Karnataka Congress Govt usurping properties of Hindus, gifting it to Muslims, says BJP
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 Nov 2024
A Palestinian man carries an aid box distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
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Karnataka Congress Govt usurping properties of Hindus, gifting it to Muslims, says BJP
· UNRWA ban in Gaza ‘will not make Israel safer’: WHO
· Seven terrorists killed in separate operations in KP, Balochistan: ISPR
· Trial begins over beheading of teacher who showed Prophet Muhammed cartoon
· leaders endorse Trump with most persuasive closing arguments against Kamala Harris: 'I am no longer a Democrat'
· LAKURAWAS: Another Terrorist Group Emerges In The North
· KL police identify suspect in viral video insulting Islam on social media, to record statement soon
· Taliban announces formation of mobile security unit in Badakhshan
· Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
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Mideast
· Jihad condemns Zionist enemy's decision to ban UNRWA's activities in occupied territories
· Zionist enemy notifies Al-Shiyah Mosque demolition in Jabal Al-Mukaber village
· Secondary schools for Islamic sciences in Hodeida celebrate conclusion of first semester
· Cultural seminar on martyrdom & jihad virtues for Allah sake in Hodeida
· First semester closing ceremony at Al-Sarkha School of Sharia Sciences in Ibb
· Conclusion of first semester of academic year at Hamma Suleiman School for Sharia Sciences in Dhamar
· Israel issues 7,000 new draft orders for ultra-Orthodox members
· Palestinians build new lives in Cairo’s ‘Little Gaza’
· Israel accuses Turkiye of ‘malice’ over UN arms embargo call
· Gaza aid situation not much improved, US says as deadline for Israel looms
· Israel hostages forum demands probe in secrets leak case
· GCC’s chief urges regional collective action at counter-terrorism conference in Kuwait
· Fate of elderly residents uncertain after Israel destroys homes in Lebanese border village
· Yemen’s government shuts down unlicensed exchange firms to stop riyal devaluation
· Syrian state media reports Israeli strike south of Damascus
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India
· Muslim Women At JPC Meet: What Has Waqf Board Done For Orphans, Widows?
· Property gifted by Muslims need not be registered: Kerala HC
· "Who instigated infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims in Jharkhand?": BJP's Sanjay Seth slams CM Soren
· Hindu temple in Kanpur ‘purified’ after visit by Muslim Samajwadi Party leader
· Salman Khan gets another threat on Mumbai police helpline; message sender claims to be Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol Bishnoi
· Jammu and Kashmir Assembly opens to ruckus over demands for restoration of Article 370
· 'Infiltrator alliance' tag on JMM: PM Modi alleges conspiracy to alter Jharkhand's demography
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Pakistan
· Services chiefs' term extended to 5 years: Bills passed into law
· Muslims join Hindus in Dawali celebrations
· Lahore braces for another spell of smog in next 24 hours
· PTI decries passage of new judiciary-centric bills via 'rubber-stamp' parliament
· JCP convenes today to pick judges for constitutional bench
· Sindh paves way for constitutional bench
· Talk of Punjab govt planning to buy PIA ‘incorrect’, says Azma
· Pakistan Navy conducts successful flight test of ship launched ballisitc missile
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Europe
· Barcelona hit by new flood as rescuers search Valencia basement car park
· Pro-EU leader wins Moldova election despite alleged Russian meddling
· Ukrainian MP calls for mobilization of women
· Ukraine needs 500,000 new troops – lawmaker
· UK’s top diplomat says slavery reparations ‘not about cash’
· SPOTLIGHT: A look inside Eastbourne Mosque
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North America
· Harris campaign tells Muslim interviewer he can't ask about Gaza, she talks up bacon instead: 'Taken aback'
· Mosque fire in New Lynn deliberately lit, police say
· Muslim Community's $5 Billion Annual Contribution To NZ Economy Set To Grow With Recent GCC And USE FTAs
· Report: Muslim Influencer Spiked Awkward Kamala Interview After She Started Gushing About Bacon and Anchovies
· Harris makes last-ditch appeal to Michigan’s Muslim voters
· America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
· Boeing strike ends as workers back 38% pay rise deal
· Modi condemns violence after Canada temple incident
· Drones and snipers on standby to protect Arizona vote-counters
· Elon Musk can keep giving $1m to voters, judge rules
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Africa
· #EndBadGovernance: IGP Receives Report On Minors, Summons All DCs CID
· AGF Completes Release Process For ‘Minor’ #EndBadGovernance Protesters Charged With Treason
· My Sacking From Senate A Blessing In Disguise, I Am No Longer Childless – Senator Abbo
· Chaos Erupt In Rivers LG As Police Disperse Workers With Gunfire, Tear Gas
· Why I Cannot Support Peter Obi Again – Doyin Okupe
· We Are No Longer Going To Keep Quiet For Anyone To Insult Tinubu – Doyin Okupe
· Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointments At INEC
· Terrorists Killed By NAF Strikes While Trying To Stop Transmission Line Repair
· House Of Representatives Begins Two-Week Recess For Oversight Duties
· Uganda: Victims of lightning strike buried
· DRC: M23 rebels seize new town near border with Uganda as talks drag
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Southeast Asia
· Targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol necessary to address leakage - Amir Hamzah
· Five held, drugs worth RM2.3 mln seized in two raids in Melaka
· Aggressive driver arrested after toll booth outburst
· Stronger integrity vital for sustainable growth - DPM Fadillah
· Sabah’s east coast is safe- Shamsul Anuar
· Op Noda: 48 individuals arrested at two entertainment outlets
· PM Anwar’s jam-packed itinerary on day two of Shanghai working visit
· Policeman shot returning from mosque in Pattani
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SouthAsia
· Afghanistan’s exports to Iran increase by over 30% in the first half of the year
· Illegal structures pose accident risk
· Work underway to ensure the voting rights of expatriates
· 15 tonnes of iron scrap looted
· HC stays probe against Shahidul Alam
· Ministry of Defense Graduates 112 in Specialized Artillery and Communications Training
· NEPA Meeting Addresses Climate Challenges
· Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi Hosts Importers’ Union to Discuss Domestic Production and Tariffs
· Herat’s Customs Operations to Be Enhanced as Finance Ministry Addresses Traders’ Concerns
· Kabul Municipality Initiates Urban Development Plan for 1404
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Arab World
· Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
· Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
· Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
· Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
· Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
· 34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
· Saudi Crown Prince congratulates Tunisian president on re-election, discusses relations
· Treasure trove unveiled at Jewels of the World in Riyadh
· Islamic affairs department to oversee Dubai International Holy Quran Award
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/unrwa-gaza-israel-safer-ban/d/133627
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UNRWA ban in Gaza ‘will not make Israel safer’: WHO
November 05, 2024
A Palestinian man carries an aid box distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
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GENEVA: The chief of the World Health Organization on Monday denounced Israel’s decision to cut ties with the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, saying it would not make the country safer while increasing civilian suffering in Gaza.
“Let me be clear: There is simply no alternative to UNRWA,” the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video posted on X.
“This ban will not make Israel safer. It will only deepen the suffering of the people of Gaza and increase the risk of disease outbreaks,” Tedros added.
His comments came after Israel said it had formally notified the UN of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA, after Israeli lawmakers backed the move last week.
The suspension of the agency, which coordinates nearly all aid in war-ravaged Gaza, sparked global condemnation including from key Israeli backer the United States.
The move is expected to come into force in late January, with the UN Security Council warning it would have severe consequences for millions of Palestinians.
Israel has accused a dozen UNRWA employees of taking part in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, the deadliest in Israeli history.
A series of probes found some “neutrality related issues” at UNRWA but said Israel had not provided evidence for its chief allegations.
The agency, which employs 13,000 people in Gaza, fired nine employees after an internal probe found that they “may have been involved in the armed attacks of 7 October.”
UNRWA, which was established in 1949 after the first Arab-Israeli conflict following Israel’s creation a year earlier, provides assistance to nearly six million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.
“Every day, it provides thousands of medical consultations and vaccinated hundreds of children,” Tedros said, adding that many humanitarian partners rely on UNRWA’s logistical networks to get supplies into Gaza.
He said that the UNRWA staff his organization had worked with were “dedicated health and humanitarian professionals who work tirelessly for their communities under unimaginable circumstances.”
Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 43,374 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which the United Nations considers to be reliable.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578059/middle-east
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Govt usurping properties of Hindus, gifting it to Muslims, says BJP
Nov 4, 2024
Bengaluru: Stepping up pressure on the state govt over the waqf issue, BJP functionaries led by state president BY Vijayendra staged statewide protests Monday, seeking withdrawal of the 1974 gazette notification pertaining to waqf properties and the resignation of waqf minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Protests were held in all district headquarters, including Bengaluru.
Vijayendra, who led protests in Ballari along with senior BJP functionaries Janardhan Reddy, Govind Karjol, and B Sreeramulu, criticised the govt for trying to "usurp" properties of Hindus and "gift" them to Muslims. "During the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi said if Congress is voted to power, it will take over properties of Hindus. His words are coming true now," Vijayendra said. "Hundreds of farmers have been issued notices to part with their land, claiming them as waqf properties."
Vijayendra said initially the govt denied issuing notices. "But when farmers protested, the CM directed officials not to issue notices," he said. "It means notices were issued. Now they (notices) have been withdrawn, keeping bypolls in mind. What is the guarantee that notices will not be re-issued once elections are over?"
Opposition Leader R Ashoka, who protested in KR Puram in Bengaluru, said ‘Waqf Jihad' is being carried out and land belonging to Hindus is being usurped just as Hindu girls were converted through ‘Love Jihad'. "BJP will not allow this to happen," he said. He said there is an urgent need to amend waqf laws to prevent the Waqf board from claiming ownership of properties of Hindus.
High drama unfolded in Dharwad after Pramod Mutalik of Sriram Sene and a group of farmers tried to picket the Waqf Board office. Local police prevented protesters from entering the office, which triggered a heated argument between protesters and police.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bjp-alleges-government-is-usurping-hindu-properties-and-giving-them-to-muslims/articleshow/114953666.cms
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Seven terrorists killed in separate operations in KP, Balochistan: ISPR
November 4, 2024
Security forces killed seven terrorists in separate operations on Monday, with one terrorist killed in Balochistan and the other six killed during two operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said.
“In the wee hours of Monday, six khawarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province,” said a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“An intelligence-based operation was conducted by Security Forces in general area Dosali, North Waziristan District,” the press release said. “During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij’s location, resultantly one kharji Ahmed Shah Intizar was sent to hell.”
In the second incident, the ISPR said that a group of *khawarij“ were attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border when they were intercepted by security forces in Khamrang, in KP’s South Waziristan District.
“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate,” the press release said. Five khawarij were “sent to hell”, while three others were injured.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” the ISPR added.
“Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, in Balochistan’s Noshki district, one terrorist was killed during a gun battle with security forces the military’s media wing said in a press release.
“On 4 November 2024, a fire exchange took place between own troops and the terrorists in Nushki District of Balochistan,” said the ISPR in a separate statement.
Security forces exchanged fire and one terrorist “was sent to hell”. Weapons and ammunition were seized after the gun battle subsided.
“[A] sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area,” the ISPR added.
“Security Forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to secure its borders and eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country,” said the ISPR.
The ISPR added: “Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.”
In July, the government, through an official notification, designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij, while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan.
On November 2, four terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan region.
“In the early hours of November 2, 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Sarwakai, South Waziristan District on reported presence of khawarij,” the ISPR said. The ISPR said that security forces engaged the terrorists, with four khawarij “sent to hell”.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1869855/seven-terrorists-killed-in-separate-operations-in-kp-balochistan-ispr
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Trial begins over beheading of teacher who showed Prophet Muhammed cartoon
November 05, 2024
Hugh Schofield
Samuel Paty was 47 when beheaded on the street outside his school in 2020
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Eight people have gone on trial in Paris accused of encouraging the killer of Samuel Paty, the teacher who was beheaded on the street outside his school four years ago.
Abdoullakh Anzorov, the young man of Chechen origin who wielded the knife, is dead – shot by police in the minutes after his attack.
So the trial is less about the murder itself, and more about the circumstances that led to it.
Over seven weeks, the court will hear how a 13-year-old’s schoolgirl lie span out of control thanks to social media, triggering an international hate campaign, and inspiring a lone mission of vengeance from a self-styled defender of Islam.
On trial are two men accused of identifying Mr Paty as a “blasphemer” over the Internet, two friends of Anzorov who allegedly gave him logistical help, and four others who offered support on chatlines.
Mr Paty’s murder horrified – and petrified – France.
He was a conscientious and much-liked history teacher in a secondary school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the prosperous western suburbs of Paris.
On 6 October 2020 he gave a lesson on freedom of speech – the same lesson he had given several times before – to a class of young teenagers.
Drawing on the tragically famous episode of Charlie Hebdo magazine – how publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad had led to the 2015 murder of most of its staff – he briefly showed an example of the cartoons.
Before doing so he recommended that those who feared being offended avert their eyes.
The next day one of his pupils – the 13-year-old girl – was asked by her father why she was not going to school.
She told him she had been disciplined because she dared to stand up to Mr Paty when he told Muslims to leave the class so he could show a naked picture of the prophet.
It was a triple lie.
Mr Paty had not told Muslims to leave the class. The girl had been disciplined, but not for the reason she said. She had not even been in the room on the day Mr Paty gave the lesson on freedom of speech.
But with the Internet to send it on its way, the lie spread... and spread.
First the girl’s father – Brahim Chnina - made her repeat the claim on videos, which he posted on Facebook, naming the teacher.
Then, a local Islamist - Abdelhakim Sefrioui - created a 10-minute online video entitled “Islam and the prophet insulted in a public college.”
Within a couple of days the school was inundated with threats and messages of hate from around the world. Paty told colleagues that he was living through a difficult time because of the campaign against him.
Meanwhile, the denunciation had reached the attention of an 18-year-old Chechen refugee living in Rouen, 80km (50 miles) to the west.
Anzorov made an initial note on his telephone that read: “A teacher has shown his class a picture of the messenger of Allah naked.”
Anzorov then sought the help of two friends, who are now on trial.
One of them was allegedly present when he bought a knife in a Rouen shop. The other helped him buy two replica pistols on 16 October, the day of the attack, and then drove him to the school.
The four last defendants - including one woman - are people with whom Anzorov conversed on Snapchat and Twitter and who allegedly offered him encouragement.
The defendants admit their connection to the case, but they contest the charges of "terrorist association" or "complicity to commit terrorist murder".
Lawyers for the girl’s father and the Islamist preacher will argue that though they publicly condemned Mr Paty, they never called for his murder.
In a similar vein, lawyers for Anzorov’s friends – actual and online – will say they had no notion he planned a killing.
For the prosecution, context is key. Samuel Paty’s murder took place at a time of heightened awareness of the jihadist threat. In October 2020, Charlie Hebdo had just re-published some of the cartoons, to mark the start of a trial resulting from the original attack.
The internet was full of new Islamist threats against France, and in late September a Pakistani man had wounded two people with a machete at Charlie Hebdo’s former offices.
In that climate, publicly denouncing a man for blasphemy was tantamount to designating a terrorist target, prosecutors will argue.
A year ago the girl at the heart of the case was convicted in a minors’ court of making false accusations and given a suspended prison term.
Five other pupils were also convicted of identifying Mr Paty for Anzarov in return for money.
The trial is set to run until late December.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2nxx970gro
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Muslim leaders endorse Trump with most persuasive closing arguments against Kamala Harris: 'I am no longer a Democrat'
NOVEMBER 04, 2024
Win McNamee/Getty Images
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Muslim community leaders in Minnesota made the best possible closing argument for Donald Trump over the weekend.
Speaking at the Minnesota Capitol on Saturday, Muslim and Somali leaders gathered behind a lectern adorned with a "Trump Make America Great Again" sign to explain why they cannot possibly support Kamala Harris for president.
"We're gathered here today to fully support and endorse President Trump and JD Vance," one of the men said.
The leaders felt compelled to endorse Trump because they believe he is the best candidate to lead America after four years under the leadership of Harris and President Joe Biden. Specifically, they praised Trump for his vision and record on the economy, education, immigration, personal freedom, crime and safety, and foreign policy and for promoting conservative family values.
Interestingly, nearly every speaker said they feel that the Democratic Party has abandoned them — becoming a party that doesn't care about the concerns of every day Americans.
One of the most interesting individuals who spoke at the event was Abshir Omar, a man who once worked on Democrat Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.
In no uncertain terms, Omar explained he now supports Trump because the Democratic Party has become everything it once claimed to stand against.
"You see all these people in this room were former Democrats — we were die-hard supporters," he said. "We were loyal to the Democratic Party, but that party is no longer loyal to us and no longer loyal to this country. We send billions overseas to prosecute wars against innocent people, yet we can't prosecute war against poverty in this country. We spend billions giving to lobbyists, yet we can't help homelessness in our community.
"The Democratic Party is now the party of war. It's the party of the billionaires. It's the party of silencing free speech," he continued. "That is not who I am, and that is not my values. My values are still my values, but the party of the Democratic Party no longer holds those values to be true, and today, in front of my own community and the rest of our society, I'm telling you I am no longer a Democrat. I have left that party. I have left that party, and I'm sticking to my conscience. I don't care what is politically expedient. I don't care what you look like, who you pray to."
Another man who spoke at the event said he loves Trump because "he's a fighter."
"More importantly, the left left us. They left us," that man continued. "Thirty-three percent of our kids cannot read — cannot read at grade level. Minnesota in education? We are failing in every standard. Eighth-graders — 60% cannot do math at grade level. These are our kids. We are talking about economic conditions here. Our conditions is [sic] horrible. We can't afford anything as working-class and middle-class people. Now please understand this: We love our brothers and sisters who are Democrats, but you left us.
"And because the left left us, join the right and vote for Trump 2024," he declared.
Harris is facing a well-known problem with Arab-American and Muslim voters, and Trump is benefiting from it.
Not only is Harris viewed as the pro-war candidate, but Muslim voters are often socially conservative, holding values that traditionally align with the Republican Party.
Harris' far-left record and progressive vision, moreover, are weighty baggage that blocs of traditionally Democratic voters — like the Muslims endorsing Trump in Minnesota — can no longer ignore.
Source:theblaze.com
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https://www.theblaze.com/news/muslim-leaders-minnesota-endorse-donald-trump
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LAKURAWAS: Another Terrorist Group Emerges In The North
5 November 2024
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Sokoto State Government has issued a warning regarding the rise of a new terrorist faction in the region, identified as LAKURAWAS.
The State Deputy Governor Idris Gobir revealed this during a meeting with participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in Sokoto.
Naija News reports that Gobir explained that the group operates with a religious ideology and is equipped with advanced weaponry.
“Our assessment shows that LAKURAWAS is active in about five local government areas across the state,” he noted.
Gobir expressed concern over this development, especially as the state is already grappling with widespread banditry.
“The threat is expanding,” he said, adding that security agencies are working diligently to counter this new danger.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing collaboration with federal security forces to safeguard lives and properties.
He emphasized various measures the state government has implemented to address these security challenges and hoped that insights from the National Defence College study tour would help authorities understand the evolving threats and devise effective strategies for securing peace.
Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, leader of the visiting delegation, provided background on the college, which was founded in 1992 as Nigeria’s premier military institution.
He explained that the college trains officers from the military, police, and strategic agencies, preparing them for high-level responsibilities. So far, 2,982 participants have graduated, including representatives from 30 African and Asian nations.
At the tour’s conclusion, Dauda stated, the team would present an oral and written report on their observations and recommendations for improving security in the state.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/05/lakurawas-another-terrorist-group-emerges-in-the-north/
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KL police identify suspect in viral video insulting Islam on social media, to record statement soon
05 Nov 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — A man who allegedly made negative remarks and insults against Islam, as circulated on social media today, has been identified.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that the police would record the suspect’s statement soon, as the individual was currently receiving mental health treatment at a hospital.
He added that the police have opened an investigation under Section 298A of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.
“Today, the police detected a viral video, lasting 1 minute and 4 seconds, which was uploaded by the account holder Tan Chong Ren@Tan Speaker Corner via Facebook.
“The video shows a man inside a vehicle making negative remarks and insults against the religion of Islam,” he said in a statement here tonight.
Rusdi emphasised that the police took this matter seriously and would take strict action against any parties that undermined public order and national security.
He advised the public not to continue sharing the video, as it may cause discomfort within the community. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/05/kl-police-identify-suspect-in-viral-video-insulting-islam-on-social-media-to-record-statement-soon/155856
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Taliban announces formation of mobile security unit in Badakhshan
By Fidel Rahmati
November 4, 2024
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior of the Taliban, announced the formation of a motorcycle patrol group in Badakhshan as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security.
He stated this patrolling group in Badakhshan on social media on Sunday, November 3.
According to Qani, this mobile patrol unit has been created to better ensure the safety of citizens in Badakhshan province. The security patrol, equipped with military gear, will operate 24/7 to prevent criminal activities within the province.
According to details provided by the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior spokesperson, the 100-member mobile unit will operate in the security sectors of Faizabad city and other districts in Badakhshan province.
A similar motorcycle patrol unit had previously been established in Kabul. These patrols ride through the city on motorcycles, with the primary goal of ensuring citizen security. The images shared by Qani depict more than 15 security personnel of the Taliban riding motorcycles in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province.
This comes amid rising insecurity in the province and attacks by several groups, raising concerns among the local population.
This situation arises amid a dire humanitarian crisis and widespread poverty in the country, which could further exacerbate insecurity and contribute to a significant brain drain in Afghanistan.
Several factors drive this insecurity, including ongoing violence from extremist groups, political instability, and economic hardship.
