Shia Community Protests In Kargil Supporting Khamenei Against US And Israel
New Age Islam News Bureau
15 January 2026
Shia community protests in Kargil supporting Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei against US and Israel
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· Shia community protests in Kargil supporting Khamenei against US and Israel
· Israel’s ‘deliberate intention of preventing births among Palestinians’ meets ‘legal criteria of Genocide Convention’: Reports
· Saudi Arabia welcomes US decision to designate Muslim Brotherhood as global terrorist entity
· Government In Talks With Muslim MPs Over Final Anti‑Muslim Hatred Definition
· 'Total ban' on Sharia law is on the horizon, Texas Gov. Abbott tells Glenn Beck: 'That will pass overwhelmingly'
· Ekpoma Protest: Edo Commissioner Reveals Fate Of 38 Arrested Students
· PM Anwar orders urgent probe into HELP University gas explosion
· UNICEF Seeks $950 Million To Support 12 Million People In Afghanistan
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India
· 'Kashmir issue can only be resolved through jihad': Lashkar leader issues threat; video surfaces
· From Chabahar to Kashmir: Why chaos in Iran hurts India, benefits China & Pakistan
· First batch of J&K students likely to return from Iran on Jan 16 amid evacuation advisory
· Umar Khalid and the UAPA question: Why bail remains elusive — Decoding Supreme Court ruling
· Akhlaq lynching case: ‘Paperwork incomplete’, district judge gives accused last chance to submit documents while seeking transfer of case
· Delhi High Court pulls up NGO for repeated PILs on alleged mosque encroachments
· Congress’s flexible policy toward politics of hatred caused severe damage to country, Constitution: Madani
· Anger, concern among KGMU ranks, alumni as ‘love jihad’ claims widen, vandalism shakes campus
· He set out to build a school for his village in Madhya Pradesh. What followed: Madrasa rumours and demolition
· ‘Went to get obscene pics deleted’: ‘Audio clip’ of pilgrim who stayed back in Pak goes viral
· Pakistani prisoner in critical condition at RG Kar Hospital; jail seeks embassy intimation
· If religious places are to be profiled, then start with temples: Mehbooba Mufti
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Mideast
· Syrian military tells civilians to evacuate contested area east of Aleppo amid rising tensions
· Israeli forces detonate house of detainee Abu Al-Rab near Jenin
· Witkoff: Gaza 'entering second phase of ceasefire'
· Iran vows fast trials over protests after Trump threat
· Hezbollah warns Lebanese state against expanding disarmament push
· Iran temporarily closes airspace to most flights
· Palestinian factions agree on committee members to run Gaza
· Jordanian and Irish officials discuss investment, regional stability
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Arab World
· Threat to Kingdom’s security is ‘red line’ that will be ‘addressed and neutralized,’ Saudi envoy says
· Saudi defense minister announces SR1.9b development package for Yemen
· Saudi deputy foreign minister calls for Sudanese unity during meeting in Cairo
· Saudi Human Rights Commission president meets Italian ambassador in Riyadh
· Canada eyes stronger ties with Saudi Arabia in 2026
· Smart systems streamline crowds at Grand Mosque
· Buraidah’s Klaija Festival features local, global flavors
· ‘Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break
· Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation
· Manhood Rules: new program teaches Saudi etiquette to younger generation
· Fines for dune-bashing in AlUla to protect vegetation
· Heritage Commission discovers 20 ancient rock art sites in Soudah Peaks
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Europe
· Laila Cunningham: 'London is not a Muslim city and I'd like to see Christianity celebrated more'
· Two Palestine Action hunger strikers end protest after 73 days
· Ukraine sacrificing troops in failed defensive effort – top Russian commander
· Von der Leyen vows to turn EU into ‘military powerhouse’ – media
· Putin and Lula discuss Venezuela in phone call – Kremlin
· EU reveals new plan to steal Russian assets
· Hillsborough Law campaigners say they cannot back proposed bill
· David Hockney says moving Bayeux Tapestry to UK is 'madness'
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North America
· Senate Foreign Relations Committee calls for U.S. leadership in protecting religious freedom
· US attack on Iran imminent – Reuters
· Gone too far? What Americans think of US op in Venezuela – most want ‘less-active’ role in world affairs
· ‘Fundamental disagreement’: No breakthrough in Greenland talks? Who said what after high-stakes meeting
· Texas GOP has 10 non-binding propositions on March primary ballot, including banning Sharia law
· Why Washington will take Greenland
· CAIR Opposes Latest March to War with Iran for Israel’s Benefit, Says Iranian People Must Determine Their Future Without Internal Oppression or Foreign Interference
· CAIR Md. to Hold Webinar on Best Practices to Manage Religious Accommodations for Incarcerated Muslims on Feb. 4
· California investigates Grok over AI deepfakes
· US is ‘main enemy of the dollar’ – ex-IMF director
· Advocates again ask the Detroit district to recognize Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr
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Africa
· Violations: Lagos shuts 244 hotels, churches, mosques, others in 2025
· Fubara De-escalates Rivers Crisis, Reaches Out To Speaker As Lawmakers Withdraw From Impeachment Plot
· PRP accuses Islamic scholars, Bauchi Assembly of interfering in judicial process
· How Owo Church Attack Shattered My Legs, Took My Eye – Survivor Narrates In Court
· Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment
· ‘A Friend of a Thief Is A Thief’ – Defence Minister Issues Warning to Sheikh Gumi, Others
· ‘You Can Criticize Me But Edo Is For Tinubu’ – Okpebholo Tells Critics
· Tinubu Charges Military to Uphold Discipline, Loyalty and Unity
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Southeast Asia
· Bomba: Two-week investigation underway for deadly HELP University AC blast
· Johor MACC remands shariah officer, lawyer for allegedly soliciting and receiving RM91,000 bribe
· Jakarta to Import 7,500 Live Cattle from Australia Ahead of Ramadan
· Fact Check: AI Video Fakes Israeli Flag at Surabaya Protest
· Chief Secretary hauls up 14 ministry heads for missing development goals
· Akmal quits Melaka exco role but stays on as Umno Youth chief
· Toy store assistant faces shariah charges for alleged cross-dressing in Kuala Terengganu
· Will UPSR and PT3 return? Education Ministry sets end-2026 deadline for policy review
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South Asia
· Japan provides $3 million for health and psychosocial support in Afghanistan
· 3.3 Billion Afghanis Outstanding Debts Owed to Previous Government Paid, Ministry
· U.S. freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran
· Muttaqi, UNAMA Officials Discuss Doha Process, Development Efforts
· Vulnerable Families Need More Support, Employment
· Kabul, Beijing Discuss Strengthening Tourism, Cultural Ties
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Shia community protests in Kargil supporting Khamenei against US and Israel
Jan 15, 2026
Shia community protests in Kargil supporting Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei against US and Israel
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Members of the Shia community on Wednesday staged massive protests in the Shia-majority Kargil district of Ladakh, expressing strong support for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and solidarity with the Iranian regime. They also raised slogans against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of pursuing hostile approaches toward Iran and the broader Muslim world.
