New
Age Islam News Bureau
31
December 2023
Representational
photo | Madhav K, EPS)
-----
• Tamil Nadu: Vellore Central Jail Opens Mosque For
Inmates
•
UK Allows Visa-Free Entry To Citizens Of Several Arab Countries From February
22 Next Year Onwards
• American Muslims Launch Campaign To Kick Biden Out
Of White House
• Turkey Detains Hundreds Suspected Of Links To
Islamic State Group
• Bangladesh & Pakistan: Tale Of Two Elections, And
Implications For India
India
• BJP Gujarat MLA Says Hindus And Muslims Have Been
Divided By 'Some People'
• About 100 Imams, Aalim And Muezzins Meet LG, Praise
Mehrauli Archaeological Park Revamp
• Centre Bans J&K's Tehreek-e-Hurriyat For Trying
To "Establish Islamist Rule"
• Sunehri Bagh Masjid Removal: 2021 Traffic Study
Contradicts NDMC Proposal, Reveals No Congestion At Roundabout
• Lutyens’ Sunehri Bagh Masjid Moves Delhi HC Against
Notice
• Ayodhya Has Potential To Become ‘Spiritual Centre
Like Vatican City And Mecca’, OYO, Hotel Booking Site Says
-----
Europe
• France To End Acceptance Of Foreign-Appointed Imams
In 2024
• How the Sunni-Shia split shaped the Islamic world
throughout history
-----
North
America
• Vandalism Of West Philly Mosque Is Under Police
Investigation; Calls For Hate Crime Probe Arise
• Day 85: Airstrikes hit camps in central Gaza as
Biden administration approves new weapons sales to Israel
• Former 'fixer' of Trump admits using Google Bard for
‘fake’ legal cases
-----
Mideast
• Blood Of General Razi Mousavi Paves Way For Islamic
Ummah: Iranian Interior Minister
• Netanyahu issues warning against Iran, Hezbollah
• Air strikes hit Iran-backed militia facilities,
truck convoy in Syria
• Israel-Iran Tensions Rise as Israeli Forces Trade
Fire With Militias in Syria, Lebanon
• 11 senior Iranian officers killed in Israeli
airstrike on Syrian airport, report says
• Pressure Increases On Iran Proxies In Syria And
Lebanon
-----
South Asia
• Give Befitting Reply Through Votes To Poll-Foiling
Attempt By International Conspirators: Bangladesh PM Hasina
• Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths
linked to climate change
• More than a billion people will head to the polls
across South Asia in 2024
• Displaced, crossing borders: Afghan people make
tough journeys to survive
• Mujahid: Media outlets working freely in Afghanistan
• Senior Afghan Taliban Leader to Visit Pakistan, TTP
Issue on Agenda
• IDB allocates $24.6 million in aid, investment to
Afghanistan
-----
Pakistan
• PTI Calls Rejection Of Nomination Papers ‘State
Terrorism’
• PPP struggles to dole out tickets for Islamabad
seats amid ‘infighting’
• 5 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation
in Balochistan’s Awaran district: ISPR
• Tug of war in JUI-F over Shangla poll tickets
• PTI leaders trying to meet Imran to discuss poll
strategy: Qaiser
• UNICEF seeks $135.6m to address Pakistan’s
humanitarian crisis
-----
Southeast
Asia
• BeruasMP Ngeh Apologises For Purportedly Interfering
Into Islamic Laws
• Fadillah assures GPS’s support to Unity Govt amidst
Dubai Move rumour
• Kepung Demi Palestin five-day picket unites
Malaysians, Palestinians from all walks of life
• Hajiji: No forces can break Sabah as long as people
remain united
• Health minister: 20 Covid-19 cases detected among
flood evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu
-----
Arab World
• Palestine-Based Islamic Jihad Movement Hails West
Bank Operations As Heroic Battles Against Zionists
• Islamic Resistance In Lebanon Mourns Four Martyrs On
Road To Al-Quds
• Hijrah exhibition ends run at Saudi National Museum
• Saudi Arabia showcases ‘green future’ at Doha expo
• Saudi ambassador meets ICESCO chief in Morocco
-----
Africa
• Nigerian Catholics Reject Pope's Approval For
Same-Sex Couple Blessings
• Mosque thief caught red-handed ransacking and
stealing electronics
• Gov settles Zamfara mosque seven-year dispute
• Damaturu Plunged Into Darkness As Boko Haram Attacks
Cut Electricity Grid
• South Africa: Flash floods kill 21 people in coastal
province of KwaZulu-Natal
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/tamil-vellore-central-jail-mosque/d/131426
-----
Tamil Nadu: Vellore Central Jail Opens Mosque For
Inmates
Representational
photo | Madhav K, EPS)
-----
By RajalakshmiSampath
31st December 2023
VELLORE: Over the past three years, Muslim inmates at Vellore
Central Jail faced restricted access to the mosque, influenced by prevailing
stereotype associating Muslim prisoners with terrorism. Despite no evidence
supporting this bias, officials kept the mosque closed, even on significant
occasions like Ramadan.
Investigating the story for two months, I encountered
threats from local intelligence, but persisted in my pursuit. The motivation
behind crafting this story stems from the belief that regardless of an inmate’s
background, they deserve basic rights, including the freedom to worship within
the confines of the prison. This narrative aims to shed light on the importance
of upholding fundamental rights for all individuals, irrespective of their
circumstances.
For three years, Vellore Central Jail denied Muslim
inmates access to the mosque, citing security concerns, linked to unfounded
stereotypes. TNIE story highlighted this unjust restriction, revealing that the
mosque remained closed, compelling prisoners to observe religious events within
their cells.
