Will Give Tickets To Hell To Those Dreaming Of Raising “Ghazwa-e-Hind” Slogan: UP CM Yogi
New Age Islam News Bureau
29 September 2025
Those displaying ‘I Love Mohammad’ banners are murkh (fools). Symbols of faiths are not loved, but respected: CM Yogi Adityanath
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· Will Give Tickets To Hell To Those Dreaming Of Raising “Ghazwa-e-Hind” Slogan: UP CM Yogi
· 'Love Should Be In Hearts, Not Streets': All India Muslim Jamaat Chief Razvi Bareilvi
· Sittingbourne Islamic Cultural Centre Target Of Graffiti After Two Crosses Spray-Painted On It
· Afghanistan Political Dialogue Opens in Islamabad
· ‘False, Baseless, And Divisive’ – FG Addresses Claims Of Religious Genocide In Nigera
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India
· Demolition of Hockey Legend and Padma Shri Awardee Mohammad Shahid’s House Sparks Outrage
· Uttarakhand CM’s ‘Nakal Jihad’ Claims Fail To Cut Ice With Protesters
· ‘Spirit Of Brotherhood’: Distributed Aid Worth Over Rs 2 Crore Among Flood-Hit Families, Says Punjab Shahi Imam
· Rahman-Dagar Court Case: A Hindu Devotional Art Form And Its Muslim Custodians
· 'What Is Wrong With This?': 'I Love Muhammad' Row Escalates In UP; Congress Backs Campaign
· Report Claims BJP Move To Remove Nearly 80,000 Muslim Voters From Electoral Rolls In Bihar's Dhaka
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Europe
· Arrests At Protest Supporting Palestine Action Near Labour Conference
· Building of three new towns will start before election, Labour pledges
· Zelensky condemns 'vile' Russian strikes lasting 12 hours
· Moldova’s pro-EU ruling party claims hair-thin majority with overseas vote
· Starmer hits record low in UK opinion poll
· UK journalist blows holes in Western myths about Russia
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South Asia
· Constructive Afghanistan-Pakistan Ties Benefit Both Nations, Muttaqi Says
· Afghanistan to Participate as Official Member in Upcoming Moscow Format For The First Time
· US Welcomes Release of American Citizen from Detention in Afghanistan
· CNN: Three Americans Still Detained in Afghanistan
· Afghanistan Launches Polio Vaccination Campaign in Southern Provinces
· Yunus calls for national unity ahead of polls
· Is Jamaat getting a new logo?
· Country in urgent need of law to protect journalism
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Africa
· NSCIA seeks release of revenue to Abia Muslims
· Izala Leader Commends DSS Director General for Promoting Peace in Kano
· Ministry partners dRPC in addressing gender-based violence
· INEC Dismisses Claims Nigerians Have Lost Faith In Elections
· Pro-Wike Lawmakers Shun Fubara’s Event As Governor Faces Loyalty Test
· Olubadan Pledges To Reign As King For All Ibadan Residents
· Kwara Gov Seeks More Troops After Bandits Attack In Oke-Ode
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia To Establish Permanent Museum On History Of Hajj, Two Holy Mosques
· New Visa Rules For Umrah 2025: Saudi Arabia Makes Hotel And Transport Pre-Booking Mandatory For Visa Approval
· ‘Common security of Gulf under threat,’ warns Prince Turki Al-Faisal
· Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization Secretary General receives Arab Tourism Organization chief
· Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi: What you need to know
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North America
· US Citizen Released By Taliban After Nine-Month Detention
· Trump condemns ‘targeted attack on Christians’
· CAIR, CAIR-MI Extend Condolences to Families of Michigan Church Attack Victims, Encourage Houses of Worship to Review Security
· Three dead and several injured after shooting at US waterfront bar
· Ex-FBI chief could be investigated over January 6 riots – Trump
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Southeast Asia
· Global Sumud Flotilla, With Malaysian Participation, Nears Gaza’s Waters Amid Rising Tensions
· Ministry, Baznas promote mosques as shield against online loans
· RM65,000 allocated to improve facilities at Taman Alma Jaya Mosque
· Tale of two gig workers in Elmina plane crash: How Malaysia’s new law closes protection gap, says Steven Sim
· Anwar: New scheme to protect employees even outside workplace and office hours
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Mideast
· Israel army says struck Hezbollah weapons depots in south Lebanon
· Erdogan tells Spanish PM that Turkiye backs Gaza aid delivery efforts
· Israeli Enemy Airforce Destroys Mecca Residential Tower in Gaza City
· 186 Israeli Settlers & Tourist storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
· "Jihad": Commemorating steadfast, ongoing jihadi history of Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine
· Qatar Foundation's Al-Mujadilah wins architectural award
· Iran’s top security official meets Hezbollah Chief in Lebanon
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ghazwa-e-hind-slogan-up-cm-yogi/d/137031
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Will Give Tickets To Hell To Those Dreaming Of Raising “Ghazwa-e-Hind” Slogan: UP CM Yogi
by Maulshree Seth
September 29, 2025
Those displaying ‘I Love Mohammad’ banners are murkh (fools). Symbols of faiths are not loved, but respected: CM Yogi Adityanath
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In the wake of the protests over police action against ‘I Love Mohammad’ posters in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said he would “give the tickets to hell” to those dreaming of raising “Gazwa-e-Hind” slogans in the state.
Addressing a public event in Balrampur, two days after violent protests broke out in Bareilly, leading to the arrest of Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and seven others, the chief minister doubled down on his Saturday’s remarks in Shravasti in which he had said that his government would make an example of those indulging in violence.
“I have come to Balrampur to warn those who think creating chaos is their birthright. If development is disrupted by unrest, then development itself will destroy them. If festivals are disturbed, the price will be so heavy that future generations will remember it. We are always more prepared than you think. Dare any mischief, and you will be beaten, just like in Bareilly,” the chief minister said, adding, “all such attempts failed in the past eight-and-a-half years” of his rule.
Calling those displaying “I love Mohammad” banners on roads as “fools”, Adityanath said, “In murkhon ko ye bhi nahi pata, ki aastha ke prateekon ko pyar nahi samman diya jata hai… Aastha chaurahe par pradarshan karne ki vastu nahi, aastha antakaran ka vishaya hota hai (These fools do not know that symbols of faiths are not loved, but respected… They are not to be displayed on the roadside. Instead, they are meant for self-introspection).”
He alleged that instead of giving pens and books in the hands of children, ‘I love Mohammad’ posters are being given to instill anarchy.
Asking people to stay alert against “anti-Hindu and anti-national activities”, the BJP leader, “Agar koi aapke gaon mein, aapke kasbe mein, bhay aur dehsat ka mauhaul paida kar raha hai… Pehle use roko. Agar nahi manta hai toh prashahan ko batao. Prashashan usko thokne ka karya kar dega (If anyone in your village or locality is trying to instill fear and terror, try to stop them. If they do not listen, inform the administration. The administration would hit them).”
He also asked people to “chup-chap” (quietly) report instances of “Love Jihad, religious conversion, cow slaughter or cow smuggling” to the local administration. “Aap chup-chap bataiye, baaki ka ilaz hum swayam kar lenge (the rest we will do),” he said.
“Kuch log rehte Bharat mein hain, lekin Gazwa-e-Hind ka nara le karke Bharat ke andar rashtra virodhi gatividhiyon ko barhawa dene ka kunchit prayas karte hain. Gazwa-e-Hind Hindustan ki dharti pe nahi hoga… Gazwa-e-Hind ki kalpana karna bhi, sapna dekhna, jahannum mein jaane ka ticket ka rasta paida kar dega. Agar kisi ko jahannum mein jana ho to Gazwa-e-hind ka nara dena (Some people live in India but try to promote anti-national activities by raising the slogan of Gazwa-e-Hind. It will not be allowed on India’s soil)… To imagine Gazwa-e-Hind or dream about it, one would get the ticket to hell. So all those who want to go to hell, they should chant the slogan of Gazwa-e-Hind,” he added.
The CM said that police patrolling has been increased in the state, and the Gangster Act would be invoked against those trying to instill fear.
The chief minister was in Balrampur to announce and launch several government welfare and development projects.
In Shravasti on Saturday, Adityanath had said, “Those who attack common citizens, harass daughters, attack traders or police, we will neither spare them nor allow them to escape. Those who dare to set shops and establishments on fire will face such strong action that it will become an example not only for them but for their generations.”
“To curb some people’s arrogance, we have to take firm action. Taliban-style rule and Dar-ul-Islam rule will not be available even in hell,” Adityanath had said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/will-give-tickets-to-hell-if-one-thinks-of-raising-gazwa-e-hind-slogan-warns-yogi-after-protest-in-bareilly-10276836/
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'Love Should Be In Hearts, Not Streets': All India Muslim Jamaat Chief Razvi Bareilvi
Sep 29, 2025
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of All India Muslim Jamaat (Image credits: ANI)
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NEW DELHI: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, urged people to maintain peace following recent violence in Bareilly. Speaking to ANI on Monday, he said the situation in the city is now calm. "The situation in Bareilly is peaceful, and there is no disturbance. However, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace," he said.
Bareilvi advised against public demonstrations and processions, stressing that expressions of devotion should remain personal. "The love for the Prophet should be in hearts, not on the streets," said Bareilvi.
"The methods used to express love for the Prophet are inappropriate. These actions lead to the posters with the name of 'Muhammad' being torn, fallen, and desecrated. I also advise against holding demonstrations, processions, or agitations during festivals of other religions.... The love for the Prophet should be in hearts, not on the streets,” he added.
The protests took place after Friday prayers outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, where demonstrators carried “I Love Muhammad” placards.
Heavy security was deployed at both sites, and the Uttar Pradesh Police resorted to a lathi charge when some protesters began throwing stones.
Local residents said that the police have maintained peace in the area following the unrest. However, the violence and curfew caused losses for local businesses.
Rajesh Sharma, a resident and pan seller, said, as quoted by ANI, "The situation is calm now. Goods got destroyed amid the clash. I incurred a loss of Rs 1000 to 2000, while I earn just Rs 200-300 in a day. Chief minister did well."
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday condemned the violence and said "You saw this in Bareilly yesterday. The maulana seems to have forgotten whose government is in power. He thought he could halt the system whenever he wanted, but we made it clear there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. However, the lesson we have taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/love-should-be-in-hearts-not-streets-all-india-muslim-jamaat-chief-urges-peace-in-bareilly-calls-i-love-muhammad-inappropriate/articleshow/124205741.cms
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Sittingbourne Islamic Cultural Centre Target Of Graffiti After Two Crosses Spray-Painted On It
28 September 2025
The vandalism at the Sittingbourne Islamic Cultural Centre. Submitted picture
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A member of a mosque which was the victim of a graffiti attack has blasted the vandals behind it as “100% ignorant”.
Sanny Muhith, executive member of the Sittingbourne Islamic Cultural Centre, hit out after yobs spray-painted the building with two crosses.
He told KentOnline: “We’re not in fear from this and this but whoever did it is 100% ignorant and uneducated. I bet they don’t even go to church.
“When we saw the graffiti we just rolled our eyes. We are not a closed group, our door is open to the whole community.”
The vandalism happened at the Hawthorn Road building in the early hours of Friday and mosque management have been in contact with police
It was initially highlighted in public a social media post by fellow worshiper Archie Hadfield.
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Mr Hadfield, 19, a gap year student, said: “I was actually not very shocked because of the atmosphere in this country at the moment, with the protests against mass migration. But I have been a worshiper here for five years and I have never known anything like this to happen before.”
Mr Hadfield, a white British Muslim, first saw the defacement when he turned up to for prayers on Friday morning.
Posting online about the incident, he wrote: “ Acts like these only cause more division and more violence.”
He stressed that no-one in the centre, would have defaced a church or synagogue.
Mr Hadfield added: “This act was presumably done to cause fear and anger, but what this person should know about Muslims is that we are taught only to fear god, not a man with a spray can.
“To the person who did this, please reach out to me, I wouldn’t turn you in to the police or want any problems; all I would like to know is what motivated you to do this, what difference did you think it would make and what was the reasoning behind it?”
“We as Muslims are peaceful people and the last thing we will respond to something with is violence. If this person does not come forward then I hope you will one day they realise that acts like this won’t get us anywhere as a society. “
The post did lead to a number of unsympathetic comments but many others condemned the vandalism.
Wilcox J. Rick wrote: “You don’t have to agree with someone’s faith, but basic decency means you don’t treat their sacred space like your personal art project.”
Mark Gilmour said: “Sorry to hear this, I genuinely feel ashamed for the behaviour of some people in this town .
“The sale of spray cans needs to not come with an age limit but an IQ test.”
KentOnline has also contacted police for comment.
Source: kentonline.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/vandals-who-targeted-mosque-slammed-as-ignorant-330434/
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Afghanistan Political Dialogue Opens in Islamabad
By Fidel Rahmati
September 29, 2025
Afghanistan political leaders and activists opened a two-day unity dialogue in Islamabad, seeking trust-building, cooperation, and a shared political vision for Afghanistan.
The first major gathering of Afghanistan political activists and groups opened in Islamabad on Monday, September 29, under the banner “First Regional Dialogue Towards Unity and Trust.” The two-day event aims to strengthen regional cooperation and outline a future political vision for Afghanistan.
Organizers said the conference agenda includes exploring pathways to “confidence-building and mutual understanding” between Afghan stakeholders and their regional counterparts. The meeting comes at a time when dialogue among Afghans outside the country remains highly fragmented.
Participants include a diverse group of Afghanistan political figures, women leaders, and diplomats. The event is being hosted jointly by Women for Afghanistan and the Institute for Strategic Stability in South Asia.
Prominent Afghanistan personalities in attendance are Fawzia Koofi, former member of parliament; Mustafa Mastoor, ex-minister of economy; Nasir Ahmad Andisha, former Afghan envoy in Geneva; Ahmadullah Alizai, ex-governor of Kabul; and Tahir Zahir, former governor of Bamiyan.
Also present are Abdullah Qarluq of the National Movement Party, Masoumeh Khawari of the Islamic Unity Party, and Bashir Ahmad Ansari, a noted writer and religious scholar. Organizers noted that this meeting had been delayed several times before its final convening in Islamabad.
The Islamabad dialogue reflects ongoing efforts by Afghan exiles to create common platforms for consultation and possible coordination. Such meetings also highlight Pakistan’s role as a venue for cross-border political engagement at a time of regional uncertainty.
