will be open to everyone in the area.
Source: watfordobserver.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/26182001.misleading-commentary-borehamwood-mosque-condemned/
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Zelensky under pressure to end row with Poland over WW2 name of army unit
Abdujalil Abdurasulov
11 Jun 2026
Ukraine is facing a major diplomatic fallout with key ally Poland, after Kyiv decided to name a military unit after controversial World War Two fighters, reopening a painful chapter from the past.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki is considering stripping Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky of the country's highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle.
Nawrocki has already consulted with the council of the order and says he will decide whether to revoke the honour "in due course".
The spat began when Zelensky issued a decree late last month naming a military unit of the Special Operations Forces after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which existed in the 1940s and 1950s.
Many in Ukraine regard the UPA's members as heroes who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Soviet Red Army as well as Nazi Germany and Polish authorities. So for Ukrainians the title "Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army" is a major honour.
Poland, however, accuses UPA of carrying out a genocide of ethnic Poles in Volhynia (now Volyn in Ukraine) in 1943-45. Zelensky's decree caused significant outrage in Poland, and Nawrocki condemned it as "glorification of bandits and killers".
There has been criticism from across the political spectrum – from far-right to left-wing groups.
Many felt Ukraine was ungrateful to Poland, which opened its borders to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the full-scale Russian invasion, and continues to provide shelter to almost a million refugees.
Some MPs from the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) have called for "a drastic reassessment of relations" with Kyiv.
The leader of the far-right Confederation party, Krzysztof Bosak, has demanded that Warsaw stop funding the Starlink satellite services that Ukraine's army has come to rely on, as well as blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU until Kyiv reverses its decision.
Nawrocki himself said Zelensky's decision showed that "Ukraine is not ready to join the European family".
Even politicians regarded as "pro-Ukrainian" have strongly condemned Zelensky's controversial decree.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Kyiv to look for solutions: "If not, it will mean that not empathy but hard business will determine our relations."
For Ukraine, the UPA is a symbol of resistance and struggle for independence, even though Warsaw says about 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed in the Volhynia massacres.
The group's red and black flag is often used by Ukrainian troops on the front line today. That's why, in his decree, Zelensky said he was using the UPA's name "with the aim of restoring the historical traditions of the national army".
Kyiv has not officially responded to the criticism from Poland, although the foreign ministry has stressed it had no intention to cause offence.
But Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, travelled to Warsaw last weekend following Nawrocki's threat to strip the Ukrainian president of the Order of the White Eagle.
Budanov's mission was to ease tensions and end the crisis, but it appears his trip failed as after his visit Nawrocki gathered the council of the Order to discuss this issue further. Even Tusk later admitted that "diplomacy has yielded no results".
The Ukrainian leader, who usually makes foreign trips from the Polish airport of Rzeszów chose this week to fly to the UK via Moldova.
Tusk has made clear that the airport is not closed to Zelensky: "I am not going to tell him where and how to fly."
However, analysts worry that stripping Zelensky of the order may lead to a major diplomatic rupture that can have serious repercussions for both countries.
Discontent among the Poles already threatens to overshadow an upcoming conference on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction scheduled later this month in the northern Polish city of Gdansk. Poland's foreign minister has indicated Zelensky may choose not to attend.
The tensions could also strengthen parties on the right that have been critical of support for Ukraine, observers believe.
The Polish Order of the White Eagle bestowed on Zelensky in 2023 by then President Andrzej Duda can be revoked if he is deemed to have "committed an act making them unworthy" of the honour.
However, commentators suggest such a move may require the support of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
And Tusk is seeking to dampen the spat, appealing to both Zelensky and Nawrocki to have "a direct and honest conversation" before things spiral out of hand.
"Co-operation serves the interest of both our states and nations, while conflict serves Moscow's interests", he said.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c992r4kn5j9o
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Ukraine says missiles hit military plant deep inside Russia
11 Jun 2026
Jaroslav Lukiv
Ukrainian forces have carried out a missile attack deep inside Russia, hitting a major military plant overnight, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
He said FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles struck the drone and missile plant in the city of Cheboksary, in the Chuvash Republic, more than 900km (560 miles) from the front line. Local officials said three people were injured in a missile attack on the city.
Ukraine also said it had hit the Moscow-occupied port of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, a Russian oil refinery in Samara and a "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the Black Sea.
In recent months, Ukraine's military has intensified its drone strikes on key facilities across Russia.
Kyiv says energy sites are legitimate targets, as they allow Moscow to continue its war effort. However, missile attacks deep inside Russia have been rare.
Russia's military said that its air defence units had intercepted or shot down 326 Ukrainian drones over a number of regions overnight.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force said it downed 181 out of 207 drones fired by Russia during that time. It also admitted 21 direct hits in 14 locations.
At least two people were killed and 26 injured, including two children, in four Ukrainian regions in the past 24 hours, local officials said.
In a post on Telegram on Wednesday, President Zelensky wrote: "Overnight, Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingos hit a military plant in Cheboksary that supplies the occupier's army with components for drones and missiles".
He also published footage said to be showing a missile flying toward its target and plumes of smoke from a facility.
Ukraine's military later said the VNIIR-Progress plant had been struck and there had been a fire at the site.
Chuvash Republic head Oleg Nikolaev confirmed that Cheboksary had been hit, reporting three injuries. He did not say whether the military plant was damaged.
The FP-5 Flamingo missile has a 1,150kg (2,535lbs) warhead and a reported range of 3,000km, putting Russia's capital Moscow and other major cities well within its range.
Together with its Western allies, Ukraine has also been actively developing other types of missiles in order to maximise the costs of Russia's full-scale invasion launched in 2022 and force Moscow to seek a settlement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected all negotiation proposals.
Last week, Putin said he did not see any point in meeting Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader requested face-to-face talks to try to end the war.
The Kremlin leader also insisted that Russian troops were advancing everywhere on the vast front line - although evidence shows that the front has been virtually static in the past several months.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yzm2nzgr2o
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Ukraine conflict is ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Russian speakers – Candace Owens
10 Jun, 2026
The Ukraine conflict appears to be an “ethnic cleansing” project aimed at removing the Russian-speaking population from the country’s eastern border regions, US conservative commentator Candace Owens has said.
Owens made the remarks in an interview with Russian filmmaker and TV host Nikita Mikhalkov during a discussion about the roots of the conflict and the West’s attitude toward Russia.
“I think what’s happening in Ukraine is an ethnic cleansing,” Owens said, arguing that it was “obvious” that large numbers of fighting-age men were being killed, and suggested that “the ultimate goal” of those behind the conflict was to move in “other people” to Ukraine’s border regions.
Moscow has long maintained that the conflict stems from the Western-backed 2014 coup in Kiev, which overthrew then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, and the subsequent military campaign launched by the new authorities against Donbass, where much of the population is Russian-speaking and historically close to Russia.
Mikhalkov stressed that Russia was not fighting Ukrainians but “Satan,” arguing that Kiev had turned against Russia, the Orthodox faith and the shared history of the two peoples. Since 2014, Ukraine has effectively banned the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and barred the use of the Russian language in virtually all aspects of life.