Large crowds gathered at key locations across the district, waving banners and placards in praise of Iran’s leadership. Protesters said the demonstration was meant to convey unity with the Iranian people and to reaffirm ideological and religious bonds shared with Iran’s Shia leadership.
Alongside messages of support, protesters also raised slogans criticising the policies of the United States and Israel. They specifically targeted US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of pursuing hostile approaches toward Iran and the broader Muslim world.
Security arrangements were put in place to ensure that the protests remained orderly, and officials reported no incidents of violence.
The protest in Kargil comes amid heightened regional and international tensions involving Iran, with expressions of support and opposition emerging from different parts of the world. The political turmoil in Iran has escalated as the protests against the Khamenei government entered 20th day. The nationwide protests, which started over double-digit inflation and the continuous devaluation of the Iranian currency, has so far claimed about 2,500 lives.
US President Donald Trump called upon protesters to take over their institutions, urging them not to back down and saying help for them was on the way. The Trump administration also advised some personnel to evacuate the US-run Al Udeid Air Base as a precautionary measure after Iran issued a stark warning to neighbouring countries hosting US military bases and threatened to strike American installations if Washington launches an attack on Iranian territory.
Source: indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/shia-community-protests-in-kargil-supporting-iranian-supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-against-us-and-israel-2852128-2026-01-15
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Israel’s ‘deliberate intention of preventing births among Palestinians’ meets ‘legal criteria of Genocide Convention’: Reports
January 14, 2026
Palestinian girls play amid buildings destroyed by Israeli air and ground operations in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo)
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LONDON: Births in Gaza fell by 41 percent due to Israel’s war on the territory, with the conflict resulting in catastrophic numbers of maternal deaths, miscarriages and birth complications, two reports have found.
The data on pregnant women, babies and maternity care in the war-torn Palestinian enclave also revealed a surge in newborn mortality and premature births, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.
Dangerous wartime conditions and Israel’s systematic destruction of Gaza’s health systems were blamed for the alarming statistics.
The two reports were conducted by Physicians for Human Rights, in collaboration with the University of Chicago Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic and Physicians for Human Rights — Israel.
Researchers highlighted Israel’s “deliberate intention of preventing births among Palestinians, meeting the legal criteria of the Genocide Convention.”
The reports build on earlier findings by PHR’s Israel branch. They place the testimonies of pregnant women and new mothers within the context of health data and field reports, which recorded “2,600 miscarriages, 220 pregnancy-related deaths, 1,460 premature births, over 1,700 underweight newborns, and over 2,500 infants requiring neonatal intensive care” between January and June 2025.
PHRI’s Lama Bakri, a psychologist and project manager, said: “These figures represent a shocking deterioration from pre-war ‘normalcy,’ and are the direct result of war trauma, starvation, displacement and the collapse of maternal healthcare.
“These conditions endanger both mothers and their unborn babies, newborns, and breastfed infants, and will have consequences for generations, permanently altering families.”
She added: “Beyond the numbers, what emerges in this report are the women themselves, their voices, choices and lived realities, confronting impossible dilemmas that statistics alone cannot fully capture.”
Maternal and newborn care in Gaza has been damaged by Israel’s destruction of health infrastructure, as well as fuel shortages, blocked medical supplies, mass displacement and relentless bombardment.
As a result, survival in Gaza’s overcrowded tent encampments has become the sole option for pregnant women and new mothers.
During the first six months of Israel’s war on the territory, more than 6,000 mothers were killed, at an average of two every hour, according to UN Women estimates.
It is also believed that about 150,000 pregnant women and new mothers have been forcibly displaced by the conflict.
In the first months of last year, just 17,000 births were recorded in Gaza, a 41 percent fall compared to the same period in 2022.
The researchers examined Israel’s apparent strategy to undermine Palestinian births, highlighting a targeted strike in December 2023 on the Al-Basma IVF clinic.
The attack on Gaza’s largest fertility center destroyed about 5,000 reproductive specimens and ended a pattern of 70-100 IVF procedures each month.
The strike was deliberately designed to target the reproductive potential of Palestinians, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry later found.
“Reproductive violence constitutes a violation under international law; when carried out systematically and with them intent to destroy, it falls within the definition of genocide of the Genocide Convention,” the reports said.
“The destruction of maternal care in Gaza reflects the deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinian people, in whole or in part.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2629348/middle-east
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Saudi Arabia welcomes US decision to designate Muslim Brotherhood as global terrorist entity
January 14, 2026
A man photographs the main entrance of the original Muslim Brotherhood office, that is sealed with official wax after it was raided and shut down by police, in Amman, Jordan, Wednesday, April 13, 2016. (AP)
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DUBAI: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday welcomed a decision by the United States to designate the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as a global terrorist organization.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X: “The Kingdom affirms its condemnation of extremism and terrorism, and its support for all that achieves the security of Arab countries, their stability and prosperity, and the security of the region and the world.”
The US administration labeled the groups in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists,” and blacklisted the Lebanese organization as a “foreign terrorist organization.”
The decision on Tuesday came weeks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing his administration to start the process of blacklisting the groups.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2629286/saudi-arabia
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Government In Talks With Muslim MPs Over Final Anti‑Muslim Hatred Definition
January 14, 2026
(Alamy)
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The government is holding meetings with Muslim MPs in a bid to finalise the wording of an anti-Muslim hatred definition, PoliticsHome understands.