Analysts suggest the conference could provide momentum for building confidence among Afghans with divergent political views. However, observers also caution that without inclusion of wider factions inside Afghanistan, the long-term impact may remain limited.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-political-dialogue-opens-in-islamabad/
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‘False, Baseless, And Divisive’ – FG Addresses Claims Of Religious Genocide In Nigera
September 28, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has strongly condemned and categorically refuted recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement obtained by Naija News on Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.
He stated that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.
Idris said while Nigeria, like many countries, has faced security challenges, including acts of terrorism perpetrated by criminals, couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful.
He said the claim oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.
According to the Minister, violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community, stressing that these criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith.
He added that Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.
He expressed the Federal Government unwavering in its commitment to completely degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives and property of all citizens, and this resolve is already yielding results.
Idris pointed out that between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in multiple military operations across the country.
The statement added: “Only last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan – commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was captured in a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation. They are: Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU; and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.
“These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.
“The Federal Government is steadfast in its duty to protect every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or religious identity, and continues to work with international partners to address the global threat of terrorism.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have demonstrated their commitment to accountability by conducting several court martials and prosecutions to hold their officials accountable for any misconduct. This effort underscores the importance of discipline and adherence to the rule of law within our security agencies.
“Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We are home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. It is doubtful that foreign interlopers into Nigerian affairs are aware that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.
“In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has made significant strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects. To date, we have successfully prosecuted seven batches of suspects, securing over 700 convictions. We are currently moving into our eighth prosecution cycle, further demonstrating our resolve to tackle terrorism and its sponsors.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice and enhancing security. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our nation’s peace and stability are brought to justice.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence. In March of this year, the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to two Nigerian religious leaders, Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre. Their decades-long work to promote trust and tolerance across faiths now serves as a model for peacebuilding in all 56 Commonwealth countries. This means that Nigeria is not only exporting culture and music to the world—we are also exporting proven frameworks for interfaith harmony.
“We urge the international media and other commentators to act with responsibility and have respect for facts. All stakeholders are advised to avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/09/28/breaking-false-baseless-and-divisive-fg-addresses-claims-of-religious-genocide-in-nigera/
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India
Demolition of Hockey Legend and Padma Shri Awardee Mohammad Shahid’s House Sparks Outrage
By Waquar Hasan
September 29, 2025
NEW DELHI – The demolition of the ancestral house of hockey legend and Padma Shri awardee Mohammad Shahid in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has ignited widespread outrage among political leaders, fans, and the general public.
On Sunday, the district administration demolished Shahid’s house along with 12 other properties to make way for road expansion works. Despite pleas from Shahid’s family members and relatives, urging the authorities to spare their home, the demolition drive continued. A heart-wrenching video of an elderly Muslim man, believed to be a relative of Shahid, pleading and folding his hands before the police has gone viral. In the video, the man is seen humbling himself before the officers, asking for just one day to remove essential belongings from the house. However, the authorities proceeded with the demolition, and the video has since been widely shared, portraying the demolition of the iconic hockey legend’s house.
The district administration, however, defended its actions, stating that notices were issued to the house owners well in advance, and compensation was provided. ADM City clarified that the demolitions were only being carried out for landowners who had accepted the compensation. “No unlawful action is being taken,” the ADM assured. He further explained that Mohammad Shahid’s house has 9 co-owners, out of which 6 had accepted the compensation, while 3 had obtained a stay order from the court. As a result, the portions belonging to the 6 owners were demolished, but the parts belonging to the 3 who had the stay order were left intact.
The ADM added that there had been a wedding in the family of those living in Mohammad Shahid’s house. The administration had been willing to provide additional time for the family, but they did not submit the necessary documents as requested. As a result, the authorities proceeded with the demolition. In total, 13 houses were demolished as part of the road expansion initiative.
Opposition and Criticism
The demolition has drawn significant criticism, especially from landowners and Shahid’s relatives. A relative, who is a lawyer by profession, expressed strong objections to the administration’s actions. He highlighted that the demolition occurred even though there was a wedding in the family, stressing that the destruction would leave several families homeless with no alternative land in the country. “After the demolition, where will they go? They have no other property anywhere in India,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the apparent bias in the administration’s approach. Referring to land acquisition on Azamgarh Road, where 21 meters of land were taken over a stretch of 300 meters, he pointed out that in Shahid’s case, the authorities were taking 25 meters of land. “If 21 meters is the standard for one area, why is it different in this case?” he questioned, adding that a Minister of State had intervened in the Azamgarh case.
Political Fallout
The demolition has sparked fierce political reactions. Rajya Sabha MP and Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh strongly criticized the government’s actions, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities. Singh pointed out that while the government had granted 1050 acres of land to billionaire Gautam Adani for just one rupee, it could not provide a home for the family of the late Mohammad Shahid. “Mr. Modi, do you know? The house of the late Mohammad Shahid, former captain of the Indian team, recipient of the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, who won gold for India at the Olympics, has been bulldozed. Mr. Modi, you can give 1050 acres of land to Adani for 1 rupee, but not even one house to the family of the late Mohammad Shahid,” Singh wrote in a tweet.
Ajay Rai, the president of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, also condemned the demolition, calling it an attack on the identity of India’s sports heritage. “The Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid’s house was razed to the ground by the BJP government. This was not just a house, but an identity of the country’s sports heritage. The BJP government, which insults talents and honored luminaries on the soil of Kashi, will not be forgiven by the people,” Rai said in a tweet.
A Sporting Legacy at Stake
Mohammad Shahid’s legacy as one of India’s greatest hockey players is undeniable. He was a pivotal member of the Indian hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and later served as the captain of the national team. Shahid’s career was further recognized with the Arjuna Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 1986, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. Having played 167 matches for India and scored 66 goals, he was instrumental in the revival of hockey’s popularity in the country, especially during a period when cricket was gaining dominance.
The demolition of Shahid’s ancestral home has now raised larger questions about the treatment of sporting legends and their families, particularly in a country where athletes are often revered for their achievements yet remain vulnerable when it comes to property rights.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the mounting criticism or take any action to address the concerns raised by Shahid’s family and the public.
https://thehindustangazette.com/national/uttar-pradesh/up-demolition-of-hockey-legend-mohammad-shahids-house-in-varanasi-sparks-outrage-40217
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Uttarakhand CM’s ‘Nakal Jihad’ Claims Fail To Cut Ice With Protesters
by Aiswarya Raj
September 29, 2025
On the pedestrian path at Dehradun’s Parade Ground sit five policemen, faces creased and towels over their heads, with eyes fixated on the other half of the road that has come under occupation of hundreds of youth. An orange cloth above the heads of the protesters offers a fleeting relief in the sweltering September heat. On one side of the protest tent is a stack of mattresses, hauled in soon after claims of a paper leak rocked the state.
The protest, which entered its seventh day on Sunday, is led by Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangh against an alleged leak of the question paper of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (USSSC) test for graduate-level posts in various departments. It has led to thousands of youth mobilising in various parts of the state, demanding a CBI enquiry and cancellation of the exam that took place on September 21, and putting the Pushkar Dhami-led government under pressure.
Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha president Bobby Panwar alleged that by 11.30 am on the day of the exam, the question paper had leaked. The paper was allegedly sent by a candidate, Khalid Malik, to his sister, who sent it to a college professor to get it answered. But the professor sent it to Panwar, who circulated it online, claiming rigging at the level of the commission. Over the last week, two people have been arrested, Khalid and his sister Sabia, and Chief Minister Dhami has termed the incident “nakal (cheating) jihad”.
Incidentally, the man accused of leaking the same exam paper in 2021, Hakam Singh, a former BJP leader, was arrested a day before the exam. He had allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh from candidates for helping them pass.
Dehradun is home to hundreds of coaching centres where students from across the state spend years preparing for recruitment tests. The September 21 exam for the posts of patwari, lekhpal, village development officer, and six others for graduate-level aspirants had 416 vacancies. In Dehradun alone, over 40,000 candidates showed up at 121 centres.
On Saturday, Dhami cast aspersions on the leaders of the protest. “Those who politicise this do not have anything to do with the students and their exam. However, it is our responsibility to give 25,000 opportunities. We have formed an SIT under a retired judge, and whatever surfaces in the probe, we will take action. It is unfortunate that those on behalf of students are raising anti-national and anti-sanatan slogans. But the youth are wise and nationalistic as our state shares borders with two countries, and they belong to Devbhoomi, so they will move forward with these ideals,” he said.
At the Parade Ground, though, the anger against the CM is palpable.
Getting on the stage to “fact-check” Dhami, Berozgar Sangh president Ram Kandwal says, “Over the last four years, 2,745 permanent posts in the government have been filled, 6,250 have been recruited on a contractual basis, and the process is underway for appointment in 8,498 posts. We have the list of the permanent posts and refute these claims made by the CM.”
In the crowd is Anju Rana, a participant and junior-engineer post aspirant, who says that the CBI probe will reveal the “corruption in the system”. “How can a candidate smuggle a phone into a centre which has two invigilators in every exam hall? You are at fault if he could get the phone in under your noses,” Rana says. A diploma holder in civil engineering, the 25-year-old has been preparing for the post in the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission since she graduated in 2020.
In 2021, the exam she had been preparing for was cancelled after irregularities were found. Similarly, the UKSSSC exam in December that year saw a paper leak. In January 2023, the UKPSC patwari and accountant exam was cancelled due to alleged irregularities. In many cases, question papers were allegedly sold to candidates at high prices, eroding the aspirants’ trust in the recruitment exam commissions. This had resulted in widespread protests in February 2023, leading to a lathi charge on protesters.
Rana says a re-examination was conducted for the same post, and the results came out last year. She was unsuccessful. “We are waiting for the PSC to notify us of the next date for examination, but we have lost faith in the test. We are participating in the protest in solidarity because if this is not addressed, we will face the same fate,” she adds.
The protesters add that Hakam Singh’s associate had allegedly promised the aspirants who approached him that the optical mark recognition (OMR) sheet would be tampered with to help them pass in return for Rs 15 lakh.
Simran Panwar, a 26-year-old aspirant who has been preparing for seven years, criticised the Act brought in to crack down on cheating. The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act 2023 laid out life terms and a penalty of up to Rs 10 crore for those found facilitating cheating in recruitment exams.
“Hakam Singh got out due to the prosecution’s inability, and he was arrested again for cheating. This is the level of stringency of the Act passed on the pretext of preventing cheating and leaks,” she says.
On the incident being termed “nakal jihad”, Panwar says that the affected students include everyone, irrespective of religion. “The government has been frequently labelling everything from land encroachment to cheating as jihad. If there is any nexus working to take over, like they claim, why haven’t they caught the accused? This rhetoric is to derail us from our demands, and we will not fall prey to it,” 26-year-old Panwar says.
Kandwal says that in four days, if their demands are not met, they will call on every unemployed youth to gather in Dehradun. Speaking to The Indian Express, he says, “We will ensure over 20,000 youths come to Dehradun, and we will not leave until the CBI probe is ordered and the examination cancelled.”
The protests have garnered national attention with the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, attacking the Dhami-led government on Friday. He said that unemployment is the biggest problem in the country today. “The paper thieves know that even if the youth don’t get jobs, they will remain in power by stealing votes in elections. The youth are on the streets chanting the slogan, ‘paper chor, gaddi chhor’ (paper thief, quit the chair),” he posted on X. Kandwal welcomes the attention. “Anyone, including the BJP, is welcome to join our protests,” he says.
At the bus stop near the ground, Amisha and Soni are leaving for their rented house after the day’s protest. The residents of Tehri and Pauri Garhwal have been joining other aspirants every day at 10 am since Monday. The duo came to the city last year to prepare for the test, and their parents had been meeting their expenses. They are concerned about how to convince their parents to let them stay in Dehradun. Soni had performed well in the test and was beaming when she came back home from the exam centre. Her heart sank when she saw the social media posts on the “leak”. “It is another battle we wage to reach cities such as Dehradun. With a blow like this, they will ask me to go back home and get me married. We don’t have the luxury to wait for the next test,” she says.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/we-have-lost-faith-in-the-test-as-paper-leak-heat-singes-pushkar-dhami-govt-his-nakal-jihad-claims-fail-to-cut-ice-with-protesters-10277344/
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‘Spirit Of Brotherhood’: Distributed Aid Worth Over Rs 2 Crore Among Flood-Hit Families, Says Punjab Shahi Imam
by Raakhi Jagga
September 28, 2025
Ahrar Foundation, an NGO founded under the leadership of Punjab Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, has distributed assistance worth over Rs 2 crore, including Rs 1.3 crore financial aid through cheques and relief materials, among flood-affected families in the state.
“The amount has been collected through voluntary donations done by the Muslim community from across the country and especially the northern Indian states,” said Shahi Imam, who appealed to the Muslim community to make donations for flood-hit families in Punjab.
More help will be provided to affected people,” Shahi Imam told The Indian Express. “On September 2, I appealed to the Muslim community through a video message to help the flood-hit Punjab. The people of Punjab have always given to the country. Now, they are in dire need of help… and the response was unbelievable. We got donations in kind and cash from nearly 3,000 masjids from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and even as far as Karnataka.”
According to the Shahi Imam, initial donations were received in the form of dry rations, but he then made another appeal on September 12, leading to contributions such as mosquito repellents, medicines, mosquito nets, and monetary assistance as well.
Ensuring fair distribution, a three-member committee comprising Mohd Mustkeem, Michael Singh and Sonu Arora was formed at the Jama Masjid in Ludhiana to verify families in need of donations.
Mustkeem, press secretary of Shahi Imam, said, “On September 10, Rs 50 lakh were distributed among flood-hit families of Bhoa in Pathankot, Dasuya in Jalandhar, Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur and Ajnala in Amritsar. At Kullianwal village in Bhoa, three Muslim Gujjar families in Bhoa were given Rs 1 lakh each and nine non-Muslim families, whose houses were completely damaged, were given Rs 2 lakh each. Besides them, several affected people visited the Jama Masjid in Ludhiana to collect relief material and cash. Additionally, Rs 30 lakh through cheques was distributed among flood-affected families till September 25, and thereafter Rs 50 lakh on September 27.”
The foundation also extended medical and veterinary aid. “Ahrar Foundation also bought an ambulance and sent it to flood-affected areas, along with a team of doctors. We have medicines for both humans and animals. Nearly Rs 20 lakh has been earmarked for medicines alone, and fodder worth Rs 30 lakh has also been distributed in flood-affected villages in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, etc.,” Shahi Imam said.