After the story was published, up to 30 prisoners were
being allowed to pray in the mosque, marking a positive change. The story
exposed baseless denial of mosque access to Muslim inmates, dispelling
stereotypes and fostering religious freedom.
Source: New Indian Express.Com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
-----
UK Allows Visa-Free Entry To Citizens Of Several Arab
Countries From February 22 Next Year Onwards
The UK has announced a new
Electronic Travel Authorization scheme that will cost £10 ($12.44) for
nationals of Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council states. — AFP
------
Murtaza Ali Shah
December 31, 2023
LONDON: The United Kingdom government has announced to
grant visa-free entry to travellers from various Arab countries from February
22 next year onwards.
In a significant change to its visa policies, the UK
intends to make entry easier for the residents of Jordan and all the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates,
Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Bahrain will not need visas for entry into the UK.
They will just need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK
from February next year. Qatar’s residents travelling to the UK are already
using ETA since November 15, 2023.
A statement released by the British government said
the move towards an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is poised to
simplify the entry process, doing away with the necessity of obtaining a visit
visa.
Under this new system, tourists of all age groups will
be required to electronically apply for a travel permit, priced at £10, which
will then be issued for their travel purposes to last for two years. This
strategic shift in visa regulations aims to streamline entry procedures,
fostering smoother and more accessible travel for citizens of these nations
intending to visit the United Kingdom.
Earlier this year, the UK government announced plans
to introduce a new ETA scheme as part of a digitisation of the UK border by
2025 to further enhance border security and the customer experience.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel for those
visiting or transiting through the UK who do not need a visa for short stays,
or who do not currently hold another UK visa.
By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme
will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan enjoy travelling with ease
to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between these countries, the UK
govt said in a statement.
Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy,
with over 790,000 Gulf visitors spending £2 billion during their stays in the
UK in 2022.
Source: Www.Geo.Tv
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.geo.tv/latest/525175-uk-allows-visa-free-entry-to-citizens-of-several-islamic-countries
-----
American Muslims Launch Campaign To Kick Biden Out Of
White House
Joe Biden
-----
30th December 2023
American Muslim community leaders have launched a
national campaign to boot Joe Biden out of the White House at the next election
because of his support for Israel’s genocidal actions.
At a press conference in Chicago on Saturday the
#AbandonBiden campaign pledged to punish Biden over his administration’s
failure to call for a Gaza ceasefire.
The Muslim leaders plan to campaign against Biden in
all 50 states “guaranteeing” Biden’s loss in the upcoming 2024 election, and
are asking non-Muslim Americans to join them.
One of the campaign organisers, Hassan Abdelsalam, a
professor at the University of Minnesota, said: “We come to you here today,
Muslim leaders from across the nation united and focused on one message –
Abandon Biden.
“After droves and droves of us came to the President’s
side and made him President of the United States, we came here because of a
betrayal of a President who claimed he was committed to the value of life and
justice and dignity and then permitted, abetted a genocide that continues not
weeks or days after the attacks on Gaza began, but months and no ceasefire has
been called.”
Another organiser from Michigan, Khaled Durrani,
added: “At a time when a country like South Africa calls for invoking the
genocide convention, the Biden administration is using the veto power and all
of its diplomatic power to make sure there is no ceasefire… It is almost
embarrassing to see that our tax dollars are being used to aid these crimes
against humanity… our President has the blood of Palestinian children on his
hands.”
Over the past two months, the national #AbandonBiden
campaign has been organising Muslims and their allies to defeat Biden in all
the swing states – Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina,
Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Wisconsin.
But the leaders have now announced that they will
expand their campaign beyond the swing states, calling for a sweeping strategy
to ensure Biden’s election loss.
“Biden’s abandoning of Muslim Americans compels Muslim
leaders to abandon Biden,” the #AbandonBiden campaign said. “Despite having
voted for Mr. Biden in huge numbers in 2020, Muslim Americans are unwavering in
their belief that abandoning Biden is a moral obligation.”
Meanwhile, Hassan Abdelsalam said American Muslims are
prepared to make sure Biden loses the next election even if that leads to
another Donald Trump presidency.
He said: “The idea of the lesser of two evils is not a
package that people can support; there is no greater evil than death. Living
under a Republican for four years is nothing comparable to a day in Gaza. So we
take this sacrifice and we pursue this knowing full well the consequences
because we believe it is for the good of the nation.”
According to a recent Gallup poll, President Joe
Biden’s job approval rating is 39% – the worst of any modern-day President
heading into a re-election campaign.
The main issues in the upcoming election will most
likely be the faltering economy, the United States’ role in wars in Ukraine and
the Middle East, and immigration.
Source: 5pillarsuk.Com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://5pillarsuk.com/2023/12/30/american-muslims-launch-campaign-to-kick-biden-out-of-white-house/
-----
Turkey Detains Hundreds Suspected Of Links To Islamic
State Group
In this photo taken on
October 1, 2023, members of the Turkish Police Special Forces secure an area
near the interior ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara. © Adem Altan, AFP
------
30/12/2023
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Ali Yerlikaya said
that 189 suspects had been detained as part of simultaneous operations dubbed
"HEROES-38" carried out in 37 cities including Istanbul.
Turkey has in recent months intensified operations
against IS jihadists who have claimed a number of deadly attacks on Turkish
soil including the January 1, 2017 attack on a nightclub in Istanbul which
killed 39 people.
On Friday, Turkish security forces detained 32 IS
suspects including three senior members who were planning attacks on churches
and synagogues as well as the Iraqi embassy.