This exodus not only depletes the country of its skilled workforce but also deepens the challenges faced by those who remain, as the cycle poverty continues to spiral downward.
As these patrols become operational, it will be important to monitor their effectiveness in crime prevention and community safety. Continuous assessment and feedback from the public will be crucial for adapting these strategies to meet the evolving security needs of the region.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-announces-formation-of-mobile-security-unit-in-badakhshan/
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Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: A new digital transformation project aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s security capabilities was inaugurated on Monday by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
Prince Abdulaziz visited the Special Forces Command for Security and Protection in Riyadh to oversee the progress of operations and launch the new initiative.
Commander of the Special Forces for Security and Protection Marine Maj. Gen. Mansour bin Nasser Al-Fayez presented an overview of the project, which involves the development of 12 administrative systems designed to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Command and control centers will be enhanced with artificial intelligence technologies to support strategic operations, SPA added.
Prince Abdulaziz was also briefed on the deployment of “smart patrols,” which are outfitted with the latest tracking and monitoring equipment, security documentation tools, and drones to enhance field operations.
These high-tech patrols aim to bolster the forces’ ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to various security needs.
Prince Abdulaziz was joined on the visit by several officials including his deputy Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud and Maj. Gen. Shaya bin Salem Al-Wadani, director-general of the Saudi Border Guards.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578027/saudi-arabia
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Mideast
Jihad condemns Zionist enemy's decision to ban UNRWA's activities in occupied territories
04 Nov 2024
Gaza - Saba: The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine strongly condemned, on Monday, the criminal Zionist entity's decision to sever relations with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and ban its activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to the Palestine Today Agency, the movement confirmed in a statement that "the Zionist enemy's decision to sever relations with UNRWA aims to end its work, with the aim of eliminating the Palestinian refugee issue, within the framework of liquidating the Palestinian issue."
The movement stressed that "this decision represents a direct targeting of the rights of Palestinian refugees, and leads to the disruption of basic humanitarian services, especially in the fields of education and health care, which increases the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of them."
It added: "The pretexts and justifications presented by the Nazi entity's government are belied by its constant and ongoing efforts for years to end the work of UNRWA, with the aim of eliminating the Palestinian refugee issue.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3392309.htm
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Zionist enemy notifies Al-Shiyah Mosque demolition in Jabal Al-Mukaber village
04 Nov 2024
Occupied Quds - Saba:
The Zionist enemy authorities notified today, Monday, of the demolition of Al-Shiyah Mosque in the town of Jabal Al-Mukaber in occupied Quds.
Quds sources said, according to the Palestine Today Agency, that the occupation forces hung a demolition notice on Al-Shiyah Mosque.
Al-Shiyah Mosque serves the residents of Al-Shiyah neighborhood and the areas near it, and hundreds of residents flock to it daily to pray and learn the Qur’an and religious teachings. Its courtyard is also an outlet for the children of the neighborhood.
The mosque was built 20 years ago, and the municipality had issued decisions and demolition warnings for it, but they were frozen, but the residents were surprised by a court decision to demolish the mosque "final decision."
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3392121.htm
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Cultural seminar on martyrdom & jihad virtues for Allah sake in Hodeida
04 Nov 2024
Hodeida - Saba:
A cultural seminar was organized in Hodeida province on Monday on the virtues of martyrdom and jihad for the sake of Allah, in conjunction with the martyr anniversary in 1446, and Yemen's position in solidarity with the Palestinian people and resistance.
The seminar, organized by the Guidance Sector and the Ulema Unit, addressed the significance of commemorating this anniversary in confronting the plots and schemes of the nation's enemies and Islam, responsibilities in mobilizing the obligation of jihad to support the Palestinian , Lebanese peoples, and options for supporting the resistance to respond to the Zionist entity's crimes.
The scholars (Saleh Al-Harazi, Ali Somel, Yahya Al-Hajjaji and Abdulrahman Al-Warfi) reviewed the principles that the martyrs carried, and the importance of celebrating this occasion to commemorate the martyrs' heroism , instill the culture of sacrifice , redemption in the souls of generations, and familiarize them with the real enemy of the nation and Islam, represented by America and Israel.
They pointed to the virtue of martyrdom and martyrs, their high status with God, and their place in society as an example of giving, sacrifice and redemption. They emphasized that commemorating the anniversary of the martyr reflects loyalty to the martyrs and following their example.
They expressed their condemnation of the continued international silence and the failure of the Arab regimes towards the war of annihilation committed by the Zionist entity in Gaza Strip and Lebanon. They emphasized that the Arab regimes are partners with the Zionist occupation in the shedding of Palestinian blood.
Source:saba.ye
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First semester closing ceremony at Al-Sarkha School of Sharia Sciences in Ibb
04 Nov 2024
Ibb - Saba:
The Al-Sarkha School of Sharia Sciences in Ibb province organized a speech and cultural ceremony to conclude the first semester.
At the ceremony, mobilization official Abdel Fattah Ghallab praised the efforts exerted by the school's administration to raise the level of students and raise their scientific capabilities in the field of sharia sciences.
He called on all students to be diligent and very keen to benefit and concentrate with their teachers and continuous perseverance in scientific achievement. He stressed the need to pay attention to this type of education and to motivate parents to push their children to such quality schools, and to ensure that they are expanded to include the various districts of the province.
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Conclusion of first semester of academic year at Hamma Suleiman School for Sharia Sciences in Dhamar
04 Nov 2024
Hamma Suleiman Secondary School for Sharia Sciences in Mayfaa Anas District in Al-Youm Governorate organized the closing ceremony of the first semester of the academic year 1446 AH.
At the ceremony, Mohammed Abu Ali, Director of the Activities Department at the General Directorate of Sharia Sciences, stressed the importance of these schools in building and qualifying generations scientifically, faithfully, and jihadistly, and immunizing them from false cultures.
He called for supporting and encouraging these schools officially and popularly and pushing students to join them to prepare a conscious generation armed with Quranic culture and faith identity, especially in light of what the nation is experiencing during the current stage, praising the level of school students in the scientific and cultural fields.
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Israel issues 7,000 new draft orders for ultra-Orthodox members
November 04, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued 7,000 additional army draft orders Monday for individuals from the country’s ultra-Orthodox community, historically exempted from mandatory service until a June Supreme Court decision.
Gallant approved the Israeli army’s “recommendation to issue an additional 7,000 orders for screening and evaluation processes for ultra-Orthodox draft-eligible individuals in the upcoming phase, which is expected to begin in the coming days,” the defense ministry said in a statement.
The order comes after a first round of 3,000 draft orders were sent out in July, sparking protests from the ultra-Orthodox community.
Monday’s orders come at a time when Israel is struggling to bolster troop numbers as it fights a multi-front war, with ground forces deployed to fight Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“The defense minister concluded that the war and the challenges we face underscore the (Israeli army’s) need for additional soldiers. This is a tangible operational need that requires broad national mobilization from all parts of society,” the ministry said.
In Israel, military service is mandatory for Jewish men for 32 months, and for 24 months for Jewish women.
The ultra-Orthodox account for 14 percent of Israel’s Jewish population, according to the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), representing about 1.3 million people.
About 66,000 of those of conscription age are exempted, according to the army.
Under a rule adopted at Israel’s creation in 1948, when it applied to only 400 people, the ultra-Orthodox have historically been exempted from military service if they dedicate themselves to the study of sacred Jewish texts.
In June, Israel’s Supreme Court ordered the draft of yeshiva (seminary) students after deciding the government could not keep up the exemption “without an adequate legal framework.”
Hamas’s October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 43,374 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to Gaza health ministry figures which the United Nations considers to be reliable.
Since late September, Israel has broadened the focus of its war to Lebanon, where it intensified air strikes and later sent in ground troops, following nearly a year of tit-for-tat cross-border fire with Hezbollah.
Source:arabnews.com
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Palestinians build new lives in Cairo’s ‘Little Gaza’
November 05, 2024
CAIRO: Palestinian Bassem Abu Aoun serves Gaza-style turkey shawarma at his restaurant in an eastern Cairo neighborhood, where a growing number of businesses opened by those fleeing war have many dubbing the area “Little Gaza.”
“It was a big gamble,” said the 56-year-old about opening his restaurant, Hay Al-Rimal, named after his neighborhood in Gaza City, now devastated by Israeli bombardment.
“I could live for a year on the money I had, or open a business and leave the rest to fate,” he said.
So less than four months after fleeing with his family to neighboring Egypt from the besieged Palestinian territory, he opened his eatery in Cairo’s Nasr City neighborhood.
The establishment is one of the many cafes, falafel joints, shawarma spots and sweets shops being started by newly arriving Palestinian entrepreneurs in the area — despite only being granted temporary stays by Egypt.
These spaces have become a refuge for the traumatized Gazan community in Cairo, offering a livelihood to business owners, many of whom lost everything in the war.
“Even if the war stops now in Gaza, it would take me at least two or three years to get my life back on track,” Abu Aoun said.
“Everything has been wiped out there,” he continued.
His patrons are mainly fellow Palestinians, chatting in their distinct Gazan dialect as they devour sandwiches that remind them of home.
On a wall next to his shop was a mural of intertwining Egyptian and Palestinian flags.
“I have a responsibility to my family and children who are in university,” said the restaurateur, whose two eateries in Gaza have now been completely destroyed.
Abu Aoun and his family are among more than 120,000 Palestinians who arrived in Egypt between November last year and May, according to Palestinian officials in Egypt.
They crossed through the Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s only exit point to the outside world until Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side in early May and closed it ever since.
Although Egypt insists it won’t do Israel’s bidding by allowing permanent refugee camps on its territory, it had allowed in medical evacuees, dual passport holders and others who managed to escape.
Many drained their life savings to escape, paying thousands of dollars a head to the private Egyptian travel agency Hala, the only company coordinating Gaza evacuations.
War broke out in Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas’s surprise attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed 43,374 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry which the UN considers reliable.
Gazan-style desserts
Opening the restaurant was not an easy decision for Abu Aoun, but he says he’s glad he did it.
“I’ll open a second branch and expand,” he said with a smile, while watching a family from Central Asia being served a traditional Gazan salad.
Nearby is Kazem, a branch of a decades-old, much-loved Gaza establishment serving iced dessert drinks.
Its Palestinian owner, Kanaan Kazem, opened the branch in September after settling in Cairo.
The shop offers ice cream on top of a drink sprinkled with pistachios, a Gazan-style treat known as “bouza w barad,” which has become a fast favorite among the Egyptian patrons filling the shop.
“There’s a certain fear and hesitation about opening a business in a place where people don’t know you,” said Kazem, 66.
But “if we’re destined never to return, we must adapt to this new reality and start a new life,” he said, standing alongside his sons.
Kazem hopes to return to Gaza, but his son Nader, who manages the shop, has decided to stay in Egypt.
“There are more opportunities, safety and stability here, and it’s a large market,” said Nader, a father of two.
Gazan patron Bashar Mohammed, 25, takes comfort in the flourishing Palestinian businesses.
“Little Gaza reminds me of Gaza’s spirit and beauty and makes me feel like I’m really in Gaza,” he said.
After more than a year of war, Gaza has become uninhabitable due to extensive destruction and damage to infrastructure, according to the United Nations.
“It’d be hard to go back to Gaza. There’s no life left there,” he said, taking a deep breath.
“I have to build a new life here.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel accuses Turkiye of ‘malice’ over UN arms embargo call
November 05, 2024
UNITED NATIONS, United States: Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations on Monday accused Turkiye of “malice,” after Ankara submitted a letter signed by 52 countries calling for a halt in arms deliveries to Israel over the war in Gaza.
“What else can be expected from a country whose actions are driven by malice in an attempt to create conflicts with the support of the ‘Axis of Evil’ countries,” said Ambassador Danny Danon, using a pejorative term to describe the Arab countries who signed the letter.
Turkiye’s foreign ministry said Sunday it had submitted the letter to the United Nations, with the signatories including the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Israel has faced international criticism for the conduct of its war in Gaza, where its offensive has killed at least 43,374 people, most of them civilians, according to health ministry figures which the United Nations considers to be reliable.
The war was sparked by Palestinian armed group Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
“This letter is further proof that the UN is led by some sinister countries and not by the liberal countries that support the values of justice and morality,” said Danon.
Turkiye’s letter, seen by AFP Monday, called the “staggering” civilian death toll “unconscionable and intolerable.”
“We therefore make this collective call for immediate steps to be taken to halt the provision or transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel, the occupying Power, in all cases where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the letter said.
It added that the UN Security Council (UNSC) must take steps to ensure compliance with its resolutions “which are being flagrantly violated.”
The UNSC called in March for a ceasefire in Gaza, but has struggled to speak with a unified voice on the issue due to the veto wielded by Israel’s key ally, the United States.
Asked about the joint letter on Monday, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had not seen it.
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Gaza aid situation not much improved, US says as deadline for Israel looms
November 05, 2024
WASHINGTON: Israel has taken some measures to increase aid access to Gaza but has so far failed to significantly turn around the humanitarian situation in the enclave, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday, as a deadline set by the US to improve the situation approaches.
The Biden administration told Israel in an Oct. 13 letter it had 30 days to take specific steps to address the dire humanitarian crisis in the strip, which has been pummeled for more than a year by Israeli ground and air operations that Israel says are aimed at rooting out Hamas militants.
Aid workers and UN officials say humanitarian conditions continue to be dire in Gaza.
“As of today, the situation has not significantly turned around. We have seen an increase in some measurements. We’ve seen an increase in the number of crossings that are open. But just if you look at the stipulated recommendations in the letter, those have not been met,” Miller said.
Miller said the results so far were “not good enough” but stressed that the 30-day period had not elapsed.
He declined to say what consequences Israel would face if it failed to implement the recommendations.
“What I can tell you that we will do is we will follow the law,” he said.
Washington, Israel’s main supplier of weapons, has frequently pressed Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza since the war with Hamas began with the Palestinian militant group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel.
The Oct. 13 letter, sent by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, said a failure to demonstrate a sustained commitment to implementing the measures on aid access may have implications for US policy and law.
Section 620i of the US Foreign Assistance Act prohibits military aid to countries that impede delivery of US humanitarian assistance.
Israel on Monday said it was canceling its agreement with the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), citing accusations that some UNRWA staff had Hamas links.
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said Israel had scaled back the entry of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip to an average of 30 trucks a day, the lowest in a long time.
An Israeli government spokesman said no limit had been imposed on aid entering Gaza, with 47 aid trucks entering northern Gaza on Sunday alone.
Israeli statistics reviewed by Reuters last week showed that aid shipments allowed into Gaza in October remained at their lowest levels since October 2023.
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Israel hostages forum demands probe in secrets leak case
November 05, 2024
JERUSALEM: A Gaza hostages campaign group called Monday for an investigation into the alleged leak of confidential documents by an ex-aide to Israel’s premier, which may have undermined efforts to secure their release.
A court announced Sunday that Eliezer Feldstein, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu, had been detained along with three others for allegedly leaking documents to foreign media.
The case has prompted the opposition to question whether Netanyahu was involved in the leak — an allegation denied by his office.
“The (hostage) families demand an investigation against all those suspected of sabotage and undermining state security,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
“Such actions, especially during wartime, endanger the hostages, jeopardize their chances of return and abandon them to the risk of being killed by Hamas terrorists.”
The forum represents most of the families of the 97 hostages still held in Gaza after they were seized in the unprecedented October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war.
The Israeli military says 34 of them are dead.
“The suspicions suggest that individuals associated with the prime minister acted to carry out one of the greatest frauds in the country’s history,” the forum said.
“This is a moral low point like no other. It is a severe blow to the remaining trust between the government and its citizens.”
Critics have long accused Netanyahu of stalling in truce negotiations and prolonging the war to appease his far-right coalition partners.
Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet and the army launched an investigation into the breach in September after two newspapers, British weekly The Jewish Chronicle and Germany’s Bild tabloid, published articles based on the classified military documents.
One article claimed a document had been uncovered showing that then Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar — later killed by Israel — and the hostages in Gaza would be smuggled into Egypt through the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border.
The other was based on what was said to be an internal Hamas leadership memo on Sinwar’s strategy to hamper talks toward the liberation of hostages.
The Israeli court said the release of the documents ran the risk of causing “severe harm to state security.”
“As a result, the ability of security bodies to achieve the objective of releasing the hostages, as part of the war goals, could have been compromised,” it added.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,206 people on Israeli soil, mostly civilians, according to AFP’s count based on official Israeli data, including hostages who died or were killed in captivity in Gaza.
Israel’s retaliatory military offensive in Gaza has so far killed at least 43,341 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the territory’s health ministry. The UN considers these figures as reliable.
Meanwhile, late on Monday Netanyahu asked the attorney general to begin investigating other alleged leaks from cabinet meetings during the war.
“Since the beginning of the war, we have witnessed an incessant flood of serious leaks and revelations of state secrets,” he said in a letter to the attorney general, which was posted on his Telegram channel.
“Therefore, I am appealing to you to immediately order the investigation of the leaks in general.”
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GCC’s chief urges regional collective action at counter-terrorism conference in Kuwait
November 04, 2024
KUWAIT CITY: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi addressed a high-level conference on counter-terrorism and border security on Monday.
The conference, which is being held in Kuwait and ends on Tuesday, has been organized by Kuwait in partnership with Tajikistan and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.
It gathered ministers, UN agency representatives, and international and regional organizations to help bolster international counter-terrorism efforts.
Al-Budaiwi said: “This important regional conference focuses on border security and combating terrorism, which are vital issues requiring collective action.”
Al-Budaiwi spoke of the GCC’s achievements in security collaboration, including information-sharing and laws targeting terrorism financing.
He added: “The GCC countries have built a common security system through joint agreements, enhancing cooperation in border protection and addressing security threats.”
He stressed the region’s proactive approach in utilizing technology and training personnel to safeguard borders against transnational threats like arms and human trafficking.
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Fate of elderly residents uncertain after Israel destroys homes in Lebanese border village
NAJIA HOUSSARI
November 04, 2024
BEIRUT: Dozens of houses and other buildings in the Lebanese border village of Mays Al-Jabal have been destroyed during Israeli incursions over the past 48 hours, residents said. The fate of several elderly villagers, including a woman, who refused to leave their homes before the attacks remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday called on the international community to address Israel’s “continued aggression against Lebanon and its crimes of killing and destruction.”
His appeal came during meetings with ambassadors from the permanent members of the UN Security Council — the US, the UK, France, Russia and China — and Sandra de Waal, the EU’s envoy to Lebanon.
The death toll in the country had risen to 2,968 by Sunday evening, officials said, including dozens of children, women and the elderly people who died in the rubble of their homes. The number of wounded has risen to 13,319. Health Minister Firas Abiad said eight hospitals in the south of the country, the Bekaa and Beirut’s southern suburbs are out of service.
The people of Mays Al-Jabal appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for help to search for survivors who might be trapped under the rubble following the Israeli attacks. Some of the missing were said to be in their 80s and 90s and had received medical and food aid in recent months from the Red Cross, in coordination with UN Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese army.
Explosions during the attacks in Mays Al-Jabal caused tremors similar to those in the towns of Kfarkela, Blida, Mhaibib, Khiam, Ayta Al-Shaab and Ramyah over the past two weeks. Israeli forces were reportedly spotted on the move in the vicinity of Mays Al-Jabal’s government hospital on Monday in preparation for a fresh assault.
Activists on social media shared satellite images of the devastation caused by the Israeli attacks on border villages, from which the inhabitants have fled.
Israeli airstrikes hit the villages of Tyre and Bint Jbeil but did not stop there. A Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Authority center in the town of Bazouriyeh was targeted, killing two paramedics and wounding several people.
Bint Jbeil, Maroun Al-Ras, Yaroun and Aitaroun have also come under sporadic artillery fire, though they were quiet on Monday. However, three people were killed in a raid on a residence in the town of Arabsalim in Iqlim Al-Tuffah region, and an Israeli airstrike on Machghara in Western Bekaa killed four people and left several injured.
The Israeli army said the air force had killed Abu Ali Rida, a Hezbollah leader in the southern Baraachit area said to be responsible for planning and carrying out rocket and anti-tank attacks, and overseeing the activities of Hezbollah operatives in the area.
Hezbollah said it “struck a gathering of soldiers to the east of Maroun Al-Ras, using a suicide drone that reached its intended target.” The group also said Israeli forces “retreated from the Khiam region on Sunday, as well as from Sarda, Al-Amra, Talat Al-Hamames and the vicinity of Al-Wazzani.”
It added that its forces had attacked the Nahariya settlement and the Meron air surveillance base, and launched a suicide-drone assault targeting Israeli forces in the Yiftah settlement.
On Sunday night, Hezbollah said it launched an “air attack with a squadron of suicide drones on a gathering of Israeli forces in the Manara settlement,” and targeted “the settlements of Elite Hashahar, Sha'al, Hatzor, Dalton and Yesud HaMa’ala with rocket barrages.”
Sirens sounded in Acre and Nahariya on Monday. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, said: “Within 30 minutes this morning, the air force successfully intercepted four drones en route to Israel. Some of these drones originated from Lebanon, while others came from the east. Two of the drones were intercepted before entering the country’s airspace.”
According to Israeli news reports, “a drone was intercepted in the Rekhs Ramim area in Upper Galilee without activating the sirens.” And an Israeli attack on a residence in the Baalbek-Hermel area, close to the Douris municipality, reportedly caused significant damage.
During his meeting with the international envoys, Mikati said Israel had “turned against all the suggested solutions and continues its war crimes in various Lebanese regions, to the extent of targeting archaeological sites. This, in itself, is an additional crime against humanity and must be confronted and stopped.”
He highlighted the “escalation of Israeli hostilities against Lebanon and the atrocities committed, including killings and destruction, which should be brought to the attention of the international community, which remains silent on these events.”