Hailing the spirit of unity, Shahi Imam added, “It is the religious duty of our community to stand by their brothers and sisters affected by floods in Punjab. This is not just support, but also a message of love, as the land of Punjab has always seen people of all faiths stand together in times of happiness and sorrow. The Muslim community will continue working tirelessly, alongside people of other faiths, to rehabilitate flood victims until normalcy returns.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/spirit-of-brotherhood-distributed-aid-worth-over-rs-2-crore-among-flood-hit-families-more-on-the-way-says-punjab-shahi-imam-10277101/
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Rahman-Dagar Court Case: A Hindu Devotional Art Form And Its Muslim Custodians
by Suanshu Khurana
September 28, 2025
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed an appeal by music composer AR Rahman against a single-judge Bench order that had directed him to pay Rs 2 crore and change the credits of a song from the film Ponniyin Selvan -2 (PS-2), for alleged copyright infringement.
Rahman and two production companies, Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, were sued by Padma Shri awardee and dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023.
Wasifuddin had alleged that Rahman’s song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ had the exact musical foundation, composition and rendition style as that of the Shiva Stuti, a devotional piece performed by the celebrated dhrupad exponents late Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar (known as Junior Dagar Brothers), his father and uncle respectively.
Are the Shiva Stuti and the Rahman song similar?
The Shiva Stuti has often been sung as a finale piece at dhrupad concerts because of the crescendo that builds with an accelerated tempo, a sharp contrast to the contemplative mood of the art form.
The tune of ‘Veera Raja Veera by Rahman is indeed the same, although the instrumentation used is different.
What has the Delhi HC held now?
A Bench comprising Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla observed that the Junior Dagar Brothers could be regarded as performers of the Shiva Stuti, but not as its original composers or authors.
They added that in Indian classical music, “the music is transmitted orally through generations without formal documentation or any notations. If such a presumption [of performers being creators] were accepted, it would enable any performer to take any old compositions into their authorship by merely recording them and publishing them first, thereby copyrighting what is unprotected and is in public domain…”
Writing down musical notations is a Western classical concept. Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven all wrote their music.
The court is right that Indian music is transmitted through oral legacy, and its approach is consistent with how the law defines ownership of music (through writing it down). But for music scholars and aficionados, there is more to the story.
Wasifuddin has claimed that the composition, in the late night raga Adana, was created by his uncle Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar, and was recorded in 1978 in Amsterdam. Zahiruddin’s diary, in Wasifuddin’s possession now, has the Shiv Stuti written in it.
Notations of Indian compositions were very often not written down after being composed. Often, the lyrics were penned to fit the melody that had been composed in one’s head. Zahiruddin’s diary has the Shiv Stuti written down, but not its actual notational composition.
In case of dhrupad and a lot of Hindustani classical music, primacy has always been given to the composition, with lyrics mostly secondary. For example, in this case, it is possible that the composition would have been created first and the idea that Shiva Stuti suited that melody came later. The music world, including anyone who sings this piece, including artistes such as Gundechas and Uday Bhawalkar, have attributed the piece to the Junior Dagars.
What is dhrupad?
Dhrupad (meaning ‘structured’) is a style of rendering a raga under a rigid composition and rhythm structure and is either sung or played on a rudra veena with a pakhawaj and tanpura. Dhrupad is believed to be the oldest form of Hindustani classical music extant today. With its complex grammar and aesthetics, it is primarily a form of worship, in which offerings are made to the divine. Many of the texts sung in dhrupad are drawn from Hindu devotional poetry, specially from that of the Bhakti Movement.
Dhrupad is also more rigid than khayal or thumri, in which the rhythm and sonic structure can vary and is improvised. Dhrupad isn’t folk and erotic like a thumri and does not have taans and sargams like a khayal.
Dhrupad concerts are regularly featured in France and Germany, while in India, the genre commands smaller audiences today. In Europe, it is treated as a lesson in deep listening practice. The various tours to Europe by the Dagar family in the 1960s and thereafter, followed by recordings on European labels, helped build this following.
In a piece titled ‘Dagars of Delhi, A Tradition Lives On’, published in The New York Times in 1983, noted music critic Jon Pareles wrote, “Compared with the Dagars of New Delhi, Bach and his family were a flash in the pan”.
The Dagar lineage
The renowned Dagar family of musicians traces its musical lineage to Swami Haridas (Tansen’s guru). For generations, the family, among a few others, has been custodians of dhrupad. Such has been their contribution that the Dagar family’s style of dhrupad rendition is known as Dagarvani.
The tradition traces its history back to Baba Gopal Das Pandey, father of Ustad Behram Khan, known to be the pioneer of the Dagar musical gharana. As the legend goes, the 18th-century Mughal ruler in Delhi, Muhammad Shah Rangila, once offered a paan to Gopal Das, who accepted it. This led to his ostracisation from the Brahmin community, and Gopal Das decided to convert to Islam. Since then, generations of Dagars, as practising Muslims, have continued to pray to Saraswati and chant hymns from the Vedas.
Behram Khan was in Jaipur and carved out a reputation as a musician of rare brilliance. He eventually taught his brother’s grandsons, Allabande and Zakiruddin Khan, a duo who soon rose to prominence as leading dhrupad vocalists of their era. They were employed in the Alwar and Udaipur courts, respectively.
Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Faiyazuddin Dagar were Allabande’s grandsons and sons of a brilliant and visionary musician, Nasiruddin Khan, who died at the peak of his career. Nasiruddin Khan’s older sons, Nasir Moinuddin Dagar and Aminuddin Dagar, formed the much-revered Senior Dagar brothers duo.
Source: indianexpress.com
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'What is wrong with this?': 'I Love Muhammad' row escalates in UP; Congress backs campaign
Sep 29, 2025
NEW DELHI: Amid the row over the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, the Congress on Sunday highlighted the syncretic cultural tradition of India and asserted that there is nothing wrong with people expressing love for their God and prophet.
Congress' media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, said that in a harmonious country that has seen the tradition of mystic saint Meerabai and Sufism, such "dwarfs" have come who see an enemy of our rich cultural tradition in a seven-year-old boy.
"They killed and then hung the body of a seven-year-old because he is from another religion. What harm could that seven-year-old cause to our cultural heritage," Khera said in a video statement.
"You say in a market in Indore that Muslims should be pushed out. Our culture is so vast, and you find these working-class Muslims a danger. If someone says I love Muhammad, you have a problem with it. If that person loves his or her prophet, you should love that person," Khera said.
The Congress leader said people love their Gods and prophets, and they should.
"What is wrong with this? If these dwarfs would have been there, would this have become the cradle of civilisation, would this have been called the mother of civilisations," Khera said, in an apparent swipe at the BJP.
"I can't leave my culture and country in the hands of these dwarfs. I love Muhammad, I love Mahadev, I love Jesus Christ, I love Nanak Dev, I love India," he said.
Tensions erupted in several districts of Uttar Pradesh recently, including Barabanki, Mau and Muzaffarnagar, after violent protests in Bareilly over the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign after Friday prayers, with police carrying out overnight house-to-house raids to nab the "culprits", arresting Raza in the process.
Officials on Saturday said that security forces had been deployed in strength and social media was being closely monitored to keep the situation under control.
Following the clashes in Bareilly, tension prevailed in Faizullaganj village in Barabanki district, located adjacent to the state capital Lucknow, after a banner with the words 'I Love Muhammad' was torn down.
One side alleged that a local watchman named Dhanni broke the rope with a stick and brought down the banner. Following the incident, members of one community gathered at the scene and expressed their displeasure.
Members of the other community also began gathering, creating a tense atmosphere in the village.
The entire incident was recorded on a CCTV camera installed at a nearby mosque. The footage reportedly shows Dhanni using a stick to topple the banner. Police have seized the video and launched an investigation.
Dhanni's house was reportedly vandalised by some youths. Upon receiving the information, police swung into action.
The additional superintendent of police and the circle officer arrived at the scene, and cops from several police stations were called to the village.
Dhanni's wife alleged that some people broke into the house, vandalised it and stole their belongings.
Ajay Singh, the SP's public relations officer, said a dispute had arisen over the removal of a banner, but peace has now been restored at the scene.
Police in Barabanki arrested eight people for taking out a procession after the incident in Faizullaganj.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Report Claims BJP Move To Remove Nearly 80,000 Muslim Voters From Electoral Rolls In Bihar's Dhaka
29 Sep 2025
Repeated attempts were made, allegedly by the BJP, to delete nearly 80,0000 Muslim voters from the electoral rolls in the Dhaka constuituency in the East Champaran district of Bihar, an investigation by the Reporters Collective has revealed.
According to the report, the submissions included an official letter from the BJP's state headquarters in Patna, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, demanding massive voter deletion targeting Muslims, claiming that they were not Indian citizens.
The investigation found that the initial attempt was made by one Dhiraj Kumar, the saffron party's booth-level agent (BLA) in Dhaka and also the personal assistant of the constituency's BJP MLA, Pawan Kumar Jaiswal.
The initial submissions, seeking the removal of as many as 130 Muslims, were made within a period of thirteen days before the Election Commission of India's (ECI) deadline for submitting amendments to the draft list published after the first phase of the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The submissions, ten each for thirteen days starting on August 19, were made to the district Electoral Registration Officer.
The petitions signed by the BLA on behalf of the party stated, "I hereby declare that the information furnished by me is on the basis of proper verification of the part of the electoral roll given to me and I am aware of the penal provisions of Section 31 of Representation of People’s Act, 1950 for making false declaration.”
However, it did not mention why the party wanted the voters to be deleted from the list, even when the application forms require the BLAs to provide reasons.
The most bizarre submission was made on the last day for the submission of complaints, August 31. The submission, signed by Dhiraj Kumar, sought the removal of 78,384 Muslim voters from Dhaka's electoral rolls. Their names and EPIC numbers were listed systematically in the submission.
The submission said that people who had not existed on the voter list till January 2025 had been put on the SIR draft list without providing the various documentary proofs that the ECI mandated, including their domicile certificates.
Subsequently, an official letter on the letterhead of the BJP state headquarters in Patna was sent to the CEO, seeking the deletion of the same 78,384 Muslim voters, but for a different reason. The letter claimed that the voters were not Indian citizens.
The letter was signed by one 'Lokesh' as Tirhut Pramandal Prabhari, Election Management Department, Bihar.
According to the Reporter's Collective, when contacted, BJP's local leaders denied the existence of a person named Lokesh representing the party. However, the party leaders did not deny the existence of the letter or renounce the applications filed by the BLA.
Moreover, the BJP has so far not distanced itself from the submissions nor filed any police complaint regarding them being forgeries in the party's name.
Massive disenfranchisement
According to the investigation, among the nearly 80,000 voters that the BJP wants removed from the electoral rolls is the entire family of Firoz Alam, the sarpanch of the Fulwaria Gram Panchayat, the village of MLA Pawan Jaiswal.
"My family has lived in this village for several generations. I have contested in the local panchayat elections. How could I have done this if I am not a resident of India? Now, the BJP has shared my name, my wife’s name, and the name of my children, naming them as dubious voters,” Alam was quoted as saying by the Reporters Collective.
In the Chandanbara village with a majority Mulsim population, the 5000 voters named in the BJP's complaint include booth-level officers, school teachers, and booth-level agents.
With a substantive Muslim-Yadav population, Dhaka, a constituency in the Indo-Nepal border, has historically been a stronghold of the Congress and later the RJD.
Notably, the BJP wrested the Dhaka seat from the RJD in the 2020 Assembly elections by a margin of 10,114 votes against the total 2.08 lakh votes polled. Now the BJP has allegedly made attempts to remove 40% of the voters in the constituency, which could have a significant impact on the upcoming elections.
The revelations come at a time when the ECI is facing flak from the opposition parties for the lack of transparency in the SIR exercise. The opposition parties have stated that the exercise, conducted in a hurried manner just ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar, is intended to disenfranchise a large population in favour of the BJP-led NDA alliance.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Europe
Arrests at protest supporting Palestine Action near Labour conference
September 29, 2025
Alex Partridge
Police have made a number of arrests at a protest in support of Palestine Action outside the Labour party conference centre in Liverpool.
A group of around fifty people sat on the grass outside ACC Liverpool holding handwritten placards reading "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action".
Merseyside Police said officers "are in the process of making arrests on suspicion of wearing/carrying an article supporting a proscribed organisation." Several were arrested by the Wheel of Liverpool, one of the city's landmarks.
The government proscribed the group under the Terrorism Act in July, making membership of or support of the group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Defend Our Juries who organised the protest said: "Whilst the Labour party congregate at their annual conference, protestors are outside disobeying the unjust ban on Palestine Action."
The group added supporters were risking arrest under the Terrorism Act, for "silently holding cardboard signs which say 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action'."
It is calling for the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group by the UK government to be scrapped.
Keith Hackett, 71, said he was risking arrest because he was "deeply ashamed" of Labour's actions.
"If they want to start turning the party around and win back the support they have lost, they need to stop their complicity in this genocide and end the ban on Palestine Action."
Fellow protestor Tayo Aluko, 63, said: "This is a time for bravery, as was shown by people who went before us, so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today, which are now under threat."
A group of about two hundred protestors, waving the union jack and St George's flags and carrying placards opposing the government's digital ID plans, had to be separated from the pro-Palestinian demonstrators by police.
Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper banned the group under terrorism laws after paint was daubed on jets at RAF Brize Norton. Police said the act caused £7m of damage.
Earlier this month, the Home Office was given permission to challenge a ruling which allowed Palestine Action to appeal against its ban under terror legislation.
The group's co-founder, Huda Ammori, was granted permission to appeal in July after her lawyers argued the ban breached the right to free speech.
The judge refused an appeal to temporarily lift the ban and it remains proscribed before a full review at the High Court in November.
Cooper has previously defended the proscription by saying some supporters of Palestine Action "don't know the full nature" of the group.
Earlier this month, more than 425 people were arrested at a demonstration against the ban in Parliament Square in central London.
Source: bbc.com
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Building of three new towns will start before election, Labour pledges
September 29, 2025
Jennifer McKiernan & Becky Morton
The construction of three new towns will begin before the next general election, Labour has pledged.
A taskforce has recommended 12 locations in England for development, with three areas - Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank, and Crews Hill in north London - identified as the most promising sites.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed announced the plans in a speech on the opening day of Labour's annual party conference.
Labour has put housebuilding at the centre of its vision of how to get the economy growing, promising to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
The announcement comes as Labour members gather in Liverpool for the annual conference.