In October, PoliticsHome revealed that the definition, which is being led by the communities department, will not refer to Islamophobia. Instead, it will refer to anti-Muslim hostility.
In an effort to tackle the rise in hate crimes towards Muslims in the UK, the Labour government asked an independent working group, led by former Conservative cabinet minister Dominic Grieve KC, to produce a new definition for ministers to consider.
Throughout the process, the government has sought to stress that any new definition will not infringe on freedom of speech, and that it is not obliged to accept what the working group proposes.
The government is in the final stages of agreeing on the exact wording of the definition. It could be published as soon as this month, PoliticsHome understands.
One of the outstanding issues is whether to include the word "racialisation".
A draft definition seen by PoliticsHome late last year described "the prejudicial stereotyping and racialisation of Muslims, as part of a collective group with set characteristics, to stir up hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions, beliefs or actions as individuals".
However, the government is considering removing this term, while some Muslim MPs are pushing for it to remain in the wording.
On Wednesday, a cross-party group of Muslim MPs met with faith minister Miatta Fahnbulleh to discuss the details of the definition, PoliticsHome understands. In an email to MPs inviting them to the meeting, she said the "first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe".
The working group is reporting to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who replaced Angela Rayner in the September cabinet reshuffle. He previously told The Telegraph he would not support wording which could curb free speech, telling the paper he would not allow the introduction of "blasphemy laws".
The government has also said it wants the new definition to protect people, and not religions.
Source: politicshome.com
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https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/government-talks-muslim-mps-final-antimuslim-hatred-definition
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'Total ban' on Sharia law is on the horizon, Texas Gov. Abbott tells Glenn Beck: 'That will pass overwhelmingly'
JOSEPH MACKINNON
JANUARY 14, 2026
Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Republican Gov. Greg Abbott highlighted in his conversation on Wednesday with Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck the efforts underway in Texas to combat radical Islam and indicated that a "total ban" on Sharia may be imminent.
Abbott designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations on Nov. 18 — a designation CAIR claimed was defamatory and had "no basis in law or fact."
The Dallas Fort Worth and Austin CAIR chapters promptly sued the state, claiming that Abbott's proclamation violated their First Amendment rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a response making mince meat out of the radical groups' claims and stating, "Radical Islamist terrorist groups are anti-American, and the infiltration of these dangerous individuals into Texas must be stopped."
Abbott told Beck that "because of the strength of our response, they were required to file an amended pleading in court" in which the plaintiffs dropped multiple assertions from their original complaint, including the claim that they were in full compliance with federal and state law.
"They deleted that they were fully in compliance with federal state law," said Abbott.
"They deleted what they previously said, that they were not affiliated with any foreign organization. They deleted that they would not engage in terrorism. ... They deleted that they were not a threat to national security."
The governor suggested these deletions amounted to concessions "on their part that actually they are not in compliance with the federal and state law; that they are engaged in terrorism; that they are a threat to national security."
Blaze News has reached out to the Dallas Fort Worth and Austin CAIR chapters for comment.
This is hardly the only battle that Islamists are poised to lose in Texas.
When asked by Beck about the "rising threat of Sharia law" in Texas, Abbott indicated a crackdown is underway and a Republican ban is in the works.
Abbott ratified legislation in September banning residential property developments like the East Plano Islamic Center community from "creating Sharia compounds and defrauding and discriminating against Texans." The following month, he directed Paxton, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the district attorneys and sheriffs of Collin and Dallas Counties to "investigate efforts by entities purporting to illegally enforce Sharia law in Texas."
Abbott acknowledged in his directive that the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom "provides wide berth for religious institutions to order their own affairs under the 'church autonomy' doctrine," allowing for houses of worship to adjudicate questions regarding religious doctrine, ecclesial governance, selection of clergy, or internal discipline of members.
The governor, who underscored in February that "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas," noted that "it is different entirely, however, for religious groups to set up courts purporting to replace actual courts of law to evade neutral and generally applicable laws."
Abbott told Beck that while state agencies have taken action against Sharia and there are already laws on the books addressing the Islamic legal system, Texas Republican voters have an opportunity to go a step further in the upcoming state GOP primary elections on March 3.
"Texas should prohibit Sharia Law" will appear as proposition 10 on the Texas GOP primary ballot.
"That will pass overwhelmingly," said Abbott.
"It will lead to a new law with a total ban on Sharia law in the state of Texas and then it will impose a duty on the attorney general to fully enforce that ban on Sharia law."
Source: theblaze.com
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https://www.theblaze.com/news/texas-gov-abbott-tells-glenn-beck-total-ban-on-sharia-law-is-on-the-horizon-that-will-pass-overwhelmingly
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Ekpoma Protest: Edo Commissioner Reveals Fate Of 38 Arrested Students
January 14, 2026
By Oladipo Abiola
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, has disclosed that 38 students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, arrested over last weekend’s protest in the area will be released.
Naija News reports that the Commissioner made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
Iyamu said the Edo State government has been working round the clock to ensure that the arrested students were released.
He confirmed that some of the students had already been released on Tuesday, while others would be released on Wednesday.
“We didn’t sleep till 1 a.m. this morning, trying to release the students, some of them yesterday.
“Altogether, we are releasing about 38 students,” the commissioner said.
He noted the unrest, which led to the destruction of properties, was masterminded by some unsrupulous elements living outside Edo State.
Iyamu, however, assured that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to promoting peace and unity in Edo State.
“On May 13 [2025], if I’m not mistaken, they had a peaceful protest in Edo state. People protested because of the cultism.
“And they did the procession straight to Government House, and the governor received them himself. He took them into his office. After addressing them outside, he took them into his office, and everything went on smooth.
“So one expects that if people are going to be also making their, their pains known, you need to do it in a very orderly manner so that the government in the usual manner will also take steps, but taking laws into their hands, going to steal, going into the palace of the king to do a lot is totally out of it,” he stated.
Iyamu added that following the return to normalcy in the area, the government has approved the resumption of academic activities previously suspended in the wake of the violence.
