Karnataka Revokes 2022 Order, Allows Hijab In Schools, Colleges
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 May 2026
· Karnataka revokes 2022 order, allows hijab in schools, colleges
· Russian Envoy Urges Kabul to Respect Education and Basic Rights in Afghanistan
· Armenian Women: guaranteeing women's rights in constitution contribute in building new Syria
· Baha’i Woman Held Without Charge for 100 Days in Kerman Prison
· UN Says Restrictions on Women Are Deepening Afghanistan’s Economic Crisis
· Paladino Settles With Council Over Anti-Muslim Tweets
· Nasrin Sotoudeh Temporarily Released on Bail
· Abia First Lady Pledges Support For FOMWAN 2026 National Conference
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Karnataka revokes 2022 order, allows hijab in schools, colleges
May 14, 2026
Karnataka allows hijab and limited religious symbols in schools under revised uniform policy.
Source : ABPLIVE AI
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BENGALURU: Nearly four years after Karnataka emerged as the national epicentre of the hijab row, the state govt Wednesday formally withdrew a contentious 2022 order on dress codes at educational institutions, issued by the erstwhile BJP-led govt.
Replacing the earlier order with a fresh policy, the state govt has now allowed students to wear "limited community or belief-based symbols" — including the turban, sacred thread (janivara), shivadaara, rudraksh and headscarf/hijab — along with prescribed uniforms in schools and colleges across the state. This includes all govt, aided, and private institutions.
School education and literacy minister Madhu Bangarappa said the new rule would come into force from the ensuing academic year and would be applicable to all educational institutions from class 1 to 12 across Karnataka.
State allows hijab, janivara along with school uniforms
The state govt's decision to revoke the earlier order and permit students to wear religious and community-based symbols comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Federation of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations (KSMO) set to hold a mega Muslim Convention in Bengaluru Saturday.
The organisation has also announced it will release a report, titled ‘What did the Congress govt promise? What has it done? What next?' outlining a charter of demands relating to the Muslim community, including the hijab ban.
In a sharp reaction to the latest decision, principal opposition BJP accused the govt of practising "selective secularism". It alleged the Congress-led govt was trying to revive the hijab issue for "vote-bank appeasement" after recent political setbacks.
Recalling a recent controversy surrounding the removal of the janivara worn by a student at a Common Entrance Test (CET) centre in the city, Bangarappa told the media in Bengaluru: "The decision to allow wearing of these symbols has been taken in the best interest of students."
Accompanied by health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who had publicly criticised a Bengaluru college for allegedly forcing a student to remove his sacred thread, and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Bangarappa said the govt had decided to permit symbols associated with all religions and communities, provided they do not interfere with institutional discipline.
In their reaction, BJP leaders pointed out that the move undermined the spirit of the Karnataka high court's 2022 judgment on uniforms and warned that educational institutions should not become spaces for religious polarisation.
A two-judge Supreme Court bench later delivered a split verdict on the case. Following the split, the matter is pending before a larger bench to be constituted by the Chief Justice of India.
Defending the latest decision, the state govt stated that secularism does not imply opposition to personal faith or beliefs. "Instead, it means giving equal respect to all," the order noted.
Bangarappa maintained that the revised order attempts to strike a "constitutional balance" between institutional discipline and individual freedoms.
While the govt order explicitly lists hijab, turban, sacred thread and rudraksh as permissible religious symbols, it is silent on saffron shawls or the taqiyah (skull cap), which had gained political traction at the height of the hijab row.
The latest govt order emphasises that no student should either be compelled to wear religious symbols or forced to remove them if they comply with institutional norms and prescribed uniforms.
* Karnataka withdraws 2022 hijab-related dress code order
* New policy allows hijab, turban, sacred thread, rudraksh with school uniforms
* Revised rule to apply from class 1-12 from coming academic year
* BJP accuses Congress govt of "vote-bank appeasement"
* Govt says new order balances institutional discipline with individual freedom
Source: indiatimes.com
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ktaka-revokes-2022-order-allows-hijab-in-schools-colleges/articleshowprint/131076886.cms
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Russian Envoy Urges Kabul to Respect Education and Basic Rights in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
May 14, 2026
Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, has called on the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to respect fundamental human rights, stressing that access to education; particularly for girls, is essential for the country’s long-term stability and development.
In an interview with TSR Podcast, Khorev said basic rights must be upheld by all governments, including the current Kabul administration, adding that sustainable progress is impossible without ensuring education for all segments of society.
He specifically warned that restricting girls’ education beyond primary school will undermine Afghanistan’s future development prospects and deepen its socio-economic challenges.
The remarks come amid a wider international debate over human rights in Afghanistan, particularly restrictions affecting women and girls imposed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
According to the latest UN Development Programme (United Nations Development Programme) report, nearly three-quarters of Afghans face difficulties meeting basic needs, while economic hardship is worsening due to restricted labour participation, climate shocks, and declining international aid.