Owens agreed with the broader religious framing of the conflict, suggesting that “satanic” forces have established a foothold in the West. She pointed to modern France and the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which included a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper with drag performers and LGBT imagery, as an example of Satanism and a mockery of Christianity.
She also noted that “satanic” forces in the West fear Russia because its emphasis on history gives people a different understanding of the world.
Owens linked that idea to several major revolutions, including the French Revolution of 1789 and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which she described as “satanic.” After taking power, the Bolsheviks launched a violent anti-religious campaign against the Russian Orthodox Church, seizing church property, persecuting clergy and promoting state atheism.
Owens stated that the West’s continued hostility toward Russia appears to be driven by the descendants of Russian Jewish families associated with the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and the Bolshevik Revolution. She argued that in the early 20th century, many of these families emigrated to the West, where they gained influence and power, including in the media, and have continued to promote anti-Russian narratives.
Russia has repeatedly argued that the Ukraine conflict was triggered by Kiev’s persecution of Russian speakers in Donbass and by Western efforts to turn Ukraine into an anti-Russian project. Kiev and its Western backers have rejected Moscow’s justification for the military operation, describing it as an unprovoked invasion.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/641363-owens-ukraine-ethnic-cleansing/
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Arrogance and downfall: Germany gets a well-deserved UN put-down
10 Jun, 2026
“Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall” (arrogance precedes a fall) says a proverb every German knows. That, you may say, is little wonder, considering how the last two world wars started and ended.
But the saying is much older. It is rooted in Martin Luther’s punchy translation of the Old Testament (in the English King James Bible, the relevant passage reads “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”). Clearly, the admonition not to preen and strut lest you stumble and fall flat on your silly, overbearing face is addressed to all of us, including, for instance, Americans and Israelis.
Yet recent events at the United Nations have highlighted the pertinence of – to use a term less harsh than arrogance – an over-optimistically biased lack of self-awareness to the case of contemporary Germany. Or to be precise, its political elites. Berlin, in essence, has been humiliated in public, before literally the whole world: Applying for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, it lost the vote in the UN General Assembly.
The rotating non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council are, to put it mildly, not terribly powerful resources. Their value is at least as much a matter of political symbolism and prestige as of practical benefits. But it would be foolish to conclude that Germany’s defeat does not matter. On the contrary, it is precisely the fact that such a seat does not pack a mighty punch that makes the failure to obtain one even worse: How hard can it be? Obviously too hard for the current Berlin team.
Hence, ironically, although objectively the stakes were not that high, this is a massive setback and great embarrassment for official Germany. One reason is that a de facto routine has been broken. You might even say a tradition going all the way back to the last century’s Cold War. Since the 1973 admission as full UN members of both Cold War Germanies, East and West, first West then united Germany (in effect, West Germany after gobbling up its former rival), has held a non-permanent seat six times and, often forgotten now, the former East Germany once. This is Germany’s first ever failure to achieve what had come to look like the default: getting what it wants.
Instead, Austria and Portugal did. Voting for non-permanent security council seats is complicated and split by regions. That’s why only Lisbon and Vienna were Germany’s direct competitors in the same regional box, as it were. Yet if you list all other countries that have made it this year while Germany did not, they also include Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.
No wonder the Germans have been even glummer than when they lose a football match. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who had traveled to New York to lecture the world and score what looked like an easy win, deplored a “bitter defeat” (but is unwilling to do the right thing and resign).
The staid Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) noted a “resounding” debacle. Influential business newspaper Wirtschaftswoche registered a “harsh setback” for not only Wadephul but also his boss, Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Both – proud of their dull unanimity – have long sought to claim a larger international role for Berlin in Europe, as well as globally. Yet they find their iteration of Germany rejected by the closest thing to a world parliament as no German government has before.
Even worse, while international ‘leadership’ is clearly out of reach, as no one wants German leaders – who would have thought – even more modest ambitions seem unrealistic. An editorial in Spiegel, Germany’s Pravda of radical Centrism, despairs that Berlin might as well say goodbye to its dreams of playing “Mittelmacht” (a middle power) and has now arrived at the glorious status of “Kleinstaat,” literally meaning simply a small state, but in reality, if you know German mentality, a thing comical at best (when it happens to, say, Liechtenstein) and a tragic disgrace when it happens to Germany.
And to be fair, there is something odd about Germany not even maintaining its very moderate clout and prestige at the UN. You don’t have to be a German nationalist to notice a discrepancy between Germany’s economic and demographic weight – both declining badly but still comparatively substantial – and its traditional role as a major player in at least the US vassal version of Europe on one side and its crass humiliation at the UN on the other.
So what happened? It’s no mystery. Indeed, the reasons for Berlin’s fiasco are embarrassingly obvious. First of all, Germany has sided with Israel with abject and revolting obstinacy. The question why the country that absurdly claims to have learned from having committed the Holocaust has chosen to pro-actively support the mass murder of the Palestinians (and the Lebanese as well) and to suppress, often brutally, any solidarity with these victims will keep historians busy for a long time. But it is obvious already that, once again, Germany’s horrific failure is seen by the whole world and won’t be forgotten. That vote at the UN is just a foretaste of punishment to come.
In Europe, an economically stagnant but massively re-militarizing Germany has acquired a new profile as the single Western state most responsible for prolonging the Ukraine war – that is the massive abuse of Ukrainians as cannon fodder in a failed attempt to degrade Russia geopolitically after even the US has shed that role. But much of the world wants this war to end and has no misguided sympathy for the ultra-corrupt Zelensky regime.
Such international observers also note that Berlin is willing to humbly, perversely accept a massive attack on its vital infrastructure by precisely that Zelensky regime and, most likely, several of its NATO ‘allies’ as well. This repulsive mix of aggressiveness and a cowardly failure to protect elementary national interests cannot produce respect or sympathy. It certainly doesn’t say “vote for me, I am reliable.”
Then there is the pronounced German habit of lecturing the world but especially anyone not European or North American on, well, everything you can think of. China, for instance, when it doesn’t simply disinvite Germans as it very understandably now does, gets to hear daft, stale, and holier-than-thou sermons about ‘democratic values’ – from a country where a whole left-wing opposition party (the BSW) hasn’t made it into parliament due to extremely suspicious, systemic-looking miscounts.
Human rights and rule of law are also great things to preach about stupidly, while you stomp out freedom of opinion and the media by misusing sanctions meant for international politics to harass and destroy individual dissidents, such as, for instance, the Berlin journalist Hüseyin Doğru and his whole family. “Sippenhaft” is one of the ugliest words in German, meaning to punish and terrorize whole families. Observers of Doğru’s vicious, fundamentally arbitrary and lawless persecution have started using it. And rightly so.
And then, there is the icky submissiveness to the US, of course. Even while Berlin has managed to personally antagonize US President Donald Trump – not hard to do, admittedly – it also cannot find clear words about either the Iran war, where it loves to perversely blame and hector the victims in Tehran, or for instance, the harrowing of Venezuela and Cuba. Why would anyone entrust additional power to spineless weaklings?