Source: France24.Com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
-----
Bangladesh & Pakistan: Tale Of Two Elections, And
Implications For India
(Photo caption: The
nine-lived Nawaz Sharif seeks a fourth
term, while Sheikh Hasina heads for a win)
------
December 31, 2023
by: Michael Kugelman
Bangladesh and Pakistan go to the polls early next
year. At first blush, the main storyline for both elections seems the same:
Ruling or recent ruling parties are in a strong position to defeat opponents
weakened by state crackdowns. But in reality, the two cases have some notable
differences. Additionally, the conventional wisdom says that India’s interests
won’t suffer from the likely election outcomes. But this may not be altogether
true.
For many months, leaders and supporters of the two
countries’ main opposition party — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and
the Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan (PTI) — have faced harassment, arrests, and
imprisonment. Not surprisingly, these crackdowns have intensified after each
party stepped up violence and other destabilising acts — PTI partisans attacked
Army facilities in May, and BNP members have staged provocations including
blockades since October. But both parties have maintained the capacity to
mobilise large crowds. And yet, their electoral strategies are sharply at odds:
The PTI is committed to participating in elections, no matter the obstacle,
while the BNP has announced it will sit them out.
The PTI faces major challenges. Its popular leader,
Imran Khan, is in jail. Most other top PTI leaders have been pressured to
switch parties or quit politics. Its main adversary, Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, recently returned from self-exile and
promptly received judicial relief for some of his corruption charges, an
indication of the backing he now enjoys from a military establishment with
which he has had a love-hate relationship. That backing is his biggest asset,
and could help him in the same way that it helped Khan, then the military’s
favourite son, in the 2018 election. This time around, the PTI will bank on its
sizable popularity. But that could be checkmated by military-orchestrated
political engineering that shapes the electoral playing field in ways that
disadvantage PTI.
Pakistan’s judiciary will be a critical player in the
polls. The courts — likely the Supreme Court — will eventually need to rule on
whether Sharif is eligible to contest elections. If Nawaz Sharif is ruled
ineligible, his brother Shehbaz could return as premier. But no matter how
things shake out, no party is likely to win an outright majority: the PTI faces
too many constraints, and the PML-N and other major parties lack sufficient
public support. A fractious coalition government is a strong possibility. That
would benefit the military, as such a set-up would be easy to exploit.
Meanwhile, the BNP had long threatened to boycott the
polls unless the Awami League (AL) government steps down and allows a caretaker
administration because, in its view, elections can’t be free and fair if the
present government oversees them. Dhaka has rejected that demand, deeming it
unconstitutional; the Supreme Court struck down Bangladesh’s caretaker clause
in 2011. Any combination of non-BNP opposition parties will be hard pressed to
defeat the AL, meaning the incumbents are all but assured of a fourth straight
term.
Interestingly, in both countries, the caretaker issue
is at the heart of a political crisis, but for different reasons. In
Bangladesh, the opposition wants it reinstated. In Pakistan, the caretaker
clause is in place, but it has angered the opposition because the current
caretaker regime has held power longer than constitutionally mandated, thereby
delaying elections. In both cases, the caretaker controversies revolve around
those in office wanting to retain power as long as possible.
Source: Times Of India.Com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
-----
India
BJP Gujarat MLA Says Hindus And Muslims Have Been
Divided By 'Some People'
30th December 2023
By Dilip Singh Kshatriya
Dinesh Kushwaha, the BJP MLA from Bapunagar in
Gujarat, has triggered a minor controversy by claiming that Hindus and Muslims
were living as one family until they were divided by 'some people'.
"Many Muslims sitting here will be from Uttar
Pradesh," said Kushwaha -- whose roots go back to Uttar Pradesh -- as he
was delivering a speech at the Itihad-e-Millat conference organized by a Muslim
religious organization in Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad.
"Hindus and Muslims live side-by-side in Uttar
Pradesh (Gaunmein, ekghar Hindu kahotahain, ekghar Muslim kahotahain). That is
our culture, that is how we used to live. But some people have divided
us," he said.
Source: New Indian Express.Com
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of the original story:
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About 100 Imams, Aalim And Muezzins Meet LG, Praise
Mehrauli Archaeological Park Revamp
Dec 31, 2023
New Delhi: About 100 imams, Aalim and muezzins from
mosques across the city participated in ‘Samvaad@Raj Niwas’, an interactive
dialogue undertaken by lieutenant governor VK Saxena at his official residence
in Civil Lines.
According to officials, several issues were raised by
the imams and muezzins in the session, including their pending salaries and
poor sanitation around mosques in various parts of the city.
“They appreciated the development work carried out at
Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which has led to an increase in footfall,"
said a Raj Niwas official.
Source: Times Of India.Com
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of the original story:
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Centre Bans J&K's Tehreek-e-Hurriyat For Trying To
"Establish Islamist Rule"
December 31, 2023
New Delhi: The government on Sunday declared
pro-Pakistan separatist amalgam Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Jammu and Kashmir a
banned organisation for fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India propaganda
in the Union territory.
Announcing the decision, Union Home Minister Amit Shah
said the group was found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror
activities to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to
separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule. The group is found
spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to…
Source: Www.Ndtv.Com
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of the original story:
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Sunehri Bagh Masjid Removal: 2021 traffic study
contradicts NDMC proposal, reveals no congestion at roundabout
by Damini Nath
December 31, 2023
While the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) recently
proposed removing the Sunehri Bagh Masjid in the interest of “sustainable
mobility”, a traffic assessment report commissioned by the Central Public Works
Department in 2021, as part of its Central Vista redevelopment project, found
no congestion at the roundabout then or in the near future.
Earlier this week, NDMC issued a public notice
inviting objections and suggestions till January 1 on its proposal to remove
the heritage structure. This, NDMC said, was after it “received a reference
from Delhi Traffic Police for providing a traffic engineering proposal to
ensure sustainable mobility in the vicinity of the roundabout of Sunehri Bagh”.