“We have released the communiqué this morning. Students are to return to school on Monday.
“The schools resume in the central on Monday because normalcy has been restored. The governor is even still in the general area, trying to make sure that the peace is sustained, and so far, normalcy has been restored. Security agencies are doing a lot,” he added.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/14/ekpoma-protest-edo-commissioner-reveals-fate-of-38-arrested-students/
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PM Anwar orders urgent probe into HELP University gas explosion
14 Jan 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim demands immediate investigation into fatal air-conditioning gas blast at HELP University, offers condolences to victim’s family.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into a fatal air-conditioning gas explosion at HELP University.
In a post on X, Anwar said the probe is necessary to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
He extended condolences to the family of the late Soo Yu Juan, who died from injuries sustained in the blast last Monday.
“Condolences to the family of the late Soo Yu Juan on the loss of your beloved child,” Anwar said.
He also wished a full recovery to the injured, including Reeya Kaur Thandal, who remains hospitalised.
Soo, a 24-year-old third-year Mechanical Engineering student at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, passed away while receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Nine others were injured in the explosion at the private university around 11.40 am.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/pm-anwar-orders-urgent-probe-into-help-university-gas-explosion/
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UNICEF Seeks $950 Million To Support 12 Million People In Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
January 14, 2026
UNICEF said it needs $950 million to support 12 million people in Afghanistan, including 6.5 million children, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
UNICEF said it urgently needs $950 million to meet the basic humanitarian needs of 12 million people in Afghanistan, including 6.5 million children, warning the funding is critical for survival and development.
The UN children’s agency said Afghans are facing overlapping crises, including natural disasters, a fragile economy, limited access to essential services and worsening climate shocks that continue to strain families nationwide.
UNICEF estimates that in 2026 around 22 million people, including 11.6 million children, will require humanitarian assistance across Afghanistan, highlighting the scale of the ongoing emergency.
The agency also warned of a growing protection crisis, saying pregnant women, children, young people and marginalized groups face increasing risks amid poverty, displacement and weakened social services.
UNICEF raised particular concern over what it described as a systematic erosion of women’s and girls’ rights, citing bans on education, employment restrictions and daily limitations that undermine resilience and carry long-term consequences.
Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis deepened after international aid declined sharply following the Taliban’s return to power, while banking restrictions and economic isolation have limited recovery efforts.
Repeated droughts, earthquakes and floods have compounded the crisis, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance as climate-related shocks become more frequent and severe.
UNICEF urged the international community to act swiftly, warning that failure to secure the requested funding would place Afghanistan’s most vulnerable children and women at even greater risk in the year ahead.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/unicef-seeks-950-million-to-support-12-million-people-in-afghanistan/
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India
'Kashmir issue can only be resolved through jihad': Lashkar leader issues threat; video surfaces
Jan 14, 2026
NEW DELHI: Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Abu Musa Kashmiri's video issuing warning regarding the "Kashmir issue" has surfaced on social media.
Musa said that he has personally told Pakistan’s prime minister and senior ministers that, in their view, the Kashmir issue can be addressed "only through terrorism carried out under the guise of 'jihad,'" the post said.
The TOI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
This comes after top LeT commander Abu Qatal's death. Qatal was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Pakistan’s Jhelum area of Sindh on Saturday night. A close aide of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, Qatal served as the group’s chief operational commander and was known for planning several terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named Qatal, along with four other Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, in its chargesheet related to the Rajouri terror attack. The case pertains to the January 1, 2023 assault on Dhangri village in Rajouri, in which terrorists carried out a deadly attack that left seven people dead.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/kashmir-issue-can-only-be-resolved-through-jihad-lashkar-leader-issues-threat-video-surfaces/articleshowprint/126523542.cms
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From Chabahar to Kashmir: Why chaos in Iran hurts India, benefits China & Pakistan
Jan 14, 2026
As protests driven by economic distress and political fatigue spread across Iranian cities, New Delhi is watching events unfold with quiet unease. For India, the question is not whether Iran’s clerical leadership can weather the unrest, but what a weakened or collapsing Iranian state would mean for India’s already constrained strategic environment.
India’s engagement with Iran has never been ideological. It has been shaped by geography, access and balance. With Pakistan blocking overland routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia, Iran has long functioned as India’s only viable western corridor. It has also acted as a counterweight to Pakistani influence in the region and as a stabilising pillar in India’s carefully calibrated West Asia policy, which seeks engagement across rival power blocs.
A sudden weakening or collapse of the Iranian state would not produce a clean transition. It would generate uncertainty at a moment when India’s strategic room for manoeuvre is already narrowing — with Bangladesh in uncertainty with reports of minority killings, Pakistan being Pakistan, China expanding its footprint across the region and the US under Donald Trump hurtling the world into one crisis after another.
Any disruption in Iran would ripple outward, reshaping trade routes, diplomatic alignments and security calculations that India has spent decades managing.
But why does Iran matter to India?
India’s gateway to Central Asia
For decades, Iran has served as India’s most viable land bridge to Afghanistan and Central Asia. With Pakistan denying India overland access, Tehran became the cornerstone of New Delhi’s westward connectivity strategy.
At the heart of this vision lies Chabahar Port. Developed with Indian assistance, Chabahar was designed to give India direct access to the Iranian coast, bypassing Pakistan entirely, and linking onward to Afghanistan and Central Asia through road and rail networks. For India, Chabahar was not merely a commercial port; it was a strategic statement — proof that geography need not be destiny.
JNU professor Rajan Kumar in conversation with the Times of India says: “Iran remains India’s most important land bridge to Central Asia, since Pakistan denies India access to overland routes.” Even after the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and the stalling of rail projects due to sanctions, the logic of Chabahar has not disappeared. If anything, it has become more critical.
A regime change that leads to prolonged instability would place these projects in jeopardy. Connectivity corridors require political coherence, security guarantees and long-term planning. As Kumar warns, “In a post-Khamenei power struggle, Chabahar risks becoming a hostage to instability rather than a strategic asset.” For India, losing Iran as a stable transit partner would mean losing its only realistic access point to Central Asia.