There are specific solo performances as well: Wadephul’s predecessor Annalena Baerbock is infamous for her inanities, covering areas from elementary geometry (360 degrees and all that) to accidental declarations of war. Indeed, some Germans have long called her “cringe personified.” But is Wadephul really any better? He has just used his pre-voting speech at the UN – the job interview, in essence – to once again unfold his embarrassingly deranged pet theory that states which he deems rogue, for instance Iran, have no right to the protections of international law. Obviously intellectually absurd and shabbily motivated, such plain nonsense, which would make international law superfluous, from a trained lawyer who also happens to be a foreign minister makes Germany look stupid as well as dishonest.
Germany to the world: We are not sending our best to work with you. That’s not a great message when you would like the world to like and trust you because it reeks of haughtiness and disrespect. But there is a worse possibility. What if more and more of our fellow nations on this globe conclude that Baerbock and Wadephul actually are our best?
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/641348-germany-un-put-down/
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North America
CAIR-NY Condemns Rep. Lawler and EPA Administrator Zeldin for Appearing with Sid Rosenberg After Anti-Muslim ‘Cockroach’ Remark Targeting Mayor Mamdani
June 10, 2026
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Congressman Mike Lawler and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for appearing alongside the radio host Sid Rosenberg at the annual Lincoln Ball Dinner in Rockland County after Rosenberg previously attempted to dehumanize the Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, by calling him a “Radical Islam cockroach” on social media.
Rosenberg posted a photo from the event showing himself with Congressman Lawler, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and others, stating he had a “huge night” in Rockland County and praised those pictured.
Rosenberg’s attack on Mayor Mamdani was not an isolated incident. CAIR-NY has previously
called on 77 WBAC to drop Rosenberg over his history of racism, including comments about 9/11 and past remarks about Black women athletes. Before his more recent incident calling Mayor Mamdani a ‘cockroach,’ he had compared Black women to animals.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:
“Congressman Lawler and Administrator Zeldin should be ashamed to appear with and celebrate Sid Rosenberg. Rosenberg is a man who has clearly and openly demonstrated his racism. A few months ago, he called Mayor Mamdani a ‘cockroach.’ In the past, he called black women athletes ‘animals.’ Public officials have a responsibility to promote respect for all New Yorkers, not socialize with notoriously racist Islamophobes who spread bigotry and division.”
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-condemns-rep-lawler-and-epa-administrator-zeldin-for-appearing-with-sid-rosenberg-after-anti-muslim-cockroach-remark-targeting-mayor-mamdani/
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CAIR-Arizona Calls for Accountability After Peoria School Board Member’s Islamophobic Posts, Raises Concerns Over Effort to Restrict Public Participation
June 10, 2026
The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, yesterday joined parents, students, educators, faith leaders, and community members at the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board meeting to demand accountability following Islamophobic social media posts made by Governing Board Member Janelle Bowles.
Multiple community members addressed the board during public comment, expressing concern that anti-Muslim rhetoric from an elected school board official creates a hostile environment for Muslim students and families and undermines the district’s obligation to provide a safe and inclusive educational environment for all students.
During the meeting, speakers called on Board Member Bowles to resign, publicly apologize for the posts, and urged the Governing Board to publicly reaffirm its commitment to protecting Muslim students, families, and staff from discrimination and bias.
Following public comment, Board Member Bowles requested a future board agenda item to seek legal advice regarding the possibility of banning “certain individuals or organizations” from participating in board meetings, stating that “it was demonstrated very clearly tonight that political agendas are everywhere.” The request came after numerous community members criticized her anti-Muslim social media posts and called for accountability.
In a statement, CAIR-AZ civil rights attorney Martin Quezada said:
“Board members have a moral obligation to protect all children. If Board Member Bowles were to act on these beliefs in her official capacity, it would be an unlawful violation of the Civil Rights Act. Muslim students cannot afford a board member who sees them as a threat rather than as children in her care.”
In a statement, Azza Abuseif, Executive Director of CAIR-Arizona, said:
“It is deeply troubling that after hearing concerns from Muslim families and community members, Board Member Bowles responded by exploring whether certain individuals or organizations could be banned from future meetings.
“Public officials should welcome accountability, not seek ways to limit public participation. Muslim students and families deserve to know their concerns will be heard and taken seriously.”
CAIR-Arizona calls on Board Member Bowles to issue a public apology and urges the Governing Board to publicly affirm its commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of faith, feel safe, respected, and welcome in Peoria Unified schools.
CAIR-Arizona remains committed to working with community members, district leadership, and elected officials to ensure that students of all faiths are able to learn in an environment free from discrimination, bias, and religious hostility.
Community members who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or bias targeting Muslims or other marginalized groups are encouraged to report incidents to school officials and to CAIR-Arizona.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-arizona-calls-for-accountability-after-peoria-school-board-members-islamophobic-posts-raises-concerns-over-effort-to-restrict-public-participation/
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CAIR Welcomes Hate Crime Charges for Reported Assault on Honduran Man in Tennessee
June 10, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed hate crime charges against a Roane County, Tennessee, man accused of violently assaulting a Honduran man inside his home.
Prosecutors allege that Roy McGraw broke into the mobile home on a property that he managed and assaulted the homeowner. McGraw reportedly stated that the man did not belong there and ordered him to leave the property before chasing him with a baseball bat and threatening his life. McGraw is currently facing assault and hate crime charges, and prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to revoke his bond.
“We welcome the hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrator of this crime and thank law enforcement authorities for acting swiftly,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “All acts of bigoted violence must be taken seriously and prosecuted.
CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim hate, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-hate-crime-charges-for-reported-assault-on-honduran-man-in-tennessee/
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Trump says he 'loves the inflation' as US prices rise at fastest rate in three years
Archie Mitchell
Jun 11, 2026
President Donald Trump has said he "loves the inflation" as US prices rose last month at their fastest rate in three years.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures showed prices went up by 4.2% in May from a year earlier. The increase, from 3.8% in April, was driven by rising energy costs in the wake of the US-Israel war in Iran.
"I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation," Trump said at the White House.
But he promised the rising prices would "come down like a rock" when the war with Iran was over. Later in the day, the US military bombed Iran.
Reacting to the inflation figures on Wednesday, the president said US forces had conducted nighttime operations to take "millions of barrels" of oil from Iran, which he said had contributed to a slight drop in oil prices.
"When this conflict is over… you will see oil drop to where it was before," he told reporters in the White House.
The president pointed to a trip to Iowa in early 2026, saying he saw petrol selling for $1.85 per gallon, adding that "we will be back at those levels very soon".
The global benchmark for oil, Brent crude, is still trading significantly higher than pre-war levels.
Trump told the New York Post later his remarks were taken out of context and he meant inflation is "much lower than anticipated", despite the Iran war.
Wednesday marked the third month in a row the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen, with households increasingly feeling the strain of the US and Israel's war in Iran.
Trump has previously said that inflation is only heating up temporarily, and he expects it to rapidly cool once the war ends.
Inflation is still far below the peak of 9.1% under his predecessor Joe Biden in mid-2022.
Still, it poses a political problem for Trump, given that voters have ranked the economy as a top concern ahead of November's midterm elections.