Source: Indian Express.Com
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of the original story:
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Lutyens’ Sunehri Bagh Masjid Moves Delhi HC Against
Notice
By ShrutiKakkar
Dec 31, 2023
The plea said the structure was being targeted without
any research to support the claim that it was causing traffic congestion
The Imam of New Delhi’s Sunehri Bagh Masjid,Abdul
Aziz, has approached the Delhi high court, challenging New Delhi Municipal
Council’s (NDMC) public notice seeking opinion on the demolition of the 150-
year-old mosque to ease alleged traffic congestion in the area.
The December 24 notice published in various newspapers
has led to a row with people claiming that the council was raising the issue of
traffic congestion just to demolish the structure that stands near Udyog Bhawan
Metro station, at the intersection of Maulana Azad Road, Motilal Nehru Marg and
Kamraj Road.
Source: New Indian Express.Com
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of the original story:
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Ayodhya Has Potential To Become ‘Spiritual Centre Like
Vatican City And Mecca’, OYO, Hotel Booking Site Says
31 Dec 2023
Sanchari Ghosh
With Ayodhya's Ram Temple to be inaugurated on 22
January, 2024, OYO predicts that the city has the potential to become as
popular as Vatican City and Mecca as a spiritual destination.
In the recent times, spiritual tourism is rapidly
gaining momentum. And according to OYO's
year-end booking data, Puri secured the top spot as the most booked spiritual
destination, with Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar following suit. “Recognizing
the significance of religious tourism in India, OYO is actively expanding its
footprint across major religious corridors in the country, including
Katra-Vaishno Devi and the Char Dham route."
The company further predicts that Ayodhya is likely to
gain a lot of popularity as a spiritual destination once the Ram Temple is
inaugurated.
Source: Www.Livemint.Com
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of the original story:
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Europe
France to end acceptance of foreign-appointed imams in
2024
DECEMBER 31, 2023
France is set to enforce a new regulation from January
1, 2024, disallowing the acceptance of new "foreign-appointed" imams,
as per a 2020 announcement by President Emmanuel Macron.
This move, aimed at curbing foreign influence and
promoting autonomy in Islamic practices within the country, mandates these
imams to either return to their countries or transition into managerial roles
in local places of worship.
The decision, originating from President Macron's
early 2020 address in Les Mureaux, Yvelines, was part of a broader strategy to
combat "separatism." France has provided a three-year notice period
for this policy, ending on January 1, 2024.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reaffirmed this
policy on Friday, emphasizing the government's intent to prevent imams from
being financially supported by foreign states.
Source: Www.Jpost.Com
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-780168
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How the Sunni-Shia split shaped the Islamic world
throughout history
30.12.2023
Toby Matthiesen's new book, "The Caliph and the
Imam", explores both the origins of the Sunni-Shia divide, what the two
branches of Islam have in common and how the split has shaped the Islamic world
The history of intra-Islamic relations is both complex
and complicated, in particular relations between Sunnis and Shias. Why is that?
Toby Matthiesen: I decided to write this lengthy book
for that very reason, because the subject is so complex. I'd already written my
doctoral thesis on a sub-topic, the Shias in the Gulf and their politicisation,
a project that required me to travel widely. In academic settings I was
frequently asked: "What are the reasons for this politicisation? What's
leading to these conflicts?" I always found it difficult to give a concise
answer. I've been interviewed many times on the subject, but it was always
rather unsatisfactory.
Source: Qantara.Dde
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-----
North
America
Vandalism of West Philly mosque is under police
investigation; calls for hate crime probe arise
BY CHRIS COMPENDIO
DECEMBER 30, 2023
The Masjid Al-Jamia mosque in West Philadelphia became
the target of vandalism this week. Surveillance cameras captured footage of an
individual spray-painting phrases and symbols on the mosque's entrance.
Philadelphia police are investigating the incident,
which had an individual in a red overcoat spray-paint the phrase "Give
[peace] a chance" and symbols including the Star of David and what appears
to be the Communist hammer and sickle symbol. Mosque administrators discovered
the graffiti on Friday morning; it has since been painted over.
The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) described the graffiti as
"biased statements" and called for Philadelphia authorities to
investigate the incident as a hate crime. "The kind of violation Masjid
Al-Jamia has seen is unacceptable," said CAIR-Philadelphia executive
director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu.
Source: Www.Phillyvoice.Com
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of the original story:
https://www.phillyvoice.com/west-philly-mosque-vandalism-police-hate-crime/
-----
Day 85: Airstrikes hit camps in central Gaza as Biden
administration approves new weapons sales to Israel
Dec 30, 2023
DEIR AL-BALAH: Israeli warplanes struck two urban
refugee camps in central Gaza on Saturday, as the Biden administration approved
a new emergency weapons sale to Israel despite persistent international
cease-fire calls over mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in
the enclave.
Even a brief halt in fighting seems out of reach. A
senior Hamas official told The Associated Press in Beirut on Saturday that the
group has not budged from its position that a permanent cease-fire has to be
the starting point for any further releases of Israeli and foreign hostages the
group holds, which runs counter to a recent proposal by Egypt for a staged end
to the war.
It's a demand Israel is bound to reject. Israel has
said it will pursue its unprecedented air and ground offensive until it has
dismantled Hamas, a goal viewed by some as unattainable because of the militant
group's deep roots in Palestinian society. The United States has shielded
Israel diplomatically and has continued to supply weapons.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/106407164.cms
-----
Former 'fixer' of Trump admits using Google Bard for
‘fake’ legal cases
Dec 31, 2023
Michael Cohen, former lawyer and "fixer" for
Donald Trump, has admitted to using Google's AI language model Bard to
fabricate citations for non-existent court cases in legal documents. In a
rather lame defence, Cohen said that he thought Bard was a “super-charged
search engine” and not an AI-powered chatbot. Cohen's admission came to light
during a recent court hearing regarding his ongoing legal troubles. He
confessed to using Bard to generate references to non-existent legal rulings in
an attempt to bolster his arguments.