Nations that traditionally “carry the banner of humanity and human rights should exert maximum pressure on Israel to stop its aggression,” Mikati added.
He said the Lebanese government has “welcomed all calls advocating for a ceasefire but Israel has turned against all proposed solutions. We renew our demand to put pressure on Israel to cease its aggression.”
The government previously agreed to “enhance the presence of the army and recruit military personnel,” he continued, and during an upcoming parliamentary session “we will discuss certain executive measures to support recruiting 1,500 members for the army.”
Mikati reiterated the need for the international community to put pressure on Israel to avoid targeting civilians, medical teams and ambulance crews, and handed the envoys “a letter in which he stressed that the ongoing Israeli aggression, especially the attacks on places such as Baalbek and Tyre, have led to the displacement of entire villages and threatened priceless heritage and cultural sites.”
He also presented them with a report on the damage to Lebanon’s health sector caused by the Israeli attacks, and called for “an immediate ceasefire to stop the senseless violence and protect our country’s cultural heritage.”
Mikati urged the Security Council “to take swift and decisive action to protect the historical treasures that are not only part of our national identity but also hold significance as global historical landmarks.”
He added: “We must work together to ensure the preservation of these sites for future generations.”
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Yemen’s government shuts down unlicensed exchange firms to stop riyal devaluation
SAEED AL-BATATI
November 04, 2024
AL-MUKALLA: The Yemeni riyal stabilized on Monday near its all-time low of 2050 against the dollar in government-controlled areas, as the Yemeni government launched a campaign targeting unlicensed exchange firms.
Local money traders and media said that the riyal was trading at 2050 against the dollar, maintaining the same record low, days after breaking the historic low of 2000 against the dollar. In early 2015, the Yemeni riyal was worth 215 per dollar.
This comes as the Yemeni government closed dozens of exchange firms in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, Hadramout, Shabwa, and Mahra that lack or have expired licenses.
Local officials, escorted by armed policemen, were seen in the streets of Aden, Al-Mukalla in Hadramout, Attaq in Shabwa, and Al-Ghaydah in Mahra province, inspecting exchange firms and shops’ licenses and closing the doors of unlicensed firms to slow the devaluation of the Yemeni riyal.
The Yemeni government has long accused local money traders of engaging in currency speculation, which resulted in the Yemeni riyal’s rapid devaluation.
Another reason for the devaluation, according to the Yemeni government, is the Houthis’ attacks on oil terminals in Hadramout and Shabwa in late 2022, which resulted in a complete halt to oil exports.
Saleh Fadaeq, the head of the central bank branch in Shabwa, said on Monday that the campaign against unauthorized exchange firms would continue to stop the Yemeni riyal’s devaluation, end currency speculation, and combat money laundering, according to the official news agency SABA.
The Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government have recently requested financial assistance from international donors to help stabilize the Yemeni riyal, pay employees, and fund critical projects.
Yemenis across the political and social spectrum have warned of a major humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as the rapid devaluation of the riyal has driven up the prices of food, fuel, and other essential commodities, pushing people deeper into poverty.
Ismael Al-Sharabi wrote on Facebook that the riyal’s depreciation is causing “a humanitarian crisis,” with the prices for basic food items reaching unprecedented highs. He urged the Yemeni government to quickly bring under control the riyal’s fall.
“A tomato now costs 1,000 riyals. This is a humanitarian disaster and a historical curse that has befallen these people, who are now fighting death to survive, swallowing all burdens, high prices, and extreme poverty,” Al-Sharabi said.
High prices caused by the riyal’s devaluation have sparked violent protests in Aden and Al-Mukalla, as well as other Yemeni cities under government control, over the last several years.
Mustafa Nasr, director of the Studies and Economic Media Center, said the government’s campaign against unlicensed exchange firms did not lead to the riyal’s recovery as it only targeted small firms and not the large exchange firms that control the market, calling for stricter government measures to prevent the riyal’s fall.
“The exchange sector has become disorganized, bloated, and has sufficient liquidity to influence the exchange market,” Nasr told Arab News.
In its most recent report on the Yemeni economy, released late last month, the World Bank depicted a bleak economy in 2025, saying that Yemen’s gross domestic product is expected to fall by 1 percent in 2024, compared to a 2 percent drop last year.
Sixty percent of Yemenis have insufficient access to food due to an unprecedented level of insecurity brought about by the war, and the Houthis’ attacks on oil terminals slashed 42 percent of the government’s revenues, making it difficult for it to provide public services and devaluing the Yemeni riyal, according to the World Bank.
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Syrian state media reports Israeli strike south of Damascus
November 04, 2024
DAMASCUS: Syrian state media reported Israeli strikes on Monday near the Sayyeda Zeinab area south of Damascus, home to an important Shiite sanctuary and guarded by pro-Iranian groups, including Hezbollah.
"At approximately 5:18 pm (14:15 GMT), the Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights, targeting a number of civilian sites south of Damascus, which led to some material losses," the official SANA news agency said, citing a military source.
Mehdi Mahfouz, a 34-year-old resident of the area, said he "heard three successive explosions, one of which was very strong."
"Then I saw a large black cloud of smoke rising," Mahfouz added.
The blasts were heard in the neighbouring Jaramana suburb of Damascus, according to an AFP photographer, as ambulances headed to the area.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported at least three strikes in the area.
The targets include a house "used by members of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard," the monitor added, saying it is located in a farm in the Sayyeda Zeinab area.
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria mainly targeting army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has intensified its strikes on Syria since it launched its war on Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon.
Israeli authorities rarely comment on the strikes, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.
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India
Muslim Women At JPC Meet: What Has Waqf Board Done For Orphans, Widows?
November 04, 2024
By :Payal Mehta
At the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) meet for Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament on Monday, among those who made an appearance was a group from the Muslim intellectual women’s cell, which included several academicians.
Deposing before the panel and making the presentation, the women supported the government’s intent to bring the bill to ensure justice for women and the backward in the Muslim community.
The women wanted to understand from the Waqf board what they had done for the cause of orphans and widows, despite the claims of empowering the Muslim community.
They also questioned the inaction of previous governments in addressing the land mafia, which was trying to grab Waqf lands. These lands were available to the rich and famous, even though the board’s aim was to ensure the welfare of the backward and weaker sections of Muslim society.
This is the first group of women representatives who appeared before the panel. They lauded the government’s effort to make women’s representation mandatory in the central council and the state boards.
Members of the opposition, in the last couple of weeks, have written to the Lok Sabha speaker, seeking action against committee chairman Jagdambika Paul for being unable to conduct the meetings in a free and fair manner.
It has also been learnt that the members of the opposition will meet the Lok Sabha Speaker again on Tuesday, demanding his intervention in the way meetings were conducted. This time they wanted to raise the issue of the committee asking people who were not stakeholders to depose, the opposition MPs have alleged.
THE LETTER
An excerpt of the letter that is going to be written to the Lok Sabha Speaker read: “It may not be out of context to mention here that more than 100 amendments are made in the newly drafted Bill 2024 as against the claim of only 44 amendments by the government. Out of these amendments, we are reasonably confined to express our fear that the religious, spiritual and moral fabrics of a legal Institution i.e. Waqf board is going to be erased which will tarnish our country’s image in the eye of the world community on minority rights guaranteed in our Constitution. For aforesaid reasons, the sittings of the Committee must be decided in such a manner with adequate time to discuss and deliberate the every clause of the Bill including the legislative competency of the Parliament."
It further reads: “It is respectfully submitted that the Chairman of the Committee used to take unilateral decisions on fixing the dates of sittings even for consecutive three days where Persons/Bodies to be called as witness, which is not practically possible for MPs to interact with preparation. We the Members of the JPC from opposition feel that the constitution of JPC, i.e, a mini Parliament should not be treated as a mere ventilating chamber to get the Bill passed as desired by the Government ignoring the Parliamentary process by using the so called “majority" undemocratically. Hence, it is our duty to bring to your notice with pain that bulldozing the proceedings of the JPC without assigning reasonable and plausible time pause as against the will of the Members is nothing but an act of atrocious onslaught on the Constitutional religion and the Parliament."
The letter signed by opposition MPs states, “It is therefore prayed that the Chairman of the JPC may kindly be directed to have a formal consultation with members of the Committee before taking decisions on these issues to assure the Nation that the Committee is fair and free in arriving conclusions on the Bill without any bias and departure from the well established Parliamentary procedures. Otherwise, we humbly submit that we may be forced to disassociate with JPC once for all as we have been stone walled."
The meeting will be held again on Tuesday, during which multiple parties will depose. The Bohra community will be represented by lawyer Harish Salve. Next week, the committee will be out on a six-day tour across five states to interact with nine state boards.
So far, 22 meetings have taken place since the bill was first referred to the JPC in August 2022. The committee is expected to submit its report to Parliament in the first week of the upcoming winter session. The Centre has already expressed its intent to pass the bill in the upcoming session.
Source:news18.com
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Property gifted by Muslims need not be registered: Kerala HC
November 04, 2024
The Kerala High Court has held that Section 123 of the Transfer of Property Act which mandates that a gift of immovable property can be made only through a registered document, is not applicable to Muslims.
The court made the ruling recently while allowing a writ petition filed by Razak H. from Palakkad challenging the refusal of the Village Officer, Kanjikode to mutate the land gifted orally in favour of the petitioner by his father and accept land tax and provide Thandaper account.
The court observed that a gift under Muslim law is called hiba. “Any Muslim, to whatever school of law he or she may belong, can make a hiba, of the whole of his or her property. A gift of immovable property need not be reduced to writing nor necessarily registered under the Muslim law. An oral gift fulfilling all three essential conditions – declaration (ijab), acceptance (qubul) and delivery of possession (qabza) respectively – is perfectly valid under the Muslim law. Declaration as well as acceptance of the gift may be oral, whatever the nature of the property gifted. The requirement relating to writing or registration laid down for gifts under Section 123 of the Transfer of Property Act does not apply to Muslims. Section 129 of the Act preserves the rule of Mohammedan Law and excludes the applicability of Section 123 of the T.P. Act to a gift of immovable property by a Muslim,” the court said.
Source:thehindu.com
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"Who instigated infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims in Jharkhand?": BJP's Sanjay Seth slams CM Soren
Nov 04, 2024
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 4 (ANI): Accusing Jharkhand Chief Minister of "instigating the infiltration", Union Minister Sanjay Seth (/topic/sanjay-seth) said on Monday that CM Hemant Soren (/topic/hemant-soren) issued an order two and a half years ago that the police would not stop cow smugglers and it was issued to please a particular vote bank. Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Seth (/topic/sanjay-seth) said, "Who instigated the infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims in Jharkhand? Two and a half years ago, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren (/topic/hemant-soren) issued an order that the police would not stop cow smugglers... Such orders were issued to please a particular vote bank... They instigated the infiltration of Bangladeshis...In Ranchi, Bangladeshi infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators) are living in large numbers and are doing a lot of criminal activities." The BJP (/topic/bjp) leader also emphasized that the BJP (/topic/bjp) has resolved to drive away Bangladeshi infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators) fro m Jharkhand. Further, speaking on the Uniform Civil Code, the Union Minister said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that UCC will be implemented in Jharkhand but the Tribal community will be kept out of the ambit of UCC." Earlier today, labelling the JMM (/topic/jmm)-led coalition in Jharkhand a "Ghuspaithiya Bandhan" (infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators)' alliance) and "Mafia Ka Ghulam" (mafia's slave) for allegedly supporting Bangladeshi infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the people of Jharkhand are being forced to migrate. Addressing a rally in Garhwa, the Prime Minister claimed that the mafia has overtaken the Hemant Soren (/topic/hemant-soren) government and a vote for the BJP (/topic/bjp) will be a stroke on the "mafia system" "Appeasement politics has reached its pinnacle in Jharkhand where the JMM (/topic/jmm)-led coalition is busy supporting Bangladeshi infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators). If this continues, the tribal population in Jharkhand will shrink. This is a threat to tribal society and the country. This coalition has become a 'Gushpaithiya Bandhan' and a 'Mafia ka Gulam'. These (JMM (/topic/jmm)-RJDCongress) three political parties support infiltrators (/topic/infiltrators)...They are making them settle in entire Jharkhand," PM Modi (/topic/pm-modi) said. He asserted that after the BJP (/topic/bjp) forms government in Jharkhand, 3 lakh government posts will be filled in a transparent manner. PM Modi (/topic/pm-modi) underlined BJP (/topic/bjp)'s poll promise regarding new houses for the poor and said that the party guarantees there should be no poor without a house. The Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the 2020 Assembly election in Jharkhand, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM (/topic/jmm)) won 30 seats, BJP (/topic/bjp) won 25 seats and Congress won 16. In 2014, the BJP (/topic/bjp) won 37 seats, JMM (/topic/jmm) won 19 seats and Congress only won 6 seats. (ANI) Source:aninews.in
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Hindu temple in Kanpur ‘purified’ after visit by Muslim Samajwadi Party leader
Scroll Staff
A visit by Samajwadi Party candidate Naseem Solanki to a temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur has stirred up religious and political tensions, with the temple undergoing a “purification” ritual on Saturday with 1,000 litres of Ganga water after she prayed there on Diwali, reported The Telegraph.
Solanki is contesting the Uttar Pradesh Assembly bye-elections on November 20 from the Sishamau constituency.
She said she had visited the Van-Khandeshwar Temple to honour the wishes of her Hindu supporters by lighting a diya and pouring holy water on a Shivalinga, a representation of the deity Shiva. “God is not anyone’s property; anyone can seek blessings,” The Telegraph quoted Solanki as saying.
However, the All India Muslim Jamaat issued a fatwa against her, describing her participation in idol worship as a “criminal” act under Sharia law, The Hindu reported.
On the Hindu side, chief priest Ram Naresh Mishra said that the entire temple was washed “with 1,000 litres of holy water from the Ganga because Hindus didn’t like her act,” The Telegraph reported.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party also joined the fray, accusing Solanki of staging a “political stunt” to court Hindu votes. “They [Samajwadi Party] remembers temples when election approaches,” BJP MLA Surendra Maithani said.
Sishamau, one of nine constituencies scheduled for bye-elections, became vacant after Irfan Solanki, Naseem Solanki’s husband and a former Samajwadi Party MLA, was jailed on charges of arson.
Source:scroll.in
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Salman Khan gets another threat on Mumbai police helpline; message sender claims to be Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol Bishnoi
05.11.24
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has received a fresh threat along with a demand of Rs 5 crore from a person claiming to brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, officials said on Tuesday.
The threat message, which also asked Khan to apologise apparently over an alleged blackbuck poaching incident, was received at the Mumbai traffic police control room located in Worli area late Monday night, an official said.
The message sender claimed he is brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the police official said.
“If Salman Khan wants to stay alive, he should go to our (Bishnoi community) temple and apologise or pay Rs 5 crore. If he does not do so, we will kill him; our gang is still active,” the message said.
Taking serious cognisance of the message, an on-duty security officer informed about it to the higher-ups and Worli police, the official said.
Police are probing the origin of the threat message and have beefed up security measures for Salman Khan, sources said.
The police are also checking if the message is linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged at the Sabarmati jail in Gujarat on various charges, including attempted murder and extortion, they added.
Khan has earlier also received threats along with the demand for money.
On October 29, a man sent a threat message on the traffic police's WhatsApp helpline number, threatening to kill Khan and Maharashtra NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique if they failed to pay up Rs 2 crore.
The person in the message warned the two will meet the same fate as former state minister Baba Siddique, father of Zeeshan Siddique, and his warning should not be treated as a joke, he said.
Baba Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen in the Bandra area on October 12.
The police on October 30 arrested a man, resident of Bandra (West), an upscale area where Khan also resides, in that connection and recovered the mobile phone and the SIM card used in the crime, an official earlier said.
Earlier last month, the Mumbai traffic police's WhatsApp helpline desk had received a threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from the actor. The police subsequently arrested a man from Jamshedpur in Jharkhand in connection with the threat message.
The Mumbai police last month also arrested a man from Noida in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly issuing a death threat to Khan and Zeeshan Siddique.
Notably, Khan had earlier also received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Suspected members of the dreaded gang opened fire outside the actor's Bandra home in April this year.
A few months back, the Navi Mumbai police uncovered a plot by the Bishnoi gang to kill Khan after which his security was stepped up.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly opens to ruckus over demands for restoration of Article 370
Muzaffar Raina
05.11.24
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s first session in six years opened amid controversy, primarily focused on demands for the restoration of Article 370.
This marked a pivotal moment for the region, allowing representatives to openly discuss a contentious issue without fear of repercussions.
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Assembly, partially resonating with public sentimentby committing to effortsaimed at restoring full statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the strong aspirations of the people for the restoration of statehood.
The Assembly convened following the first elections in a decade. The Valley has been rocked by militant violence resulting in 15 deaths and more than a dozen injuries in the past 19 days.
Sinha told the Assembly: “It is a privilege to witness the restoration of this august House, which once againreflects the aspirations ofthe people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The LG added that ministers led by chief minister Omar Abdullah recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate restoration of statehood. “This resolution reflects the collective will of the elected representatives, echoing the aspirations of the people for the reinstatement of full democratic governance,” he said.
The session also saw the unopposed election of veteran National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather as Speaker.
When Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370, BJP legislators opposed it, leading to chaos as other members rallied to support him.
Para took the House by surprise as he stood to speak on Rather’s election but read out a 2019 parliamentary resolution against the revocation of special status and Article 370. Three PDP MLAs had signed the resolution.
The BJP’s response was immediate, demanding that Para’s microphone be muted. The Speaker intervened, requesting patience from BJP members while he reviewed the document.
Para got support from other legislators, including Peoples’ Conference president Sajad Gani Lone and some Independents. As the ruckus continued, Omar intervened saying that the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, had no public approval but called Para’s resolution a publicity stunt.
“A single honourable member can’t decide and has no significance. What happens in this session would be decided by the treasury benches…. The resolution has no importance because unfortunately, it is nothing but a show for cameras,” Omar said.
He said the Assembly reflects the emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The fact is the people of Jammu and Kashmir have not put a stamp of approval on the August 5, 2019, decisions. The results would otherwise have been different. The majority (in the Assembly) is in favour of those who raised their voices against the August 5 decisions,” he said.
The NC later signalled that a resolution against the abrogation is in the offing.
There was a bitter exchange of words between NC and BJP legislators with ruling party MLAs slamming the Opposition for disrupting the chief minister’s speech, leading to a brief adjournment of the House.
“It was too clever by half attempt by a PDP MLA (Para), clearly aimed at circumventing the government move to introduce a resolution,” the NC said on X.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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'Infiltrator alliance' tag on JMM: PM Modi alleges conspiracy to alter Jharkhand's demography
Animesh Bisoee
05.11.24
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand a “ghuspetiya gathbandhan (an alliance of infiltrators)” that appeases trespassers and undermines tribal leaders while engaging in dynastic politics.
Modi accused the ruling coalition of harbouring Bangladeshi ghuspetiye (infiltrators) and called the alliance a “ghuspetiya gathbandhan” for “conspiring to alter the state’s demography for their vote bank”.
“If voted to power, the BJP will bring stringent legislation to return the land grabbed by infiltrators. They (the ruling coalition) will take away tribal reservation and give it to their vote bank,” Modi alleged.
Speaking at consecutive election rallies in Garhwa and Chaibasa — both set for the first phase of voting on November 13 — Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would win a historic number of seats in the Jharkhand elections.
He said the state was rallying behind the BJP with the slogan: “Roti, beti aur maati ki pukaar, Jharkhand mein BJP-NDA ki sarkar.”
Modi specifically addressed the situation of former chief minister Champai Soren, acknowledging his popularity in the Kolhan region.
In Chaibasa, he said: “What did they do to Champai Sorenji? They humiliated an Adivasi son. How can they care for you when their families come first? It’s time to teach such self-serving parties a lesson.”
Champai, once a loyalist of JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, had become chief minister after Hemant Soren’s arrest in a money-laundering case earlier this year. Following claims of humiliation, he left the JMM to join the BJP.
Modi’s dynastic digs at the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance government evoked a counterattack from the JMM.
JMM central spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the BJP has no moral authority to speak on dynastic politics as it has fielded fathers, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and wives of leaders in several seats.
Meera Munda, the wife of former BJP chief minister Arjun Munda; Babulal Soren, son of former chief minister Champai Soren; Purnima Das, daughter-in-law of former chief minister from the BJP and Odisha governor Raghubar Das; Shatrughan Mahto, the brother of BJP MP Dullu Mahto; and Ragini Singh, the wife of former MLA Sanjeev Singh, are in the poll fray.
Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren who had joined the BJP before the Lok Sabha elections, is also contesting along with Geeta Koda, the wife of former chief minister Madhu Koda.
The Prime Minister said all records of corruption had been broken in the last five years in Jharkhand.
“Mountains of money come out of the houses of ministers, MLAs and MPs. They have looted your rights. The central government devised a plan to send water to every house. But here the people of the Congress, JMM and the RJD pocketed the money given for this. We can solve every problem with public participation,” Modi said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Pakistan
Services chiefs' term extended to 5 years: Bills passed into law
By Nausheen Yusuf
November 05, 2024
All six bills that were approved by the lower and the upper houses of parliament earlier today have become law after acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani signed them on Tuesday.
According to sources, the acting president signed all six bills including the Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Islamabad High Court (Amendment) bill, 2024.
Earlier in the day, both houses passed the bills tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. The first of them sought to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court up to 34 in a bid to clear the backlog of cases.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, “the number of Judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan Court is to be fixed under the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1997 [...] The number of Judges of the Supreme Court is sixteen plus one Chief Justice. In view of the consistent increase in the litigation in Pakistan and budging pendency, it is necessary that number of Judges in the Supreme Court shall be increased.”