Higher inflation raises the likelihood of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates in a bid to curtail spending.
Overall energy bills including gas and electricity were almost a quarter higher in May than a year earlier, with petrol responsible for much of the increase.
According to separate figures from motoring group the AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular petrol in the US is currently $4.15, a sharp increase from $2.98 on February 28, when Trump launched strikes on Iran.
In response to the strikes, Iran has effectively shuttered the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway, which typically ships around a fifth of the world's oil and gas, choking supply.
On Wednesday night, the US military said it had launched strikes on Iran for the second time in as many days.
Both sides have been exchanging fire this week - despite a ceasefire that took effect in April. The conflict began more than three months ago.
The BLS figures also pointed to the increasing cost of plane tickets, personal and medical care, recreation and communication.
The CPI is a measure of how much prices have risen in a given month compared to the same month a year prior. The Fed's long-term inflation target is 2%.
Economists have warned that, even with a swift resolution to the Iran war, it could take until 2027 for the normal flow of goods through the Strait of Hormuz to be restored.
Trump, a Republican, promised in his 2024 campaign that cutting inflation would be at the heart of his agenda.
But his remark on Wednesday appearing to embrace rising prices was seized upon by opponents. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X. "His contempt for you knows no bounds."
Trump was also criticised last month for saying he was "not even a little bit" influenced by Americans' financial situation when it came to ensuring Iran did not develop nuclear weapons.
Higher inflation poses a challenge, too, for Kevin Warsh, the new governor of the Fed, ahead of his first interest rate decision in charge of the central bank next week.
When inflation is significantly above the Fed's target rate, the central bank's board of governors typically moves to raise interest rates. This in turn pushes up borrowing costs and restricts the flow of money in the economy, limiting further price hikes and bringing inflation under control.
In the run up to Warsh's appointment, Trump repeatedly called on his predecessor, Jerome Powell, and the central bank to cut interest rates.
Economists expect rates to remain at their current level, between 3.5% and 3.75%, next month, but warned further evidence of inflation persisting could force the Fed into a rate increase.
Stephen Brown, chief North America economist at Capital Economics, said May's rise alone was "not large enough to prove any ammo" to those on the Fed's rate-setting committee who want to push interest rates up.
But Isaac Stell, investment manager at asset manager Wealth Club, said an interest rate hike is "the most logical conclusion from today's data combined with last week's healthy jobs numbers".
Source: bbc.com
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Milwaukee Muslim leader has unmet medical, religious needs in immigration detention, lawyers say
June 10, 2026
Salah Sarsour, the leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, has lost 30 pounds in the two months that he’s been in immigration detention, his attorneys say.
Sarsour’s federal case, in which advocates say the legal permanent resident is being targeted because of his pro-Palestinian advocacy, proceeded with a status hearing in district court Monday.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has accused Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, of lying on his immigration forms when he arrived from Ramallah three decades ago. He was arrested on March 30 and is being held in the Clay County Jail in Indiana.
Sarsour’s team has filed both a claim that Sarsour should be permanently freed, arguing that Sarsour’s overall detention is illegal, as well as a motion that he should be released sooner because of his deteriorating health. His lawyers also allege that his religious rights as a devout Muslim have been violated while in detention. In a letter filed to the court on May 29, Sarsour’s team said that Sarsour, who is diabetic, is not receiving regular blood sugar tests or medication. They also said that Sarsour’s ability to pray five times a day, in accordance with his faith, has been disturbed by guards.
“The continued detention of Mr. Sarsour—and his separation from his community and family—appears purely punitive; it continues to chill the speech of Mr. Sarsour and others seeking to speak out about Palestinian human rights,” the letter reads.
In a response, lawyers from the Department of Justice called those claims “unfounded.”
“(Sarsour’s) detention pending removal proceedings is entirely lawful and his belated conditions-based allegations do not support his request for release,” they wrote.
Attorneys reiterated these arguments on Monday before U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, a nominee of President Donald Trump in the Southern District of Indiana.
Sarsour’s advocates said that he has not been provided with halal meals and that one diabetes-friendly snack he’d been offered was barbecue pork rinds, which many observant Muslims do not eat. Under those conditions, they said he had lost 30 pounds.
“Those are simply not adequate accommodations,” said one of his attorneys, Luna Droubi, on Monday.
Lawyers for the government refuted those claims. They said that Sarsour’s glucose had been checked daily for a week, until a doctor determined he only needed monthly checks. The attorney said that Sarsour’s glucose didn’t change in that time, that he is receiving daily diabetes medicine and a diabetes-responsive diet.
They also said that Sarsour was provided with an Arabic-language Quran by outside supporters and that his daily prayers are accommodated, but within “regular security measures within the jail.”
Judge Hanlon on Monday said he was “doing his best” to review those petitions quickly.
Salah Sarsour’s federal and immigration cases
Sarsour was arrested shortly after leaving his home in Franklin on March 30. In a statement, DHS called Sarsour a “terrorist” who had thrown Molotov cocktails at Israeli military members and lied about it on his green card application.
Sarsour’s supporters have said he was convicted of that as a teenager growing up in the West Bank, but dispute the details of the charges, which they argue were fabricated by the Israeli government.
Shortly after he was arrested, lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus, which argues that Sarsour, a Palestinian native and activist for Palestinian rights, had been targeted on the basis of First Amendment-protected free speech while in the United States.
“It is definitely part of a pattern by this government of pursuing immigration cases against people whose advocacy, whose beliefs, whose activism this government doesn’t like,” said Samuel Cole, chief immigration litigation counsel with the ACLU of Illinois, which is supporting Sarsour’s case.
But in the meantime, Cole argued, Sarsour’s treatment in county jail justifies immediate release.
“There are some pretty extraordinary things going on here that would justify his release before the district judge even makes a decision on the habeas petition,” Cole said. “There’s no way to remedy the fact that he’s now been in jail since March 30, so it’s over two months.”
Sarsour’s lawyers first filed a motion for Sarsour to be released on bail in late April, citing the “extraordinary” nature of his detention, as well as his medical conditions.
“Respondents can point to no act—even a pretextual one—committed in the last 30 years which would warrant his sudden arrest and detention today,” they wrote. “Instead, Mr. Sarsour was whisked away from his wife, kids, grandkids, and mother on a Monday morning while on his way to work.”
In response, the government argued that Sarsour is “deportable for several reasons completely unrelated to his speech.”
Separately, Sarsour’s immigration case continues to unfold. The next hearing in those proceedings will be on June 24.
Source: wisconsinwatch.org
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Canada proposes teen social media ban - with workaround for tech firms
Jun 11, 2026
Nadine Yousif
Canada is proposing a social media ban for children and teenagers under the age of 16, mirroring a similar law passed in Australia late last year.
But unlike Australia's law, tech firms could sidestep Canada's ban if they demonstrate they have policies to minimise harm to minors.
The law includes sweeping measures to regulate AI chatbots and curtail "harmful content" online. It would create a regulator to ensure tech firms comply. Some free speech groups have warned it would expand censorship.