According to a report by The Verge, Cohen also said
that he wasn’t aware of the latest tech trends and the risks associated with
them. “As a non-lawyer I have not kept up with emerging trends (and related
risks) in legal technology and did not know that Google Bard was a generative
text service that, like Chat-GPT, could show citations and descriptions that
looked real but actually were not,” Cohen said. “Instead, I understood it to be
a super-charged search engine and had repeatedly used it in other contexts to
(successfully) find accurate information online.”
Furthermore, Cohen also blamed his lawyer and said
that he never realised that the legal pro “would drop the cases into his
submission wholesale without even confirming that they existed.”
Source: Times Of India
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Mideast
Blood Of General Razi Mousavi Paves Way For Islamic
Ummah: Iranian Interior Minister
December 30, 2023
TEHRAN- The Iranian Interior Minister has stated that
the blood of General Razi Mousavi who was assassinated by Israel will pave the
way for the Islamic Ummah to break through the barriers erected by adversaries.
Addressing the public on Saturday during the
commemoration of martyr Razi, Ahmad Vahidi emphasized the transformative impact
of General Razi's sacrifice, portraying him as an exemplary figure for the
global youth.
The minister condemned the assassination of the
honorable martyr, attributing his martyrdom to a targeted attack by the enemies
of God and the people— specifically, the Zionist regime.
Directing his message to the country's youth, Vahidi
urged an understanding of the origins, accomplishments, and profound spiritual
influence of the martyrs.
Source: Tehran Times.Com
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Netanyahu issues warning against Iran, Hezbollah
2023-12-31
Tel Aviv , Dec 31 (IANS) Israel Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Iran and Hezbollah against
attack on Jerusalem and said that the country would not hesitate to land severe
blows which they would have never dreamt of.Addressing media persons on
Saturday night, Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas in Gaza would
continue for months.
He added that the operational plans for fighting
against Hezbollah has been approved and said that if Hezbollah expands its
fight against Israel, there would be heavy retaliation.
He said: "On the northern border - we are landing
heavy blows against Hezbollah, eliminating many terrorists and destroying the
enemy's capabilities."
Source: In.investing.Com
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of the original story:
https://in.investing.com/news/netanyahu-issues-warning-against-iran-hezbollah-3954495
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Air strikes hit Iran-backed militia facilities, truck
convoy in Syria
December 30, 2023
ANBAR, Iraq, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Unidentified jets hit
buildings and trucks being used by Iran-aligned militia groups in the Syrian
town of Albukamal along a strategic border crossing with Iraq late on Friday,
Iraqi security and border officials told Reuters.
A local commander with Iraq's Popular Mobilisation
Forces (PMF), a group of mainly Shi'ite Muslim armed groups also known as
HashidShaabi, said four people were killed in the strikes, without giving
details of their nationalities.
The strikes targeted an eight-truck convoy, destroying
at least four trucks, said the sources who have contacts with the Syrian border
officials. The officials said three buildings used by one of the Iranian-backed
militia groups were also targeted.
Source: Www.reuters.Com
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Israel-Iran Tensions Rise as Israeli Forces Trade Fire
With Militias in Syria, Lebanon
30 Dec 2023
Jared Malsin
The Israeli military said it returned fire following a
strike from Syria overnight and also launched an airstrike against the militant
Hezbollah movement in Lebanon amid a rise in hostilities with Iranian-backed
militia groups across the region.
An increase in tensions between Israel, Iran and its
militant allies throughout the Middle East is raising concerns about the
opening of a second front in the nearly three-month-old war between Israel and
Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli forces have regularly traded fire with
Lebanon’s Hezbollah since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and resulting Israeli
offensive in Gaza, but tensions along Israel’s northern border have remained
relatively contained, in part due to U.S. and other Western diplomatic efforts
to prevent a wider regional war.
Source: Www.Livemint.Com
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11 senior Iranian officers killed in Israeli airstrike
on Syrian airport, report says
Nathan Rennolds
31-12-1-2023
An Israeli airstrike on an airport in Syria has
reportedly killed 11 senior Iranian officers, Saudi Arabian news outlet Al
Arabiya reported, citing unnamed sources.
The officers were part of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC), and they had been at Damascus International Airport to
welcome a "senior delegation," per the report.
The IRGC has refuted the claim, with Ramezan Sharif, a
spokesperson for the group, labeling the report "baseless," Iranian
state media agency the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.
Source: Www.Businessinsider.In
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Pressure Increases On Iran Proxies In Syria And
Lebanon
31-12-2023
The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they
attacked targets in Syria early Saturday, responding to fire from the country,
where Iran-affiliated forces are active.
The IDF also said it struck Hezbollah “terror
infrastructure” in southern Lebanon, including a launch site used by the
Iran-backed group following a number of cross-border attacks earlier Friday.
Local sources reported multiple casualties with
different figures, according to some Arab media. Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen said
some casualties were Lebanese. Al Arabiya's Arabic television quoted a
“security source” to report that eight trucks entering Syria from Iraq had been
destroyed.
However, there has been no word from the United States
about an attack. Washington announces its air strikes on Iran-affiliated
targets, unlike Israel that usually prefers to say nothing. This in turn led to
some observers saying that perhaps the reported attack allegedly on weapons
depots and trucks carrying Iranian supplies, were conducted by Israel.
Source: Www.Iranintl.Com
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South
Asia
Give befitting reply through votes to poll-foiling
attempt by international conspirators: Bangladesh PM Hasina
December 30, 2023
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said she was
confident that the people of Bangladesh would give a befitting reply to
attempts by international conspirators to dislodge her from power in the
January 7 elections.