“In light of the above, it is proposed to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court from sixteen to thirty-three, in addition to the Chief Justice,” it added.
Highlighting the salient features of the bill, the law minister — while speaking on the floor of the lower house — said under the amendment bill, the number of judges may be increased up to 34.
He explained that this move was aimed at tackling the backlog of cases at the apex court and emphasised that the number of judges can be adjusted over time-based requirements.
“This amendment will increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court up to 34, so that the backlog of cases can be cleared, and that after the 26th Amendment, we can have judges to form the constitutional benches.”
In addition to this, the minister presented a bill seeking to amend the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, aiming to include additions made in the 26th Constitutional Amendment, including the introduction of constitutional benches.
The bill sought to add Article 191A of the Constitution — the creation of constitutional benches — to the preamble.
“Articles 191 and 191A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan enables the Majlis-e-shoora (Parliament) to provide for the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court including, Constitutional Benches", reads the bill.
Furthermore, the bill proposed another amendment to ensure that the act came into force at the same time as the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2024.
Moreover, another bill — Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2024 — seeking an increase in number of judges from nine to 12 in IHC was also passed.
“In view of the consistent increase in the litigation in Islamabad and as it is growing into a cultural and business hub and also it is evident from the growth of population in Islamabad that further litigation will burden the High Court, so it is imperative that number of judges in the Islamabad High Court may be increased,” stated.
Soon after the law minister presented the bill, voting was carried out despite the fierce opposition.
The development came as the ruling coalition continued to bring reforms in the country’s judicial structure with the latest being the 26th Constitutional Amendment — which changed the procedure for the appointment of the CJP, fixed the post's tenure, and formed constitutional benches.
Meantime, the bill to amend the Pakistan (Army/Air Force/Navy) Act Amendment, 2024, was presented in both houses by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
“The purpose of these amendments are to make consistent the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, The Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961 and The Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953 with the maximum tenure of the Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff and to make consequential amendments for uniformity in the aforementioned laws,” stated the bill — a copy of which is available with Geo News.
Regarding the retirement age and service limits of services chiefs, including COAS, CNS, and CAS, the document read that the criteria prescribed for the senior military officers “shall not be applicable” to the army, navy and air force heads during their “tenure of appointment, reappointment and/or extension”.
Apart from this, both houses of parliament also adopted the Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953 and the Pakistan Navy Amendment Bill, 1961.
The bill seeking amendment to Pakistan Army Act, 1952 stated: “In the said Act, in section 8A, in sub-section (1), for the expression ‘three (03)’ the word ‘five (05)’ shall be substituted.”
Similarly, the bill aims to increase the length of time the service chief can be reappointed or have their tenure extended to five years, amending the Section 8B of the act.
“In the said Act, in section 8B, in sub-section (1)- 10 for the expression ‘three (03)’, occurring twice, the expression ‘five (05)’ shall be substituted,” it stated.
Furthermore, the government also proposed an amendment to Section 8C, which deals with the retirement age, which is 64 years, and service limits of service chiefs.
The proposed amendment reads: “The retirement age and service limits prescribed for a General, under the Rules and Regulations made under this Act, shall not be applicable to the Chief of the Army Staff, during his tenure of appointment, reappointment and/or extension. Throughout such tenure, the Chief of the Army Staff shall continue to serve as a General in the Pakistan Army.”
Following the passage of bills, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq adjourned the session till 11am tomorrow.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Muslims join Hindus in Dawali celebrations
November 05, 2024
LARKANA - Hindu community Larkana celebrated religious festival Dewakli with great enthusiasm, Monday, at Dharamshala in Larkana. MPA Jameel Ahmed Soomro, Chairman of District Council Ijaz Ahmed Laghari, Deputy Commissioner Larkana Dr. Sharjeel Noor Channa, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Larkana Anwar Ali Luhar, People’s Party leader Khair Muhammad Sheikh, Hindu Panchayat, various political and social organizations, civil society and Chamber of Commerce participated. On this occasion, MPA Jameel Ahmad Soomro addressed the ceremony and said that it has always been a tradition in Sindh that Hindus and Muslims share each other’s joy and pain. He said that it is the festival of light, we should celebrate it together. The Hindu community has a great role in the development of the country and especially Sindh, for this we have come to share in their happiness. District Council Larkana Chairman Ijaz Ahmad Laghari said that Hindus and Muslims are brothers, we share each other’s sorrows and joys. We have this tradition from our elders, it will continue. Mayor Anwar Ali Luhar said that we fully celebrate and enjoy every year this great festival of the Hindu community. Deputy Commissioner Larkana Sharjeel Noor said that the program is a proof of religious brotherhood and peaceful conditions. It is because of this religious brotherhood that we celebrate each other’s birthdays together. On this occasion, Chairman Hindu Panchayat Harish Kumar, Vice Chairman Jai Rajdoktor Diyali Gul, Kamlesh Kumar and others said that the Dawali program is originally a tradition of Sindh. A program is organized every year in Larkana, in which Hindus and Muslims celebrate the joys of Dawali together. This tradition has been going on for centuries. This is the identity of tolerance of Sindh. This is the message of peace and love. In the ceremony, the birthday cake was cut, lights were lit and everyone congratulated each other. Minority Wing Larkana Division Noel Roy, Dr. Ashok, Darshan Lal, Rakesh and many others participated in the event.Checks were also distributed among the poors on this occasion.
Source:nation.com.pk
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Lahore braces for another spell of smog in next 24 hours
By Ummay Farwa
LAHORE: A new spell of smog is set to hit Lahore in the next 24 hours which prompted the Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department to issue an alert for citizens.
A spokesperson of the provincial department said that a fresh spell of smog is expected to hit the Punjab capital owing to Indian winds blowing at the speed of 4 to 8 kilometres per hour towards Lahore.
It added that the Air Quality Index (AQI) will be badly affected today (Tuesday), asking citizens to refrain from unnecessarily going outside and use masks while leaving their houses for unavoidable reasons.
In a related development, the provincial environment protection department also established a Smog War Room at its headquarters where focal persons will brief the Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) director general and other officers concerned on a daily basis regarding their steps to curb smog.
A notification was also issued by the EPA DG in this regards.
Additionally, the department also announced "mandatory" leaves for those students in Lahore's special education centres who contracted illness due to polluted air from November 1 to January 31, 2025, amid smog crisis.
The order stated that the decision was taken for students who are suffering from cardiac, respiratory, and other diseases.
It is noteworthy to mention here that Lahore ranked second on the list of most polluted cities in the world on Monday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 382 as thick smog persists in the Punjab capital despite efforts to bring down pollution levels.
The AQI, which measures a range of pollutants, exceeded 1,000 to reach an "unprecedented" 1,194 in the country's second largest city on Sunday — well above the level of 300 considered "dangerous" — according to data from IQAir, the Swiss air quality monitor.
The concentration of deadly PM2.5 pollutants — fine particulate matter in the air that causes most damage to health — was 266 around 9:30am, which is 53.2 times higher the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The unusual air pollution levels in Lahore prompted authorities to take emergency measures, including closing down the primary schools for a week and mandating work-from-home mandates.
Besides shutting down the schools, the government has advised citizens to ensure children wear masks and stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and avoid unnecessary travel.
A ban on three-wheelers known as rickshaws and construction in certain areas has been imposed to reduce the pollution levels, with a warning of permanent closure of factories and construction sites failing to comply with the regulations.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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PTI decries passage of new judiciary-centric bills via 'rubber-stamp' parliament
By Web Desk
November 04, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Monday rejected the fresh bills bulldozed through the National Assembly and the Senate, saying that the government was turning parliament into a “rubber-stamp”.
Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House, the PTI chairman said: “Pakistan’s parliament is being made rubber-stamp. [Opposition’s] voice in the House is being silenced. This monarchy cannot be the fate of the Pakistani nation.”
His remarks came after the lower house of parliament passed six bills including “The Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024 with the majority vote, following a detailed clause-by-clause review.
Other bills include the “Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” the “Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” Pakistan Army Amendment Bill, 2024,” the Pakistan Air Force Amendment Bill, 2024,” and the “Pakistan Navy Amendment Bill, 2024.”
The PTI leader said that the people of Pakistan reject any kind of legislation that leads the country to a monarchy.
“As usual, the government was in a hurry [to get the bill passed from the House] today.”
Referring to the pace of approval by the parliament, Barrister Gohar said that he was sure that the lawmakers who gave their nod to the legislation today did not even know the content of the bills.
The PTI chief further said that the government passed the bill to increase the number of judges in the top court in a bid to appoint CJP of its choice. One of the bills passed by the parliament sought to increase the number of judges in the SC up to 34 to "clear the backlog of cases".
Slamming the SC-centric bill, the PTI leader said: “A state has three pillars, if you weak one pillar, you are weakening the whole state.”
He was of the view that the government was usurping the basic rights of the people and pushing the country towards destruction.
Commenting on fresh bills, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman revealed that the federal government was planning to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act.
“Through the act, our defence institution is being given a role which is not related to professional responsibilities.”
Slamming the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, days after supporting it on constitutional tweaks, the JUI-F leader said: “After clipping the vast powers of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), a defence institution is being given immense powers.”
The JUI-F leader said that the defence institution would be allowed to detain someone for 90 days on suspicion.
“The move is tantamount to civil martial law which is a black stain on the face of democracy.”
Responding to a question, the JUI-F leader said that there should be a system in the country. He said that the “cruel behaviour” against Bushra Bibi and her party should come to an end.
To another query, the JUI-F leader said that the tenure of army chief was an “administrative matter”.
The seasoned politician said that they have to take the country forward as a civilian government.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1247325-pti-decries-passage-of-new-judiciary-centric-bills-via-rubber-stamp-parliament
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JCP convenes today to pick judges for constitutional bench
Nasir Iqbal
November 5, 2024
• Instead of taking all matters to constitutional bench, some cases should be left with us, Justice Shah muses
• Jamaat-i-Islami becomes sixth party to move top court against 26th Amendment
ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan is all set to meet today to consider the nomination of judges to constitutional benches in light of 26th Amendment approved by parliament last month amid opposition by the major opposition party, the PTI.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi called the meeting, likely to commence at 2pm, last week after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq sent the parliamentary nominations for the JCP following consultations with the Senate chairman and parliamentary leaders.
The 26th Amendment envisaged the formation of constitutional benches in the apex court to take up cases requiring interpretation of the Constitution.
The JCP will discuss the judges’ nomination for constitutional benches as well as the establishment of the JCP secretariat.
The meeting will be attended by senior puisne judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA Omar Ayub, Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, and Pakistan Bar Council representative Akhtar Hussain.
Referred to constitutional bench
Separately, a two-member bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Abbasi referred a matter pertaining to overbilling by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited to the constitutional bench after objections by the counsel.
However, in a lighter vein, Justice Mansoor observed that at least some cases should also be left with them to decide instead of taking all matters to the constitutional bench.
The observation came during the hearing of a review petition relating to overbilling by the SNGPL when the counsel pleaded before the court that the review petition against the judgement was pending and therefore should be referred to the constitutional bench.
At this, Justice Shah quipped at least some cases should be left with the regular benches to adjudicate. Subsequently, the court disposed of the matter to be taken up by the constitutional bench.
JI petition
On the other hand, the Jamaat-i-Islami lodged a petition in the top court against the constitutional amendment on Monday. Moved through Advocate Imran Shafeeq, the petition requested the Supreme Court to declare the amendment repugnant to different provisions of the Constitution.
The JI argued that if the power of superior judges’ appointment was left to the executive or legislators, it would be a blatant breach of the principle of the judiciary’s independence.
This is the sixth such petition. Earlier petitions were filed by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, the Balochistan Bar Council, the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, and former Supreme Court Bar Association president Abid Shahid Zuberi.
Veteran politician Afrasiab Khattak through his counsel Advocate Khwaja Ahmad Hosain also challenged the amendment.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1869952/jcp-convenes-today-to-pick-judges-for-constitutional-bench
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Sindh paves way for constitutional bench
Tahir Siddiqui
November 5, 2024
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday became the first provincial legislature to approve the resolution necessary for the formation of a constitutional bench in the province, under the recently adopted 26th Constitutional Amendment.
As many as 123 members belonging to the PPP and MQM-Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution, while the lone member of Jamaat-i-Islami Mohammad Farooq and three PTI members opposed it.
While fully supporting the resolution, the MQM-P, however, complained that the party was informed about the tabling of the resolution at the eleventh hour against the parliamentary practice and tradition.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah informed the house that the provincial government would approach the federal government to establish constitutional benches in the province as soon as possible.
The passage of a resolution in a provincial assembly with a simple majority is necessary for the constitution of benches under Article 202-A of the newly passed 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Under sub-clause ii of the said article, a senior judge among the nominated judges of the high court will be the head of the constitutional bench.
Tabling the resolution, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar said it was a constitutional requirement to pass the resolution for the formation of constitutional bench in the Sindh High Court.
The resolution said: “In pursuance of sub-clause 7 of Article 202A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with sub-rule 1A of Rule 136 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, 2013, this House resolves to give effect to the provisions of Article 202A of the Constitution.”
The chief minister said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had successfully convinced all parties on his draft of the amendment. “The PTI [chairman] also agreed to the draft, but one person did not agree”, he said referring to Barrister Gohar Khan and PTI founder Imran Khan, respectively.
He said it was an honour for the Sindh government to be the first province to bring the resolution in favour of the 26th constitutional amendment. “We want the benefits of the 26th constitutional amendment to be given to the people as soon as possible”.
He said the provincial government was waiting for the formation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan for moving the resolution to give effect provision of the constitutional amendment of the establishment of constitutional court in the province. Later, the assembly session was prorogued.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1869954/sindh-paves-way-for-constitutional-bench
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Talk of Punjab govt planning to buy PIA ‘incorrect’, says Azma
November 4, 2024
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday said that the provincial government had “no intentions” of being party to the highly publicised bidding process to acquire the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Following the failed attempt last week to sell the PIA, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government said on Friday it was ready to purchase the loss-making national flag carrier.
A day later, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif stated his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, had sought his counsel on whether the provincial government should acquire the PIA or establish a new airline.
Stating that he had advised Maryam to “proceed with further consultations on the potential acquisition of the PIA”, Nawaz suggested the airline could also be purchased and rebranded by the provincial government as Air Punjab.
However, on Sunday, Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan hinted at selling the national flag carrier to a private buyer with zero liabilities.
Khan said the government might devise a new framework to clear the Rs200 billion liabilities and “sell a clean PIA” to a private buyer, which may spur buyers’ interest.
Speaking to the media in Lahore today, Bokhari clarified: “The talks about the Punjab government planning to buy PIA are categorically incorrect.”
She explained that Nawaz was speaking to a gathering of PML-N’s businesspeople in the United States who complained of facing problems in travelling back from Pakistan.
“There are no direct flights available,” she quoted party leaders as telling Nawaz, adding that the current “condition” of the PIA was evident.
According to Bokhari, the former premier said the topic of acquiring the national flag carrier did come up when the plan to privatise the company was announced.
“But he did not say at any point that we are going to buy it,” the information minister clarified.
“And I would like to categorically state that the Punjab government has no intention to buy PIA,” she reiterated.
However, she noted, if the provinces had the fiscal capacity, then “any provincial government can launch an airline of their own”. Bokhari added that while it was not government’s job to run businesses, it was its duty to create favourable conditions for them.
Pakistan has been looking to offload a 51-100pc stake in debt-ridden PIA to raise funds and reform state-owned enterprises as envisaged under a $7bn International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
The government had initially planned to privatise the airline by June, but subsequent delays pushed the deadline to October.
The government had pre-qualified six groups, but only real-estate development company Blue World City participated in the bidding process last week.
It placed a bid of Rs10 billion for a 60pc stake, much below the government-set minimum price of Rs85bn.
Subsequently, the much-anticipated privatisation process was stalled as real-estate development company Blue World City kept the price unchanged even after being given time to reconsider its bid.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1869800/talk-of-punjab-govt-planning-to-buy-pia-incorrect-says-azma
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Pakistan Navy conducts successful flight test of ship launched ballisitc missile
November 4, 2024
The Pakistan Navy has conducted a successful flight test of an indigenously developed ship-launched ballistic missile, the Directorate General Public Relations (Navy) said in a press release on Monday.
The weapon system, with a 350-kilometre range, is capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision, according to the press release.
“The missile system is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system and manoeuvrability features,” the statement said.
“The flight test was witnessed by the chief of the naval staff and senior officers from Pakistan Navy and dedicated scientists and engineers,” it added.
The statement further said that the president, prime minister, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee and services chiefs congratulated the participating naval units and scientists on the achievement.
In 2023, the ground-based air defence units of the Pakistan Navy demonstrated combat readiness and warfighting potential through the successful firing of surface-to-air missiles.
During the missile firing sequence, the Pakistan Navy’s air defence units successfully engaged the intended targets and demonstrated real-time professionalism. The missile firing through the short-range air defence system reassured the navy’s defence against any incoming air threat.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1869841/pakistan-navy-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-ship-launched-ballisitc-missile
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Europe
Barcelona hit by new flood as rescuers search Valencia basement car park
November 05, 2024
The Spanish city of Barcelona was hit by flooding on Monday, as search and rescue efforts continue following devastating flooding around Valencia last week.
Spain's state meteorological agency has placed parts of Catalonia on red alert for torrential rain, with local media showing footage of cars partially submerged on a highway.
Parts of the Barcelona's El Prat airport, the second largest in the country, have been flooded. More than 80 flights have been cancelled or delayed, while rail services have been suspended.
A similar weather event, which hit the Valencia region with a year's worth of rain last week, has caused at least 217 deaths. On Monday, rescuers focused their efforts on searching for missing people in underground car parks.
The storm caught many victims in their vehicles on roads and in underground spaces, such as car parks, tunnels and garages, where rescue operations are particularly difficult.
It is feared shoppers and workers were trapped inside the car park at a shopping mall in Aldaia, on the outskirts of Valencia, as floodwater overwhelmed the area.
Police have confirmed that no victims were located in the first 50 vehicles inspected at the site.
But reports suggest these vehicles were found near the entrance to the car park, with much of the rest of it still submerged and yet to be explored.
Among the dead were a British couple in their 70s, whose family confirmed they had been found dead in their car days after the flash floods hit Valencia. So far no deaths have been reported in Catalonia.
On Monday morning, Spain’s interior minister refused to say how many were still missing.
European football body Uefa said a minute's silence would be held at club competition matches "in memory of the victims" and those impacted by the floods. Real Madrid and Barcelona FC are due to play on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Outside the Bonaire shopping mall in Aldaia, rotting piles of debris lined the roads while noisy generators pumped water from the mall car park.
Spanish police were using drones to get an initial view of the inside, a police spokesperson said.
When the BBC asked a local police officer how much longer the operation would take, he said he could not give an estimate, but that teams would stay as long as necessary.
As is the case in many parts of the region that have been devastated by the floods, there is a vacuum of information.
There has been anger at a perceived lack of warning and insufficient support from authorities after the floods.
On Sunday, the king and queen of Spain were pelted with mud and other objects by angry protesters during a visit to the town of Paiporta - one of the worst-affected in the Valencia region.
Objects were also thrown at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who was quickly evacuated.
The Civil Guard has opened an investigation into the chaotic scenes, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told public broadcaster TVE.
He blamed "marginal groups" for instigating the violence where mud spattered the monarchs' face and clothes.
Why Valencia floods proved so deadly
In a news conference on Monday, the chief of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME) said it had pre-deployed 500 troops to Valencia so they could begin working as soon as they were authorised to.
General Francisco Javier Marcos said that when he saw the situation worsen, he sent alerts to 1,000 soldiers, who travelled overnight "so that by dawn the next day, people of Valencia could see that the armed forces were there".
He added: "You might say we didn't intervene rapidly. The weather prevented that partially, and secondly, it was a matter of order and discipline.
"You might say that doesn't justify being slow - well look, you can't bring more chaos to an already very chaotic situation."
Local authorities in Valencia have extended travel restrictions for another two days to facilitate the work of the emergency services, cancelled school classes and urged people to work from home.
Gen Marcos said gridlock on some roads was making it hard to distribute food to the 69 affected municipalities.
He said that the number of troops on the ground had been "scaled up" - with 7,800 due by 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) on Monday. These were being supported by 17,000 volunteers and 5,000 army soldiers offering logistical support, he said.
A warship carrying 104 marine infantry soldiers as well as trucks with food and water docked in Valencia's port on Monday.
Gen Marcos said the UME was "doing everything we can", including working double shifts.
He added: "We must be disciplined and we must be patient. I know that's hard, because pain and emotion means that's not easy."
In Catalonia, the Ministry for Ecology said that the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) had issued a red alert due to the "extreme danger" of torrential rains.
Aemet is warning that up to 8cm of rain could fall across coastal areas into Tuesday morning - but that localised downpours could lead to "very different" accumulations between nearby towns.
The flooding in Valencia was caused by a Dana phenomenon - when warm, moist air meets cold air, creating an unstable weather system.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c937lq3dn05o
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Pro-EU leader wins Moldova election despite alleged Russian meddling
November 05, 2024
Paul Kirby
Moldova's pro-EU President Maia Sandu has claimed a second term after a tense election run-off seen as a choice between Europe and Russia.
The Moldovan Central Electoral Commission confirmed Sandu's victory on Monday morning.
Sandu won 55% of the vote, according to preliminary results, and in a late-night speech on Sunday she promised to be president for all Moldovans.
Her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, had called for a closer relationship with Moscow.
During the day the president's national security adviser said there had been "massive interference" from Russia in Moldova's electoral process that had "high potential to distort the outcome".