It comes amid calls from parents and advocates to bolster children's safety online and as other countries - including the UK - eye similar bans.
The law is being proposed ahead of the upcoming G7 summit in France next week, where world leaders are expected to discuss and issue statements on AI and protecting children from online harm.
Canada's proposed law - the Safe Social Media Act - was put forward in the House of Commons on Wednesday by Culture Minister Marc Miller.
Earlier in the week, Miller said passing a law that addresses online harms was a priority for the Canadian government because "kids are dying".
"Suffice to say, we will take all reasonable measures to make sure kids are safe in this country," he told reporters.
Pressure has been mounting on Canada to pass legislation on online safety after the previous Liberal government failed twice to implement one.
Other countries have already enacted similar laws, including the UK with its Online Safety Act, as well as France and New Zealand.
AI safety has been at the forefront in Canada after a deadly February mass school shooting in British Columbia, where the 18-year-old suspect was revealed to have used ChatGPT to discuss gun violence months before the attack. Eight people, including six young children, were killed.
OpenAI has since come under fire for failing to report the suspect's account to police, prompting a written apology to the victims' families by CEO Sam Altman.
There is no broad consensus, however, on whether Canada should pass legislation on online harms.
Some free speech groups have argued the issue should be addressed within existing laws under Canada's criminal code.
The text of the newly proposed Bill C-34 lists seven categories of "harmful content", which includes material bullying a child, or that foments hatred, or incites violence.
The BBC contacted the Canadian justice and culture ministries seeking clarity on these criteria, but did not receive a reply.
The maximum penalty for a violation is the greater of $10m ($7m; £5m), or 3% of gross global revenue.
The government says the law would create a new independent regulator, the Digital Safety Commission of Canada. Its members would be appointed by the cabinet, according to briefing documents.
UK eyeing social media ban
Social media bans for teenagers are being considered by other countries, including the UK, with an announcement expected next week on a ban for those under the age of 16.
In Greece, a ban for children under the age of 15 is set to take effect in January.
Six months ago, Australia became the first country to ban access to social media for young teenagers and children, though it has since been criticised for not being effective.
The law bars those under 16 from creating a new account on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. It also deactivated existing ones.
Social media companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$32m, £25m) for serious or repeat breaches. The law mandates that firms take "reasonable steps" to keep kids off their platforms, and should use multiple age assurance technologies like IDs, face or voice recognition.
But in a recent survey of parents by the Australian government, around 70% said their children were still on social media. Many also said their children were not asked by platforms to verify their age after the law was enacted.
The Australian government has said it has opened five investigations into alleged non-compliance, including by Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
Sara Austin, whose organisation Children First Canada has long advocated for an online harms law, said Canada's decision to include an exemption clause could be a positive as it offers an incentive for firms to enact better safety policies overall.
This, she said, "will not only benefit children, but will also benefit all Canadians" using these platforms.
Austin added that while Canada has lagged behind its peers on addressing online safety, she hopes the proposed law is an opportunity to set a precedent ahead of the G7 summit.
Source: bbc.com
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Knicks owner clashes with Mamdani over tight security, cancelling NBA Finals watch party
Jun 11, 2026
Sakshi Venkatraman
The last-minute cancellation of a watch party for Wednesday's NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden has sparked a blame game between the owner of the New York Knicks and the city's mayor.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Knicks owner James Dolan had "decided to cancel the watch party" for game four, which he said was "breaking hearts across our city".
But Dolan blamed Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica, calling them "party poopers" and citing enhanced security around the Manhattan venue. It comes after a watch party at nearby Bryant Park turned violent on Monday.
Hosting its first NBA Finals in 27 years, the Knicks is playing the San Antonio Spurs in a best-of-seven series of games.
Taylor Swift was among celebrities seen in the crowd at the game on Wednesday night.
Dolan faulted Mamdani and Tisch for increased security around Madison Square Garden, saying during a sports radio show interview that there would be no longer be screens outside the arena showing the game.
"This is about celebrating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, at the Mecca of basketball," Dolan said. "This is what the mayor's office and the commissioner's office is trying to kill. They don't want the celebration."
Mamdani said on X soon afterwards that the venue had requested a permit for a watch party for up to 999 fans, which the city had approved.
The mayor had stressed the importance of safety on Tuesday. "As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence," Mamdani said.
Tisch also warned the public that they should again expect New Year's Eve-levels of security, similar to when Trump attended the game Monday. Everyone will be screened, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which advised attendees to "get there early and leave the bags at home".
Dolan responded on Tuesday slamming Mamdani and Tisch as "New York City's biggest party poopers".
"We now know that these restrictions were never about the President. It was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate," he said.
Asked about Dolan's comments during a press conference, Mamdani said the security measures fit a gathering the size of the watch party.
The Knicks lost 111-115 at Madison Square Garden to the Spurs in game three of the best-of-seven NBA finals on Monday, cutting their lead in the series to 2-1.
The Knicks haven't been in the finals since 1999, at which time they lost to the Spurs, and New Yorkers have been out in the streets celebrating each win.
"The city is electric," a fan told the BBC.
President Donald Trump attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday and sat with Dolan in a luxury suite.
His attendance led to the cancellation of a watch party near the arena and the installation of a fenced perimeter around the arena and surrounding streets.
Those without tickets turned to watch parties, including one organised by the city at nearby Bryant Park.
Thousands of people eventually flooded the area, blocking traffic, standing on cars and climbing building scaffolding to see the screens.
The crowed turned violent, police say, brawling and throwing glass objects at each other. Some 21 people were arrested.
Video also went viral showing a mob violently assaulting a 39-year-old Spurs fan as he walked back to his hotel room.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama called the violence "unacceptable". NYPD is hunting for the suspects.
Celebrity fans of the Knicks also cautioned fans against getting violent.
"Being a Knick fan doesn't mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way," said actor Ben Stiller.
Source: bbc.com
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Southeast Asia
Non-Muslim religious council objects to Selangor worship-house guidelines, says 5,000-resident rule and commercial-lot restrictions unrealistic
10 Jun 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has objected to parts of Selangor’s 2025 planning guidelines for non-Muslim houses of worship, saying several conditions for obtaining prayer spaces were too restrictive.
In a position paper sighted by Malay Mail, the council said among its objections was a requirement for a population catchment of 5,000 residents, or 1,250 housing units, with a minimum 1.5-acre site set aside for all non-Muslim houses of worship.
“For followers of a religion, for example the Sikh community, if there are only about 20 families, or about 100 people, in a housing development area, they will not meet the criteria, but for the Sikh community, a house of worship is very much needed as they are required to pray at least in the morning and evening, usually in a gurdwara,” it said.
The council said the threshold was unsuitable, arguing that communities in developments with fewer than 5,000 residents would still need places of worship.
It proposed that the threshold be lowered to 1,500 residents, or 375 housing units, while retaining the minimum 1.5-acre site requirement.
MCCBCHST also objected to restrictions against placing non-Muslim houses of worship in commercial business zones, converting existing buildings into places of worship, and using residential houses for worship purposes.