The UNDP also highlights that women remain one of the most affected groups, with widespread exclusion from education and employment contributing directly to deepening poverty and limiting household incomes across the country.
Under current restrictions, girls are barred from secondary and higher education, while women face limits on employment and public participation—measures widely criticized by international organizations as severely damaging to Afghanistan’s human capital.
Human rights groups have described the situation as a form of “gender apartheid,” warning that continued restrictions could isolate Afghanistan further from global development assistance and investment.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/russian-envoy-urges-kabul-to-respect-education-and-basic-rights-in-afghanistan/
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Armenian Women: guaranteeing women's rights in constitution contribute in building new Syria
14 May, 2026
Sevana Ebo, a member of the Armenian Social Council, and Silda Simonyan, a member of the Armenian Union Party, emphasized the importance of guaranteeing women's rights in the new Syrian constitution, stressing the necessity of women's participation in all stages of building the new Syria.
In a statement to ANHA agency, Ebo said that Syria is going through a sensitive and pivotal phase, explaining that this political stage reveals many issues and pushes towards integration. She added that women's role in this integration is fundamental and crucial. She pointed out that women, since the beginning of the revolution until today, have achieved numerous gains in the regions of northern and eastern Syria, playing a prominent role in various fields, from the military and political spheres to diplomacy, and even representation in foreign parliaments.
She added, "In the new political phase that Syria is witnessing, women must obtain their rightful place in all fields and from all components of society Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, and all religious sects, so that they can play an active role in building the new Syria and ensuring their rights are enshrined in the new constitution."
Sivan emphasized that achieving democratic integration is directly linked to women's participation, stressing that any constitution that does not guarantee women's rights "will be meaningless."
In conclusion, she explained that Syrian women have made great sacrifices over the past years and continue to do so, and therefore their representation in parliament, the People's Assembly, and ministries must be guaranteed, in addition to enshrining their rights in the new Syrian constitution.
For her part, Selda Simonyan, a member of the Armenian Union Party, stated that the region is going through a very sensitive phase, and affirmed that the agreements concluded between the Interim Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces have contributed to protecting the region from war. Silda emphasized the necessity of women's participation in the national process and in shaping Syria's future, stressing that democratic integration cannot be achieved without women's presence and active participation in drafting the Syrian constitution.
She added, "Syrian women must earn their rightful place in writing Syria's constitution through their struggle."
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of the social contract in the regions of northern and eastern Syria, expressing her hope that it will be given special consideration within the new Syrian constitution, thus guaranteeing the protection of the rights of all Syrian women.
Source: hawarnews.com
https://hawarnews.com/en/armenian-women-guaranteeing-womens-rights-in-constitution-contribute-in-building-new-syria
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Baha’i Woman Held Without Charge for 100 Days in Kerman Prison
MAY 13, 2026
More than 100 days after Shakila Ghassemi, a Baha’i citizen from Kerman, was arrested, she remains in legal limbo in the city’s prison. So far, no official charges have been announced against her or her family members.
According to information received by IranWire, Ghassemi has been transferred from the prison’s quarantine ward to the medical clinic for the third time due to severe psychological pressure and harsh detention conditions. She is currently under medical supervision.
The 26-year-old Baha’i citizen was arrested by security agents at her private residence in Kerman on February 2. She was held for 47 days in solitary confinement at a detention center affiliated with the IRGC Intelligence Organization before being transferred to Kerman Prison.
Despite being moved to the general prison, Ghassemi continues to be held in solitary conditions and, according to informed sources, has been denied access to a lawyer. The report said Ms. Ghassemi had no history of neurological or psychological illness before her arrest. However, she has suffered three nervous shocks in prison, requiring her transfer to the medical facility each time.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/152358-bahai-woman-held-without-charge-for-100-days-in-kerman-prison/
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UN Says Restrictions on Women Are Deepening Afghanistan’s Economic Crisis
By Fidel Rahmati
May 14, 2026
United Nations said Thursday that continued restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls are further weakening Afghanistan’s economy and labor force as millions struggle to meet basic needs.
In a new report, the UN said nearly 100 decrees issued since 2021 remain in force, limiting women’s access to education, employment and freedom of movement across Afghanistan.
The report said millions of families continue to face severe hardship accessing food, clean water, healthcare, housing and heating, while more than 80% of households remain in debt.
According to the UN, nearly three-quarters of Afghan families are relying on harmful coping mechanisms to survive, including reducing food consumption, borrowing money and withdrawing children from school.
The findings come a day after the United Nations Development Programme reported that 74% of Afghans are facing food insecurity and cannot fully meet their basic living needs amid worsening economic conditions.
The UN said around 28 million people in Afghanistan were living in poverty in 2025, with the crisis intensified by mass refugee returns, worsening drought conditions and declining international aid.
The report added that Afghanistan’s real GDP grew by only 1.9% in 2025, while population growth reached 6.5%, leading to a decline in per capita income.