Russia had already denied meddling in the vote, which came a week after another key Eastern European election in Georgia, whose president said it had been a "Russian special operation".
Stoianoglo, who was fired as prosecutor general by Sandu, has denied being pro-Kremlin.
In a joint statement congratulating Sandu on her re-election, the European Commission and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said there had been "unprecedented interference by Russia".
As polls closed, both Sandu, 52, and her rival thanked voters, with Stoianoglo speaking in Russian as well as Romanian. Although Romanian is Moldova's main language, Russian is widely spoken because of its Soviet past.
Turnout at 54% was high, especially among expat voters at polling stations abroad.
Stoianoglo took an initial lead on the night and was the more successful candidate in Moldova itself with more than 51% of the vote. Sandu won in the capital Chisinau, and she was completely dominant among expat voters.
As she overtook her challenger late on Sunday night, there was cheering at her campaign headquarters and chants of "victory".
In a hoarse voice she praised her compatriots for saving Moldova and giving "a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books".
Then, moving into Russian, she said: "I have heard your voice – both those who supported me and those who voted for Mr. Stoianoglo. In our choice for a dignified future, no-one lost... we need to stand united."
Maia Sandu’s foreign policy adviser, Olga Rosca, told the BBC she was proud of the result.
Asked whether she was surprised that Stoianoglo had won in Moldova itself, she said the vote in Moldova and abroad should be seen as one and the same: “We never divide people into Moldovans at home and expatriates - we see Moldovans as one family.”
With elections coming next year she said the president had “clearly indicated she has heard the mood for change. On several occasions between the [two presidential] votes she said the fight against corruption must be intensified and justice reform must be accelerated – she’s committed to this work”.
The final result will be declared on Monday.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu, saying "it takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election.
"I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people," her message on X said.
Casting his ballot, Alexandr Stoianoglo had promised to be an "apolitical president", and that he had voted for "a Moldova that should develop in harmony with both the West and the East".
Stoianoglo polled particularly well in rural areas and the south, while Sandu was ahead in the cities and with young voters.
After casting her ballot, Sandu had warned of "thieves" who sought to buy their vote and their country.
Presidential national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru said Russia had organised buses and large charter flights to bring voters to polling stations.
Bomb scares had briefly disrupted voting in Moldova, at UK polling stations in Liverpool and Northampton and at Frankfurt and Kaiserslautern in Germany, he added.
A Soviet republic for 51 years, Moldova is flanked by Ukraine and Romania and one of Europe's poorest countries. It has a population of 2.5 million and an expat population of 1.2 million.
Moldova's authorities have long warned that a fugitive oligarch called Ilan Shor has spent $39m (£30m) trying to buy the election for Moscow with handouts to 138,000 Moldovans.
Shor, who is based in Moscow, denies wrongdoing but did promise cash payments to anyone prepared to back his call for a "firm No" to the EU.
Commentators and politicians had warned that a Stoianoglo victory could radically change the political landscape in the Danube and Black Sea region, not because he was some kind of "Trojan horse", but rather because Russia has thrown its weight behind him.
There were queues at polling stations in Moscow, Italy and among voters from a mainly Russian-speaking breakaway region of Transnistria, who had to cross the River Dniester into Moldovan-controlled territory to vote. Transnistria is home to a Russian military base and a huge arms depot.
Moldova's election commission said it was aware of reports of organised and illegal transports of voters by air and land in Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey, and appealed to the public to report further violations.
Although Sandu had easily won the first round of the vote, several candidates swung behind Stoianoglo, although the third-placed candidate refused to back either of the two.
The first round coincided with a nail-biting referendum on backing a change to the constitution embracing the commitment to join the EU.
In the end the vote passed by a tiny margin in favour, and Maia Sandu said there had been clear evidence of attempts to buy 300,000 votes.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7w9dglzzlo
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Ukrainian MP calls for mobilization of women
4 Nov, 2024
It is high time to start conscripting women, Ukrainian lawmaker Mariana Bezuglaya has said as Kiev’s military struggles to meet mobilization quotas.
Ukraine currently allows for drafting men over the age of 25 and accepts female volunteers, but Bezuglaya has repeatedly advocated for expanding conscription to both sexes in the name of equity.
“We currently have illegal discrimination against men,” Bezuglaya wrote on her Telegram channel on Monday. “Moreover, if women get mobilized, fewer men will get mobilized – this is one of the reasons for men to support the mobilization of their fellow [female] citizens.”
According to the lawmaker, mobilized women should get assigned to duties in the rear, such as clerks, personnel officers and in the security units, freeing up men to be moved to frontline duties and combat brigades. Others could be sent to military factories to boost the pace of production.
“War cannot be an affair of the chosen ones, especially when it is not just about territories or spheres of influence, but about a nation’s existence and the right to life,” Bezuglaya wrote, adding that without the kind of mobilization she advocates, Ukraine is “doomed to lose” the conflict with Russia and its statehood as well.
Bezuglaya noted that she has repeatedly submitted this proposal to the defense committee of the Verkhovna Rada, only to have the government and the generals shoot it down.
“It’s a paradox,” she wrote. “The Defense Ministry has failed in the mobilization policy, the generals are literally destroying their soldiers with ill-considered decisions, but this topic is not raised – it is too delicate, you see. Perhaps mobilized women would bring order to this chaos.”
Bezuglaya’s comments come after another MP, Roman Kostenko, claimed that Kiev would need to draft another 500,000 men to replenish combat losses and rotate the battle-worn units along the front. Kostenko, himself a veteran, revealed that mobilization has been falling behind over the last two months.
A member of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s ‘Servant of the People’ party, Bezuglaya has frequently clashed with the military due to her hardline policies on the conflict against Russia. At one point she was added to Kiev’s Mirotvorets ‘kill list’ and in September, she survived a vote to oust her from the defense committee. Her jurisdiction was previously represented by Andrey Biletsky, founder of the neo-Nazi ‘Azov’ militia.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/606999-ukrainian-lawmaker-mobilization-women/
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Ukraine needs 500,000 new troops – lawmaker
4 Nov, 2024
Ukraine needs at least 500,000 new recruits to replace combat losses and outfit new units, lawmaker Roman Kostenko has said in an interview. Kiev’s current plans would fall 300,000 men short.
Kostenko is the secretary of the Verkhovna Rada’s Defense and Intelligence committee and a former officer in the Ukrainian military. His comments came in an interview with the TV channel Priamyi (Direct) over the weekend.
Taking into account the situation, the estimate floated at the end of last year by former military chief Valery Zaluzhny seems more relevant than Kiev’s current figures, Kostenko said.
“Zaluzhny did not take those numbers randomly. I rather agree with him here that after all, such a number is more relevant than what we’ve gathered, than what we were told before, that we don't need that many,” Kostenko said.
Zaluzhny had called for a mobilization of 500,000 men in December 2023. Vladimir Zelensky initially agreed with that assessment, but backtracked due to a public backlash. Zaluzhny was relieved of duty in February – reportedly due to disagreements about the draft – and was named Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK.
While Zelensky did not specify how many troops would have to be drafted, authorities in Kiev spoke of 160,000 by the end of the year, following changes to the mobilization rules this spring.
According to Kostenko, the goal was actually 200,000 troops but mobilization rates dropped in September and again last month. This “cannot be allowed under any circumstances,” he said, as mobilization rates need to keep up the pace with battlefield attrition.
According to Ukrainian media, Kiev’s armed forces currently number 1.05 million. Additional troops are needed to replace combat losses and to allow frontline units to be rotated out for fresh brigades. Ukrainian lawmakers have revealed that over 100,000 troops have deserted since the start of the conflict. Mobilization officers have resorted to hunting men down in the streets and markets, often hauling them away by force as onlookers record such incidents.
Moscow is currently waging “one of the most powerful” offensives since 2022, according to Zaluzhny’s replacement, General Aleksandr Syrsky. Ukrainian units are in “constant demand for the replenishment of resources,” Syrsky has said.
Russian forces have made major advances in Donbass over the past several months, taking Ugledar and Selidovo and approaching Kurakhovo while maintaining pressure all along the line. The Russian Defense Ministry has estimated Ukraine’s total losses – killed and wounded – at over 500,000, or around half of its total manpower.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/606983-ukraine-zaluzhny-conscription-kostenko/
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UK’s top diplomat says slavery reparations ‘not about cash’
4 Nov, 2024
The UK will seek to atone for the transatlantic slave trade through better trade relations with African countries, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said.
Lammy is visiting Nigeria and South Africa this week as part of London’s outreach to the continent, just a week after 56 members of the Commonwealth signed a document calling for a “conversation” about reparations for slavery.
The transatlantic slave trade was “horrific and horrendous” and left “scars,” Lammy said on Monday in Lagos, the Nigerian port city that was once a hub for slavers.
“I am the descendant of enslaved people, so I recognize that,” he added.
Lammy is a child of Guyanese immigrants to the UK. British authorities had brought over many African and Indian slaves and indentured servants into the former colony on the South American mainland.
Speaking with the state broadcaster BBC, Lammy said that reparations are “not about the transfer of cash,” especially at the time of a cost-of-living crisis in the UK. Instead, he argued, developing nations could benefit from the transfer of British scientific and technical expertise.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet at 10 Downing Street has previously ruled out both cash payments and “other forms of non-financial reparatory justice” as well.
“We do not pay reparations,” a spokesman for Starmer said last month, adding that London will not be offering an apology for slavery either.
Starmer was responding to reports that a group of Caribbean countries intended to ask for £200 billion ($261 billion) in compensation for the pain and suffering from the transatlantic slave trade.
While the British PM insisted that reparations were not on the agenda of last week’s Commonwealth meeting in Samoa, 56 member states signed a statement declaring slavery a “crime against humanity” and calling for “discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement.”
“The time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity,” the document said.
Britain first got involved in trading slaves from Africa to the Americas in 1562, becoming the world’s largest slave trafficker by the 1730s. In the 19th century London reversed course, however, banning the slave trade in 1807 and abolishing slavery in the colonies in 1833.
According to Reverend Dr. Michael Banner, the dean of Cambridge’s Trinity College, the UK owes the Caribbean £205 billion (nearly $266 billion) in reparations. Economic consulting firm Brattle Group suggested in 2023 that Britain owed as much as £19 trillion ($24 trillion) in reparations for its three-centuries-long slaveholding practices.
Lammy’s trip to Africa is his first as foreign secretary. He said it would be the start of a five-month “consultation process” to make sure African voices “inform and sit at the very heart of” the new British approach to the continent, as well as accommodate their “diverse needs and ambitions.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/606991-britain-slave-reparations-lammy/
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SPOTLIGHT: A look inside Eastbourne Mosque
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
The carpet is deeply plush, the tables are laden with home-made food and the welcome is the warmest you will find in Eastbourne.
The town’s mosque opened its doors at the weekend for the first time to invite the town to meet the community and see at first hand prayers taking place.
Both the mosque community and the residents who called in were clearly delighted to be there, talking, asking and answering questions – and sharing food.
I joined the visitors to explore the building, in Ashford Square next to the rail tracks near the station, and talk to some of the people who use the mosque.
Why did the mosque hold an open day?
Abdel Rahim, the imam or community leader, told the Eastbourne Reporter: “It is about the community coming together and nurturing relations. We live side by side and we don’t know enough about one another.
“The only way to get to know anyone is to open the door – it is good for the Muslim community to open up, and for the wider community to know what we do in the mosque.
“We had amazing support from Eastbourne during the riots,” he said, referring to violence in August in major cities across the UK.
The public disorder followed a knife attack in Southport on July 29 in which three young girls died. Around 400 people were arrested in riots, fuelled by misinformation on social media that the suspect was an ‘illegal migrant’.
The history of Eastbourne mosque
The softly-spoken imam has been working in the Islamic community in the town for 20 years. The current white, two-storey building was completed in 2018 on the site of an old social club where the Muslim community had met previously.
It is officially called the Eastbourne Islamic Cultural Centre and its roots go back more than 50 years to 1968 when the first Muslim professionals moved to Eastbourne and wanted to find somewhere for worship and gatherings.
Initially, they travelled to Brighton or London to fulfil their religious obligations. In 1984, a restaurant owner offered them space for Friday prayers and by 1990, they had established a cultural centre with charitable status.
In 1995, they acquired the old social club and, eventually, raised enough funds to build the modern centre (above), completed six years ago.
Time for prayer
Men stay downstairs for prayer while women are on the large mezzanine floor above: the separation is based on mutual respect and children are allowed on either floor.
Some 300 men attend Friday prayers: more come during Eid, the festival which marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast by Muslims.
The five main daily prayers are based on the cycle of the sun: in ancient times, Muslims only had to judge where the sun was to determine the times for prayer. Now there are printed prayer schedules – and, of course, smartphone apps.
Visitors to the open day could see two of the prayers taking place.
Before the haunting call to prayer, the imam explained to the visitors that praying involved standing, bowing, prostrating or sitting in a sequence while reciting verses from the Koran which praised God and asked for guidance.
The people always face Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad in Saudi Arabia, wherever they are in the world: in Eastbourne, that means facing south east.
Abdel Rahmin explained to visitors: “The best way to get rid of barriers and misconceptions is to explain things. We can get suspicious about one another simply because we don’t know one another.
“The mosque is about education and is a social hub as well as being a spiritual centre.”
The view from upstairs
On the mezzanine women’s area, long tables were laden with food: home-made pastries, honey-drenched baklava and vine-wrapped rice.
Men and women visitors mingled with the regular mosque users, talking and laughing over plates of food as trains could be glimpsed through windows overlooking the railway.
Anisa Bengellil, cradling her four-week-old baby, the youngest of her six children, is the administrator for the education section.
This involves 150 children regularly attending sessions which teach them about Islam and how to read Arabic. They come from about 20 different countries from regions such as North Africa, the Gulf and south-east Asia.
“Everyone is welcomed here like a family – we are the same as everybody else. There can be misinterpretation and a lack of knowledge about Islam,” she said.
Looking around at the visitors, she added: “It’s unusual to see men up here but we live in Britain and are able to adapt.”
The youth view
Further along the upper level, a group of polite, respectful teenagers tell me how proud they are of their community and how they support each other.
There is a youth talk every Saturday, touching on issues such as adolescence and mental health awareness.
“We are taught from a very young age to be the best representation of Islam as a person in everything we do – it is a way of living,” said one.
“It’s important to bring people in and show them what happens here, give them a clear picture.”
As I left, another Eastbourne resident was putting her shoes back on to leave. She was enthusiastic in her praise of the open day, adding: “You should have this more than once a year – how about one in the summer too?”
Source:eastbournereporter.co.uk
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North America
Harris campaign tells Muslim interviewer he can't ask about Gaza, she talks up bacon instead: 'Taken aback'
November 4, 2024
Kamala Harris' interview with a Muslim social media influencer never saw the light of day after the vice president refused to answer questions about Gaza but oddly gushed about bacon - a food religiously forbidden for Muslims.
Kareem Rahma, host of the popular "Subway Takes" which boasts almost a million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok, made the decision to scrap the interview with Harris, which was filmed over the summer, he told the New York Times.
Prior to the interview, Rahma was hoping to press Harris on policy, specifically the Biden administration's support for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which he opposes, per the Times. But, despite asking on three calls with her team and the Democratic National Committee, he was "rejected."
Instead, the campaign agreed that Harris would offer a "hot take" against people taking off their shoes on airplanes. The show's premise revolves around guests, some of them notable, defending an unpopular opinion or perspective.
"[Rahma] ultimately agreed to the terms, reasoning that he could choose not to publish the video if it made him uneasy," the New York Times story said.
But when Rahma sat down with Harris for the interview, she shared a different hot take, declaring that "bacon is a spice." Rahma and other observant Muslims do not eat pork in adherence with their faith.
"I don’t know," he reportedly pushed back in the unaired interview. The Times described him as "taken aback."
"Think about it, it’s pure flavor," she said, according to footage reviewed by the Times.
Rahma then reportedly paused the interview to tell her he doesn't eat pork, then attempted to redirect Harris to the agreed upon topic of taking off shoes mid-flight. But Harris doubled down with another food take, which the Times said was on the advice of a staffer, praising anchovies on pizza.
"Well," Rahma told Harris in the recording. "I’m 100% unsure on both of those."
Rahma ultimately chose not to air the interview, fearing that it would upset the Muslim community.
"He had been apprehensive about potential criticism from other Muslims, and the bacon talk had thrown him off," the Times reported.
"It was so complicated because I’m Muslim and there’s something going on in the world that 100 percent of Muslims care about," Rahma told the outlet. "And then they made it worse by talking about anchovies. Boring!"
Two senior Harris campaign officials told the Times that Rahma had been told about the bacon topic in advance but Rahma and his manager disputed this. Still, the campaign reportedly apologized for the bacon reference and offered to reshoot, per the Times, but Rahma made the decision not to move forward.
In August, Rahma aired a separate interview with Harris' running mate Tim Walz, who talked about gutter maintenance in an exchange that has since gone viral.
Harris, who has been faulted for largely avoiding the press in the early months of her candidacy, has a history of bungling interviews and media engagements. She has repeatedly come under fire for "word salads," a term coined by her critics that refers to redundant, oftentimes nonsensical statements she has made publicly throughout the election season.
Source:foxnews.com
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Mosque fire in New Lynn deliberately lit, police say
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
A police investigation is underway following a fire at a New Lynn mosque on Tuesday morning.
Waitematā CIB detective inspector Callum McNeill says police and fire investigators have established the fire in the Astley Avenue building was deliberately lit.
Security footage showed a person allegedly broke in just before 1am on Monday and lit the fire, which smouldered until just after 9am when it became visible and emergency services were called, he said.
At this early stage, police were still investigating possible motives and could not say whether it was a hate-related crime, McNeill said.
"There will be an increased police presence around mosques throughout Tāmaki Makaurau to ensure the community feels safe," he said.
Anyone who may have seen this incident, or has any information, is urged to contact police and reference file number 241105/3764.
Source:rnz.co.nz
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Report: Muslim Influencer Spiked Awkward Kamala Interview After She Started Gushing About Bacon and Anchovies
November 4, 2024
Earlier this year, Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris botched an interview with a Muslim social media personality so badly, it had to be deep-sixed.
TikTok and Instagram star Kareem Rahma hosts “Subway Takes,” a popular show where he asks ordinary people for their hot takes on a New York City subway. Rahma, who has more than 928,000 followers combined on TikTok and Instagram, interviewed both Harris and her running mate Tim Walz back in August. Walz’s interview, in which he discussed how Americans fail to maintain their homes’ gutters, was posted on August 28, but the awkward Harris interview never aired.
Rahma told the New York Times that in discussions with Harris’s campaign staff and the Democratic National Committee ahead of the interview, he had proposed that they talk about the Israel-Hamas War “perhaps at the end of the episode,” but the subject was rejected. Instead, according to the Times, Rahma said he was advised that Harris “would be taking a stand against removing one’s shoes on airplanes.”
But according to Times reporter, Reggie Ugwu, who was able to view an unpublished video recording of the interview, that topic was apparently jettisoned by the campaign because when Harris sat down with the Muslim influencer, she changed the subject to something entirely else.
“Bacon is a spice!” she declared, apparently oblivious to the fact that she was speaking with someone who doesn’t eat pork for religious reasons.
“I don’t know,” he said, “his voice rising to an unusually high pitch,” according to Ugwu.
Harris reportedly continued undeterred, telling Rahma that bits of cooked bacon can be used to enhance meals, just like any other seasoning. “Think about it, it’s pure flavor,” she allegedly gushed, in what seems like an attempt to appeal to male voters, but which ended up offending her host.
Rahma, trying to be a good sport, reportedly asked Harris if he could use beef or turkey instead, and wondered what kinds of recipes would benefit from bacon.
Then, according to the Times, he paused the interview, revealed to Harris that he doesn’t actually eat pork, and asked if they could talk about the airplane thing instead.
Reportedly, “on the advice of a staffer,” Harris then decided “to declare her love of anchovies on pizza,” which was an “alternative topic the campaign had floated earlier in an email.” It was not immediately clear how declaring a pro-anchovy stance would have been politically beneficial to Harris.
“Well, “I’m 100 percent unsure on both of those,” ” Rahma reportedly said “with an awkward laugh.” He then threw in the towel and ended the interview.
Rahma confided to Ugwu that he’d had reservations about interviewing Harris because he was not allowed to discuss the Middle East.
“It was so complicated because I’m Muslim and there’s something going on in the world that 100 percent of Muslims care about,” he told the New York Times. “And then they made it worse by talking about anchovies. Boring!”
“I never wanted to be a politics person,” Rahma added. “The more I think about it, the more I feel like I got lucky.”
Two senior Harris campaign officials told the Times that Rahma had been told that Harris would talk about bacon instead of politics.
However, Rahma and his manager both insisted they received no such warning.
Source:amgreatness.com
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Harris makes last-ditch appeal to Michigan’s Muslim voters
November 4, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris made a last-minute appeal to Muslim voters in the swing state of Michigan, a group that continues to express anger over the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict in Gaza.
"I want to say this year has been difficult given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon, it is devastating," Harris said Sunday at a rally in Michigan. "And as president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure, and ensure the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, security and self-determination."
The remarks came just over a week after multiple Muslim leaders from Michigan joined former President Trump on stage during a rally in Novi, Michigan, to express their support for him, with Trump boasting that he was "thrilled to accept the endorsement of these highly respected leaders."
Imam Belal Alzuhairi and Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi were among the group of four Muslim leaders to officially endorse Trump on stage, boasting about the former president’s ability to avoid international conflicts.
"We, as Muslims, stand with President Trump because he promises peace, not war!" Alzuhairi said during his remarks. "The bloodshed has to stop all over the world, and I think this man can make that happen. I personally believe that God saved his life twice for a reason."