A cabinet reshuffle, prompted by the resignation of Angela Rayner after she resigned for failing to pay enough tax on a flat purchase, saw Reed moved into the role of housing secretary.
Reed paid tribute to her work towards the government's flagship target of building 1.5 million homes and the audience gave her a standing ovation.
Just as his predecessor often did, Reed shared his own family's experience with the conference hall, recounting how he felt when an employer in the area where he grew up closed down.
"I still remember the silence around the dinner table the day the factory closed," he said, saying that his dad and wider family lost jobs, and "our whole community saw its heart ripped out. People were powerless as their lives were thrown on the scrapheap."
Reed said this event was behind his "driving mission" to rebuild the country's towns and communities and said he would be taking lessons from "the post-war Labour government housing boom".
"This party built new towns after the war to meet our promise of homes fit for heroes," he said.
"I will do whatever it takes to get Britain building again, and we won't just build homes, we'll build communities, and not just communities but entire towns."
Supporters had filled the front row of the hall wearing red MAGA-style hats reading "build baby build" during his speech, and Reed put on his own baseball cap with a smile as he made the same pledge at the end of his speech.
However, the industry has warned the government faces huge challenges to reach the government's proposed target, with housebuilders facing pressures including rising costs and taxes.
Meanwhile, recent figures showed the number of planning approvals for new homes in England fell to a record low during Labour's first year in office.
The promise of a "new generation of new towns" was included in Labour's election manifesto last year.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants to "sweep aside the blockers to get homes built" and prevent home ownership being "a distant dream".
He is emulating the Labour government of Clement Attlee, who planned the first wave of new towns after World War Two to relocate people from poor or bombed-out housing to developments including in Stevenage and Crawley.
In one of the three areas which were earmarked for development, local people appeared not to know details including how many new homes could be built.
David Sutton, the parish council chair of Tempsford, which is currently home to 600 people living in about 300 houses, said residents had been kept in the dark about the potential plans.
"The biggest problem we've got at the moment is that even today, as an announcement's being made, we've been given no idea whatsoever of the scale of what we're being asked to live amongst," he told the PA news agency.
"Nobody's come to talk to us at all."
Sir Keir is keen to use the party conference to highlight his Labour government's achievements in its first year in Downing Street, including progress on housebuilding.
The 12 proposed developments range from large-scale standalone new communities, to expansions of existing towns and regeneration schemes within cities.
Sites in Cheshire, South Gloucestershire, East Devon, Plymouth and Manchester are among those which have been recommended for development.
The chosen sites will be subject to environmental assessments and consultation, with the government confirming the final locations and funding next spring.
Labour said each new town would have at least 10,000 homes and they could collectively result in 300,000 homes being built across England over the coming decades.
The government has welcomed a recommendation from the New Towns Taskforce that at least 40% of these new homes should be classed as affordable housing.
A New Towns Unit will be tasked with bringing in millions of pounds of public and private sector funding to invest in GP surgeries, schools, green spaces, libraries and transport for the new developments.
The taskforce has recommended new towns are delivered by development corporations, which could have special planning powers to compulsory purchase land, invest in local services, and grant planning permission.
This follows the model of the regeneration of Stratford in east London during and after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Where could the next new towns be?
The New Towns Taskforce has recommended 12 locations are taken forward by the government:
A standalone settlement in Adlington, Cheshire East
A corridor of development in South Gloucestershire, across Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc
A development bringing together Chase Park and Crews Hill in Enfield, north London
Redevelopment of the former airbase at Heyford Park in Cherwell, Oxfordshire
An urban development in the South Bank area of Leeds
New homes in Victoria North, on the edge of Manchester city centre
A standalone settlement in Marlcombe, East Devon
A renewal of Milton Keynes city centre and an expansion of its periphery, alongside a new mass transit system
Densified development in Plymouth
A new settlement in Tempsford, Bedfordshire
A riverside settlement in Thamesmead, south-east London
Expanded development around Worcestershire Parkway train station
Source: bbc.com
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Zelensky condemns 'vile' Russian strikes lasting 12 hours
September 29, 2025
A Russian aerial bombardment that lasted more than 12 hours has killed at least four people and injured at least 70 others in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the deaths all occurred in the capital, Kyiv, where many of the projectiles were aimed, and the victims included a 12-year-old girl.
The barrage - involving nearly 600 drones and several dozen missiles aimed at seven regions of Ukraine - is one of the heaviest in recent months.
Zelensky warned that Ukraine would retaliate and said the "vile" attack showed Moscow "wants to continue fighting and killing". Russia said it struck military facilities and industrial enterprises supporting Ukraine's armed forces.
For Ukrainians, aerial bombardments can be both random and routine.
They tend to occur late on Saturday evenings - in this case, the first sirens were heard at 22:00 GMT.
The sound of anti-aircraft fire was punctuated with occasional explosions - presumably either from the sound of an intercepted drone or one hitting its target.
In Kyiv, the country's air alert app urged people to head to shelters and stay there. They were followed by pings warning of an increased aerial threat as hundreds of drones descended on the city.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Igor Klymenko said that at least 100 civilian sites had been damaged across the country by the attack, with entire neighbourhoods lefts in ruins.
Emergency services said an attack on Kyiv's Institute of Cardiology had killed a nurse and a patient.
A large bakery, an automobile rubber factory, as well as apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure were also targeted, Zelensky said.
He added that Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and Odesa regions were also hit.
Zaporizhzhia's Governor Ivan Fedorov said 34 people had been injured in the region, including three children - two boys, aged 11 and 12, and a nine-year-old girl.
One boy was caught in an explosion while the other had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, he said. Both are in a serious condition.
Sumy's regional governor said a 59-year-old man had died in strikes in the past day.
Zelensky vowed that Ukraine "will strike back" in a bid to "force diplomacy" from Russia, and said he was counting on a "strong reaction" from Europe and the US.
"This dastardly attack took place in fact as the end of the week of the UN General Assembly, and this is how Russia declares its real position," he said.
Zelensky reiterated his support of US President Donald Trump's threat of harsher sanctions on Russia, as well as his call for European allies to curb their Russian oil and gas imports.
Trump has recently shifted his position on the war, saying for the first time last week that he thought Ukraine could retake the land it had lost from Moscow as the Russian economy flagged under the strain of a prolonged war.
The US president has so far desisted from imposing further sanctions on Russia, but has appeared increasingly frustrated with the lack of eagerness from the Kremlin to begin peace talks.
Zelensky said on Saturday that Russia would not stop its aggression with Ukraine - which is why it was testing European air defences with the recent incursions in several countries belonging to the Nato military alliance.
Meanwhile, jets were scrambled in neighbouring Poland early on Sunday as Russia hit western Ukraine, the nation's armed forces said.
The Polish military described the actions - which have become routine since Polish and Nato aircraft shot down three Russian drones in Poland's airspace on 10 September - as preventative.
Denmark's Defence Ministry confirmed on Sunday that it had observed drones over military sites for a second night in a row.
Nato has now said it will upgrade its mission in the Baltic Sea in response, including enhanced surveillance and stationing at least one air defence frigate there.
It follows a series of incidents in which drones appeared over Danish airports, causing disruption to air traffic. Danish officials said they had no evidence to suggest Russian involvement in what they described as a concerted attack, while Moscow denied responsibility.
Along with Poland, Estonia and Romania have also accused Russia of violating their airspace, prompting a renewed Nato to bolster the alliance's eastern flank.
Trump has gone as far as to say that Nato nations should shoot down Russian planes in their airspace.
In a speech to the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country had no intention of attacking EU or Nato member states - but warned of a "decisive response" to any "aggression" directed towards Moscow.
Source: bbc.com
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Moldova’s pro-EU ruling party claims hair-thin majority with overseas vote
29 Sep, 2025
Moldova’s ruling pro-EU Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) has secured a narrow majority in the nation’s parliamentary election, according to preliminary results published by the Central Election Commission (CEC).
Votes from abroad pushed PAS past the threshold needed to continue governing without a coalition partner. Inside the country, however, it received only 44.13%, with its strongest support in the capital, Chisinau, where it polled at 52.68%.
Initial counts suggested the party would fall short of an outright majority. But PAS dominated the diaspora vote, getting over 85% in some Western countries. As ballots trickled in from overseas, its overall total rose and eventually crossed the 50% line.
The main opposition Patriotic Bloc secured nearly 24.3% of the overall vote, with additional support going to smaller blocs such as Alternative (8%), Our Party (6.2%) and Democracy at Home (PPDA, 5.6%). The CEC has yet to officially announce the final results.
Critics noted that voters in opposition-leaning areas were effectively sidelined. Residents of the breakaway region of Transnistria, home to nearly half a million people, were left with only 12 polling stations, all located on government-controlled territory. Several abruptly relocated further away from the area on the eve of the vote.
In Russia, where tens of thousands of Moldovan citizens reside, Chisinau opened just two stations out of more than 300 foreign polling sites. Only about 4,100 votes were counted there, with long lines leaving many unable to cast their ballots before the locations closed their doors.
The campaign itself unfolded under heavy restrictions. In the run-up to the vote, the CEC banned two more opposition groups, Greater Moldova and Heart of Moldova, citing undeclared foreign funding, adding to a list that already included the dissolved SOR Party and the deregistered Victory Bloc.
More than 30 international organizations and 120 observers from over 50 countries were denied accreditation, including Russian experts nominated to the OSCE mission.
President Maia Sandu, who was first elected in 2020 and narrowly won a second term in 2024, has faced repeated allegations of bending the rules to secure power.
Her government ruled under a rolling state of emergency from 2022 until 2024, citing regional security threats, while pushing through laws that critics say undermine political pluralism and media freedom. Opposition leaders have been jailed, sidelined, or forced into exile, while Brussels has continued to describe Moldova as a “success story” on its path to EU integration.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/625543-moldova-ruling-majority-vote/
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Starmer hits record low in UK opinion poll
28 Sep, 2025
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s popularity has hit a record low, with nearly 80% of Britons disapproving of his performance, according to an Ipsos poll published on Sunday.
Starmer’s rating has been battered following dissatisfaction with his handling of immigration, a surge in arrests related to comments made online, the cost of living crisis, and the resurgence of the Pakistani rape gang scandal.
Only 13% of Britons are satisfied with the UK prime minister’s performance, while 79% are dissatisfied, Ipsos said. According to the survey, in which 1,157 British adults were asked their opinions, Starmer’s approval had slipped 6 percent since June, while disapproval rose by the same margin.
“Keir Starmer’s personal satisfaction ratings are the worst for any prime minister polled by Ipsos since we first started asking the question in 1977,” Ipsos Senior Director of UK Politics Gideon Skinner said in the report.
Conservatives and Labour alike are losing voters to Reform UK, the polling firm reported.
Nearly 40% of 2024 Conservative voters and 13% of former Labour supporters have said they would vote for Reform, it said.
Mass protests against the migrant influx, as well as demonstrations against the crackdown on free speech in the UK have wracked the country in recent months.
Earlier this month in London, the “Unite the Kingdom” rally was held by right-wing Britons dissatisfied with their current government. While the Metropolitan Police contend that around 110,000 to 150,000 were in attendance, the event’s organizers have claimed that as many as three million were there.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whose role as an influential Eurosceptic helped lead to Brexit in the 2010s, has addressed immigration concerns and promised to scrap the scheme that allows migrants to apply for indefinite stay after five years, saying he would replace it with a visa system.
According to a YouGov survey from Friday, Reform would win 311 seats if a general election were held now, just 15 short of an absolute majority in the British House of Commons. The next vote is set for 2029.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/625479-starmer-record-uk-opinion-polling/
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UK journalist blows holes in Western myths about Russia
28 Sep, 2025
British journalist and commentator James Delingpole has shared a provocative account of his recent visit to Moscow, painting a picture of Russia that sharply contrasts with the prevailing negative tone in the Western media.
In an essay subtitled “Believe it or not, Russia is great,” published in the UK political and cultural weekly The Spectator earlier this week, Delingpole describes how an invitation from a Russian Orthodox archbishop, an avid listener of his podcast, set the stage for his journey.
The columnist admits that many friends and family members considered the trip reckless, some even warning he might be trailed by Russian intelligence or struck by a drone. But instead of a hostile or oppressive environment, he encountered a country that defied many of his expectations.
Delingpole praises Moscow’s clean and safe streets, efficient public transport, and the warmth and dignity of its inhabitants. The award-winning journalist also reflects on the deep spirituality and traditions upheld by the Russian Orthodox Church, drawing a sharp contrast with what he views as the West’s drift into secularism and aggressive progressivism.
One part of the essay focuses on Moldova, where he claims the Orthodox Church is facing persecution by pro-EU authorities. Delingpole argues that Western support for such governments often leads to the suppression of conservative religious voices, particularly those opposing gay marriage, LGBT parades or abortion.
The writer recounts small but meaningful moments from his trip, such as a local woman teaching him the proper way to cross himself, and the honor of venerating a saint’s relics offered as a gesture of hospitality.
“Though I’m not planning on abandoning my Anglican parish in Northamptonshire, with its six or seven picturesque medieval churches and its Book of Common Prayer communion services, I do find the mysteries of Orthodoxy awfully seductive,” Delingpole noted.
The essay does not touch upon any aspects of Russian politics, but does challenge readers to reconsider blanket narratives concerning the country. The author suggests that in condemning everything associated with Russia, the West may “be in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/625499-uk-journalist-western-russia-myths/
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South Asia
Constructive Afghanistan-Pakistan Ties Benefit Both Nations, Muttaqi Says
September 29, 2025
KABUL: Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with a delegation from Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party, led by Professor Muhammad Ibrahim, saying that constructive Kabul-Islamabad ties benefit both nations.
Muttaqi described the exchange of delegations between Afghanistan and Pakistan as highly important and emphasized that constructive relations between the two neighboring countries serve the interests of both nations, according to a statement from the ministry on Sunday.
He praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s social contributions in Pakistan and expressed appreciation for the party’s decades-long support and hospitality toward Afghan refugees.
The foreign minister also acknowledged the significant role of religious parties in Pakistan’s internal and regional affairs.
Meanwhile, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Praising the progress made in Afghanistan since the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate, he noted that improved bilateral relations would contribute to better livelihoods for people on both sides of the Durand Line and voiced optimism for resolving existing challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/constructive-afghanistan-pakistan-ties-benefit-both-nations-muttaqi-says/
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Afghanistan to Participate as Official Member in Upcoming Moscow Format For The First Time
September 29, 2025
KABUL: Dmitry Zhirnov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kabul, met with Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate and provided detailed information regarding Afghanistan’s participation in the 7th round of the Moscow Format.