How Iran historically balanced Pakistan
Iran’s value to India has not only been geographic; it has also been strategic. Despite being a Muslim-majority country, Tehran has never aligned itself with Pakistan’s anti-India narrative. On the contrary, Iran has consistently opposed Sunni extremist groups that threaten Shia populations — the very networks that have targeted Indian interests over the decades.
This divergence mattered deeply in the 1990s and early 2000s. As Pakistan backed the Taliban to secure “strategic depth” in Afghanistan, Iran and India found themselves on the same side, supporting anti-Taliban forces. This convergence quietly limited Pakistan’s influence in the region and prevented Islamabad from monopolising Afghanistan’s political future.
If Iran weakens or splinters, that balance erodes by default. Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and Central Asia would grow — not necessarily through dramatic victories, but through the absence of a counterweight.
India-Iran trade overview
Kumar puts it starkly: “If Iran weakens or fragments internally, Pakistan stands to gain indirectly.”
Iran has also been a diplomatic counterweight to Pakistan. In the mid-1990s, when Pakistan pushed for international sanctions on India over Kashmir, Tehran came to India’s aid.
A weakened Iran would remove these quiet levers of influence against Pakistan. Professor Kumar warns that “India would certainly lose an important counterweight in the region if there is a regime change in Iran and a government hostile to India comes to power”.
For India already facing a locked-out western corridor (due to Pakistani opposition), Tehran’s support on regional issues – even if largely rhetorical – is valuable. As Kumar notes, Iran has “never aligned itself with Pakistan’s position on Kashmir in any substantive way.”
The Shia factor
Iran is the world’s largest Shia-majority power, and its position in West Asia gives it a distinctive role as a counterweight to Sunni-dominated states such as Saudi Arabia.
A collapse of Iran’s Shia clerical system – or its replacement by a Sunni-leaning government aligned with Gulf capitals or the United States – could leave the Middle East more uniformly Sunni-oriented. For India, that shift would matter. New Delhi has carefully built relationships across religious and political divides, engaging simultaneously with Tehran, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv and Washington. This broad-based engagement has long reflected India’s non-aligned and pluralist foreign policy tradition. A marginalised or weakened Iran would deprive India of one of its key diplomatic levers.
How Iran’s Supreme Leader built an unshakeable grip
There is also scepticism about the assumption that regime change would automatically produce a more moderate or liberal government. As Dr Ashok Sharma cautions, “even if there is a regime change, it does not automatically mean the next dispensation will be liberal or fundamentally different”. He adds that “whether the regime is Shia or Sunni does not radically alter the strategic picture, because the internal dynamics in West Asia are far more complicated”.
From New Delhi’s perspective, the collapse of the current order could simply lead to another ideologically rigid theocracy, making outcomes harder to predict. India has often found it safer to deal with a familiar, if difficult, clerical establishment than to navigate an uncertain and potentially hostile alternative.
This dilemma is sharpened by India’s deep economic and human ties with the Sunni Gulf states, where millions of Indian nationals live and work.
Yet India’s diplomatic success in West Asia has rested on its non-sectarian posture. As Kumar observes, “India has quietly benefited from Iran being the principal Shia power in West Asia.” With Iran in its current role, India has been able to maintain productive relations across the region.
Kumar argues that India’s strength lies in “multi-alignment”, combining close ties with the US, Israel and Gulf Arab states with a long-standing partnership with Tehran. A more one-dimensional, Sunni-aligned Middle East would force India into uncomfortable strategic trade-offs.
There is also a security dimension. Iran has often opposed Sunni extremist groups that threaten both Shias and Indian interests.
Organisations such as the Taliban and ISIS have targeted Shia communities in Iran, prompting Tehran to deploy forces like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against them.
These are the same militant networks that have attacked Indian interests in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Losing Iran as a counterweight to such extremism would add to regional instability. As Prof Kumar puts it, “India has strong relations with Shia Iran as well as Sunni countries… if Iran were also to turn hostile, [that] would create serious strategic problems for India in West Asia and beyond”.
Trade relations and economic stakes
In trade terms, India–Iran commerce is currently small, but not negligible. India’s total bilateral trade with Iran was about $1.3–$1.7 billion in the past year – roughly 0.1% of India’s overall trade. The bulk of this is Indian exports of foodgrains (especially basmati rice), pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods. Conversely, India’s imports from Iran are limited – mostly dry fruits and some chemicals – and oil imports have been virtually eliminated by sanctions. In practice, most Indo-Iran trade today qualifies as “humanitarian” (food and medicine) and is exempt from penalties.
So why does Iran matter economically? First, trade is a signal of wider connectivity. The fact that India still ranks among Iran’s top 10 sources for exports (around 8th place in 2025) indicates these linkages, however small, are hard to replace.
Second, India has sunk over $1 billion into Chabahar and related projects, with committed credit lines for infrastructure. Any regime change that imperils these investments would be a direct hit on taxpayer money. Already, India had to delay or restructure parts of the project to comply with US sanctions. Another disruption could force India to write off or renegotiate more of its contributions.
The China angle
Iran’s tilt in favor of China is another reason India must be wary of upheaval in Tehran. In 2021, Iran and China inked a much-publicized 25-year strategic cooperation pact. Trade data reflect this pivot. In 2024–25, China was by far Iran’s largest export market, over $14.5 billion worth of Iranian goods went to China, most of it oil and gas. In fact, as Western sanctions have bitten, Tehran has leaned heavily on Beijing to buy its discounted oil and fund infrastructure projects.
If Tehran were to break with its existing regime, China could potentially reap more benefits. An Iran in chaos or a regime installed with external backing might lean even further on Beijing for security and investment. Already, Iranian officials are discussing Chinese-funded power plants and port projects in Khuzestan. Subnational ties are growing too: President Xi has visited Iran and assured continued support. A new Chinese-aligned government in Tehran could marginalize India’s role.
Conversely, India’s presence in Iran – especially at Chabahar – is a modest counterbalance to China’s inroads. Beijing-backed Gwadar Port in Pakistan and the INSTC are part of two competing visions.
For New Delhi the loss of Tehran as an independent player only leaves more space for Chinese dominance.