Stating that she wants the 12th parliamentary election
to be held peacefully, Hasina, also the president of the ruling Awami Party
said, “We will take part in the January 7 election with our party’s electoral
symbol Boat. Go early to the polling centres to cast a vote (for boat) to show
the world that we can hold the election in a free, fair and neutral manner.”
“Various conspiracies are being hatched to foil the polls. Many are also
involved internationally. They work to bring a third party to power in
Bangladesh—we will give a befitting reply to the conspiracies through the
January 7 election,” Hasina said while addressing an election rally at
Tungipara, about 170 km southwest of Dhaka.
“What can the third party do? They can’t do any
development in the country. You had seen what they did in 2007,” Bangladesh
Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the country’s national news agency, quoted Hasina as
saying. Amid increasing violence, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by
former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has announced that it would boycott the
election. BNP had boycotted the 2014 election too but took part in the 2018
polls.
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths
linked to climate change
By RajiniVaidyanathan
31-12-2023
On the day he thought he'd be celebrating his wedding,
Mamun buried 16 of his relatives.
Dressed in their finest saris and suits, his family
members boarded a boat to join Mamun, when a heavy storm struck. As the rain
lashed down the boat pulled over and they took shelter under a tin shed on the
riverbank, when they were hit.
Bangladesh, which is blighted by extreme weather and
heavy storms, suffers an average of 300 deaths by lightning every year,
according to the UN.
It's a heavy burden for the South Asian nation, and
for many like Mamun, who is speaking for the first time about what happened on
that day in August 2021.
Source: Www.Bbc.Com
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More than a billion people will head to the polls
across South Asia in 2024
By Rhea Mogul
December 30, 2023
CNN — An election boycotted by the main opposition as
the world’s longest serving female prime minister looks set to extend her rule.
A cricket legend and former prime minister languishing
in prison versus a one-time fugitive looking to make a comeback as a powerful
military keeps watch.
Four South Asian countries are expected to head to the
polls next year, in a grand test for democracy that will see nearly 2 billion
people across Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka cast their ballots from
January through September.
All former colonies who gained independence from
Britain within the last century, each are at a different stage of growth and
facing a variety of crises and opportunities.
Source: Edition.Cnn.Com
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Displaced, crossing borders: Afghan people make tough
journeys to survive
Dec 31 2023
The barren desert plain among the mountains of eastern
Afghanistan is filled with hundreds of thousands of people.
Some live in tents. Others live out in the open, among
the piles of the few belongings they managed to take as they were forced from
neighbouring Pakistan.
The sprawling camp of people returning to Afghanistan
through the Torkham border crossing is the latest facet of Afghans' long,
painful search for a stable home.
Source: Www.Business-Standard.Com
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Mujahid: Media outlets working freely in Afghanistan
31 Dec 2023
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has rejected
the Afghanistan Journalists Centre’s (AFJC) annual report on the situation of
journalists and media in Afghanistan . . .
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Source: Pajhwok.Com
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Senior Afghan Taliban Leader to Visit Pakistan, TTP
Issue on Agenda
By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar
DECEMBER 31, 2023
Senior Afghan leader Mullah SherinAkhund will arrive
in Islamabad early next month to resolve the stalemate in bilateral ties and resolve
differences caused over the actions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
terrorist group. He will meet intelligence and foreign office officials.
The visit comes after the Afghan Taliban showed
interest in reducing tensions with the Pakistani government over the terrorist
group which has caused a fresh wave of terrorism in the country. The terror
group now ruling Kabul previously invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat
Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) (JUI-F) in hope to facilitate dialogue.
Pakistan foreign office has downplayed the trip and
said it was an invitation meant for a private individual, according to a report
by news agency Dawn.
Source: News18.Com
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IDB allocates $24.6 million in aid, investment to
Afghanistan
Vida Qalandari
Dec 31, 2023
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Development Bank has
allocated $24.6 million in aid to Afghanistan by signing several project
contracts with aid providing organizations . . .
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Source: Pajhwok.Com
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Pakistan
PTI Calls Rejection Of Nomination Papers ‘State
Terrorism’
IkramJunaidi
December 31, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The PTI decried on Saturday the rejection
of the nomination papers of several of its election candidates, including Murad
Saeed and Sahibzada Sibghatullah.
PTI’s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan has branded
these rejections as “politically motivated”, accusing the “forces of status
quo” of resorting to underhanded tactics because they lacked the courage to
face the PTI in a free and fair election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr Ayub warned that
such “pre-poll rigging” threatened the transparency of the election process,
potentially exacerbating political instability and undermining national unity.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1801992/pti-calls-rejection-of-nomination-papers-state-terrorism
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PPP struggles to dole out tickets for Islamabad seats
amid ‘infighting’
Syed Irfan Raza
December 31, 2023
ISLAMABAD: For the three National Assembly seats in
Islamabad, the PPP chapter in the federal capital has been accused of
‘promoting the hereditary politics’ amid disagreements within the former ruling
party over the award of party tickets to nominees vying for NA-46, NA-47 and
NA-48 on the PPP platform.
The PPP has not finalised the names of the candidates,
but a party leader told Dawn that almost 20 candidates had filed nomination
papers in the three constituencies, hoping that the party would award them a
ticket.
Among these nominees are the younger brothers of
senior PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Syed Nayyar Bukhari. Both candidates
had lost the previous election in 2018. Raja Imran Ashraf and Sibtul Haider are
eyeing NA-46 and NA-47 seats, respectively.
Source: Dawn.Com
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5 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in
Balochistan’s Awaran district: ISPR
Iftikhar Shirazi
December 31, 2023
Five terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based
operation (IBO) in the general Mashkai area of Balochistan’s Awaran district,
the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations
(ISPR), security forces conducted the IBO on the night of Dec 30 and Dec 31 over
the reported presence of terrorists.