It said such applications should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The council added that many non-Muslim houses of worship had operated peacefully in commercial areas for years, and that suitable commercial and industrial lots should remain available for such use as not enough dedicated land had been set aside for such purposes.
It further raised concern over a height condition stating that non-Muslim houses of worship should not exceed 72 feet or the height of a mosque in the same or nearby area.
MCCBCHST said this should be reviewed, especially where religious buildings require taller structures such as statues, arches or towers.
The council also argued that the condition relating to mosque height could conflict with constitutional protections on equality and freedom of religion.
The council also said the Selangor government did not consult it during the preparation of the Selangor 2025 Planning Guidelines and Standards for Community Facilities.
“The Selangor 2025 Planning Guidelines and Standards for Community Facilities follows the 2022 Planning Guidelines for Houses of Worship of Other Religions, and this was approved by the Selangor state executive council at its meeting No. 34/2025 dated November 12, 2025,” the council said.
MCCBCHST said it was only called for a meeting at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah building in Shah Alam on May 29 this year after the matter was reported in the media, and was then given two weeks to submit its feedback.
The statement was signed by MCCBCHST president Seck Chaio Ying, deputy president Dr T. Jeyakumar, and vice-presidents Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow, Sardar Jagir Singh and Datuk Mohan Shan.
Source: malaymail.com
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KLIA T2 to host Malaysia’s first ultra-fast EV charger
10 Jun 2026
Malaysia’s first airport ultra-fast EV charging station at KLIA T2 marks a milestone in green mobility, with Huawei as technology provider
SEPANG: Malaysia’s first airport ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging station is set to be developed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2), marking a significant milestone in the country’s green mobility infrastructure.
Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Powerlink Asia Sdn Bhd and GM Auto EV Sdn Bhd, in announcing the collaboration today, said Huawei will be the technology provider, Powerlink Asia the station owner, and GM Auto EV the operator.
Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony said the project marks the beginning of a series of EV charging developments in Selangor.
“If this project is sustainable in Malaysia, in Selangor, and in Southeast Asia, I am very sure we can roll out this model not only to the rest of Southeast Asia but also to every part of the world in the near future,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Hong Kong Web3.0 Standardisation Association president Dr Li Ming, Powerlink Asia co-founder Ethan Chen, and Terminal Operations director Jimmy Neo.
Meanwhile, Chen said the project involves an investment of approximately HK$5 million (RM2.7 million), fully funded by Hong Kong-based capital.
He said the investment reflects a shared commitment between Hong Kong and Malaysia to advance green transformation initiatives.
“We want Hong Kong and Malaysia to work together in building a green transformation,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony.
Set to open at the end of July 2026, the charging station, located in the KLIA T2 car park, will be equipped with 12 charging points using Huawei’s FusionCharge liquid-cooled ultra-fast DC chargers and energy storage systems, and will be available to the public.
Source: thesun.my
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UKM study finds Malaysian students struggling with basic maths as reliance on calculators and ChatGPT grows
11 Jun 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Malaysia risks raising a generation proficient in artificial intelligence (AI) technology but lacking strong critical thinking and analytical skills if numeracy and reasoning abilities are not strengthened from an early age, according to an expert.
Senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Associate Professor Kalaivani Chellappan said the concern stems from the growing use of AI and digital technologies in daily life, particularly in learning, research and completing tasks.
The data analytics and digital health expert said that although technology can improve efficiency and facilitate the learning process, over-reliance on it may undermine the mastery of basic skills essential for developing rational thinking and sound judgment.
The concern was reinforced by a two-year study she conducted involving 12 schools in suburban areas of the Sepang district.
The study, conducted from March 2024 to February 2026, found that more than 80 per cent of students aged between nine and 12 were unable to solve mathematical questions requiring basic calculation and reasoning skills.
Kalaivani said the study further revealed that the majority of students relied on smartphone calculators and AI applications such as ChatGPT to solve mathematics problems.
“For them, there is no need to learn calculation methods, as tools are already available to provide answers. This becomes a concern when technology is used as a substitute for learning rather than a complement,” she told Bernama.
She said follow-up findings from the study showed a trend of lower mathematics performance among pupils who were overly reliant on digital aids when they entered secondary school.
According to Kalaivani, this highlights that technology cannot fully replace the basic learning process, as strong numeracy and thinking skills must first be developed before AI can be effectively used as a support tool.
“The issue here is not that these children are not smart. Modern lifestyles are increasingly limiting opportunities for them to work with numbers in their daily lives. This is not just about academic achievement, but also reflects a decline in the ability to think, analyse and make rational judgments,” she said.
“Calculators and ChatGPT can provide answers. However, it is thinking ability that enables a person to assess whether an answer is reasonable and whether the information is reliable,” she said.
On measures to address the issue, Kalaivani said efforts to strengthen numeracy skills cannot rest solely on schools, but require the participation of parents and the community.
She said parents can encourage children to take part in daily tasks such as preparing budgets, shopping, measuring cooking ingredients, estimating travel time and reading analogue clocks, to nurture reasoning and problem-solving skills.
At the same time, she suggested that schools place greater emphasis on the application of mathematics in real-world situations rather than focusing on examination-oriented approaches.
“The solution is not to reject technology. Such a response would be unrealistic and counterproductive. Instead, Malaysia must rebuild a culture of thinking.
“Communities should create environments where children engage with numbers naturally through sports, games, planning, gardening, house cleaning, cooking, woodcraft projects and everyday problem-solving.
“Most importantly, we must stop viewing mathematics as merely a school subject. Mathematics is the language of thinking. Every receipt, timetable, recipe, football score, fuel bill, bank statement and construction measurement is a mathematics lesson,” she said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Economy minister says Malaysia looks at Russia, Türkiye as potential new oil supply sources
10 Jun 2026
GEORGE TOWN, June 10 — The government is exploring new crude oil sources from several regions to diversify the country’s energy supply amid global geopolitical uncertainty, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said.
He said the effort requires technical evaluation because crude oil from different countries and producing regions has varying characteristics, and not all can be processed using Malaysia’s existing facilities.
“Each crude oil supply from different regions has different characteristics, so an assessment must be made on whether our facilities can receive and process the supply.
It is not simply about sourcing oil from everywhere, but ensuring that supplies from particular regions are compatible with the facilities we have,” he told a press conference after officially opening the Northern Corridor Economic Region Technology and Innovation Centre (NCER) (NTIC) here today.
He said countries currently being explored as potential new supply sources include Russia and Türkiye.
Akmal Nasrullah said the government has given assurance on oil supply until the end of July, while developments regarding supply guarantees for the subsequent period are expected to be known by the end of this month.
He said the government has chosen a transparent approach by sharing the level of supply availability after matters relating to sources, costs and supply agreements are finalised.
The guarantee until the end of July should not be interpreted as indicating a difficult situation after that, because further supply guarantees will be announced once the next procurement agreements have been finalised, he said.