He announced that, for the first time, the Russian Federation will formally welcome the Islamic Emirate as an official member of the format, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Foreign Minister Muttaqi described Afghanistan’s membership in the Moscow Format as a significant and strategic development and expressed optimism that such regional mechanisms will play a crucial role in fostering trust, strengthening regional cooperation, and facilitating positive progress between Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
The 7th round of the Moscow Format will be held in October.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghanistan-to-participate-as-official-member-in-upcoming-moscow-format-for-the-first-time/
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US Welcomes Release of American Citizen from Detention in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
September 29, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amir Amiri’s release from detention in Afghanistan, calling it progress while stressing more Americans remain unjustly imprisoned abroad.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday welcomed the release of Amir Amiri, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan. He described the move as “a step forward” but stressed that several more Americans remain unjustly imprisoned.
In an official statement, Rubio said Amiri’s return was evidence of the Trump administration’s determination to protect citizens held unlawfully overseas. He expressed gratitude to Qatar for its “important and tireless efforts” in facilitating the release.
Rubio added that President Trump would “not rest until every US citizen held abroad comes home safely.” He noted that Trump’s recent executive order on detainees played a role in advancing Amiri’s release.
According to a source cited by Reuters, Amiri had been detained in December 2024. His case gained prominence in recent months as US officials pressed for his freedom.
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order empowering the State Department to blacklist countries involved in the wrongful detention of American citizens. The order also authorises heavy penalties on governments engaged in such practices.
While the exact number of Americans currently detained in Afghanistan remains unclear, officials acknowledged that several individuals are still unaccounted for. Among them is Afghan-American Mahmoud Shah Habibi, whom US authorities believe was detained in 2022, though Afghan authorities deny holding him.
US envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler travelled to Kabul on Sunday in an unannounced visit. Local officials confirmed the release of Amiri and said the issue of other detainees remains under discussion. Boehler has previously travelled to Kabul twice for similar negotiations.
The release has been seen as a diplomatic breakthrough but also a reminder of ongoing challenges in securing the freedom of Americans detained abroad. Analysts say Washington will continue to pursue a mix of pressure and dialogue to ensure further progress.
Source: khaama.com
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CNN: Three Americans Still Detained in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
September 29, 2025
CNN reported that at least three Americans remain detained in Afghanistan, even as Amir Amiri was released, raising hopes for further progress in securing their freedom.
CNN has revealed that at least three US citizens remain in Taliban detention, even as American officials welcomed the release of Amir Amiri earlier this week. Washington hopes his freedom will open the door for further negotiations.
Among the unresolved cases is Paul Edwin Overby Jr., an American writer who disappeared in May 2014 while travelling toward Pakistan’s Waziristan region. He was last seen in Khost, Afghanistan, conducting research for a new book. Officials now fear he may have died in captivity.
Sources quoted by CNN said the Taliban did not receive any direct concessions for Amiri’s release, raising cautious optimism that further detainees could be freed without formal exchanges.
Families of those still missing expressed both relief and frustration. Ahmad Shah Habibi, whose brother Mahmoud Shah has been held since August 2022, said they were pleased to hear of Amiri’s release but remain desperate for news of their loved one.
“My brother is also an American, yet he has had no contact with his wife since his detention,” Habibi said, highlighting the emotional strain faced by families.
Mahmoud Shah Habibi was reportedly detained in connection with the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. The Taliban, however, deny holding him and claim to have no knowledge of his whereabouts.
Over the past several years, the Taliban have released five US citizens, but others remain unaccounted for. The US Secretary of State stressed that President Trump remains personally committed to bringing every American home.
Analysts note that detainee issues continue to complicate US-Taliban relations, which remain a mix of limited cooperation and deep mistrust. Resolving these cases, they argue, could shape the future of Washington’s engagement with Kabul.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/cnn-three-americans-still-detained-in-afghanistan/
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Afghanistan Launches Polio Vaccination Campaign in Southern Provinces
By Fidel Rahmati
September 29, 2025
Afghanistan has launched a polio vaccination campaign in Kandahar, Herat, Farah, and Helmand, aiming to immunise children under five and curb virus transmission in vulnerable regions.
The Polio Free Afghanistan has announced a fresh vaccination drive across Kandahar, Herat, Farah, and Helmand provinces, beginning Monday, September 29, targeting children under five.
The organisation said the campaign aims to strengthen immunity levels in vulnerable regions where insecurity and poor access have previously disrupted polio eradication efforts, leaving thousands of children unprotected.
Although exact figures were not released, health experts note that consistent outreach in these provinces is critical to stop the virus from spreading into remote and underserved communities.
This effort follows a vaccination round conducted last month in eastern Afghanistan, where health teams faced logistical hurdles but still managed to reach large numbers of families.
The World Health Organization has reported that Afghanistan recorded two confirmed cases of polio in 2025, one in Badghis and another in Helmand province, underscoring continuing risks.
Public health specialists warn that Afghanistan, alongside Pakistan, remains one of the last two countries where polio is still endemic, largely due to insecurity and misinformation.
International health bodies have welcomed the latest campaign, stressing that sustained Afghanstan commitment, combined with global support, is essential to eliminate polio and protect future generations from this preventable disease.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-launches-polio-vaccination-campaign-in-southern-provinces/
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Yunus calls for national unity ahead of polls
Sep 29, 2025
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the spirit of national unity forged through the July uprising must not be lost as the nation strives for an inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
"The July uprising has given us the strength to realise our dreams," he said while addressing a large gathering of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in New York on Saturday evening (US time) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, reports UNB.
The call was made as Bangladesh moves towards a national election in February, but political parties are yet to agree on the July charter and the ways to implement them.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also made a similar call for unity in the national interest, saying: "We have only one appeal -- let's come together on one issue - for Bangladesh. Let's put Bangladesh first."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) jointly organised the event titled "NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis", which included different engagements, including a plenary session, the launch of a new digital app, and diaspora engagement.
NRBs shared their perspectives, raised concerns, contributed ideas, and helped shape initiatives that strengthen their connection to Bangladesh.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun highlighted Bangladesh's economic progress over the past 15 months since the July Uprising and outlined government initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment.
The chief adviser launched a mobile application named Shubheccha, designed to provide NRBs with essential services, guidance, and investment opportunities.
Yunus lauded the invaluable contributions of NRBs, mentioning that their remittances have been central to strengthening the country's economy.
"Our economy had totally collapsed. Nothing was left. The economy kept drifting from bottom to bottom. Who has helped the economy bounce back? It was remittance. Remittances gave birth to a new Bangladesh," he said.
"Look at the Bangladesh map in a different way. Bangladesh is truly spread all over the world. There is no distance between us. You [NRBs] are very much part of Bangladesh," he said.
The chief adviser emphasised that they can play a vital role in advancing the changes ushered in by the July uprising through their respective contributions.
"My confidence grew when I saw political leaders agreeing to join us on this visit," Yunus added, expressing strong optimism about Bangladesh's future.
Speaking at the event, Fakhrul praised Yunus, saying he saw in his words the reflection of the late President Ziaur Rahman's dream of a democratic, developed, and corruption-free Bangladesh.
"Two days ago, at a US-Bangladesh business forum, when our respected and globally acknowledged Professor Yunus was speaking, I repeatedly felt as if I was listening to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of our country's independence," he said.
Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher reiterated his party's commitment to building a corruption-free Bangladesh and urged the NRBs to actively participate in nation-building efforts.
National Citizen Party leader Akhtar Hossen spoke of taking a strong position on ensuring NRB voting rights and hoped to play a significant role in rebuilding Bangladesh.
NCP leader Tasnim Jara described the present situation as a "very critical moment," saying that while differences of opinion will remain, the country must never return to old violence.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami US Spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman also spoke at the event.
During a meeting with Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, Yunus called on UN-Habitat to expand its presence in Bangladesh to help develop sustainable and affordable housing solutions for communities frequently impacted by climate-induced disasters, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
Rossbach confirmed UN-Habitat's interest in attending the upcoming Rohingya conference and responded positively to an invitation from Housing and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan to visit the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh in the coming months.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/yunus-calls-national-unity-ahead-polls-3997171
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Is Jamaat getting a new logo?
Sep 29, 2025
The Jamaat-e-Islami exhibited a new logo in meetings between its Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and foreign diplomats yesterday without formally unveiling the new emblem.
A leader said the party is considering changing the logo as part of efforts to reshape its image in what it calls a "new Bangladesh" after the July uprising.
The new design features a rising sun, a pen and a balance scale placed on an open book against a green background.
Photographs released by the party show the emblem displayed at the meetings between Shafiqur, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, and a delegation of the European Union Election Observation Mission at his residence in the capital's Bashundhara Residential Area.
Contacted, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair said the change was still under discussion. "The change has not been finalised. Several designs have been made, and that one is among them. Once it is final, we will announce it," he said.
Leaders said the party has changed its name and logo before, most recently in June 2016. After the change, the logo carried just the word "Bangladesh" written on a red portion and "Jamaat-e-Islami" on green.
Previously, the widely used logo had carried the electoral symbol -- scale -- the Arabic word "Aakimuddin" (establish Islam), along with "Allah" in calligraphy.
Jamaat rarely uses the red and green version even for official purposes, often reverting to the older logo with the calligraphy in programmes and documents.
Its electoral symbol -- the balance scale -- was dropped from the Election Commission's list of symbols in March 2017 after the Supreme Court reserved it exclusively for the judiciary. But in June this year, Jamaat's registration and the scale symbol were reinstated following an Appellate Division verdict.
Explaining the latest move, Ehsanul said, "The previous logo has become quite old. That's why there is a proposal for a new design. We are trying to reshape everything with a new look in a new Bangladesh. This initiative is part of that effort."
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/jamaat-getting-new-logo-3996946
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Country in urgent need of law to protect journalism
Sep 29, 2025
Bangladesh urgently needs an independent media commission and laws to protect journalism and journalists in order to strengthen press freedom, speakers said at an event yesterday.
They voiced concerns over the shifting media landscape and leadership following the August 5 changeover of government.
Titled "Self-Regulation and Grievances in Media: Political and Policy Perspectives", the programme was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.
CGS President Zillur Rahman moderated the event.
Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam said the government faces a leadership crisis, including uncertainty over his own tenure. "While other advisers may stay until the February election, I don't know how long I'll remain in my position."
He added that rumours about advisers stepping down have slowed work at government offices.
"The political landscape changed significantly after June's events in London, which is why if parties want, I can pass a law within a month. But without goodwill, many are waiting for the next government to take over."
Mahfuj expressed frustration that few focus on national interest or the creation of good laws, policies, and practices. He accused BNP- and Jamaat-aligned forces of using delays in government policy as a political tool to portray the administration as ineffective.
He also criticised disputes over BNP-Jamaat men's administrative appointments, saying promises of reforms are often short-lived. "Non-cooperation started from December."
On reforms, he said, "From my end, I am trying. At least we want to move forward with the wage board, journalism protection law, and media commission. We want media houses to prepare a code of conduct by November."
He acknowledged bureaucratic and political hurdles and said the ministry is focusing on short- and medium-term measures while flagging longer-term reforms.
Of 23 reform recommendations given by the Media Reform Commission, 13 short-term measures were selected, including circulation thresholds, advertising rates, and wage guidelines.
"We won't weaponise laws against the media. But we cannot allow anyone to simply call themselves a journalist without accountability. Freedom of expression without responsibility is dangerous."
Mahfuj reiterated his pledge that no media house would be closed during his tenure.
"There are three concentrated centres of power -- bureaucracy, business, and media owners -- and vested interests are deeply embedded. You cannot transform the whole ecosystem overnight."
He appealed to journalists to adopt self-regulation and professional ethics and supported UNESCO-led efforts to develop a code of conduct.
Kamal Ahmed, head of the Media Reform Commission and consulting editor at The Daily Star, criticised the government's delay in implementing proposed reforms.
He urged the establishment of an independent media commission and laws to protect journalism and journalists, saying press freedom cannot be ensured and journalists' rights cannot be safeguarded without them.
Ahmed expressed frustration that despite months of proposals and calls for public consultation, no clear progress has been made.
"We expected an explanation for why there is a delay, especially six months after our report," he said, adding, "Without action, promises of reform will remain empty words."
He also urged the government to publish draft laws for public feedback and stressed the need for financial security for journalists for independent journalism to survive.
He highlighted gaps in existing laws, adding, "Without proper implementation, the reforms will be ineffective." He warned that self-regulation must not become censorship and called for a legally backed framework to protect press freedom.
Prof SM Shameem Reza, of Dhaka University's journalism department, urged independent research into why public trust in the media is declining in Bangladesh.
He said no serious, impartial study has been conducted. "Such research should be carried out by independent bodies, not media owners, to ensure objectivity, and should include the experiences of rural journalists in the reform process."
BNP Media Cell Convenor Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel stressed the need for self-reflection and moral responsibility in journalism to protect its role as the "fourth pillar" of the state.
He voiced concerns over growing social media influence, where accountability is absent, and over how mainstream media follow social media trends without verification, threatening credibility.
Pavel said the media should prioritise truthfulness and not become a propaganda tool, especially during elections. He called on media houses to maintain independence, adopt codes of conduct, and deliver accurate information to the public.
He urged journalists to hold political parties accountable to voters and warned that without ethical reform, journalism would fail to reflect public aspirations and instead be exploited for political manipulation.
Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stressed comprehensive media reforms and stronger political commitment to press freedom.
"Despite discussions, there has been little progress," he said, urging all stakeholders to take ownership of reforms. He called for political parties to include clear commitments in their manifestos and warned about new trends of online activism and targeted criticism threatening press freedom.
Jubairul Hasan Arif, chief joint organiser of Chattogram's National Citizen Party, said Bangladesh needs both theoretical and practical reforms to strengthen media independence.
He welcomed the Media Reform Commission's proposals, especially laws to protect journalists, regulate cross-ownership, and establish the "One House-One Media" policy.
Arif urged the establishment of an independent wage board and called on political parties to state their positions on independent media and consider forming a civil society group for regulation.
Sohrab Hossain, a former senior journalist at Prothom Alo, expressed concerns over press freedom, saying that 266 journalists face charges of murder or attempted murder, with around 16 in prison. "In many cases, no formal charges have been filed even after a year."