“During the conduct of the operation, after intense
fire exchange between own troops and the terrorists, five terrorists were sent
to hell,” it said.
Source: Dawn.Com
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Tug of war in JUI-F over Shangla poll tickets
December 31, 2023
SHANGLA: A “tug of war” has been reported in the
Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam-Fazl here over nominations for the Feb 8 general
elections.
There are several hopefuls for party tickets in NA-11,
PK-28, PK-29 and PK-30 with many of them filing nomination papers for multiple
constituencies.
Experts say the JUI-F has a “certain” vote bank in the
district that put them in the election winning position in the past, but this
time around, there is a tug of war in the party over election tickets.
Source: Dawn.Com
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PTI leaders trying to meet Imran to discuss poll
strategy: Qaiser
December 31, 2023
SWABI: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader and former
National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Saturday said that his party’s 14
leaders, including lawyers, were trying to meet former prime minister Imran
Khan in prison to discuss strategy for the Feb 8 general elections.
Mr Qaiser told reporters at his residence here that
the Islamabad High Court had allowed the PTI’s leaders and lawyers to meet Mr
Imran in Rawapindi’s Adiala Jail.
PTI founder Imran is currently detained in Adiala Jail
in connection with a cipher case registered under the Official Secrets Act,
1923.
Source: Dawn.Com
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Unicef seeks $135.6m to address Pakistan’s
humanitarian crisis
Amin Ahmed
December 31, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Unicef is seeking $135.6 million from the
donor community for 2024 to meet the critical humanitarian needs of more than
5.5m people in Pakistan, including 3.4m children.
The 2024 funding requirement takes into account the
protracted and ongoing nutrition emergency following the 2022 floods, as well
as the ongoing response to support Afghan populations in Pakistan, reveals a
new Unicef report.
The funding will help 1.3m people gain access to safe
water and sanitation, provide essential health and nutrition services for 5m
people and enable 18,000 children to access formal or non-formal education.
Source: Dawn.Com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1801987/unicef-seeks-1356m-to-address-pakistans-humanitarian-crisis
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Southeast
Asia
BeruasMP NgehApologises For Purportedly Interfering
Into Islamic Laws
30-12- 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Beruas Member of Parliament Datuk Ngeh
Koo Ham today apologised for his proposal that the government appoint
non-Muslim experts to assist the special committee to study issues related to
the competencies of state legislative assembly in enacting Islamic laws.
Ngeh also retracted his suggestion, explaining he was
unaware that the special committee was actually formed by the National Council
for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chaired by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan
Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
“As such, I hereby withdraw my proposal and tender my
sincere apology. I have no intention whatsoever to interfere into Islamic
affairs,“ he said in a statement today.
Source: Thesun.My
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Fadillah assures GPS’s support to Unity Govt amidst
Dubai Move rumour
30 Dec 2023
KUCHING, Dec 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri
FadillahYusof has assured that the GabunganParti Sarawak’s (GPS) support of the
Unity Government remains unperturbed, amidst the Dubai Move rumour.
Fadillah, who is PartiPesakaBumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior
vice-president, a component of GPS, also said he had never heard of the Dubai
Move, which was an attempt to overthrow the Unity Government.
He added that GPS MPs have no time to entertain
political drama as “the main priority now is to put Malaysia’s economy back on
the right track.”
Source: Malay Mail.Com
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Kepung Demi Palestin five-day picket unites
Malaysians, Palestinians from all walks of life
By Soo Wern Jun
31 Dec 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — Kepung Demi Palestin’s five-day
picket enters its fifth day and a supporter of the cause, Cikgu Chin made it
just in time for the finale tonight.
She had hopped on a midnight bus from Kedah to make
her way to JalanTunRazak — in the vicinity of the US Embassy — where the picket
is stationed.
“I just wanted to support the organisers in any way I
could, and that is to be here in person. I know that we can’t do much as
ordinary Malaysians, but being here, I hope to show more people that what is
happening in Gaza is not right,” the retired teacher who only wanted to be
known as Cikgu Chin told Malay Mail when met here.
Source: Malay Mail.Com
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Hajiji: No forces can break Sabah as long as people
remain united
31 Dec 2023
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 31 — There are no forces with ill
intent which can break Sabah, as long as the Sabahans remain united, said Chief
Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji said that, as the Chief Minister, he is
committed to seeing the beloved Sabah remain united, prosperous, and inclusive,
especially in the coming year.
“We are strong only when we are united. When we are
united we will be able to withstand any attempt to undermine stability, and to
ensure that development can proceed unhindered,” he said in his New Year 2024
message, here today.
Source: Malay Mail.Com
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Health minister: 20 Covid-19 cases detected among
flood evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu
31 Dec 2023
JELI, Dec 31 — A total of 20 Covid-19 cases were
detected among flood evacuees at relief centres in Kelantan, Terengganu, from
Dec 22 until yesterday, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“All the reported cases are in stable condition, with
17 cases falling into category two, two cases in category three, and one case
in category four.
“The category four Covid-19 case involved a senior
citizen with uncontrolled hypertension, however the patient was discharged from
Jeli Hospital in Kelantan yesterday,” he told a press conference after visiting
flood evacuees at SekolahKebangsaanJeli 1, here today.
Source: Malay Mail.Com
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Arab
World
Palestine-Based Islamic Jihad MovementHails West
BankOperations As Heroic Battles Against Zionists
30/December/2023
GAZA December 30. 2023 (Saba) - The Palestine-based
Islamic Jihad Movement hailed the heroic operations in the occupied West Bank,
including the car ramming attack in Hebron that left five Israeli soldiers -
one of them seriously - injured, and stabbing attack against two soldiers in
Quds.