During her rally Sunday, Harris said she was "joined today by leaders of the Arab American community," though the leaders did not join her on stage and it is unclear which leaders she was referring to.
The rally also took place on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, which is located nearly 90 miles northwest of Dearborn, a city with the nation’s highest per capita Muslim population, which has been at the center of resistance to her campaign.
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.
A large percentage of Michigan’s Muslim population, which in recent years has been a dependable Democratic voting bloc, has spent much of 2024 resisting the party’s presidential candidates. During the state’s primary campaign, a movement to "Abandon Biden" over the president's handling of the conflict in Gaza led to over 100,000 Michigan residents voting "uncommitted" in place of supporting his bid for re-election.
That movement has since bled over to Harris’ campaign, a reality Trump has tried to capitalize on while pushing a message of ending ongoing wars overseas and bringing peace and stability to the world.
That message has seemingly appealed to some Michigan Muslim leaders.
"We're going to stop the wars, we're going to make the United States safe again, and we're going to make the world safe," Bazzi said during his remarks in Novi.
"What a nice endorsement," Trump said after Bazzi’s speech. "These are great people."
Source:foxnews.com
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America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
NOVEMBER 05, 2024
Sarah Smith
America is choosing its path forward, and the stakes could not be higher.
Both candidates have presented stark visions for the future if they lose this election. Donald Trump says the country will "go to hell" and become "communist immediately" if he loses, while Kamala Harris describes her opponent as a "fascist" who wants "unchecked power".
Voters in the key battleground states have been bombarded by campaign ads, much of it designed to induce fear. Given this climate, it is no wonder surveyed Americans are reporting high levels of anxiety.
"I do believe they're making us live in fear just to get our vote," Heather Soucek told me in Wisconsin as election day loomed. She lives in a swing county in a swing state, and plans to back Trump because, in her words, Harris's economic plans are "scary".
But just along the street, I also met Tracy Andropolis, a registered independent who said she would vote for Harris. "It's one of the most important elections in my lifetime. There's a lot on the line," she said, adding that she was concerned Trump would refuse to give up power if he won.
Both expressed genuine fears for the future if their candidate lost, reflecting the existential mood of many voters on the eve of the election.
Ms Andropolis also told me she did not believe the neck-and-neck polls. Not because she has any real evidence, but because she cannot envisage millions of people planning to vote for Trump. And she is by no means alone in her struggles to accept the closeness of this race.
One of the things I've learned travelling around this country and talking to voters is that America doesn't just seem remarkably divided, it feels as though two separate nations are awkwardly cohabiting on the same land mass.
Democrats mainly live in the cities and suburbs, with Republicans mostly living in rural areas. Americans are increasingly moving to places where their neighbours share their political outlook. And it’s not hard to identify these areas at the moment, given the yard signs and placards that so often mark out Trump and Harris territory.
But it is not possible to live in these separate political worlds forever. These two sides are about to collide with the harsh reality of an election.
However disputed, however contested, there has to be a winner.
And when some here learn the eventual result and realise that tens of millions of their fellow Americans feel very differently to them, it will be a shock.
Both Trump and Harris have charted their own historic and tumultuous paths to polling day.
I was among the press pack gathered outside a Manhattan court to witness Trump's arraignment in his criminal hush-money trial in April. He was found guilty weeks later, becoming the first former or sitting president to be convicted of a crime. Many asked at the time: could a convicted felon really reclaim the White House?
But his legal troubles and his claim that he was being deliberately targeted by the Biden administration only fuelled his campaign and fired up his supporters. "They're not after me, they're after you," he would so often say.
"They're weaponising the criminal justice system against their political enemies, and it's not right," one of his supporters told me outside the courthouse. "I will fight for this man until the day I die," another said.
A familiar pattern emerged: with each indictment, his poll ratings climbed and financial donations poured in.
Just think back to the moment last year when his mugshot was taken as part of the election interference case in Georgia. It quickly became an iconic image that now adorns many of the T-shirts I see at Trump rallies.
And it is impossible to recount the former president's wild ride to polling day without the moment that produced another iconic image and almost ended the contest altogether.
When Trump was shot by a would-be assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, it shook this race and this nation profoundly. As he was helped to his feet by Secret Service agents, blood pouring from his ear, he raised his fist in the air and urged his supporters to fight.
When he appeared just 48 hours later at his party's convention in Milwaukee with gauze over his ear, some in the crowd were weeping. I could see tears rolling down the face of one delegate standing near to me. It was Tina Ioane, who'd travelled from American Samoa.
"He is the anointed," she told me. "He was called to lead our nation."
At that stage in the summer, electorally, Trump looked unassailable.
On the other side, Democrats were becoming increasingly depressed about their own prospects. Deeply anxious that their candidate, Joe Biden, was too old to win re-election.
I was in the press room watching his shambolic debate against Trump in late June. There was stunned silence as we watched Biden's 50-year career in politics essentially come to an end in front of our eyes.
But even then, many who publicly suggested he should step aside were dismissed. The Biden campaign even hit out at the "bedwetting brigade" who were calling for him to go.
It would, of course, be a matter of time.
Just days after that jubilant Republican convention in July, when Trump looked like he could not lose, Biden announced he was giving up his re-election bid. The mood among Democratic supporters soon swung from anxious pessimism to excited anticipation.
Any reservations they had about whether Kamala Harris was their best candidate were erased at a joyful convention in Chicago a few weeks later. People who had been resigned to defeat were now swept away on a tide of enthusiasm.
This election represented a chance to "move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past", she said to loud cheers.
But this burst of excitement did not last. After an initial bump in the polls, Harris struggled to maintain the momentum. It appears she quickly won back traditional Democrats who were not backing Biden but found it harder to win over crucial undecided voters.
Harris, however, has repeatedly pushed that more optimistic message. She has also made reproductive rights a cornerstone of her campaign, and is hoping the issue will motivate women to turn out in high numbers.
But the challenge, as in all presidential elections, is to convince the undecided.
I met Zoie Cheneau at a hair salon she owns in Atlanta, Georgia, less than two weeks out from the election. She said she had never been so unmotivated to vote.
"It's the lesser of two evils for me right now," she said, explaining that she would ultimately cast her ballot for Harris but felt Trump may prove better for small businesses.
"I will be excited that a black woman would be the president of the United States," she said. "And she will win, I know she will win."
Two tribes face crunch moment
While some voters are anxious and believe this race to be close, Ms Cheneau's certainty about the eventual result is something supporters on both sides repeatedly express.
Many Harris supporters simply cannot understand why she is not further ahead of a convicted criminal who has been publicly attacked and derided by those who served in his last administration.
Trump supporters are equally aghast that anyone could vote for a candidate who has flip-flopped on policy and has been in the White House at a time when illegal border crossings reached record levels.
These two tribes exist in what appear to be parallel political ecosystems, across a deep partisan divide where opposing views are dismissed and the candidates inspire a devoted loyalty that goes beyond normal party affiliation.
Voters have been given apocalpyptic warnings about what might happen if the other side wins. They've been told this election is about far more than who sits in the Oval Office for the next four years. Many believe it is an existential event that could have disastrous consequences.
There is no doubt the tone of this campaign has raised the stakes, ratcheting up anxiety and tension, meaning the aftermath of this election could be explosive. We are expecting legal challenges and street protests would be a surprise to no one.
This is a nation split between opposing visions of what's at stake. But it is in the polling stations that Red and Blue America will meet and be counted.
Whatever the result, roughly one half of the country is about to discover that the other half has a completely different sense of what America requires.
For the losers, this will be a stinging realisation.
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Boeing strike ends as workers back 38% pay rise deal
NOVEMBER 05, 2024
João da Silva
Boeing workers have voted to accept the aviation giant's latest pay offer, ending a damaging seven-week-long walkout.
Under the new contract, they will get a 38% pay rise over the next four years.
Striking workers can start returning to their jobs as early as Wednesday, or as late as 12 November, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union says.
The walkout by around 30,000 Boeing workers started on 13 September, leading to a dramatic slowdown at the plane maker's factories and deepening a crisis at the company.
IAM said 59% of striking workers voted in favour of the new deal, which also includes a one-off $12,000 (£9,300) bonus, as well as changes to workers' retirement plans.
"Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace," union leader Jon Holden said.
The union had previously called for a 40% pay increase and workers had rejected two previous offers from the company.
"While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team," said Boeing's chief executive Kelly Ortberg.
"There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company."
In a sign of how seriously the White House took the strike at one of the country's most important companies, acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su flew to Seattle last month to help with negotiations.
Boeing has been trying to shore up its finances and end the strike, which has now cost it nearly $10bn, according to consulting firm Anderson Economic Group.
In October, its commercial aircraft business reported operating losses of $4bn for the three months to the end of September.
Last week, the firm launched a share sale to raise more than $20bn.
It came after warnings that a prolonged strike could lead to downgrades of Boeing's credit rating, which would make it more expensive for it to borrow money.
Last month, the firm said it would lay off around 17,000 workers, with the first redundancy notices expected to be issued in mid-November.
The latest crisis at Boeing erupted in January with a dramatic mid-air blowout of a piece of one of its passenger planes.
Its space business also suffered a reputational hit after its Starliner vessel was forced to return to Earth without carrying astronauts.
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Modi condemns violence after Canada temple incident
NOVEMBER 05, 2024
Kathryn Armstrong
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the "cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats" in a deepening diplomatic row with Canada.
Both countries expelled each other's top envoys last month after Canadian officials accused India of being involved in violent acts targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil, something the country denies.
Modi's comments came after violence broke out at a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton on Sunday, which he has called a "deliberate attack".
"Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," he wrote on X.
Local police said three people have so far been arrested and charged over the incident in Brampton, near Toronto, but did not provide further details.
The force said "several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated" by its officers.
Unverified video posted online appeared to show people carrying yellow flags of the Khalistan movement - which demands a separate Sikh homeland in India - clashing with others holding Indian flags.
India's foreign ministry said "extremists and separatists" were behind the violence, calling on the Canadian government to "ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks".
The North America-based activist group Sikhs for Justice, meanwhile, described the incident as an "unprovoked violent attack on peaceful pro-Khalistan demonstrators".
Justin Trudeau wrote on X that Sunday's violence was "unacceptable", adding that "every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely".
Relations between India and Canada have soured since Ottawa accused the Indian government of being behind the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a naturalised Canadian citizen who is labelled a terrorist in India.
India has vehemently denied this and other allegations and maintained that Canada has provided no evidence to support its claims.
Mr Nijjar had been a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement and publicly campaigned for it.
The rift between Canada and India has raised questions over the impact it could have on the deep trade and immigration ties between both countries.
Bilateral trade is worth billions of dollars, and Canada is home to nearly 1.7 million people of Indian origin.
Neither country has yet imposed tariffs or other economic forms of retaliation, but experts caution that this could change, and that a cooling relationship between India and Canada could hinder further economic growth.
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Drones and snipers on standby to protect Arizona vote-counters
NOVEMBER 05, 2024
Christal Hayes
Razor wire. Thick black iron fencing. Metal detectors. Armed security guards. Bomb sweeps.
The security at this centre where workers count ballots mirrors what you might see at an airport - or even a prison. And, if needed, plans are in place to further bolster security to include drones, officers on horseback and police snipers on rooftops.
Maricopa County became the centre of election conspiracy theories during the 2020 presidential contest, after Donald Trump spread unfounded claims of voter fraud when he lost the state to Joe Biden by fewer than 11,000 votes.
Falsehoods went viral, armed protesters flooded the building where ballots were being tallied and a flurry of lawsuits and audits aimed to challenge the results.
The election’s aftermath transformed how officials here handle the typically mundane procedure of counting ballots and ushered in a new era of high security.
“We do treat this like a major event, like the Super Bowl,” Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner told the BBC.
The county, the fourth most populous in the US and home to about 60% of Arizona's voters, has been planning for the election for more than a year, according to Skinner.
The sheriff's department handles security at polling stations and the centre where ballots are counted. The deputies have now been trained in election laws, something most law enforcement wouldn’t be well-versed in.
“Our hope is that it doesn't arise to a level of need for that,” he said when asked about beefed-up security measures like drones and snipers. “But we will be prepared to ensure that we meet the level of need, to ensure the safety and security of that building” and its employees.
The election process here in many ways echoes that in counties across the country. Ballots are cast in voting locations across the county and then taken to a central area in Phoenix where they're tabulated. If they’re mailed in, the ballots are inspected and signatures are verified. They’re counted in a meticulous process that includes two workers - from differing political parties - sorting them and examining for any errors.
The process is livestreamed 24 hours a day.
While much of this process remains the same, a lot else has shifted. Since the 2020 election, a new law passed making it easier to call a recount in the state. Previously, if a race was decided by the slim margin of 0.1% of votes cast, a recount would take place. That’s now been raised to 0.5%.
The tabulation centre is now bristling with security cameras, armed security and a double layer of fencing.
Thick canvas blankets cover parts of a parking lot fencing to keep prying eyes out. Officials say the canvas was an added measure to protect employees from being harassed and threatened outside the building.
“I think it is sad that we’re having to do these things,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates.
Gates, a Republican who says he was diagnosed with PTSD after the election threats he received in the 2020 election, doesn't plan to run for office again once this election is over because of the tensions.
“I do want people to understand that when they go to vote centres, these are not militarised zones,” he told the BBC. “You can feel safe to go there with your family, with your kids and participate in democracy.”
The county has invested millions since 2020. It’s not just security, either. They now have a 30-member communications team.
A big focus has been transparency - livestreaming hours of tests for tabulation machines, offering dozens of public tours of their buildings and enlisting staff to dispute online rumours and election conspiracies.
“We kind of flipped a switch,” assistant county manager Zach Schira told the BBC, explaining that after 2020 they decided, “OK, we’re going to communicate about every single part of this process, we’re going to debunk every single theory that is out there.”
It’s all led up to Tuesday's election.
“We may be over prepared,” Sheriff Skinner said, “but I'd rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
Some Maricopa Republicans told the BBC they’ve tracked recent changes and felt there would be fewer problems this election cycle.
“They’ve made steps that I think will help,” said Garrett Ludwick, a 25-year-old attending a recent Scottsdale rally for Trump’s vice-presidential running mate JD Vance.
“More people are also aware of things now and I think there are going to be a lot of people watching everything like a hawk," he said, wearing a Trump cap that read, “Make liberals cry”.
One Republican voter, Edward, told the BBC the 2020 cycle caused him to get more involved. He’s now signed up for two shifts at polling locations in Maricopa County on Tuesday.
“Going to a rally or being upset isn’t going to fix things,” he said. “I wanted to be part of the solution.”
Not all are convinced.
“I still think it was rigged,” said Maleesa Meyers, 55, who like some Republican voters said her distrust in the process is too deep-rooted to believe the election could be fair. “It’s very hard to trust anyone today.”
Results in Arizona often hinge on Maricopa County, giving the county an outsized role in the outcome. Officials here estimate it could take as long as 13 days to count all ballots - meaning the expected tight race in this swing state might not be called on election night.
“There’s a chance that in 2024, the whole world will be watching for what the result is in Maricopa County," said Schira, the assistant county manager.
"Truly the world’s confidence in democracy could come down to this.”
Source:bbc.com
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Elon Musk can keep giving $1m to voters, judge rules
NOVEMBER 05, 2024
Rachel Looker
Elon Musk's political group can keep awarding $1m (£722,000) to voters in swing states, a judge has ruled.
The giveaway by Mr Musk's America PAC is set to end on Tuesday, and the final recipient has already been determined, a lawyer for the billionaire said in a court hearing on Monday.
In a surprising turn, the lawyer revealed that people receiving the money have not been chosen randomly in a lottery-style contest, as many believed, but were selected by the group.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner had sued to stop what he called an "an illegal lottery" after Musk announced he would give the money to one voter in a swing state each day until Election Day.
Pennsylvania Judge Angelo Foglietta did not immediately give a reason for the ruling, made a few hours after the hearing, according to the Associated Press.
“The $1m recipients are not chosen by chance,” the lawyer, Chris Gober, said during the hearing, according to the Associated Press. “We know exactly who will be announced as the $1m recipient today and tomorrow.”
Mr Gober told the court that America PAC has already determined the final recipient will be a voter from Michigan, US media reported.
On Monday, America PAC announced a man named Joshua in Arizona had been awarded the day's sum.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, which Mr Musk owns, the group added: "Every day until Election Day, a person who signs will be selected to earn $1m as a spokesperson for America PAC."
But when the world's richest man unveiled the giveaway last month, many believed it was a random drawing for registered voters who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution.
“We are going to be awarding $1m randomly to people who have signed the petition, every day, from now until the election," Musk told a campaign event.
A few days later, the US justice department warned that the group could be breaking election laws, which forbid paying people to register to vote. Krasner's office sued to stop it.
Mr Musk has been aggressively campaigning for Republican White House candidate Donald Trump in swing states across the country, and his committee has been pushing hard in Pennsylvania, where polls suggest Trump is in a tie with his Democratic rival, Vice-President Kamala Harris.
A lawyer in Krasner's office told Reuters that Mr Gober's comments in court were "a complete admission of liability".
During the hearing, prosecutors played a video where Mr Musk, who is also the chief executive of SpaceX, said that "all we ask" is that the winners serve as spokespeople for the group, Reuters reported.
But Chris Young, the director of America PAC, said in court that the recipients are screened and must have values aligned with the group, US media reported.
Those who receive the money sign non-disclosure agreements that block them from publicly discussing the terms of their contracts, according to Reuters.
Mr Musk did not attend Monday's hearing.
Also on Monday, Joe Rogan released an episode of his podcast featuring a nearly three-hour interview with Mr Musk.
In a post promoting the podcast on X, he said he would be endorsing former President Donald Trump.
"He [Musk] makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you'll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way," Rogan wrote.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlnjzzk919o
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Africa
#EndBadGovernance: IGP Receives Report On Minors, Summons All DCs CID
5 November 2024
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has received a report on the care, and welfare of the young #EndBadGovernance protesters who are detained in Police custody.
In a statement on Monday night, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the IGP has assured to follow through on the recommendations of the report.
He stated that the IGP has summoned all DCs CID and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop.
According to him, the workshop is to ensure professionalism in investigation with emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care.
The statement read: “Following the recent remand and subsequent arraignment of some young individuals on Friday, 1st November, the Inspector-General of Police while in Algiers, Algeria for the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation committee meeting directed investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons while in Police detention facilities.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.
“To further ensure professionalism in investigation with emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care, the IGP has summoned all DCs CID and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop on November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Center, Jabi.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/05/endbadgovernance-igp-receives-report-on-minors-summons-all-dcs-cid/
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AGF Completes Release Process For ‘Minor’ #EndBadGovernance Protesters Charged With Treason
5 November 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has finalized the required documentation to release individuals detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests, including minors charged with treason.
According to sources, these detainees are set to be freed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.
SaharaReporters confirmed on Monday night that officials, including the Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, and representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, have completed plans to present the detainees before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who is expected to oversee the withdrawal of the charges.
“Arrangements have been made for the release of #EndBadGovernance detainees at the Federal High Court tomorrow (Tuesday),” a source informed SaharaReporters.
The decision follows a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, mandating the release of detained minors, whose arraignment at the Federal High Court on November 1 sparked widespread national and international backlash.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared the update during an emergency press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa.
The release of these detainees is anticipated to ease tensions, as calls for compassion and adherence to legal standards regarding juvenile rights continue to gain momentum across the nation and beyond.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/05/agf-completes-release-process-for-minor-endbadgovernance-protesters-charged-with-treason/
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My Sacking From Senate A Blessing In Disguise, I Am No Longer Childless – Senator Abbo
5 November 2024
By Justina Otio
The former senator representing Adamawa Northern Zone, Senator Ishaku Abbo, has said that he considers his sacking by the Appeal Court a blessing in disguise.
Abbo stated this while addressing newsmen in Yola on Monday.
He stated that his temporary political predicament gave him the opportunity to concentrate on his family, and his wives have now given birth to children.
“I never had a child in my life until the unholy court ruling that sent me back home. So, I think the judgment was in my interest. When God wants to bless you, he uses your enemies to bless you,” he said.
“People should create chance no matter the money they are making from their offices or business to spend fruitful time with their family. It helps you to know what your family members want and how they are missing you. Money is not everything in life. Just imagine me staying at the Senate for eight years without a child, so the money is for who?” he asked.
Top Judicial Officer Came To My Hotel Room And Demanded Bribe – Senator Abbo
Meanwhile, Abbo has condemned the alleged corruption going on in the judiciary.
He argued that the Nigerian democracy will fail to grow if the judiciary is not overhauled to deliver justice and not injustice.
Abbo shared his reservation in Yola during an interaction with journalists.
The erstwhile senator, who was sacked this year by the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja after earlier winning his case at the Tribunal to return to the Senate for a second term of legislative duties, claimed that the case of vote-buying was more pronounced in the courts than in practice in the real sense of it
“My mandate was kidnapped in the courtroom by some judiciary bandits sitting on the throne of judgment.
“Judgment is from God, so if you are appointed as a judge, it means you are representing God on earth. So, if you collect money to deliver injustice, you will answer before your creator on the last day,” he said.
He alleged further, “A top judicial officer came to my hotel room in Abuja with his wife demanding money on behalf of the judges handling my case. I have the camera records. I want to talk to his people in Taraba State to caution him so that his career may not be terminated prematurely because of bribe money.”
The senator, who dwelled heavily on the height of corruption in the judiciary, also pointed out that the political leadership in the north has collapsed due to the selfish interest of some of the leaders in the region.
“You cannot blame president Bola Tinubu, because majority of the northern leaders went to him and bargained for their personal gains and not on behalf of the north, so they have already harvested what belongs to the entire north,” he added.