He described this as a continuation of repressive practices and a form of persecution, and stressed the need for regulatory frameworks. He urged political parties to commit to protecting press freedom in their manifestos.
When The Daily Star's Senior Reporter Zyma Islam reiterated the number of cases against journalists, M Abdullah, former president of a section of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, strongly disputed the claim of 266 journalists currently charged with murder.
"The figure is baseless…. No credible evidence exists. While harassment, imprisonment, and violence occur, there is no reliable record of such a large number of murder or attempted murder cases."
He added that a review committee under the information ministry found only 72 cases, mostly outside Dhaka and arising from personal disputes, not political persecution. Mahfuj Alam endorsed Abdullah's statement.
Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal General Secretary Nazmul Haque Pradhan, Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, and AB Party Joint General Secretary Nasreen Sultana Mily also spoke at the event.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/country-urgent-need-law-protect-journalism-3996731
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Africa
NSCIA seeks release of revenue to Abia Muslims
SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has appealed to Muhammad Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa, to influence the release of revenue allocation for the Muslim community in Umunneochi LGA of Abia.
Eze Eme II, NSCIA’s vice-president general, Eastern Emirate, made the plea during a courtesy visit to the Lamido in Yola on Sunday. He said the revenue was being collected from the cattle market in the Lokpanta Muslim community in the area.
According to him, out of 100 per cent, the Abia government was getting 60 per cent while 40 per cent goes to the Muslim community.
He added that the 40 per cent was then divided into three; the Hausa community received 10 per cent, the Igbo Muslim community 10 per cent, and 10 per cent for the Muslim community.
Mr Eme added that the percentage for the Muslim community was not accessible to enable them to finance all Islamic activities in the community.
“Sir, a passionate appeal to His Royal Highness on the plight of the Muslim community in the Eastern Zone Emirate Council in Abia.
“With due respect, honour and dignity on behalf of the good people of my emirate of the eastern state Muslim community, I passionately wish to appeal to you.
“As a father, a mentor and national religious leader under the Modibbo Adama dynasty representing the whole of West Africa as supreme leader, Chairman Tabbital Pulaaku recognised throughout Africa and the world at large,” he said.
Mr Eme condoled with Lamido and the entire people of the state over the demise of Ahmed Mustapha, the former comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Sardauna of Adamawa.
The Lamido of Adamawa appreciated the visit and commended Ede for his concern for his subjects as well as his contribution to Islamic propagation in the country.
Source: gazettengr.com
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https://gazettengr.com/nscia-seeks-release-of-revenue-to-abia-muslims/?tztc=1
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Izala Leader Commends DSS Director General for Promoting Peace in Kano
SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
The National Leader of the Izala (Ahlus-Sunnah) movement, Sheikh Bala Lau, has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for his critical role in de-escalating tensions in Kano State.
Speaking during a preaching session in Ibadan, Sheikh Lau praised the DSS boss timely intervention in the case involving Islamic preacher Mallam Abubakar Lawal, popularly known as “Triump.” He said the situation, which had the potential to result in a court trial, was instead redirected towards peaceful resolution following Mr. Ajayi’s directive for the Kano State Command to mediate between conflicting Islamic groups.
According to the cleric, this approach created an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation, preventing further escalation of the crisis.
Sheikh Lau also urged the Kano State Shura Counci, tasked with investigating the matter, to ensure a fair and impartial process. He emphasized that justice remains the foundation for lasting peace, both in Kano and across the country.
In his message, Sheikh Lau expressed appreciation to the people of Ibadan and members of the Ahlus-Sunnah movement for upholding the values of Islam. He also encouraged religious leaders and followers to exercise tolerance and wisdom in their preaching.
“Be tolerant and always apply wisdom in your preaching. May Allah continue to guide us all,” he said.
Source: thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/09/28/izala-leader-commends-dss-director-general-for-promoting-peace-in-kano/
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Ministry partners dRPC in addressing gender-based violence
by Franca Ochigbo, Abuja
September 28, 2025
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) are partnering to educate families on the negative effect of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Muslim homes and the society in general.
According to the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Iliyasu Usman, while some interpretations of specific hadiths or Quranic verses have been misused to justify disciplinary measures within marriage, Islam’s broader ethical and moral framework upholds kindness, mercy, and a clear prohibition of oppression and violence towards women and girls.
Prof. Usman stated this during the Stakeholder Dialogue on the Islamic Perspective for GBV Prevention and the launch of GBV Prevention Guides for Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) organised by the dRPC in collaboration with the Centre of Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) Abuja.
According to him, “This formed part of the Muslim Opinion Leaders for GBV Prevention in Northern Nigeria addressing the issues by leveraging the influence of Muslim Opinion Leaders, recognising their critical role in shaping societal norms, beliefs, and behaviors.
“This also empowers MOLs to apply Islamic teachings to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote the protection of women and girls. Scholars across the Muslim community continue to correct cultural misinterpretations that perpetuate gender violence, ensuring alignment with Islam’s foundational values of respect and non-violence”.
Speaking, Prof. Taufiq Abubakar, Director, Centre of Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) noted that all forms of aggression, molestation, or transgression are strictly forbidden in Islam. “The Noble Prophet (SAW) declared during his Farewell Pilgrimage that your blood and property are sacred with Islam providing clear codes of conduct for treating women with respect, equity, and mutuality”.
The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajiya Iman Sulieman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Barr. Aisha Gana, said Islamic scholars play a vital role in preventing GBV, stating that by true Islamic teachings, correcting harmful misconceptions, preaching against violence, counselling families, supporting survivors, influencing policies, and partnering with government and NGOs, have all helped Islam shift social norms, reduce stigma, and promote justice, dignity, and protection for all.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/ministry-partners-drpc-in-addressing-gender-based-violence/
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INEC Dismisses Claims Nigerians Have Lost Faith In Elections
September 29, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed suggestions that Nigerians have lost confidence in the country’s electoral system, describing such claims as baseless and unsupported by facts.
Reacting to criticisms from civil society and religious groups, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told Punch on Sunday that participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise shows citizens still believe in the process.
Oyekanmi said, “The notion that Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral process is more of a myth than a reality, as those who proclaim it lack convincing evidence to support it.
“On the contrary, the high level of participation by Nigerians, especially the youths, in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, which began on August 18, shows that citizens still have confidence in the process.”
Naija News reports that INEC launched its online CVR portal on August 18, 2025. Within seven hours of its activation, 69,376 Nigerians had pre-registered, comprising 33,803 males and 35,573 females.
By August 24, the figure had surged to 1.37 million, and by September 1, it had reached 2.53 million. Five weeks later, as of September 21, no fewer than 5.38 million Nigerians had uploaded their details to the portal.
For the in-person phase, which began August 25, the commission recorded 764,695 completed registrations in one month, combining both online pre-registrants and physical registrants.
“There is no African country with these types of voter registration figures within one month,” Oyekanmi maintained.
He reminded registrants that completion of registration requires physical appearance at designated centres for biometrics, as stipulated in Sections 9(7) and 10(2) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“All those who pre-registered online must complete their registration by physically appearing at their preferred centre,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2023 polls, Oyekanmi said the outcome was proof of progress in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The 2023 general election, more than any other election, demonstrates this fact. The election produced the most diverse National Assembly since the restoration of democracy in 1999,” he noted.
According to him, seven political parties secured Senate seats and eight parties gained representation in the House of Representatives, while nine parties won seats in State Assemblies.
“In gubernatorial elections, APC won 16 states, PDP 10, LP one, and NNPP one,” he added.
The CPS also faulted what he described as contradictions among some critics of the commission.
“Ironically, some of the most ardent critics of INEC are also in the forefront of calling for electoral reform to transfer Local Government elections to the same commission. Surely, they cannot continue to walk on both sides of the road,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/09/29/inec-dismisses-claims-nigerians-have-lost-faith-in-elections/
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Pro-Wike Lawmakers Shun Fubara’s Event As Governor Faces Loyalty Test
September 29, 2025
By Justina Otio
The lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, failed to attend the thanksgiving service held by governor Siminalayi Fubara to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
The service, held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Garrison, Port Harcourt, had the governor, his associates and a few supporters in attendance.
An ally of the governor told Punch that the development and recent unfolding events “are not funny,
The official admitted he could not explain the absence of the 27 lawmakers and the local government chairmen but said it suggested that “all may not be well.”
He pointed out that Wike once suspended some local government chairmen for failing to attend an important state function.
He said, “I can’t say for sure, you know. Maybe in the coming days we will know why. But I’m not worried because it’s just like a husband-and-wife issue.
“You know, when Nyesom Wike was governor here, he suspended some local government chairmen, about three of them or so, for not showing up at an event. So how come these current ones didn’t come? What do you think would have happened to them if it was under Wike, when they didn’t even have a say of their own?”
He added, “But let’s give all of them, both the Assembly members and the local government chairmen, the benefit of the doubt and wait till October 1st, Nigeria’s Independence anniversary proper, and see what happens.”
A source close to the lawmakers said despite the public declaration of peace between the governor and Wike, the pro-Wike camp has allegedly resolved not to attend public functions with Fubara until he distances himself from the three lawmakers loyal to him and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, a former factional speaker.
The source added, “Beginning Monday, the Governor is expected to make some changes in action and in words to show he has truly reconciled with the FCT Minister.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/09/29/pro-wike-lawmakers-shun-fubaras-event-as-governor-faces-loyalty-test/
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Olubadan Pledges To Reign As King For All Ibadan Residents
September 29, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has assured the people of the ancient city that his reign will serve every resident, regardless of social status or religious belief.
Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, held in honour of his coronation, the 44th Olubadan pledged to dedicate his life to the growth and unity of Ibadanland.
“We are all governing Ibadan. I’m just the coordinator. You people are the small Olubadan; I’m the big Olubadan. Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support. I’m now king of all religions. Ibadan is a fertile land; it shall continue to be well with Ibadan,” Oba Ladoja declared.
He emphasised that the progress of his reign would not be his alone but a collective achievement with the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of the city.
The monarch further stated, “I’m Olubadan for all, and the success of my reign will not be mine alone but that of the Olubadan-in-Council and the entire people of Ibadanland.”
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was on Friday formally presented with the staff and instrument of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall, in a ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries.
He succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, barely one year into his reign.
At the thanksgiving service, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, described the monarch’s enthronement as an act of divine providence.
“Oba Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace, and his enthronement is a divine mandate which entrusted him to the peace, unity, and progress of the Ibadan people,” Abegunrin said.
He prayed for God to grant the Olubadan wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to rule with “justice, compassion, and courage.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/09/29/olubadan-pledges-to-reign-as-king-for-all-ibadan-residents/
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Kwara Gov Seeks More Troops After Bandits Attack In Oke-Ode
September 28, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has renewed calls for greater military presence in the state following the deadly attack on Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which left at least 15 vigilantes and hunters dead and several villagers abducted.
Naija News reports that the gunmen, said to be heavily armed, stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, targeting forest guard posts and surrounding settlements.
Local defenders were reportedly overwhelmed before reinforcements arrived.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor described the incident as a major setback despite the state’s recent investments in security, particularly the recruitment and training of forest guards.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness, and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor praised the courage of the victims who resisted the attackers, stressing that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
AbdulRazaq said that while security agencies had recorded some progress in recent months, more troops were urgently needed to tackle the rising insecurity across Kwara South and North.
“While we appreciate the efforts and unquantifiable sacrifices of the security forces as well as the successes so far, we definitely need to do a lot more until we are completely out of the woods,” he stated.
He further urged residents to remain calm and refrain from reprisals, noting that such actions could exacerbate the crisis.
The governor commended the bravery of the vigilantes and local hunters who confronted the assailants despite losing their lives in the process.
“Finally, I urge our brave residents to remain calm and avoid the temptation to turn on ourselves. I equally commend all the forest guards and the local hunters who, though lost five of their compatriots, equally neutralised several of the attackers.
“We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, to immediately relocate to Kwara State to coordinate and strengthen the military response to the escalating bandit attacks, Naija News understands.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/09/28/kwara-gov-seeks-more-troops-after-bandits-attack-in-oke-ode/
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia to establish permanent museum on history of Hajj, Two Holy Mosques
September 28, 2025
Dubai: Saudi Arabia will establish a permanent museum dedicated to the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, officials announced, marking a major step in preserving the Kingdom’s religious and cultural heritage.
The plan was discussed at a meeting of the High Supervisory Committee for the “History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” project, chaired by Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the board of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah).
The national initiative aims to chronicle centuries of pilgrimage history and transformations in the service of Islam’s holiest sites. The museum will serve as a comprehensive knowledge reference documenting the history of the Two Holy Mosques, the rituals of Hajj and Umrah over the centuries, and the significant transformations in their management and services.
The initiative, originally conceived as an academic encyclopaedia under the title “Encyclopaedia of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” has evolved into a pioneering national project managed by Darah in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Guests of God Service Programme. It enjoys the patronage of King Salman and ongoing support from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During the committee meeting, members also announced the upcoming “Historical Events in the Prophet’s Biography: Perspectives on Research and Documentation” forum, to be held in Medina alongside the Umrah Forum.
Source: gulfnews.com
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https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-to-establish-permanent-museum-on-history-of-hajj-two-holy-mosques-1.500286799
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New Visa Rules for Umrah 2025: Saudi Arabia makes hotel and transport pre-booking mandatory for visa approval
Sep 29, 2025
Saudi authorities now require Umrah pilgrims to have confirmed hotel bookings and arranged transport when applying for visas, a rule intended to better manage pilgrim movement and prevent fraudulent accommodation offers. Umrah operators in the UAE are already urging travelers to complete these bookings preferably through Saudi’s official Nusuk platform or licensed agents before submitting visa applications.
Saudi Arabia’s new Umrah visa rules 2025 explained
From this year, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and related authorities have tightened entry rules so that visa approval depends on proof of approved accommodation, typically hotel contracts verified through the Nusuk Masar / Nusuk Umrah platform and evidence of local transport arrangements. The move is part of a wider push to digitize and centralize Umrah services, requiring pilgrims to upload or link verified bookings before a visa is issued. Authorities say the change protects pilgrims from scams and improves crowd and accommodation management during busy periods.
Step-by-step process to apply for an Umrah visa in 2025
Book accommodation with licensed hotels or through a registered operator. Use the Nusuk Umrah/Nusuk Masar portal or an accredited travel agency to make a verified reservation; casual or unverified bookings risk visa delays or rejection.