Professor Kumar emphasizes this point: “Given the ongoing protests, India is likely to adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy,” he says, wary of what a US-backed or sudden regime change could mean. If a new Iranian government tilts sharply toward one side, India’s ability to engage with multiple poles (Tehran, Riyadh, Washington, even Beijing) would shrink. Thus, regime upheaval could inadvertently advantage China: a stronger Iran–China axis would give Beijing a bigger say in Iran’s regional posture, potentially to India’s detriment.
Pragmatism and caution: India’s Dilemma
Faced with these realities, India’s foreign policy has so far been cautious. New Delhi has refrained from overtly supporting Iranian protesters or endorsing regime change. As Prof. Kumar notes, “India would not support protest groups or any form of external intervention in Iran… Any political change, if it occurs, must be domestic.” India’s BRICS philosophy of sovereignty and non-interference is also guiding this approach. The priority is to keep lines of communication open with Iran’s government, however challenged it may be.
Dr Sharma highlights that India’s goal is continuity of engagement, not ideological victory. “Even if there is a regime change… from India’s perspective, whether the regime is Shia or Sunni does not radically alter the strategic picture,” he told the Times of India.
New Delhi’s policy, he argues, will remain pragmatic: engaging Tehran while managing relations with other powers. In practice, that means making sure that sanctions or a new government do not strangle projects like Chabahar entirely. It also means relying on India’s deep ties with the United States and the Gulf to maintain leverage.
The glass-half-empty scenario for India is clear: Iranian clerical rule remains imperfect, but it is predictable and has afforded India important strategic benefits. A sudden regime change – especially one that is precipitated or exploited by foreign powers – could upend this delicate equilibrium.
As Prof Kumar bluntly puts it, “Continuity in Iran’s current system has often served India’s interests better than chaos.”
Iran’s current system is constraining, often frustrating, and increasingly brittle. Yet it remains a known quantity, one with which India has learned to negotiate access, balance rivals, and preserve strategic autonomy.
A fractured Iran, or one pulled decisively into the orbit of a single external power, would narrow India’s diplomatic options and weaken its long-standing policy of multi-alignment.
For India, a stable if frosty Tehran is less risky than an unstable or hostile one.
Source: indiatimes.com
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First batch of J&K students likely to return from Iran on Jan 16 amid evacuation advisory
Fayaz Wani
SRINAGAR: Amid escalating uncertainty in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said the first batch of students from the Union Territory studying there is likely to return from Friday, subject to clearance from Iranian authorities, following India’s advisory asking its citizens to leave the country.
Indian citizens, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists, have been advised to leave Iran using available modes of transport, including commercial flights.
“We have spoken to numerous Indian students including students from Kashmir, studying in Shiraz, Arak, TUMS, and Shaheed Beheshti University in Iran. Many of them have already booked their tickets and are expected to arrive from tomorrow onwards, subject to the evolving situation and clearance from the Iranian government,” said J&K Students Association national convenor Nasir Khuehami.
Iran has reopened its airspace after temporarily closing it amid concerns about possible military action from the US.
Khuehami said self-arranged departures are not feasible for many students due to serious security risks, logistical challenges, and limited access to reliable transport and communication.
Thousands of students from across the country including 2000 from Jammu and Kashmir are currently stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation.
It has triggered fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety.
According to Khuehami, nearly 2,000 Kashmiri students currently enrolled in medical universities across different provinces of Iran remain dependent on local hostels, university infrastructure, public transportation, and essential civic services, making them particularly vulnerable amid the ongoing civil unrest.
He alleged that the prevailing situation has left many students feeling unsafe, exposed, and effectively stranded.
According to him, absence of an organised and structured evacuation mechanism has only compounded the distress faced by students and their families.
The Students Association has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to immediately initiate evacuation measures for Indian citizens including Kashmiri students stranded in Iran.
“The Government of India should put in place a clear evacuation framework, dedicated emergency helplines, and secure transit corridors, ensuring that Indian students can return home safely, securely, and with dignity,” it said.
The PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also expressed concern over the stranding of thousands of students from across the country in Iran.
“Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety,” Mehbooba posted on X.
She urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and MEA India to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Umar Khalid and the UAPA question: Why bail remains elusive — Decoding Supreme Court ruling
Jan 14, 2026
Umar Khalid and the UAPA question: Why bail remains elusive — Decoding Supreme Court rulingUmar Khalid and the UAPA question: Why bail remains elusive — Decoding Supreme Court ruling
Umar still in "qaid," and there is no different picture for Sharjeel Imam. A long spell behind bars, even before the formal beginning of the trial, cannot simply be a “trump card” or a “gateway to bail” in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Supreme Court has said while rejecting the bail pleas of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Arrested in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case, both have spent more than five years in custody, with the trial yet to formally begin.
For Khalid and Imam, both former Jawaharlal Nehru University PhD scholars, the new year brought no relief. In a 142-page judgment deliverd on January 5, 2026, the top court declined to grant them bail and restricted any fresh consideration of bail, permitting them to approach the court again only after one year or once protected witnesses are examined.
In the same verdict, however, the court drew a clear line of distinction. Five other co-accused -- Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad -- were granted bail, underscoring what the bench described as a difference in culpability within the same case.
Delhi riots case timeline
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria refused to extend the “relieving shadow of bail” to Khalid and Imam, invoking a “hierarchy of culpability” and noting that the two stood on a “qualitatively different footing” from the co-accused who were granted relief the very same day.
What the case is about
The case traces its origins to the large-scale protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the NRC that later turned violent, culminating in communal clashes in parts of Delhi in February 2020, coinciding with the visit of then US President Donald Trump.
At the bail stage, the court proceeded on the prosecution’s claim that Khalid and Imam were “ideological drivers” of the alleged conspiracy linked to the Delhi violence.
The ruling, delivered in the first week of 2026, has once again brought judicial focus on prolonged pre-trial incarceration under special laws, the limits of personal liberty, and the scope of Article 21 when statutes like the UAPA come into play.
Supreme Court bench
At the heart of the court’s reasoning lies a combination of statutory barriers and judicial interpretation, particularly its reading of Section 15 of the UAPA, including the “by any other means” clause defining a “terrorist act”, and Section 43D(5), the stringent bail provision that allows courts to deny bail if the accusations appear “prima facie true”, irrespective of the duration of custody.