On his political ambition to contest for the governorship of the state come 2027, he disclosed that he is still making consultations with stakeholders and that he will soon make a public declaration on his ambition after he concludes his consultations.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/05/my-sacking-from-senate-a-blessing-in-disguise-i-am-no-longer-childless-senator-abbo/
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Chaos Erupt In Rivers LG As Police Disperse Workers With Gunfire, Tear Gas
5 November 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Pandemonium broke out on Monday in Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, as police officers dispersed council workers with gunfire and teargas.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as officers in several patrol vans arrived at the local government secretariat, firing shots and releasing tear gas to disperse workers who had gathered to resume duties.
The sudden police intervention forced council employees to flee, with many reportedly running into nearby bushes for safety. The confrontation resulted in injuries, including two women, who were hurt in the rush to escape the chaotic scene.
This disturbance comes amid ongoing security concerns in Ikwerre LGA, which has been a focal point of violence following the recent local government elections.
The council had previously been closed alongside two other local government secretariats to prevent further unrest after political thugs allegedly attacked these facilities.
A source who spoke with Punch confirmed that the National Union of Local Government Employees had instructed council staff to resume work, a directive now disrupted by the police intervention.
The source, who craved anonymity for fear of his life, said, “This morning, the National Union of Local Government Workers asked their members to resume work at the Ikwerre Local Government.
“While we were there, we saw more than 100 policemen fully armed. And they started shooting and firing teargas everywhere, workers, women and everybody started running.
“As I speak now, two women slumped and the policemen are now allowing access to medical care.”
The Chief of Staff of Ikwerre LGA, Richard Henry, confirmed the incident, saying there may be some casualties because many of the workers ran into the bushes.
Henry stated, “They came to the premises and shot teargas everywhere and people were running helter-skelter.
“Our mothers and youths who were there are injured. We don’t know if there was any death because many people ran into the bush. The policemen came with a hot water tank and about 11 Hilux vans.”
While condemning the policemen’s action, he said the attack was unwarranted, as the matter of the councils burning was before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
“All of them were armed. Moreover, this matter is before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry and they came to teargas everybody which is not fair. We will resist them,” he said.
The police took responsibility for its presence at the Ikwerre council secretariat.
Spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a chat with Punch, said the Ikwerre LG secretariat was closed following the arson because it was one of the worst hit.
She stated, “It is not men in police uniform. They are police officers in the command who went there to maintain law and order.
“You know because of the local government that was burnt, a panel of inquiry was set up by the governor to look into the immediate and remote causes of the secretariats that were burnt and the sitting is ongoing.
“All the secretariats that were attacked are under lock and key, and this Ikwerre LGA is one with major damage.
“Now some mobs, over 300, damaged the gate and forced themselves into the secretariat, either to loot or further destroy properties. That was the reason the police were called upon.
“And in response, our men swiftly mobilised and went there to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order and restore peace by dispersing them, so that they don’t destroy any facility.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/05/chaos-erupt-in-rivers-lg-as-police-disperse-workers-with-gunfire-tear-gas/
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Why I Cannot Support Peter Obi Again – Doyin Okupe
4 November 2024
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
A former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe, has revealed why he cannot support the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, again.
Naija News recalls that prior to the 2023 general election, Okupe was in the camp of Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State.
While appearing on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Monday, Okupe said they agreed that a Southern president must emerge and all eminent Yoruba supported Peter Obi but it is wrong for the ex-governor to bring down the people who supported him.
He said, “I cannot support Peter Obi again. The reason is because what we agreed was that a Southern President must emerge.
“Baba Adebanjo called me and said if a Southern President must emerge, which zone must it emerge from? And I said South East. Let’s support them.
“And all eminent Yoruba people supported you, why now bring us down publicly? It’s wrong.”
Emilokan: I Can Not Hate Peter Obi, But I Have To Speak The Truth
Meanwhile, Doyin Okupe, has said he can never denigrate the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
Speaking on Monday as a guest on Channels TV Politics Today, Okupe said he is sentimentally attached to Obi, having been a part of his political rise, hence he can’t bring down what he laboured to build.
Speaking against his recent comment on a statement made by Peter Obi regarding the popular ’emi lokan’ slogan of President Bola Tinubu, Okupe denied attacking Obi, but said he has a responsibility to speak the truth on such matters.
He maintained that Obi got it wrong regarding his comment about Yoruba people as touching the emilokan slogan, adding that Tinubu made the statement as an appeal to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State to vote for him in the party convention.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/04/why-i-cannot-support-peter-obi-again-doyin-okupe/
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We Are No Longer Going To Keep Quiet For Anyone To Insult Tinubu – Doyin Okupe
4 November 2024
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
A former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign council, Doyin Okupe, has vowed that insults against President Bola Tinubu will no longer be tolerated.
Naija News reports that Okupe stated this while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
The former Labour Party (LP) chieftain said the South West will no longer watch people insult Tinubu.
According to him, Tinubu is the apple in the eyes of the people of the South West and must not be spoken about disdainfully.
He said, “From now on, we are no longer going to keep quiet for people who think they can just insult Bola Tinubu.
“Tinubu from the South West is the apple of our eyes. He is not doing wrong. If things are not looking well(now), they’ll look well because we know him.”
T-Pain Nickname, Given To Tinubu, Means Temporary Pain
In related news, Doyin Okupe has stated that Nigerians will likely re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027 to complete a constitutionally allowed eight-year tenure, noting an “unwritten agreement” on rotational presidency between Nigeria’s southern and northern regions.
Okupe, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and argued that the President’s current efforts are setting the nation on a path to progress.
Okupe suggested that despite criticisms, Tinubu’s governance has shown promise and resilience, adding, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t perform well, but he completed his term.
“Tinubu, who is performing well, deserves his full eight years.”
He stated, “Nigerians will decide so. I am sure. Nigerians are reasonable, sensible people, not demanding too much from their leaders.
“If Bola Tinubu gives us light in 2027, if Bola Tinubu resolves this fuel crisis and this food crisis between now and that time, you’ll see that people will go on the streets and say it’s Bola or nobody.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/04/we-are-no-longer-going-to-keep-quiet-for-anyone-to-insult-tinubu-doyin-okupe/
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Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointments At INEC
4 November 2024
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdulrazak Yusuf Tukur as National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, representing the North West.
Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Monday.
Onanuga said Tukur has a Bachelor of Arts from Bayero University, a postgraduate diploma in Economics from Bradford University, England, and a Master of Arts from Leeds University, England.
He began working for INEC in 1999 as assistant chief administrative officer and rose to become the director of Electoral Operations and Logistics.
Tukur’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The presidential aide further stated that Tinubu also nominated a lawyer, Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi, to replace Ogun State’s late Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Onanuga also said if the Senate clears Ibiyemi, he will replace another lawyer, ‘Niyi Ijalaye, who died in August while serving as the resident electoral commissioner in Ogun State.
Ibiyemi, 58, who hails from Ilaje in Ondo State, is currently the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Lagos State.
Ondo: We Have Learnt Our Lessons From Edo Election
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has given assurances that the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State will be free and fair.
He promised that it would also be better organized than previous elections.
The INEC chairman gave the assurances on Monday during his visit to the state headquarters of the commission in Akure, the state capital.
According to him, the electoral umpire has gained valuable lessons from the recent Edo governorship election and other elections in the area of logistics and results management which should make the Ondo polls better.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/04/tinubu-makes-fresh-appointments-at-inec/
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Terrorists Killed By NAF Strikes While Trying To Stop Transmission Line Repair
4 November 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Monday, confirmed that several terrorists planning to disrupt the repair being carried out on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line were killed by strikes from its fighter jets.
The terrorists had destroyed the transmission line, a major conduit supplying electricity to the North.
The attack on this infrastructure has plunged 17 northern states into darkness, leaving them without electricity for the past three weeks.
President Bola Tinubu in his reaction to the action of the terrorists, directed troops to provide cover for electricity workers to enable them to carry out necessary repairs on the damaged infrastructure.
However, in a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions carried out by the service confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters converging to disrupt the repair of the transmission line.
He added that terrorists were engaged, and several of them were killed.
Akinboyewa said, “In a coordinated mission to support power restoration efforts in Kaduna and other northwestern states, the NAF, on November 1, 2024, executed a series of air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions located deep within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. This mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.
“The strike followed a series of ISR missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters who were converging to disrupt ongoing power restoration. The air component, acting swiftly on this intelligence, planned and carried out a successful airstrike to neutralize the threat. Overhead the target area, NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics with precise firepower.”
Akinboyewa said the Air Force has dominated the air space in the area to prevent the terrorists from interfering in the efforts to restore power to the affected states.
He said, “Alongside these interdictions, the NAF has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, maintaining airspace dominance to prevent any potential terrorist interference in the restoration efforts.
“This sustained mission underscores NAF’s commitment to collaborate with other security agencies in protecting vital infrastructure and ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighbouring states.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/04/terrorists-killed-by-naf-strikes-while-trying-to-stop-transmission-line-repair/
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House Of Representatives Begins Two-Week Recess For Oversight Duties
4 November 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The House of Representatives has embarked on a two-week recess to conduct oversight activities across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, with plenary sessions set to resume on November 19.
This break, aimed at ensuring accountability and effective governance, was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Jr.
According to Rotimi, the recess will allow lawmakers to carry out thorough oversight functions, assessing the operations and activities of MDAs to ensure they are serving the interests of the Nigerian people effectively.
The decision, Rotimi noted, was initially communicated to members during a plenary session on October 30, when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced the recess as a “Pre-Budget Oversight” period.
He quoted the Speaker saying, “As we approach the close of the year, this period of oversight is essential for assessing the performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and efficiency within the public sector and fulfilling our obligation to the Nigerian people. I therefore urge all members of parliament to approach this assignment with the seriousness that it deserves.”
During the announcement, the Speaker called on members to utilise this time to enhance governance and uphold their oversight responsibilities.
He also urged the MDAs to cooperate with visiting lawmakers in compliance with relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the House’s Standing Orders.
“I call on all MDAs to extend their full cooperation, providing members with all necessary information and access to facilitate thorough and meaningful assessments,” he said.
Rotimi Jr said the schedule was further adjusted through formal internal correspondence to members from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on the directive of the House leadership.
The House spokesperson further added that, “public is advised that the recess will only affect House plenary sessions, while other legislative activities, including constituency outreach, committee meetings, and essential consultations in preparation for the forthcoming budget sessions, will continue as usual.
“The 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability while effectively addressing the needs of the Nigerian people.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/04/house-of-representatives-begins-two-week-recess-for-oversight-duties/
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Uganda: Victims of lightning strike buried
5 November 2024
A refugee camp in mourning.
Victims of lighting strike in Palabek settlement camp northern Uganda were buried on Sunday (Nov. 03).
They had gathered to pray when the rain started around 5:00 PM Saturday, and the lightning thunder struck half an hour later.
Police identified 14 victims, amongst whom 8 males.
Deadly lightning is commonly reported in Uganda during the wet season.
"From the figures we identified; we had 14 mortalities. And these are people who died on the spot and the age group of 9 to 21, the youngest being a 9-year-old girl, then the eldest being a 21-year-old male.”
Police investigations revealed an absence of anti-lightning infrastructure.
Victims were attending a prayer service in a makeshift metallic structure when the lighting struck.
The deceased are reportedly from neighboring South Sudan.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/05/uganda-victims-of-lightning-strike-buried/
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DRC: M23 rebels seize new town near border with Uganda as talks drag
5 November 2024
M23 rebels continue to gain ground in eastern DRC.
The group who is reportedly backed by Rwanda seized Sunday (Nov. 03) the strategic town of Kamandi Gîte, according to media reports.
Kamandi Gîte is located on the banks of Lake Edward and offer a connexion to the city of Beni.
Local media cited sources on the ground to report that forced displacement were observed in the wake of the town's fall to the hands of the rebels.
M23 rebels faced self-defence fighters known as Wezalendo or patriots who are allied with the DRC's armed forces.
The fresh fighting comes when experts from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to dialogue within the framework of the Luanda process.
Angola plays the role of a mediator between the neighbours.
A meeting is scheduled on November 16.
Rwanda and DRC have reportedly agreed on a plan which includes the disengagement of military forces and the neutralization of the FDLR, which included in its ranks fighters who carried out the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/04/drc-m23-rebels-seize-new-town-on-border-with-uganda-as-talks-drag/
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Southeast Asia
Targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol necessary to address leakage - Amir Hamzah
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol is essential to mitigate leakage involving usage by individuals who should not benefit from it, said Deputy Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said current data estimates that petrol consumption by non-citizens, the commercial sector, and smuggling activities accounts for about 40 per cent of total petrol usage.
“Considering that the RON95 petrol subsidy amounts to around RM20 billion annually, addressing leakage to foreign nationals, the commercial sector, and affluent individuals could result in savings of up to RM8 billion each year,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Amir Hamzah was responding to a supplementary question from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) regarding the government’s strategies to tackle petrol subsidy leakage to non-citizens and the T15 group, while ensuring that the B40 group can access targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol in the future.
In response to Aminolhuda’s original question about the effectiveness of the targeted diesel subsidy under the MyBUDI initiative, Amir Hamzah indicated that recent data reveals a significant decline in diesel sales at petrol stations, which reflects a reduction in smuggling activities involving that fuel.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/targeted-subsidy-for-ron95-petrol-necessary-to-address-leakage-amir-hamzah-HE13242072
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Five held, drugs worth RM2.3 mln seized in two raids in Melaka
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
MELAKA: Three men and two Indonesian women were arrested and an assortment of drugs worth about RM2.3 million were seized in two raids in Melaka on Friday (Nov 1).
Melaka police chief Datuk Zainol Samah said they also seized cash totalling RM6,400, which is believed to be from the sale of the drugs, while two vehicles were also confiscated in the raids on a condominium in Melaka Raya and a building in Jalan Merdeka here at about 3 am.
He said preliminary investigations found that all the suspects, aged between 21 and 37, are believed to have been active members of the drug smuggling and trafficking syndicate in Melaka since early this year.
“In the raids, police seized 12,920 grammes of powder believed to be ecstasy, 300 grammes of ketamine, 1,307 ecstasy pills and 280 Erimin 5 pills.
“Through preliminary investigations, the drugs seized are believed to be for the local market and could be used by 68,240 addicts,” he said in a statement today.
He added that three of the suspects tested positive for the drugs ketamine and benzo and all of them had no prior criminal records.
Zainol said all the suspects have been remanded for seven days Thursday (Nov 7) and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Melaka police chief Datuk Zainol Samah. Bernamapix
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/five-held-drugs-worth-rm23-mln-seized-in-two-raids-in-melaka-CE13242044
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Aggressive driver arrested after toll booth outburst
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: A man’s aggressive outburst at the Batu 9 Toll Plaza, where he yelled profanities and kicked a toll booth wall, led to his arrest yesterday in a residential area in Hulu Langat.
Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abd Yusof said the incident was captured in a viral Facebook video showing the driver storming out of his car, confronting a toll attendant, and angrily kicking the toll booth wall before driving off.
“Police investigations revealed that the driver had been reprimanded by the 22-year-old toll attendant for slamming the Touch ‘n Go card reader. In response, he unleashed a verbal tirade and lashed out at the booth,” he said in a statement today.
Naazron said police detained the 31-year-old suspect at 7 pm, while he was in a black Perodua Alza.
“An initial urine test found the suspect positive for methamphetamine and he has 17 previous criminal records. The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955,“ he said.
In addition, the suspect, who works as a mechanic, is being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the nearest police station or the investigating officer, Insp Ahmad Rahmat Adnan, at 014-5156933 to assist with the investigation.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/aggressive-driver-arrested-after-toll-booth-outburst-IE13241988
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Stronger integrity vital for sustainable growth - DPM Fadillah
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Stronger integrity across all sectors including government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and individuals is essential for ensuring accountability and promoting sustainable national growth, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He emphasised the critical need to uphold principles such as good governance, sound practices, and transparency, which serve as the foundation for the nation’s development.
“We are discussing integrity at all levels, but it must begin at home. Integrity starts within the family, and from there, we hope to cultivate good practices and values that will extend to the community and all organisations,” he said during the launch of Integrity Month here today.
The MADANI government remains committed to enhancing institutional governance, focusing on addressing concerns related to corporate accountability and transparency in both public and private sectors.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) to conduct an internal audit following a significant RM43.9 million investment loss in FashionValet Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Fadillah stressed the need to strengthen the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) as an expert centre that provides guidance and support to government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations to ensure consistent and effective integrity practices.
In his speech at the event, he said that it is time to expand IIM’s role as the primary reference centre for integrity at the national level.
“In line with the MADANI government’s policies, which prioritise transparency, accountability, and good governance, IIM’s role must be clearly enhanced.
“As an institution that has long championed integrity principles, IIM should continue to lead in implementing government policies, especially in governance reform, corruption prevention, and improving accountability across all sectors,” he said.
Fadillah expressed confidence in IIM’s potential to become a nationally and internationally recognised reference centre for integrity. The government will ensure that the necessary resources and personnel are provided to maximize the effectiveness of this institution.
In addition, Fadillah said with IIM’s two decades of experience in addressing integrity issues, there is strong confidence in its capacity to develop into a comprehensive centre for integrity research and development, offering training modules, research, and advisory services to all who require assistance.
Also present at the event were the Chief Secretary to the Government and IIM chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Auditor- General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, secretaries-general and senior officials from both the federal and state governments.
The launch of National Integrity Month is organised by IIM as the main agency driving the MADANI government’s initiatives to promote integrity and good governance in the country.
This year’s National Integrity Month, themed ‘Teguh Integriti, Kukuh Pertiwi,‘ seeks to enhance the value of our nation through a strengthened commitment to integrity, governance, and effective management. The initiative aims to position Malaysia as a country recognised for its high standards of integrity and its resolute stance against corruption.
To raise awareness and cultivate a culture of integrity, governance, and effective management at the national level, a series of engaging activities are scheduled for National Integrity Month 2024. These events include the Integrity Street Theater Competition (Oct 25-27), the National Forum on Islamic Affairs (Nov 7), and the National Integrity Month Friday Sermon, commencing on Nov 8.
In addition, events such as the National Convention of Corporate Integrity System (Nov 21), the Appreciation Night for IIM’s 20th Anniversary (Nov 28), and an exhibition by IIM in collaboration with the public and private sectors will be held throughout this month.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/stronger-integrity-vital-for-sustainable-growth-dpm-fadillah-DE13242735
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Sabah’s east coast is safe- Shamsul Anuar
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The security situation on Sabah’s east coast remains safe and well under control, despite 14 countries continuing to maintain travel advisories, cautioning their citizens against visiting the area, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah assured that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) remains committed and prepared to defend national sovereignty, ensure security, and maintain public order within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
To improve the perception of safety for travellers to Sabah’s east coast, measures have included rebranding the curfew in ESS Zone waters to ESSZone Movement Control Order (MCO), he said.
“A security assessment and engagement programme with foreign representatives in Malaysia was also conducted, offering a firsthand view of the security situation in the ESSZone,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
He provided these details in response to a question from Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (PH-Tuaran), regarding efforts to reduce travel advisories for Sabah’s east coast, and ESSCOM’s expenditure since its inception.
Shamsul Anuar further elaborated that a total of RM268 million in management allocation, and RM523 million in development allocation, have been provided to ESSCOM from 2013 to 2024.
“By September 2024, RM243 million from the management allocation and RM409 million from development expenditure have already been spent,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question from Madius, regarding the potential threat posed by electricity outages to ESSCOM operations and the ESSZone, he assured that security forces would remain unaffected, as fuel procurement for operational purposes is conducted in bulk.
To reduce reliance on fuel consumption, ESSCOM plans to enhance its operations by utilising high-tech equipment, such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), for surveillance and patrol assignments in open sea areas and other specific strategic locations.
“Furthermore, a preventative strategy has been implemented to assist Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, by severing illegal electricity connections in squatter areas. This initiative aims to ensure a stable electricity supply and prevent resource leakage, which could undermine government efforts,” he added.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/sabah-s-east-coast-is-safe-shamsul-anuar-BE13242461
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Op Noda: 48 individuals arrested at two entertainment outlets
BERNAMA
05-11- 2024
SHAH ALAM: Forty-eight individuals, including foreigners, were arrested in an operation, codenamed Op Noda, at two entertainment centres operating without a valid licence in Kepong and Puchong last Oct 1 and Nov 1.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the raids at the two entertainment centres were conducted following public tip-offs and police intelligence.
He said the raid at the first premises, a shophouse in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong, was carried out at about 11.30 pm last Oct 31, where 25 individuals, comprising a local and 24 foreign nationals were arrested.
“The police also seized several items, including a laptop, and RM528,” he said in a statement today.
He said the second raid was conducted on Nov 1 at about 11.30 pm at a shophouse in Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama, Puchong, which led to the arrest of 23 individuals, two locals and 21 foreigners.
Both cases are investigated for breach of Immigration laws and regulations and the Selangor entertainment by-laws and regulations.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/op-noda-48-individuals-arrested-at-two-entertainment-outlets-CE13242330
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PM Anwar’s jam-packed itinerary on day two of Shanghai working visit
05 Nov 2024
SHANGHAI, Nov 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began the second day of his working visit to Shanghai, China, with a packed schedule.
His day starts with a speech at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).
This year, Malaysia has been honoured as the “Country of Honour” at the 7th CIIE, held from today until November 10.
Anwar was given the privilege of speaking immediately after his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, followed by leaders from five other countries: France, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan.
At the 500,000-square-metre NECC, the prime minister will also open the Malaysia Pavilion and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pavilion.