Arrange in-country transport (if required) and obtain confirmation. Many operators now include airport transfers and local transport in Umrah packages; keep receipts and booking references ready for the visa application.
Apply for the Umrah visa via the Nusuk portal or authorized channels. The Nusuk platform consolidates visa application, accommodation verification and permit scheduling; applicants should follow its instructions to avoid third-party bottlenecks.
Work with a vetted operator if you prefer package support. UAE-based tour operators are advising pilgrims to book full packages (hotel + transport + guidance) to streamline approvals and ensure on-ground services.
Essential travel tips for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah
Expect slightly higher upfront planning costs because verified hotel and transport bookings must be made before visa issuance. Prices vary by season and hotel class; booking early often secures better rates and availability. If you’re flexible, choose off-peak slots and confirm cancellations/refund policies only verified, licensed contracts processed through Nusuk or accredited agents will reliably support visa approval. Operators also recommend allowing extra processing time during peak Islamic calendar dates.
What to watch next
The rule tightens quality control and reduces fraud, but it also shifts pre-travel planning responsibility onto pilgrims and travel agents. For Saudi regulators, the change supports Vision 2030 goals to professionalize religious tourism and improve pilgrims’ safety and experience. For travelers, the key takeaway is simple: don’t apply for an Umrah visa without verified hotel and transport bookings, do it early and use Nusuk or licensed operators to avoid hiccups.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/new-visa-rules-for-umrah-2025-saudi-arabia-makes-hotel-and-transport-pre-booking-mandatory-forvisaapproval/articleshow/124195721.cms
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‘Common security of Gulf under threat,’ warns Prince Turki Al-Faisal
September 29, 2025
RIYADH: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the former Saudi ambassador to the US and the UK, on Sunday warned that the security of Gulf states is under threat from a “pariah state” following the recent Israeli attack on Qatar.
Prince Turki described Israel’s Sept. 9 aggression, when it targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar as they discussed a ceasefire agreement that would end the Israeli war on Gaza, as “treacherous” and called for Gulf states to rethink their approach to security as a result.
Speaking at the Dean of Ambassadors’ Gala Dinner marking the golden jubilee of Arab News at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, Prince Turki said: “The Gulf region is witness nowadays to an aggressively treacherous attack by Israel on the sovereignty of Qatar. This attack is a reminder to all countries of the Gulf that their common security is under threat by a pariah state that gives no regard to any law or rule governing international relations.”
He added: “This attack is an eye-opener to question the credibility and reliability of alliances when threats come from Israel. This dictates our states to rethink the nature of threats and to rebuild their strategic policies to safeguard their security by all means to face such threats. Israel must not be allowed a free hand.”
While addressing Sunday’s event, Prince Turki reminisced about the establishment of Arab News, which he helped found back in 1975, and congratulated staff at the newspaper on its 50th anniversary.
In his speech, he also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the role of the international community, particularly the US.
“I believe that no region in our world has felt the impact of the state of international uncertainty more than the greater Middle East region,” he said. “Who is to blame for this continued situation is an open question. However, while countries and leaders of the region bear a responsibility, the US bears the biggest share of this responsibility.
“We see the US descending from the role of honest broker to the role of the staunch ally of Israel. The blatant double standard practiced by the US in dealing with the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its recent genocidal war on Gaza and the West Bank are plainly witnessed not only by Arabs but by all peoples around the world.
“In order for President (Donald) Trump to be the peacemaker, as he wants to be, he should correct the past mistakes committed by the US to the peace and security of its friends and allies.”
Prince Turki welcomed the recent progress made toward the realization of a two-state solution, as a diplomatic push by Saudi Arabia and France yielded a series of recognitions of the Palestinian state by Western powers at last week’s UN General Assembly. And he hit back at accusations by the Israeli government and its supporters that recognition is a reward for Hamas and its Oct. 7 attacks.
“Among the many tropes faced by the Kingdom and France and all countries that recognized Palestine as a state is that this is a reward to Hamas. What a deceitful and evil assertion to deny Palestinian people their inalienable right to their own state,” he said.
“It is the 80 years old Israeli colonial occupation of Palestine and denial of the Palestinian people their right to self-determination that rewards Hamas and other similar groups. Without the occupation, there will not be resistance to it.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2617109/saudi-arabia
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Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization Secretary General receives Arab Tourism Organization chief
September 28, 2025
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization Abdullah bin Suhail Al-Muhaidli received President of the Arab Tourism Organization Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid in Riyadh.
During the reception, they discussed aspects of cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The cooperation agreement signed between the two sides includes fostering sustainable relief and tourism, promoting the digital economy, developing joint initiatives, and enhancing the security of tourism facilities.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2617097/saudi-arabia
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Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi: What you need to know
September 28, 2025
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has outlined the five key requirements for civil marriage under Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and Its Effects, which governs non-Muslim marriages in the emirate, 24.ae reported.
The law establishes a modern legal framework for civil unions in line with international standards, applicable exclusively to non-Muslims and non-UAE nationals.
According to the UAE Government Portal, applicants must meet the following conditions: both parties must be non-Muslim, at least 18 years old, not related in the first or second degree, not currently married, and must give mutual consent to the marriage.
Registration process
To register a civil marriage, couples must provide:
A completed and signed marriage application form
Copies of both passports or Emirates IDs (for residents)
Proof of divorce or annulment if previously married
An optional prenuptial agreement outlining financial arrangements or rights
Applications can be submitted online via the ADJD website or through authorised typing centres.
Service options
Two options are available:
Standard service: Dh300, processed within 10 working days, with the earliest available appointment for the ceremony.
Express service: Dh2,500, processed within one working day, allowing couples to choose their preferred date and time, subject to court availability.
Ceremony procedure
On the day of the ceremony, both parties must attend the ADJD main courthouse, present their passports or IDs, and proceed to the Civil Marriage Section. The ceremony takes place in a designated hall, presided over by a civil marriage officer.
The vows are played via a pre-recorded audio available in seven languages, including English. Couples needing another language must inform the court in advance.
Unlike religious ceremonies, no witnesses are required, as the civil marriage officer (notary public) serves as the legal witness. Couples may invite guests, bring a photographer, exchange rings, and recite personal vows.
The ceremony concludes with the signing of the marriage certificate, legally recognising the union under Abu Dhabi’s civil law.
Source: gulfnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/civil-marriage-in-abu-dhabi-what-you-need-to-know-1.500286490
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North America
US citizen released by Taliban after nine-month detention
September 29, 2025
Nadine Yousif
A US citizen held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months has been released following negotiations led by Qatari mediators, officials say.
The man, identified as Amir Amiry, is the fifth American to be freed from detention in Afghanistan this year. He was on his way back to the US on Sunday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for its "tireless diplomatic efforts", which he said were crucial in securing Mr Amiry's release.
The reason for Mr Amiry's detention remains unclear. Rubio said that he had been "wrongfully detained".
The secretary of state added that more US citizens remain "unjustly detained" in Afghanistan and that the Trump administration was working on securing their release.
Qatar's foreign ministry said it had facilitated the release of Mr Amiry and that he was on his way to Doha before travelling to the US.
Qatar began negotiating Mr Amiry's release in March - first arranging a meeting between Mr Amiry and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, sources told CBS news, the BBC's US partner.
A breakthrough in negotiations was reached this weekend, sources told CBS, which led to Mr Amiry's release.
It comes after two American citizens were freed in a prisoner swap between the US and the Taliban in January. One of the detainees, Ryan Corbett, was abducted in 2022 while on a work trip.
The US released Khan Mohammad, a Taliban figure who was imprisoned for life in California on drug trafficking and terrorism charges, in exchange, the Associated Press reported.
Two other Americans were released later in March. Among them was George Glezmann, who was detained during a tourist visit to Afghanistan in 2022.
A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, were released earlier this month, also through Qatari mediation. They had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv1y989xjo
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Trump condemns ‘targeted attack on Christians’
28 Sep, 2025
US President Donald Trump has condemned a deadly shooting which killed at least two people and wounded several more at a Mormon church in Michigan on Sunday, calling it a “targeted attack on Christians.”
In a Truth Social post following the incident, Trump said the attack was part of an “epidemic of violence” in the US.
“The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” he wrote. “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
The incident took place at a busy Latter Day Saints church in the town of Grand Blanc, less than half an hour after the service began.
At around 10:25am, a 40-year-old male suspect drove his car through the front doors of the church and opened fire on the congregation with an assault rifle, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a press conference.
Officers immediately responded and engaged the shooter, who was killed in the ensuing firefight, Renye said.
“Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has been deceased,” he added. Another victim succumbed to their wounds in hospital, he reported later in the day.
“There was a fire that occurred, and we believe that that was deliberately set by this suspect,” Renye said.
Drone footage of the incident from earlier in the day showed the church’s roof consumed by flames.
According to Renye, authorities expect more victims will be found once the scene is cleared.
Just days earlier, Trump promised to crack down on what he called “radical left terrorism,” following a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas.
“I will be signing an Executive Order this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks,” he said on Wednesday. “The continuing violence from Radical Left Terrorists, in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, must be stopped.”
Conservative influencer Kirk was shot dead during one of his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ debate events in a Utah university earlier this month.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/625517-trump-condemns-targeted-attack-christians/
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CAIR, CAIR-MI Extend Condolences to Families of Michigan Church Attack Victims, Encourage Houses of Worship to Review Security
September 28, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its Michigan chapter (CAIR-MI) today extended condolences to the families of victims in an attack on Mormon church in Michigan and encouraged houses of worship nationwide to review their security precautions.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
CAIR’s safety booklet states in part:
“A general framework in which to think about institutional security falls within the following broad categories:
• Be Aware
• Assess Your Vulnerability
• Prepare and Plan
• Prevent
• Respond/Mitigate
• Recover
“This framework can be applied to all sorts of security issues, from hate graffiti to burglary or to an active-shooter episode. Decision-makers must decide which recommendations are best applied to their facility. They must also decide the order in which they will implement the process.”
In a statement, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
“We extend our condolences to the families of the victims of today’s heinous attack on another house of worship, and we pray that God grants healing to those injured. Given the frequency of violence and vandalism targeting houses of worship, we encourage community leaders to review their security precautions. From 24/7 security cameras to armed security to an emergency evacuation plan, there are many practical steps that all mosques and other houses of worship should take to make their institutions as safe as possible.
“An attack on a church or any other house of worship is an attack on American of all faiths,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “Religious and political leaders must do everything we can to protect their communities from these senseless attacks.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
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Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-cair-mi-extend-condolences-to-families-of-michigan-church-attack-victims-encourage-houses-of-worship-to-review-security/
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Three dead and several injured after shooting at US waterfront bar
September 29, 2025
Nadine Yousif
Three people have died and several others were injured after a shooter opened fire from a boat at a crowded waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina, officials say.
The attack happened on Saturday evening outside the American Fish Company at the Southport Yacht Basin.
City spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum said a boat pulled up to the dock around 21:30 local time (01:30 GMT) before the attacker opened fire. The assailant then fled by boat towards the Intracoastal Waterway.
Officials said a suspect matching the description was arrested half an hour later by the US Coast Guard in nearby Oak Island, around 12 miles (19km) west of the scene.
The suspect's identity has not been released by the police.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring described the incident as "a very tragic night" for the community.
The town is home to just under 4,000 people. "We're a small community, one of the communities where everybody knows everybody," Chief Coring said.
He said that possibly six people were injured, who are now being treated in hospital. The deceased have not been identified by the police.
The incident prompted officials in Southport to issue a statement urging people to remain in their homes while an active shooter investigation was ongoing.
"I'm comfortable to say that we don't feel like there's any additional threats to the community," Chief Coring said after.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq65qj67lpyo
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Ex-FBI chief could be investigated over January 6 riots – Trump
29 Sep, 2025
US President Donald Trump has said former FBI Director Christopher Wray could face a probe over his role in the January 6 Capitol riots, while repeating claims that hundreds of agents were secretly placed in the crowd during the unrest.
Last week, conservative outlet Blaze News cited an unnamed congressional source as alleging that the FBI had deployed 274 plainclothes operatives during the riots – contradicting the bureau’s longstanding denials of any such involvement.
Following the report, Trump suggested the agents were acting as agitators and insurrectionists rather than law enforcement officers, adding that Wray “has some major explaining to do.”
In a telephone interview with NBC News on Sunday, the US president accused the former FBI chief of “inappropriate” actions and suggested that the Justice Department was already pursuing the matter.
“I think Christopher Wray did a terrible job, and we just found out about it,” Trump said.
“Over 200 people being embedded into that situation. It looks like real agitation… It’s a terrible thing that something like this could happen. It was a set-up – my opinion. But it was set up, and the FBI was involved.”
Asked whether Wray was being investigated, he replied: “I would imagine. I would certainly imagine. I would think they are doing that.”
Wray, who resigned at the end of the Biden administration, has not publicly commented on the accusations.
Federal officials have disputed the claims of a large undercover presence. A Justice Department Inspector General’s report issued late last year concluded there were no embedded employees during the protests, though it acknowledged that 26 confidential informants were present.
The January 6 attack prompted a massive FBI investigation as well as a broader probe into an alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election result. More than 1,500 people were charged with federal crimes, including Trump himself. After returning to office, Trump granted clemency to all those prosecuted, with most receiving full pardons.
Source: rt.com
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Southeast Asia
Global Sumud flotilla, with Malaysian participation, nears Gaza’s waters amid rising tensions
29 Sep 2025
ISTANBUL, Sept 29 — The Global Sumud aid flotilla bound for Gaza has reached a point north of Marsa Matrouh on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, its organisers announced Sunday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
The fleet is expected to sail within hours to waters north of the city of Alexandria, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza said on the US social media company X platform.
“We expect the Zionists to commit a war crime against us at any time as we are getting closer to Gaza,” it added.
Separately, the Global Sumud Flotilla said: “Our lead vessels, OHWAYLA & ALL IN, are now just 366 nautical miles (678 kilometres) from Gaza, with an estimated arrival in 3 to 4 days.
“Our fleet now stands at 44 vessels, strengthened by the recent launch of two new boats sailing towards the fleet.”
It added that “in just two days, the flotilla will enter the high-risk zone. Our determination is absolute, but this is the moment where your global vigilance and solidarity are needed most.”
Earlier, the committee said it would dispatch a boat carrying journalists and medical professionals to the Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip.
In a statement, it said the vessel, set to sail on Oct 1, will carry over 100 international media workers and doctors.
The flotilla set sail earlier this month to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to the war-ravaged enclave.