He added that the government does not want to be tied to overly long supply agreements while global oil prices remain volatile, as market changes could affect the country’s costs. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Anwar hails Malaysia–Japan ties as vital amid global uncertainty, energy security and regional stability
11 Jun 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — The close relationship between Malaysia and Japan is becoming increasingly important amid a more challenging and uncertain global environment, with both countries sharing common interests in strengthening energy security, economic resilience, technological development and regional stability, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a Facebook post yesterday, he said his first official visit to Japan, which began on Monday and lasted three days, marked an important milestone in further strengthening the special relationship between the two countries, since diplomatic ties were established in 1957.
Anwar said Malaysia and Japan had since continued to grow as close friends and trusted strategic partners.
“I subsequently led the Malaysian delegation in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and members of the Japanese administration at the Kantei, which was the highlight of my official visit to Japan that concluded today.
“Upon my arrival at the Kantei, I was welcomed by Prime Minister Takaichi before being accorded a guard of honour, accompanied by the national anthems of Malaysia and Japan,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the visit was expected to open up broader opportunities for new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The official visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Japanese government, and Anwar and his delegation departed for Malaysia yesterday. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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PM Anwar stresses Unity Government stability, rejects talk of betrayal as PAS ends Bersatu ties
11 Jun 2026
TOKYO, June 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the Unity Government’s commitment to its coalition partners, saying it would not take any action that could be perceived as a betrayal of the existing political consensus.
Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said the government remained stable, with all parties continuing to respect the understanding reached to ensure the country’s political stability.
“So far, I have not heard any such views. In fact, members of the Cabinet and the leadership represented in it have consistently maintained that the Unity Government at the national level must remain strong,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The Unity Government, formed after the 15th general election in 2022, comprises PH, Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and several other parties.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, was commenting on claims that several former Bersatu state assemblymen could join PKR following recent developments in the political relationship between Bersatu and PAS.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang on Monday announced that the party had formally decided to end its political cooperation with Bersatu after taking into account reports, studies and current assessments of the relationship between the two parties.
Anwar stressed that the coalition’s political approach remained rooted in consultation, discussion and cooperation, rather than abruptly severing ties.
“In politics, this business of divorcing, pronouncing ‘talak’ and remarrying is not our way. We negotiate properly, discuss matters properly and cooperate properly. For now, the Unity Government remains intact, although there are some differences of opinion at the state level,” he said.
He said decisions made at the state level were the responsibility of the respective leadership and those involved should be accountable for them.
The prime minister said the government’s main focus remained on implementing the national development agenda, including fulfilling international commitments and strengthening economic cooperation.
Anwar is scheduled to attend the Asean-Russia meeting in Kazan next week before travelling to Turkmenistan to explore cooperation opportunities in the energy sector, particularly in relation to gas resources. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Umno vows to back Unity Government until GE16, citing Sultan Ibrahim’s decree on stability, says sec-gen
11 Jun 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Umno will continue to support the Unity Government that was formed after the 15th General Election (GE15) until the next general election, in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this stance was decided during the Umno Supreme Council (MKT) meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno President, at Menara Dato’ Onn here yesterday.
At the same time, he stated that the agreement to form the Unity Government at the Federal level does not bind any state government.
According to him, the Johor State Government was formed before the creation of the Federal-level Unity Government and did not involve parties from Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Asyraf Wajdi added that the decision by Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) to defend the state mandate is not a form of betrayal against the Federal Government, as claimed by certain parties.
“On the contrary, it is a legitimate, mature, and constitutional democratic practice that fully returns the mandate to the people,” he said.
He also mentioned that Umno remains open to any form of cooperation with any party for the sake of the country’s political stability and the well-being of the people; however, any cooperation must be built upon the principles of sincerity and trust. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
Bangladesh, China sign deal for 9th friendship bridge over Lohalia river
11 Jun 2026
Bangladesh and China today signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the “9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge”, aimed at improving road connectivity in the southern region and boosting local economic activity.
The signing ceremony was held this morning at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division.
Md Moksed Ali, joint secretary of the Foreign Aid Wing of the Road Transport and Highways Division, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh. Song Yang, counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, signed it on behalf of the Chinese government.
According to the Road Transport and Highways Division, the proposed bridge will be built downstream of the Boga ferry ghat at the 14-kilometre point of the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachhia district highway.
For years, thousands of people and traders in Patuakhali’s Bauphal, Galachipa and Dashmina upazilas have depended on the Boga ferry ghat to transport agricultural produce, fish and daily essentials.
The bridge is expected to make travel in the area faster, safer and more convenient. The project will span around 2.62 kilometres, including a 1.348-kilometre main bridge and 1.272 kilometres of approach roads.
The Chinese government will provide grant financing for the construction of the main bridge and approach roads. The Bangladesh government will bear the costs of land acquisition, utility relocation and other related works.
In the next phase, an organisation nominated by the Chinese government will prepare and finalise the detailed design of the bridge.
Work is also underway to prepare the development project proposal. Construction will begin after the required procedures are completed, officials said.
The bridge is expected to reduce travel time and transport costs, facilitate the movement of goods, and support agriculture, fisheries, trade and tourism in the southern region.
Officials said the bridge would also contribute to the region's socio-economic development.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and senior representatives from the Economic Relations Division, Roads and Highways Department, Road Transport and Highways Division, and the Chinese government were also present at the ceremony.
Source: thedailystar.net
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Home minister’s claim on Islami Bank ‘false’
11 JUNE 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday demanded that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed’s remarks in parliament over Islami Bank’s Rural Development Scheme (RDS) be expunged from the official record, calling the statement “false”.
Raising the issue on a point of order, Jamaat MP Nazibur Rahman objected to comments made during Tuesday’s parliamentary debate on Islami Bank, in which the home minister alleged that funds from the bank’s RDS had been used to support a certain group’s electioneering.
According to Nazibur, the minister claimed that the Jamaat had received Tk 22,000 crore in two instalments through the scheme.
“This is untrue. Islami Bank is a public limited company. Its audit reports are submitted annually. I have reviewed those reports and, if necessary, will submit them to you, honourable speaker,” he said.
Citing the bank’s audit reports, Nazibur said RDS financing stood at Tk 6,712 crore in 2024 and Tk 6,789 crore in 2025.
“I do not know where the Tk 11,000 crore plus Tk 11,000 crore figures -- totalling Tk 22,000 crore -- came from. This information is false. It is undesirable to have such a statement recorded in parliament,” he said.
He urged that the remarks be removed from parliamentary proceedings based on documentary evidence.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad declined to entertain the point of order, saying such interventions must concern immediate or ongoing matters.
“This issue has already passed yesterday. It is no longer valid today. However, if you feel it is necessary, you may submit a formal notice,” the speaker said before returning to the day’s agenda.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, the home minister cited some numbers on the RDS and the bank’s lending to Nabil Group.
However, The Daily Star’s review of available records found that his figures contradict Islami Bank’s annual reports.
Salahuddin alleged that Tk 22,000 crore had been distributed through the RDS -- Tk 11,000 crore before and another Tk 11,000 crore after the August 5 political changeover -- “to help a certain group cross the election river”.
But according to Islami Bank’s 2025 annual report, investment through the RDS rose only 1.1 percent year-on-year to Tk 6,789 crore at the end of the year. The scheme’s financing stood at Tk 6,712 crore in 2024, Tk 6,473 crore in 2023, and Tk 5,588 crore in 2022.