A total of 68 Malaysian companies are participating in this year’s CIIE.
The CIIE is an initiative by the Chinese government to provide a platform for countries involved in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote and export their products and services to China.
In the afternoon, Anwar, 77, is scheduled to meet Premier Li at The Grand Halls to discuss bilateral matters, following their previous meeting in Putrajaya last June 19.
They are expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and interest.
This will be followed by a conferment ceremony, during which Anwar will be awarded an Honorary Professorship by Tsinghua University.
To conclude the day, Anwar and Li will witness the exchange of documents between Malaysia and China related to the BRI, as well as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and China Media Group.
Anwar is on a working visit to China from November 4 to 7 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, to attend the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, a modern international metropolis.
He arrived yesterday (November 4), marking Shanghai as his first stop before proceeding to Beijing.
Anwar is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner globally for 15 consecutive years since 2009. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/05/pm-anwars-jam-packed-itinerary-on-day-two-of-shanghai-working-visit/155874
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Policeman shot returning from mosque in Pattani
05 Nov 2024
PATTANI: A police officer was shot and wounded by a motorcycle gunman while returning home from a local mosque in Yarang district on Monday night. Pol Capt Abdulhadee Yuerae, 52, is a deputy inspector at Pattani's MayoHe was attacked about 8.20pm while riding a motorcycle home after prayer at a mosque in tambon Pitumudee, Pol Col Warin Wanthongchai, superintendent of Yarang police station, said on Tuesday morning. Two men came up behind him on a motorcycle and the pillion rider opened fire without any warning. Pol Capt Abdulhadee lost control and fell from his bike as it ran off the road. The first bullet had hit his mobile phone, which was in a pocket on the left side of his shirt, and the second went through the officer's cheek. Pol Capt Abdulhadee was able to pull out his gun and fired three shots in retaliation. One of his attackers was believed to have been hit. They both immediately fled. A good citizen took the wounded policeman to Yarang Hospital. Police investigators found five spent bullet casings t the scene. Pol Col Warin said investigators were checking with hospitals as the injured attacker might seek treatment. They were also examining surveillance footage from cameras along the escape route, hoping to track their movements. It was the third attack recently that targeted police returning home from a mosque in the deep South. Most recently, a Muslim prayer leader who was a retired police officer was shot dead in front of his house as he returned from a mosque in Muang district of Yala on the night of Oct 29.
Source:bangkokpost.com
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https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2896351/policeman-shot-returning-from-mosque-in-pattani
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SouthAsia
Afghanistan’s exports to Iran increase by over 30% in the first half of the year
By Fidel Rahmati
November 4, 2024
Hossein Roustaei, Iran’s commercial attaché in Afghanistan, announced that non-oil exports from Iran to Afghanistan increased by 31% in the first half of this year.
Reports from Iranian media on Sunday, November 3, noted that the total value of non-oil exports reached $1.07 billion.
He emphasized that Iran’s imports from Afghanistan also saw significant growth, totaling over $33 million during the same period, representing a 192% increase in value and a 598% increase in weight compared to the previous year.
The report highlighted key export items to Afghanistan, including light oils, petroleum products, gas, iron and steel ingots, polyethylene compounds, eggs, non-velvet floor coverings, urea, hydrocarbons, cement, aluminum cans, potatoes, shoes, preforms, tomatoes, various tiles and ceramics, tomato paste, apples, various polyethylene products, powdered milk, asphalt, and agricultural tractors.
According to this Iranian official, Afghanistan is currently the fifth-largest destination for Iranian exports. This comes as trade relations between Afghanistan and Iran have grown across various sectors over the past three years.
The increasing trade between the two countries indicates a strengthening economic partnership, which may help mitigate some of the economic challenges faced by Afghanistan. Enhanced cooperation in trade could also pave the way for future collaborations, potentially stabilizing the region and benefiting both nations.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistans-exports-to-iran-increase-by-over-30-in-the-first-half-of-the-year/
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Illegal structures pose accident risk
Nov 5, 2024
Numerous illegal structures, including makeshift shops, have sprung up along the Sholoshahar-Nazirhat rail tracks in Oxygen level crossing area of Chattogram city.
These structures result in poor visibility along the rail tracks, posing risk of accidents.
As such, trains have to move slowly along the tracks at the rail crossing regularly, said loco masters.
Locals alleged that the structures have been set up illegally due to lack of monitoring by the Bangladesh Railway.
At least 10 pairs of trains, including the Chittagong University shuttle, run on these tracks daily, said BR sources.
Visiting the area recently, this correspondent observed that at least 15 illegal structures, from tea stalls to parking lots, have mushroomed near the rail crossing.
"We run the train at 40 kmph speed usually. However, on the tracks near Oxygen crossing, we are forced to run trains at 20-25 kmph, to prevent accidents due to the illegal structures set up along the tracks there," said a loco master of BR.
Terming Oxygen level crossing a risky spot, the engineering office of BR in Sholoshahar sent a letter to the BR's authorities concerned on October 1 for steps to evict the illegal structures there as those pose risk of accidents.
Mentionable, four people died at this crossing in separate train-vehicle collisions in 2016 and 2023.
Zillur Rahman, sub-assistant engineer of BR, said, "We requested Railway Police and Railway Nirapotta Bahini to evict these structures to ensure smooth train movement."
Several shop owners admitted to this correspondent that they pay Tk 70 to Tk 200 daily to Mohammed Hezbullah, gateman at the crossing, to run their shops along the rail tracks.
Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Jalalabad Residential Area in Oxygen, also alleged that these shops have been set up by bribing the gateman at the crossing.
Talking to this correspondent, Hezbullah, however, refuted the allegation. "I have no involvement with such illegal activities,' he claimed.
According to BR, the accused gateman has been working at this spot for six years.
Asked, Zillur Rahman said they got information from locals against some gatemen who have been helping grabbers to set up structures along rail tracks for bribes.
"We are yet to find any evidence in this regard," he added.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/illegal-structures-pose-accident-risk-3744771
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Work underway to ensure the voting rights of expatriates
Nov 5, 2024
The Election System Reform Commission is working to ensure that the expatriates can exercise their voting rights.
The Police Reform Commission wants changes to the related laws that deal with using force to control mobs.
The Anti-Corruption Reform Commission seeks to set up a graft watchdog free from political influence and with neutral persons.
The heads of the three reform commissions made the comments yesterday while informing Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus about the progress of their work.
They were among the six reform commission chiefs who had a meeting with the chief adviser at his Tejgoan office.
The commission heads informed Yunus that their work was going on in full swing. They hoped they would be able to submit their reports within the stipulated time of three months, meeting sources told The Daily Star.
The heads of the commissions also said that they hadstarted discussions with the stakeholders and were reviewing relevant laws and regulations to bring necessary reforms.
"Professor Muhammad Yunus gave us a patient hearing and encouraged us to complete the job within the stipulated time," said a commission head.
Yunus said that this was a historical opportunity for them to work for a change in the country, and the nation would remember the contributions of the commissions.
The chief adviser also said that his government was ready to provide all kinds of assistance to the reform commissions.
The six commission chiefs are Prof Ali Riaz of the Constitutional Reform Commission; Justice Shah Abu Naim Mominur Rahman of the Judicial Reform Commission; Badiul Alam Majumdar of the Election System Reform Commission; Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury of the Public Administration Reform Commission; Safar Raj Hossain of the Police Administration Reform Commission; and Iftekharuzzaman of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
In a national address on September 11, Yunus announced the formation of the six commissions to reform the electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, the constitution, and the ACC.
The commissions were formed in the first week of October.
At yesterday's meeting, Badiul said that they were taking appropriate steps to issue postal ballots for absentee voters. He said the voter list was being coordinated with the national identity cards, according to the chief adviser's press wing.
The Election Reform Commission is emphasising on ensuring women's participation in the electoral process. It is also in contact with the stakeholders through digital platforms, and taking suggestions from them.
The Police Reform Commission has already met 10 times and held four meetings with the stakeholders, commission chief Safar informed the chief adviser.
The commission is working on a proposal to change the related laws that deal with using force to control mobs. Some sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 are being reviewed to assess whether those can be changed, he added.
The commission has prepared a questionnaire to seek public opinion and it has already been posted online. The commission is analysing some proposals on amending a few laws and rules.
Muyeed informed the CA about the progress of the work of the Public Administration Reform Commission. He said they were working in full swing, and they had already sought and received opinions from the stakeholders through a website.
Members of the commission have already visited some districts and upazilas and exchanged views with the people from different walks of life. They are also holding meetings with the representatives from different government service cadres.
Ali Riaz informed Yunus that the Constitutional Reform Commission would seek written opinions and specific proposals from political parties and other stakeholders, meeting sources said.
These proposals and opinions will be reviewed sincerely, and efforts will be made to reflect those in the commission's recommendations.
The commission will also consult experts, lawyers, representatives of civil society, professional organisations, young thinkers and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and ask for written proposals from them.
Iftekharuzzaman informed the meeting that the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission has so far held 10 meetings with the stakeholders.
Speaking to this newspaper, he said he informed the chief adviser that they were reviewing the laws and rules related to the ACC and other institutions.
Iftekharuzzaman told the chief adviser that they had so far received 200 proposals.
"During the meeting, I also said that people expect the Anti-Corruption Commission to be free from political influence and an organisation of neutral persons," he said.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/work-underway-ensure-the-voting-rights-expatriates-3744466
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15 tonnes of iron scrap looted
Nov 5, 2024
Approximately 15 tonnes of iron scrap belonging to GPH Ispat Limited, a private steel re-rolling company, were stolen by a group of criminals on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sitakunda upazila early yesterday.
Law enforcers detained truck driver Belal, 30, but failed to recover the looted iron scrap so far, said police.
The robbery took place on the highway near Sitakunda's BM Container Depot area in Barawlia. Around 10 to 12 miscreants intercepted the iron laden dump-truck by placing a private car on the highway, said police, quoting GPH Ispat's adviser for logistics and security Showkat Osman.
They later drove away with the truck. The dump-truck was found without the iron scrap in Panthichila Bazar area, nearly 30km away from the crime spot, in an abandoned condition, said police.
GPH Ispat authorities filed a case with Sitakunda Police Station. The police station's OC could not be contacted for comments.
Source:thedailystar.net
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HC stays probe against Shahidul Alam
Nov 5, 2024
The High Court yesterday stayed the investigation proceedings of a case filed against internationally acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam under controversial Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, 2006 in which he was imprisoned for 107 days.
The court also issued a rule asking the state to explain why the first information of the case against Shahidul Alam should not be scrapped.
The HC bench of Justice Md Iqbal Kabir Lytton and Justice Md Riaz Uddin Khan issued the order and rule following a petition filed by Shahidul challenging the legality of the proceedings of the case.
During hearing of the petition, Shahidul's lawyer Sara Hossain told the court that the case was filed against the petitioner (Shahidul) in August 2018 under the ICT Act and the Digital Security Act was formulated in October of the same year.
As per the provisions of the new law, the cases under Section 57 of the earlier (ICT) law, which have not been completed or initiated or received by the Cyber Tribunal or are not under trial, will not proceed.
The case against Shahidul under Section 57 of the previous law was under investigation at the time of formulation of the Digital Security Act and that is why this case against him cannot run, she argued.
Lawyers Abdullah Al Noman and Dr Qazi Zahed Iqbal also appeared for the petitioner during the hearing.
On August 5, 2018, Shahidul, founder of Drik Gallery and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, was picked up from his Dhanmondi home during a widespread demonstration for safe roads.
Police lodged the case against him under section 57 of the ICT Act and produced him before a Dhaka court the following day.
On November 15, 2018, HC granted bail to Shahidul, while he was released from Dhaka jail the following day.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/hc-stays-probe-against-shahidul-alam-3744786
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Ministry of Defense Graduates 112 in Specialized Artillery and Communications Training
2024-11-05
KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony today marking the graduation of 112 personnel from various units who completed a three-month specialized training course in artillery, satellite communications, and radio operations.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the event included remarks from Mawlawi Naseebullah Madani, Commander of the Abdullah bin Masood Joint Training Command. He encouraged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge they gained in their duties, stressing the importance of combining professional readiness with personal integrity and piety.
The graduates expressed their readiness to serve the Islamic system across the country. The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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NEPA Meeting Addresses Climate Challenges
2024-11-05
KABUL(BNA): The head of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) Mawlavi Mati-ul-Haq Khalis, convened a meeting with members of the Climate Change and Environment Coordination Group to discuss strategies for addressing pressing environmental challenges. The meeting took place during a workshop organized by TLO, titled “Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection.”
According to a statement from the NEPA the meeting featured presentations from three participants who reported on critical issues related to climate change, including its factors, opportunities for adaptation, challenges, and the importance of renewable energy. They also addressed international commitments and proposed actionable suggestions to combat climate change.
Mawlavi Mati-ul-Haq Khalis highlighted the historical context of environmental pollution, tracing its origins to the Industrial Revolution and emphasizing that developed nations are the primary contributors to climate change, significantly impacting developing countries. He noted that the extensive environmental degradation in Afghanistan will require years of concerted effort to restore.
Khalis also pointed out the detrimental effects of prolonged conflicts in the region, stating that the use of explosives and heavy weaponry has severely compromised both environmental health and the well-being of society. He cited alarming reports of increased physical and mental disabilities among children, along with high early mortality rates, attributing these issues to environmental degradation exacerbated by warfare.
The head of the department raised concerns about rising air pollution during the winter months, referring to it as a “silent enemy” that poses a growing threat to public health. He urged the necessity of public awareness campaigns focused on environmental protection and commended the efforts of educated and volunteer groups contributing to this cause.
Expressing his apprehension over the general lack of awareness regarding environmental pollution, Khalis advocated for each family to appoint a volunteer responsible for educating their members about environmental issues. He assured attendees of his agency’s full support for volunteer groups, emphasizing their readiness to assist in any necessary capacity.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/nepa-meeting-addresses-climate-challenges/
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Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi Hosts Importers’ Union to Discuss Domestic Production and Tariffs
2024-11-04
KABUL(BNA): Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, the Head of the Prime Minister’s Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, convened a meeting at the ARG with the president and several members of the Importers’ Union of Tires, Bottles, and Mobiles.
In a statement released by the ARG, the representatives, Allah Dad and Abdul Sattar, acknowledged the facilities extended to traders and investors under the current Islamic System. They expressed their commitment to supporting self-sufficiency in domestic bottle production; however, they also emphasized the necessity for continued imports of bottles and urged the resolution of issues related to rising tariffs.
Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi reiterated the commitment of the esteemed SupremeLeader, to strengthen the national economy and support traders by providing tax exemptions across various sectors.
He further encouraged the citizens to support and trust in the government’s initiatives, assuring the representatives that their suggestions and concerns would be communicated to the relevant authorities for consideration.
Additionally, Mawlawi Gulzar Ahmad Haqqani, Head of Political and Civil Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, affirmed that the Islamic governance framework values the input of all citizens and considers addressing their concerns a vital responsibility. This collaborative approach aims to foster a conducive environment for trade and investment in the country.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Herat’s Customs Operations to Be Enhanced as Finance Ministry Addresses Traders’ Concerns
2024-11-04
HERAT(BNA): The Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs at the Ministry of Finance, Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, pledged to address the challenges faced by Herat’s traders and industrialists during a meeting with Herat’s Governor, Sheikh Mawlawi Islam Jar.
According to a report by Bakhtar News Agency, Mufti Saeed highlighted the purpose of his visit as aimed at facilitating operations at Herat’s customs offices, improving vehicle checkpoints, and implementing increased customs tariffs on similar goods imported from abroad, to support local industry.
In response, Governor Islam Jar emphasized the need to enhance facilities and streamline customs procedures in Herat. He urged the Deputy Minister to address the concerns of traders and industrialists effectively to promote economic growth in the region.
Concluding the meeting, Mufti Saeed expressed appreciation for the efforts of Herat’s local administration. He committed to creating the necessary support and resolving issues for Herat’s business community and commended Herat’s customs authorities for their role in combating the smuggling of goods.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Kabul Municipality Initiates Urban Development Plan for 1404
2024-11-04
KABUL(BNA): Kabul Municipality has conducted its first technical meeting to develop the urban development plan for the year 1404.
In a press release, the office of Kabul Municipality stated that during this meeting, the mayor emphasized the importance of new construction projects aimed at achieving a sustainable vision, development, and growth for the city. These projects will be based on the principle of balanced development and priority needs assessment.
The development plan will encompass various initiatives, including the construction and improvement of roads, pedestrian pathways, drainage systems, culverts, bridges, and parks, as well as green spaces. Additionally, it will involve the procurement of machinery and equipment, the design of several projects, and the renovation and rehabilitation of other urban infrastructure.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Arab World
Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.
The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.
The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”
The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.
It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578051/saudi-arabia
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.
Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578050/saudi-arabia
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
TAMARA ABOALSAUD
November 04, 2024
The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.
Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.
Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.
Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.
These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.
The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.
The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.
Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.
Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2578049/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.
They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.
Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.
The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
November 04, 2024
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
Source:arabnews.com
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34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
RASHID HASSAN
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: More than 600 companies from 31 countries are taking part in this year’s Saudi Build Exhibition, which opened on Monday in the Saudi capital.
The largest platform for the construction industry in the region, the event runs until Thursday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. It was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani, who visited several of exhibitors to see for himself some of the latest innovations in the sector.
Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of Riyadh Exhibitions Co. which organized the exhibition, thanked Al-Hashani for his support and said that this year’s show — its 34th edition — would contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitions to build a diverse and sustainable economy.
He also highlighted the latest techniques being used in the industry that align with the ministry’s strategy and wider objectives of Vision 2030.
The Saudi Build Exhibition was first held in 1981 and is now an annual event. It is the longest-running building and construction exhibition and summit in the region. This year’s show coincides with a high point in the Kingdom’s construction industry, including the development of major projects for Expo 2030.
Among the products and technologies on show are sustainable building materials, smart city solutions, energy-efficient building systems, the latest equipment and machinery, and water and waste management solutions.
Mohamed El-Toukhy of Al-Zamil Group, which is one of the exhibitors, told Arab News: “It is a big platform for us working in this sector and a good opportunity for networking as it provides a valuable platform for local and international companies to showcase their products and services, network with industry professionals and explore new business opportunities.
“It also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the construction sector and gain insights into the future of the industry.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Crown Prince congratulates Tunisian president on re-election, discusses relations
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday to discuss relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Tunisian Republic, focusing on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the conversation, Prince Mohammed extended his congratulations to Saied on his recent re-election for a second term, reaffirming the Kingdom’s support and well-wishes for continued success.
President Saied won a resounding 90 percent of the vote in last month’s election, according to Tunisia’s electoral commission.
The two leaders reviewed opportunities to expand collaboration in areas that benefit both nations, underscoring the “strong and brotherly relationship between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia,” Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source:arabnews.com
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Treasure trove unveiled at Jewels of the World in Riyadh
HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI
November 04, 2024
RIYADH: Everything that glitters could be gold at the Jewels of the World exhibition in Riyadh, where top local and international jewelry designers are displaying their latest pieces to entice the region’s clientele.
The event, inaugurated by Karim Al-Anzi, president of the National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones, will run until Nov. 6, and features brands showing watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, as well as a range of pieces incorporating diamond, gold, and silver.
The opening night drew crowds of jewelry enthusiasts eager to meet top designers and trendsetters in the industry.
The Jewels of the World is an exclusive boutique event “celebrating the elegant craftmanship of these distinctive pieces,” according to Nader Freiha, the organizer of the exhibition.
Saudi Arabia is making major strides toward solidifying its status as a global hub for many industries by hosting various events, he told Arab News.
The exhibition “gathers prominent talent from around the world to showcase their creativity and amazing designs,” he added.
“We are excited to celebrate our 10th jewelry and watches exhibition in the Kingdom, having started this journey in 2016,” Freiha said. “To mark this special occasion, we’ve created 10 unique AI-generated paintings, each reflecting one of the past editions we’ve held. You can view all 10 paintings on display as we commemorate this milestone.”
One of the exhibition highlights is designer Karen Suen’s display featuring a necklace crafted with about 80 carats of emeralds and diamonds.
The Jewels of the World exhibition features more than 60 jewelry brands from around the world whose collections reflect various styles, from contemporary to one-of-a-kind designs. With their diamond, gold and other precious gemstones, the intricate and innovative craftmanship on display is captivating guests.
Atef Nsouli, chairman of Nsouli Jewelry, noted a significant upward trend in jewelry design, with both local and regional markets showing great promise. He said that the Saudi community has a sophisticated taste for jewelry and diamonds, actively seeking the best pieces while keenly following the latest fashion trends and high-quality craftsmanship.
Nsouli expressed optimism about the sector’s future, emphasizing that quality lies at the forefront of competitiveness among manufacturers and retailers.
Rashid Al-Emadi, executive director of Qatar’s Blue Diamond Group, commented on the continuous evolution of the jewelry sector within the Qatari group to meet the needs of connoisseurs in the Gulf country and the region.
He said people in GCC countries have developed a deep understanding of jewelry, including its types and the precision involved in its production, adding that the regional audience has a refined sense of style and knows exactly what to wear for any occasion.
Al-Emadi also noted that the Saudi market is experiencing intense competition, particularly when it comes to innovative design.
Source:arabnews.com
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Islamic affairs department to oversee Dubai International Holy Quran Award
November 04, 2024
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has instructed the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD ) to oversee the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
The move aims to enhance the Award’s global standing and reinforce its role in promoting the study and memorisation of the Quran, in line with the Department’s commitment to serving the Quran and fostering religious, cultural, and social initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed also directed the establishment of a board of trustees for the Award, to be led by the Director-General of IACAD.
Source:gulfnews.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/unrwa-gaza-israel-safer-ban/d/133627