Since March 2, Israel has fully closed Gaza’s crossings, blocking food and aid convoys and deepening famine conditions in the enclave. Only limited supplies are sporadically allowed in, and many are looted by armed groups that Gaza authorities accuse Israel of protecting.
Israel, as the occupying power, has a record of intercepting ships headed to Gaza, seizing vessels and deporting activists. Critics describe such actions as piracy.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases. — Bernama-Anadolu
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/29/global-sumud-flotilla-with-malaysian-participation-nears-gazas-waters-amid-rising-tensions/192741
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Ministry, Baznas promote mosques as shield against online loans
September 29, 2025
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs, together with the National Alms Agency (Baznas), has launched the Baznas Microfinance Mosque (BMM) – Masjid Berdaya Berdampak (MADADA) program.
The initiative is designed to position mosques as centers of community economic empowerment while serving as a safeguard against the spread of online gambling and illegal online lending.
Director of Islamic Affairs and Sharia Development Arsad Hidayat highlighted that online loans and gambling are increasingly undermining household economic resilience.
He noted that even some recipients of government aid have fallen into such practices. Through BMM-MADADA, mosques are expected to offer a solution by providing soft loans.
In the initial phase, 34 mosque administrators from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java took part in technical training.
They are being prepared as facilitators to oversee the program’s implementation in their respective areas, ensuring that soft loans reach the right beneficiaries and help more residents.
The program expands the role of mosques beyond places of worship to become social and economic hubs.
Community funds managed by mosque administrators will be distributed to residents who run small businesses but face capital constraints.
The loans are interest-free, revolving, and can be reallocated to new recipients once repaid.
Arsad emphasized that this model provides a preventive solution so people will not resort to illegal financing.
He expressed confidence that mosques can become both an economic pillar of the community and a shield against the lure of online loans and gambling.
Source: antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/383093/ministry-baznas-promote-mosques-as-shield-against-online-loans
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RM65,000 allocated to improve facilities at Taman Alma Jaya Mosque
theSun Local
2025-09-28
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam Steven Sim Chee Keong has allocated RM65,000 to improve facilities at the Taman Alma Jaya Mosque.
Sim, who is also the Minister of Human Resources, stated that RM50,000 of this allocation will convert an old, unused restroom into a multi-purpose meeting hall.
He explained that this conversion followed a specific request from the mosque’s management committee.
“This hall will serve as a space for meetings, community activities, and religious programmes for the congregation,“ he said during his visit to the 25-year-old mosque.
Sim also announced an additional RM15,000 contribution from his office for the project.
Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon contributed RM3,000 to furnish the hall with furniture, air conditioning, and an audio system.
The Taman Alma Jaya Mosque serves over 20,000 Muslim residents from 35 surrounding housing areas.
The mosque has also received approval for a separate RM2.5 million federal government allocation to replace its ageing roof.
Sim added that these efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing religious institution facilities.
He stated this ensures both worshipper comfort and the well-being of the local community. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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Tale of two gig workers in Elmina plane crash: How Malaysia’s new law closes protection gap, says Steven Sim
By Ida Lim
29 Sep 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Two gig workers who died in the 2023 Elmina plane crash had completely different fates. It hinged on whether they had continued contributing to Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage.
Today, Malaysia’s new law will ensure all gig workers are protected, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said.
Sim said these two gig workers happened to be on the highway near the Elmina township in Shah Alam when the plane crashed, and both did not survive the tragedy.
“Same accident. Same place. Same time. Two workers from the same gig sector yet two utterly divergent fates because of one crucial difference: social security protection,” he said in a speech at the World Social Security Forum 2025 here.
The first gig worker, a p-hailing driver, 32, had just renewed his Socso coverage two months before the plane crash, which meant his family now receives almost RM2,000 in monthly pension from Socso despite losing him as a breadwinner.
Sim said the second gig worker, a 53-year-old e-hailing driver with two school going children, had unfortunately discontinued his Socso contributions before the tragedy, which left his family without protection and facing financial uncertainty.
While the old system for Socso protection of gig workers depended on their voluntary enrolment, Sim said Malaysia last month made history when Parliament passed the landmark Gig Workers Act.
Under this new law, millions of gig workers in Malaysia now have compulsory and enhanced social protection.
“With the new Gig Workers Act, we have closed that gap. We not only guarantee safer and fairer conditions for them, but we can now be confident that such tragedies of exclusion will never be repeated,” he said.
Later, in a special plenary session titled “Shaping social security for the people’s future: The Madani approach in a changing world”, Sim said the new Malaysian law would not only improve working conditions for gig workers, but will also ensure they have a say when it comes to the amount they earn and that there would be more transparency in algorithms.
Pointing to the two workers’ differing fates in the Elmina plane crash incident, Sim said: “This new law not only compels, but rather it shifts the liability of ensuring social security protection from workers in our old framework to platform companies, so now platforms companies will have the responsibility in law to ensure gig workers are protected.”
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/29/tale-of-two-gig-workers-in-elmina-plane-crash-how-malaysias-new-law-closes-protection-gap-says-steven-sim/192634
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Anwar: New scheme to protect employees even outside workplace and office hours
By Ida Lim
29 Sep 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Malaysia will soon introduce round-the-clock protection for workers, covering injuries sustained even outside of office hours, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
Anwar said the government will introduce the Non-Employment Injury Scheme to strengthen Malaysia’s legal framework and enhance protection for all workers, including those in remote or flexible arrangements.
“This stems from a realisation that the pressures of work do not stop at the factory gate or the office door.
“In an age of flexible and remote arrangements, this reform will align protection with the realities of how people live and work today,” he said in his opening speech at the World Social Security Forum 2025 here today.
He stressed the scheme would extend coverage at all times, recognising that “accidents and injuries do not keep a timetable.”
The announcement aligns with previous statements by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who said in February that his ministry was aiming to introduce laws for a Non-Occupational Accident Scheme (SKBBK) this year to provide protection for employees involved in accidents outside of working hours.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/29/anwar-new-scheme-to-protect-employees-even-outside-workplace-and-office-hours/192761
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Mideast
Israel army says struck Hezbollah weapons depots in south Lebanon
September 28, 2025
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said it struck weapons depots belonging to the armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Sunday.
“A short while ago, the IDF (Israeli military) struck Hezbollah weapon storage facilities in southern Lebanon. These weapon depots were used by the terrorist organization to advance and carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel,” the military said in a statement.
Despite a November ceasefire that ended over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the latter has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon and still has troops positioned at five border points inside Lebanon.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, is under intense pressure to hand over its weapons, with the Lebanese army having drawn up a plan to disarm it, beginning in the south.
Lebanon itself is facing pressure to act from the United States, as well as from the ongoing Israeli strikes.
But on Saturday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group would not allow itself to be disarmed as he addressed supporters while marking one year since the killing by Israel of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah was the only major armed group allowed to keep its weapons following Lebanon’s civil war, because it was fighting continued Israeli occupation of the south.
The group’s heartlands are in mainly Shiite southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as south Beirut.
In October 2023, it began launching rockets at Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza. Months of exchanges escalated into all-out war in September 2024, before a ceasefire was agreed two months later.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2617078/middle-east
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Erdogan tells Spanish PM that Turkiye backs Gaza aid delivery efforts
September 29, 2025
ISTANBUL: President Tayyip Erdogan told Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez that Turkiye will continue efforts to stop Israeli attacks in Gaza and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Erdogan’s office said on Saturday.
“Our president expressed satisfaction with Prime Minister Sanchez’s sensitivity regarding the Sumud aid flotilla and said Turkiye is closely monitoring the situation,” it said, referring to the international aid flotilla aiming to break an Israeli naval embargo on Gaza.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2617110/middle-east
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Israeli Enemy Airforce Destroys Mecca Residential Tower in Gaza City
28 Sep 2025
Israeli enemy airforce destroyed on Sunday evening the Mecca residential tower west of Gaza City shortly after warning its residents to evacuate.
The enemy airforce targeted the multi story tower with columns of smoke seen rising from the location leading to the displacement of hundreds of Palestinian families who lived in it and displaced families around it as hundreds of tents housing other displaced people were scattered around it according to local sources.
About an hour before the targeting the Israeli enemy army warned the tower s residents to evacuate it in preparation for its bombardment in an escalation of the genocide it has been committing against Palestinians in the sector for nearly two years.
The enemy army has intensified over the past two weeks its destruction of towers and residential buildings in Gaza City aiming to force the city s residents to leave it to reoccupy it as the enemy army has blown up in recent weeks dozens of towers and hundreds of residential buildings throughout the city.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3561653.htm
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186 Israeli Settlers & Tourist storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
28 Sep 2025
Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds this morning, Sunday, under tight protection from Israeli occupation police.
Local Jerusalemite sources reported that 186 settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Moroccan Gate in groups during the morning hours. They carried out provocative tours in the courtyards and performed Talmudic rituals, all under the protection of Israeli police and intelligence forces.
The sources added that the occupation forces tightened their military measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the Old City, restricting access for worshippers and residents.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is subjected to daily settler incursions, except on Fridays and Saturdays, conducted in groups during morning and evening hours under the protection of the occupation authorities. These raids are part of an attempt to impose temporal and spatial division within the mosque.
In recent days, Al-Aqsa has witnessed an escalation of settler incursions, incited by the so-called “Temple Groups”, coinciding with the Jewish New Year. During these incursions, settlers chanted prayers and Talmudic songs, particularly near the Dome of the Rock Mosque.
Extremist settler groups sought to mobilize large numbers of settlers during the Jewish New Year to achieve a new record in incursions and enforce Talmudic rituals within Al-Aqsa’s courtyards—a dangerous step aimed at consolidating further Judaization of the holy site.
These actions are part of systematic Zionist efforts to erase the Islamic and historical identity of Al-Quds and falsify the true narrative, threatening Islamic sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque and paving the way for further attacks on its religious sanctity.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3561458.htm
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Jihad": Commemorating steadfast, ongoing jihadi history of Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine
28 Sep 2025
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the martyrdom of the two leaders, the mujahidin Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine recalled the steadfast and ongoing jihadi history of our brothers in Hezbollah, particularly Sayyed Nasrallah's positions in confronting the Zionist project in the region and his steadfast defense of Palestine and the oppression of its people.
The movement said in a press statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) on Sunday: "Our Palestinian people and all the free people of the Arab and Islamic nation feel proud that the two martyred leaders are marching on the path to Quds, in a just battle to support the Palestinian people in confronting the crime of genocide and massacres they are being subjected to at the hands of the criminal army of the Zionist entity."
She added, "On this occasion, we congratulate our brothers in Hezbollah, led by Secretary-General His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, for their steadfastness and resilience in the face of the barbaric aggression launched by the enemy against Lebanon, their rapid ability to recover, and their blessed efforts to thwart all Zionist and American projects and endeavors to undermine the resistance and its forces."
She concluded by saying, "We ask God to protect Lebanon and its resistant people, and to grant it stability and prosperity. We are confident that it is capable of overcoming this critical stage in its history."
Source: saba.ye
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Qatar Foundation's Al-Mujadilah wins architectural award
28 Sep 2025
Doha: Qatar Foundation's Al-Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women has been honored with Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation by Design Award in the Architectural Design category.
Al-Mujadilah, located in Qatar Foundation's (QF's) Education City, was founded by Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
This recognition highlights Al-Mujadilah's community-centred architecture which provides a welcoming space to support Muslim women as they deepen their faith and live with purpose in the modern world.
"This award is especially meaningful for the Al-Mujadilah team as it affirms our efforts over the past months to support Muslim women's personal, religious, and communal development,” said Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director at Al-Mujadilah.
"To be recognized by Fast Company is a testament to our commitment to this vision, and to the vital role Muslim women continue to play in fostering dialogue and driving societal progression.”
"The architecture of Al-Mujadilah reflects our story - a space that encourages innovation while staying deeply grounded in the values of our Islamic faith and heritage,” said Fatima Al-Dosari, Director of Communications at Al-Mujadilah.
"Designed as a dedicated space for Muslim women to connect with their faith and one another, this recognition by Fast Company strengthens our ability to inspire, engage, and support women across diverse communities.”
The establishment of Al-Mujadilah was inspired by the role of the mosque as the axis of society as a vibrant community hub, with classrooms, a library, gathering spaces, a café, and gardens that foster connection, learning, and reflection for women.
The Center hosts various activities in Arabic and English that explore topics like Islamic history and law, as well as religious, mental, and social well-being.
At its heart, Al-Mujadilah’s 9,400 square foot iconic Musallah (prayer hall) can accommodate 750 worshippers. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Musallah's capacity is extended to accommodate 1,300 people. The Musullah connects to the Center’s striking Qiblah wall in the direction of Makkah. Its intentional asymmetrical curvature carves out Al-Mujadilah's Mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of prayer) and Minbar (the Imam's pulpit for sermons).
The Center’s roof illuminates the interior with over 5,000 light wells, which filter sunlight into a diffuse glow and extends beyond the building to shade outdoor areas. Other features include a large indoor open-air ablution space with volcanic stone finishes, and a reimagined minaret with speaker clusters that ascend and descend a 39-meter steel-mesh tower for the daily calls to prayer.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Iran’s top security official meets Hezbollah Chief in Lebanon
Sep 28, 2025
Ali Larijani, who is visiting Beirut, held talks with Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem as part of his series of meetings with senior officials of the country.
In this meeting, Larijani stressed that Tehran is fully prepared to extend support to Lebanon and the Resistance at every level in line with the guidance of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as with the backing of the Iranian government and people.
For his part, Sheikh Naim Qassem expressed his gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of Iran for their continued solidarity with the Resistance, particularly on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hezbollah’s former secretary-general. He praised Iran’s efforts and actions in support of Lebanon and its Resistance.
He assured the Iranian delegation that Lebanon remains steadfast in the face of American-Zionist challenges and threats, emphasizing that the Lebanese nation stands with dignity, freedom, and independence.
“Anyone who witnesses the courageous and patient stance of our people will be convinced that victory in the confrontation with the Zionist enemy belongs to us,” Sheikh Qassem said.
He further noted that Hezbollah engages openly with all parties and is ready for cooperation with anyone who stands against the Zionist regime.
Earlier on Saturday, the SNSC secretary also met with Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, Larijani told reporters that one of the purposes of his trip was to attend the anniversary ceremony of the martyrdom of Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah and to hold discussions with a number of Lebanese officials.
Source: mehrnews.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ghazwa-e-hind-slogan-up-cm-yogi/d/137031