Introduced in 1995, the RDS is Islami Bank’s collateral-free microfinance programme aimed at meeting the investment needs of poor and marginal farmers, particularly in agriculture and off-farm activities. The programme seeks to generate employment and raise rural incomes to reduce poverty. It currently serves around 17.75 lakh members across 35,352 villages, with women making up the majority of beneficiaries.
The home minister also alleged that after the fall of the Awami League government, Nabil Group received Tk 700 crore in loans against letters of credit from Islami Bank but did not repay after selling imported goods. According to Salahuddin, the group’s total liability stood at Tk 16,000 crore.
However, Islami Bank’s annual report said Nabil Group’s approved loan limit was Tk 2,900 crore, while outstanding loans stood at Tk 2,598 crore at the end of 2025 -- down 11.9 percent year-on-year.
Individuals affiliated with Jamaat and various Islamic organisations played a key role in establishing Islami Bank in 1983.
The bank later came under the control of S Alam Group in 2017 during the AL regime. The conglomerate subsequently channelled around 80 percent of the bank’s loans to its own companies and affiliated firms, according to allegations widely documented in the banking sector.
Following the fall of the AL government in August 2024, Islami Bank was freed from the group’s control and is now run by a board of independent directors appointed under Bangladesh Bank oversight.
The latest controversy arose after Md Khurshid Alam’s appointment as chairman was announced on May 24. On June 1 -- the first working day after the Eid holidays -- hundreds gathered in Motijheel, demanding that Bangladesh Bank cancel the appointment and reinstate former managing director Omar Faruk Khan.
The protests have since triggered a sharp outflow of deposits, placing the country’s largest Shariah-based lender under growing pressure. Islami Bank lost Tk 4,240 crore in deposits within seven days of demonstrations.
Islami Bank currently holds the largest volume of non-performing loans in the banking sector -- Tk 95,629 crore, equivalent to 50.88 percent of its total loans.
Source: thedailystar.net
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16 Congo Fever Cases Reported in Afghanistan’s Herat After Eid al-Adha
By Fidel Rahmati
June 11, 2026
Health authorities in western Afghanistan have reported 16 cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Herat province since the Eid al-Adha holiday, raising concerns about the spread of the disease during the warmer months.
According to officials from the Taliban-run Public Health Directorate in Herat, the infections were linked to inadequate health precautions during the slaughter and handling of livestock over the Eid period. Authorities urged residents to follow hygiene and safety guidelines when dealing with animals and animal products.
Dr. Amirnejad, a health official in Herat, said the increase in cases is closely linked to rising temperatures, noting that the disease is more common during the hot season when tick activity increases.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a viral disease transmitted through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood and tissues. The disease can cause severe fever, bleeding and organ failure, and carries a significant fatality rate if not treated promptly.
Afghanistan has experienced recurring outbreaks of Congo fever in recent years, particularly during and after Eid al-Adha, when large numbers of animals are slaughtered across the country. Health experts have repeatedly warned that limited awareness and inadequate protective measures increase the risk of transmission.
According to the Herat Public Health Directorate, 114 cases of Congo fever were recorded in the province last year, resulting in 12 deaths. Health officials have called on livestock traders, butchers and the public to use protective equipment and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
Source: khaama.com
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UN Confirms 13 Killed in Pakistan Airstrikes on Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
June 11, 2026
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that at least 13 people were killed and 10 others wounded in Pakistani airstrikes that hit parts of Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces on Tuesday night.
UNAMA said women and children were among the casualties, underscoring growing concerns over the impact of the attacks on civilians. The confirmation comes amid conflicting claims from Islamabad and the Taliban administration over the nature of the targets and the number of casualties.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, rejected reports of civilian casualties, saying the strikes were “precise and calculated” operations that killed 26 members of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad said the operation targeted militant infrastructure used to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
The Taliban, however, accused Pakistan of targeting residential areas. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man, were killed, while 14 others were wounded. He described the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and international law.
The airstrikes mark the latest escalation in deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing TTP fighters to use Afghanistan territory to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban deny.
The incident follows months of growing border tensions between the two neighbors. In a recent report to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres said cross-border violence and related incidents between Afghanistan and Pakistan resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties during the first months of the year.
Despite several rounds of diplomatic engagement, including recent talks in Urumqi, the two sides have yet to resolve disputes over border security and the presence of armed groups. The latest strikes are likely to further complicate efforts to ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
Source: khaama.com
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Kabul Summons Pakistani Diplomat Over Deadly Airstrikes
By Fidel Rahmati
June 10, 2026
Kabul summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires after airstrikes reportedly killed 13 civilians, including children, in eastern Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it had summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul to protest what it described as violations of Afghanistan airspace and deadly airstrikes on civilian areas.
In a statement, the ministry said Pakistani military forces carried out attacks in the eastern provinces of Khost, Paktika and Kunar, killing 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man, and injuring 14 others.
The Taliban condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and Afghanistan’s sovereignty, calling on Islamabad to halt what it described as provocative actions and focus on resolving its internal challenges.
Pakistan earlier confirmed carrying out airstrikes in border regions, saying the operation targeted hideouts and infrastructure linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials said 26 militants were killed in what they described as intelligence-based and precision strikes against militant targets.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of allowing TTP fighters to use Afghanistan territory to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have rejected the allegations, insisting that Afghanistan soil is not being used against neighboring countries.
The latest escalation highlights growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, whose relations have deteriorated over border security, militant activity and cross-border attacks. Despite several rounds of diplomatic engagement, including recent talks in China, the two sides have struggled to resolve their differences.
According to a recent report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, border-related violence and military incidents between Afghanistan and Pakistan caused hundreds of civilian casualties earlier this year, underscoring the fragile security situation along the frontier.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/kabul-summon-pakistani-diplomat-over-deadly-airstrikes/
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Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee Approves Commercial Market Project in Jawzjan
June 11, 2026
KABUL: The meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee was held at the Marmarin Palace on Wednesday, approving a proposal for the construction of a new commercial market on municipal land in Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan province.
The office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said in a statement that the project will be implemented by the private sector with an investment of approximately 23 million Afghanis.
The three-story commercial complex will include 54 shops and is expected to contribute to local economic activity and job creation in the province, the statement said.
The committee also reviewed a separate proposal for the construction of a residential and commercial market on municipal land in Kabul’s District Seven, near Darul Aman Road, the statement said.
The project was referred to relevant authorities for further technical and financial assessment before a final decision is made, the statement added.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Afghanistan, GCC Officials Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation
June 10, 2026
RIYADH: The country’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Abdul Fattah Rahimi, in a meeting with Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), discussed strengthening economic coordination between Afghanistan and Gulf states.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized expanding trade relations, increasing Afghan exports to GCC countries, and deepening broader economic cooperation.
Discussions also covered potential investment opportunities and ways to enhance commercial ties between Afghanistan and the Gulf region, with both parties expressing interest in continued engagement and coordination, the statement added.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://www.thekabultimes.com/afghanistan-gcc-officials-discuss-expanding-economic-cooperation/
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