These heroic operations come in response to settlers'
crimes and army's terrorism against civilians, the Movement said in a
statement, citing the Zionist field executions on roads in the very eyes of the
World.
The Jihad held the US and western governments
responsible for backing the Zionist entity with ordnance and political blanket
to evade accountability, criticizing Arab governments for keeping silent.
Source: Www.Saba.Ye
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Islamic Resistance in Lebanon mourns four martyrs on
road to al-Quds
31/December/2023
BEIRUT December 31. 2023 (Saba) - The Islamic
Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah, has mourned four martyrs on the road
to al-Quds after Nazi enemy waged a raid near al-Bukamal in the Deirez-Zor
countryside, eastern Syria, on the border with Iraq.
This comes after an air attack took place near
al-Bukamal in the countryside of Deirez-Zor, eastern Syria on the border with
Iraq, which led to a number of martyrs, according to sources to al-Mayadeen
news channel.
The aggression targetedal al-Haggana building and Badr
Hospital, on the southern side of the city, which also led to a number of
injuries.
Source: Www.Saba.Ye
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Hijrah exhibition ends run at Saudi National Museum
ARAB NEWS
December 30, 2023
RIYADH: A traveling exhibition about the Prophet
Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah has ended its run at the Saudi
National Museum in Riyadh.
“Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” attracted
large crowds of visitors, including several ambassadors to the Kingdom, the
Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The exhibition was organized by and started its grand
tour at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). It was curated in
collaboration with local and international cultural institutions.
Source: Www.Arab News.Com
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Saudi Arabia showcases ‘green future’ at Doha expo
ARAB NEWS
December 30, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is participating in the Expo 2023
Doha Horticultural Exhibition, which is being held under the slogan “Green
Desert, Better Environment.”
The six-month exhibition, organized for the first time
in the Middle East, will continue until March 28. It showcases the latest
innovations in horticulture and environmental sustainability.
The Saudi pavilion at the expo showcases the Kingdom’s
“natural richness,” drawing visitors from around the world. The officials
welcome visitors in seven languages to enhance communication and cultural
understanding and strengthen international relations between the Kingdom and
the world.
Around 80 countries, authorities, non-governmental
organizations, international experts, private sector companies, universities
and research laboratories are participating in the event, which aims to develop
mechanisms and means that support the agricultural sector in desert regions and
promote the use of modern technologies for resource sustainability.
Source: Www.Arab News.Com
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Saudi ambassador meets ICESCO chief in Morocco
ARAB NEWS
December 30, 2023
Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, Saudi ambassador to
Morocco, recently met with Dr. Salim Al-Malik, director-general of the Islamic
World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed several
topics of common interest and touched on the distinguished partnership between
the organization and the Kingdom, the Saudi Embassy reported on X.
Al-Malik noted that Saudi Arabia will host the
organization’s executive council in Jeddah next month and affirmed the
organization’s great appreciation for the support it has received from the
Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman.
Source: Www.Arab News.Com
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Africa
Nigerian catholics reject Pope's approval for same-sex
couple blessings
31-12-2023
Pope Francis has formally approved letting Catholic
priests bless same-sex couples - a radical shift in policy aimed at making the
church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage.
But while the Vatican statement was heralded by some
as a step toward breaking down discrimination in the Catholic Church, some
Nigerians have frowned on the pronouncement.
In Nigeria, where same-sex marriage has been
criminalised for a decade, the Catholic Bishops’ association said the pope’s
declaration does not contradict the church’s teachings on marriage as an
“exclusive union” of a man and a woman.
Source: Www.Africanews.Com
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Mosque thief caught red-handed ransacking and stealing
electronics
31-12-2023
Cape Town - A 21-year-old man accused of ransacking
the Cape Town Islamic Education Centre and stealing electronics worth R100 000
will spend the weekend behind bars after being handed over by residents.
At the time, Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan said that on
arrival the next day at the centre, which is at Masjidul Kareem, they found the
alleged thief had used a metal object and tried to break down several doors at
the mosque.
“He popped the window open and got inside, where he
stole a camera, two laptops, camera lenses and a hard drive. So far we estimate
the loss to be about R100 000. At this stage these are only the items we know
of.
Source: Www.Iol.Co.Za
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Gov settles Zamfara mosque seven-year dispute
31st December 2023
By AjisafeOlayiwola
Zamfara State Governor, DaudaLawal, has ordered the
reopening of one of the state’s largest Juma’at mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi
Local Government Area.
A dispute between two factional groups, according to
reports, led to the closure of the central worship centre in the town.
A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s
spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, stated that the intervention was necessary to
address the dispute among the people.
Source: Punchng.Com
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Damaturu Plunged Into Darkness As Boko Haram Attacks
Cut Electricity Grid
by HussainiJirgi
31-12-2023
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have plunged Damaturu,
the capital of Yobe State, into darkness after cutting off the city from the
national electricity grid. The attack damaged vital equipment serving the state
capital and its surrounding areas.
Credible sources from the Transmission Company of
Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the incident, stating that Damaturu and its environs
are currently disconnected from the grid due to damage inflicted by the
insurgents.
LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the attack targeted
two 330KV transmission towers, bringing them down on Tuesday, December 21st,
2023. This has resulted in a complete blackout across the affected areas.
Source: Leadership.Ng
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South Africa: Flash floods kill 21 people in coastal
province of KwaZulu-Natal
31-12-2023
Flash floods killed at least twenty one people in the
small town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal province, South African officials said
Saturday.
The floods hit the town on Christmas Day, destroying
about 1,400 homes, with the death toll expected to rise as an unconfirmed
number of people were still missing, he said.
Source: Www.Africanews.Com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/tamil-vellore-central-jail-mosque/d/131426