Why others got bail — and they did not
According to the Supreme Court, the prosecution material was sufficient, at the stage of considering bail, to place Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam on a “qualitatively different footing” from the five co-accused who were granted bail. This distinction, the bench said, flowed from what it described as a “hierarchy of culpability” emerging from the chargesheets.
The judges observed that Khalid and Imam could not be treated on par with the other accused, whose alleged roles were confined to participation at protest sites or logistical facilitation. By contrast, the allegations against Khalid and Imam were held to be central to the planning and preparatory stages of the alleged conspiracy.
The court noted that the prosecution had attributed to the two the role of formulating protest strategies, including the alleged transition from sit-in demonstrations to coordinated road blockades or “chakka jams”, selection of locations, and articulation of the broader objectives sought to be achieved through such actions.
Quoting from the chargesheet, the bench said, “The charge-sheets attribute to them the role of formulating the protest strategy, including the alleged transition from sit-in demonstrations to chakka jams, selection of locations, and articulation of the broader political objective sought to be advanced. Their alleged acts are thus situated at the planning and preparatory stage, extending over a prolonged period.”
By contrast, the five co-accused who were granted bail were characterised as “local-level facilitators”, whose alleged involvement was limited to logistical arrangements and on-ground coordination. Their participation, the court said, was “derivative in nature”, flowing from directions allegedly issued by those placed higher in the chain.
It was this judicial demarcation -- between alleged planners and alleged facilitators -- that ultimately shaped the differing outcomes on bail.
‘Terrorist act’ and the scope of Section 15
A key legal question before the Supreme Court was whether the acts attributed to Khalid and Imam could fall within the definition of a “terrorist act” under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Under Chapter IV, Section 15 of the UAPA defines a "terrorist act" as an act committed with the intent to threaten, or likely to threaten, the unity, integrity, security, economic security or sovereignty of India, or with the intent to strike, or likely to strike, terror among the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country.
UAPA - Section 15
By using bombs, dynamite or other explosive or inflammable substances; firearms or other lethal weapons; poisonous or noxious gases; other chemicals; or any other substances of a hazardous nature, whether biological, radioactive, nuclear or otherwise; or by any other means whatsoever, to cause or likely to cause, death or injury to any person, or loss of or damage to property, etc.
The defence argued that the allegations, even if accepted at face value, disclosed issues of public order at best and could not be elevated to the level of terrorism in the absence of overt violence, weapons, or explosives. The defence contested that, in the absence of overt violence, the organisation of protests and calls for "chakka jams" amounted to constitutionally protected dissent and could not be stretched to fit the contours of Section 15.
It was submitted that even the alleged "inflammatory" speeches and appeals for road blockades, at their highest, constituted a public order issue and not a terrorist act, since the accused were not involved in any overt act of violence and did not use firearms, explosives or other lethal weapons.
The Supreme Court rejected this narrow construction.
Interpreting Section 15, which defines a terrorist act and includes the phrase "by any other means", a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria specified that the provision is not limited to "conventional forms" of violence.
The means by which such acts may be committed are not confined to the use of bombs, explosives, firearms, or other conventional weapons alone. Parliament has consciously employed the expression ‘by any other means of whatever nature’, which expression cannot be rendered otiose.
The bench
The court stressed that the focus of the law is not merely on the weapon used, but on the intent and impact of the act itself. "The statutory emphasis is thus not solely on the instrumentality employed, but on the design, intent, and effect of the act. To construe Section 15 as limited only to conventional modes of violence would be to unduly narrow the provision, contrary to its plain language," it observed.
The bench further explained that the consequences envisaged under Section 15 shed light on Parliament's understanding of terrorism. It mentioned that acts threatening economic security or disrupting essential supplies also fall within the provision's sweep, making a reference point to the allegations that Khalid called for traffic paralysis in cities and Imam sought to cut off the Northeast, including through his controversial "chicken-neck" remark.
On the clause of "by other means" Senior advocate and former Delhi high court bar association president Kirti Uppal told TOI: "The Court appears to read the phrase “by any other means” in Section 15 of the UAPA as a conscious legislative choice to widen the law’s scope, focusing on intent and impact rather than only physical violence. That is why even calls like a 'chakka jam', if alleged to be part of a larger disruptive design, are sought to be brought within its ambit."
Sections 15 and 18: Planning as liability
"Apart from death or destruction of property, the provision expressly encompasses acts which disrupt supplies or services essential to the life of the community, as well as acts which threaten the economic security of the nation. This reflects Parliament’s recognition that threats to sovereignty and security may arise through conduct that destabilises civic life or societal functioning, even in the absence of immediate physical violence," the top court said.
The accused had contended that the allegations by the Delhi Police, even if accepted in full, disclosed only a case of public disorder and that invoking UAPA amounted to an overstretched understanding of terrorism. They argued that, at most, the case could attract conspiracy under Section 18.
The prosecution, however, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, countered that the statutory definition of a terrorist act is not confined to traditional violence -- a position the court ultimately accepted.
Clarifying the relationship between the two provisions, the bench said, "Read together, sections 15 and 18 disclose a legislative design wherein Section 15 defines the nature of acts which Parliament has characterised as terrorist acts, while Section 18 ensures that criminal liability is not confined only to the final execution, but extends to those who contribute to the commission of such acts through planning, coordination, mobilisation or other forms of concerted action. Whether particular conduct ultimately attracts Section 15 directly, or Section 18 read with Section 15, depends upon the role attributed and the statutory ingredients alleged to be satisfied."
When asked about the “open-ended” nature of the “by any other means” clause in Section 15 of the UAPA, senior advocate Kirti Uppal told TOI, “The court seems to interpret ‘by any other means’ as a deliberate legislative choice to broaden the law’s scope, emphasizing intent and impact rather than just physical violence. That is why even actions such as a ‘chakka jam,’ if alleged to be part of a larger disruptive design, are being brought within its ambit.”