International assistance to Afghanistan also fell by 16.5% during the year despite growing humanitarian needs, the report said.
The World Food Programme previously warned that 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, with women and children among the most vulnerable groups.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban administration has imposed sweeping restrictions on women, including bans on secondary and university education, limits on employment and restrictions on travel without a male guardian.
Human rights organizations and UN experts have repeatedly warned that the restrictions are isolating Afghanistan internationally and undermining long-term economic recovery, while humanitarian agencies continue to call for sustained international support for vulnerable Afghan families.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/un-says-restrictions-on-women-are-deepening-afghanistans-economic-crisis/
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Paladino Settles With Council Over Anti-Muslim Tweets
May 13, 2026
Councilmember Vickie Paladino and the City Council settled their ethics feud over her anti-Muslim social media posts, with the Queens Republican agreeing to delete her tweets and remove any mention of her job on her personal accounts.
The charges filed March 2 by the Council’s ethics committee were permanently withdrawn, according to a court filing. In turn, Paladino withdrew a lawsuit she filed against the Council.
The Committee on Rules, Privileges, Elections, Standards and Ethics voted in early March to charge Paladino for social media posts she made after Zohran Mamdani was elected as the city’s first Muslim mayor, and a tweet she published after an ISIS-inspired terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.
In one now-deleted tweet, she posted that “we need to take very seriously the need to begin the expulsion of Muslims from western nations, or at the very least the severe sanction of them within western borders.”
Under the settlement, Paladino will have to modify her account on X to remove “councilwoman” from her display name, and delete three tweets that are still up.
Paladino will also have to make a public statement.
“To be clear, my personal social-media posts were not directed at any Council Member or staff,” she will be required to post. “I am responsible for the content. I never intended to make Council Members or staff feel unwelcome or unsafe in their work environment. I send a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the court for facilitating this resolution.”
Councilmember Sandra Ung, the chair of the ethics committee, is also required to post that she believes “the resolution strikes the right balance between protection of council staff and the First Amendment liberties of council members.”
Paladino was represented by Jim Walden, a failed 2025 mayoral candidate. He argued in at least one hearing that the tempest was a free speech issue, and provided examples of other Council members posting their own opinions about police officers or, in some cases, white people.
Source: patch.com
https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/paladino-settles-council-over-anti-muslim-tweets
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Nasrin Sotoudeh Temporarily Released on Bail
MAY 13, 2026
Mehraveh Khandan, daughter of lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh, said in an Instagram post on Wednesday, May 13, that her mother had been temporarily released from prison on bail.
Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested at her private residence on May 2. During the arrest, security agents seized electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones belonging to her and her husband. Ms. Sotoudeh, a Sakharov Prize laureate, has been arrested, tried, and imprisoned several times over the past few years because of her human rights work.
Reza Khandan, her husband and a human rights activist, is currently held in Evin Prison. In recent years, he has faced repeated judicial pressure and harassment over his opposition to the mandatory hijab and the death penalty.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/152360-nasrin-sotoudeh-temporarily-released-on-bail/
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Abia First Lady Pledges Support For FOMWAN 2026 National Conference
May 14, 2026
The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has pledged support for the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FONWAN ) ahead of its 2026 Annual National Conference scheduled to hold in Abia State.
Mrs. Otti gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the association led by the Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Hajiya Isimekhai, at her country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The delegation visited to formally intimate the First Lady on the association’s activities and seek collaboration for the conference slated for August 19 to 23, 2026, at the Federal Government Girls College, Umuahia.
The conference, themed “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” is expected to attract over 600 participants from within and outside Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting, Mrs. Otti commended FOMWAN for its longstanding contributions to women empowerment, girl-child education, healthcare, and humanitarian services across the country since its establishment in 1985.
She noted that the organisation’s programmes are in line with the vision of the administration of Governor Otti in promoting inclusiveness, peace, and sustainable development.
“Abia State remains open to initiatives that promote unity, development, and social progress.
“We are delighted to welcome FOMWAN to the state,” she said.
Mrs. Otti assured the delegation of the support and cooperation of the state government towards ensuring a successful and hitch-free conference.
“We appreciate the role of women-focused organisations in shaping society and promoting positive values. The state government will continue to encourage such initiatives,” she added.
She also praised the Amirah of FOMWAN in Abia State, Hajiya Azeezat, for her efforts in securing the hosting rights for the state.
Speaking also, Hajiya explained that the visit was to familiarise the First Lady with the vision and programmes of the organisation and to seek the support of the state government ahead of the conference.
She described FOMWAN as a faith-based, non-governmental organisation dedicated to education, moral development, humanitarian service, and community advancement.
“Our organisation remains committed to promoting education, supporting women, and contributing positively to national development,” she stated.
Hajiya also commended Governor Otti for the developmental projects and transformation currently taking place across.
Source: thewhistler.ng
https://thewhistler.ng/abia-first-lady-pledges-support-for-fomwan-2026-national-conference/
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