Prolonged custody and the UAPA
The bench also rejected the contention that Khalid and Imam were “innocently incarcerated”, holding that the record did not support the claim that the delay in trial was wholly unjustified or attributable solely to the prosecution.
Under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, the court reiterated, bail must be denied if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accusations are “prima facie true”.
“At the stage of bail, the court is not required to weigh evidence or test its admissibility,” the bench said, adding that once the statutory threshold is crossed, prolonged incarceration alone cannot override the legislative embargo.
When bail is sought in prosecutions governed by a special statute, the court is required to undertake a difficult and sensitive balancing exercise, conscious that neither liberty nor security admits of absolutism.
The Supreme Court
The judges made it clear that once the prosecution places material that meets the "prima facie" threshold, the statutory bar under Section 43D(5) must ordinarily come into operation.
A constitutional court, it said, cannot treat such a restraint as optional or easily avoidable.
"Where Parliament has prescribed a distinct statutory threshold for the grant of bail, and where the prosecution places prima facie material suggesting organised and deliberate activity affecting public order and security of the nation, the court cannot turn a Nelson's eye to such material merely because incarceration is prolonged or liberty is invoked in the abstract. Equally, where continued detention is not shown to be necessary to serve a legitimate purpose recognised by law, the court must not hesitate to restore liberty, subject to stringent conditions that safeguard the larger public interest," the Supreme Court said.
Addressing Sharjeel Imam’s submission that he was already in custody at the time of the riots and had publicly appealed for non-violence, the bench held that such assertions do not, at the bail stage, neutralise allegations of conspiracy.
Similarly, Umar Khalid’s claim that his actions amounted to political dissent was rejected at this stage, with the court emphasising that the protection of dissent does not cover alleged conduct aimed at systemic disruption.
What the court clarified
For now, the Supreme Court’s ruling draws a clear boundary at the stage of bail. Its assessment, the bench said, rests on the role attributed to the accused, the material placed by the prosecution, and the statutory framework governing offences under the UAPA -- not on ideology or identity.
"The court does not proceed on identity, ideology, belief or association. It proceeds on role, material and the statutory threshold governing the exercise of jurisdiction. Criminal law does not mandate identical outcomes merely because allegations arise from the same transaction," the Supreme Court said.
For Umar Khalid, the Supreme Court’s ruling marks not an end, but a pause -- with the next move resting in the trial court.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Akhlaq lynching case: ‘Paperwork incomplete’, district judge gives accused last chance to submit documents while seeking transfer of case
by Neetika Jha
January 15, 2026
Citing incomplete paperwork, the counsel of the accused, Dinesh Kumar, sought an adjournment from District Judge Atul Shrivastava, who was hearing the transfer application.
The Gautam Buddha Nagar district judge on Wednesday granted the accused in the 2015 Mohammed Akhlaq lynching case one last opportunity to submit all relevant documents in regard to an application they have moved seeking a transfer of the case to another court, listing the matter for hearing on January 22.
On January 8, the defence lawyers had informed the fast-track court of Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi that they have moved a plea before the district judge seeking transfer of the case to another court.
Citing incomplete paperwork, the counsel of the accused, Dinesh Kumar, on Wednesday sought an adjournment from District Judge Atul Shrivastava, who was hearing the transfer application.
Opposing the request, counsel for Akhlaq’s family, Andleeb Naqvi, informed the court that the accused had earlier delayed proceedings by filing the transfer application on January 8, preventing the recording of witness statements.
“We informed the district judge that Akhlaq’s wife Ikraman had come to record her statement before the fast-track court, but since they moved the transfer application, the judge did not proceed further and adjourned the court for a fortnight,” he said.
Following this, the district judge acknowledged that Ikraman’s statement could have been recorded on January 8, as there was no stay on the trial. He subsequently examined the adjournment order and comments recorded by the fast-track court.
The district judge then went on to grant a final opportunity to the accused’s counsel, scheduling the next hearing for January 22. He also warned that the transfer application would be rejected if there were any further delays.
Akhlaq (55) was lynched by a mob in Bisada village on September 28, 2015, following rumours that his family had stored beef at home. His son Danish was injured while attempting to save him.
On December 23, the fast-track court had described the lynching as a “serious crime against society” and observed that no grounds existed for withdrawing the prosecution.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Delhi High Court pulls up NGO for repeated PILs on alleged mosque encroachments
January 14, 2026
Terming it a “sheer misuse of PIL jurisdiction”, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) came down heavily on an NGO for repeatedly filing public interest litigations alleging encroachments by mosques in the city. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, while hearing two separate PILs filed by the Save India Foundation, observed that the organisation was misusing the Court’s PIL jurisdiction and was raising only “selective” issues in society. The Bench questioned why the NGO was concerned only with encroachments of one particular kind. It noted that the frequency of similar PILs filed by the same organisation was high and “disturbing”. “Are you seeking your name in the Guinness Book of World Records?” the court remarked, asking the NGO to also look out for people struggling for basic amenities and to extend help to them. In the PILs, the NGO had alleged encroachments by a mosque and a madrasa in south Delhi, claiming that the land belonged to the government. Counsel representing the Delhi government also submitted before the court that the structures mentioned in the PILs were encroachments. In its representation, the Delhi Waqf Board said that the mosque was a notified structure. It added that the Delhi Development Authority had also participated in the demarcation of the land. The court posted the cases for further hearing on January 21.
Source: thehindu.com
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Congress’s flexible policy toward politics of hatred caused severe damage to country, Constitution: Madani
January 15, 2026
Accusing the Congress of adopting a “flexible policy” on politics based on religion during its rule, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani on Wednesday said the party would not have been “ousted from power” had it taken a stand against communalism after Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.
“The flexible policy adopted by the Congress toward politics of hatred based on religion caused severe damage to both the country and the Constitution… the manner in which the Constitution and democratic values are being openly trampled upon is something that even our leaders of the freedom movement could not have imagined,” said Madani, who is also the vice president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Pointing out that communal forces were behind the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Madani said had communalism been crushed at that very time, the country could have been saved from devastation.
“Communal forces were treated with leniency, and strict legal action against them, as required by the Constitution and law, was avoided. As a result, communal forces were given ample opportunity to grow and strengthen,” he said in a statement.
“After Partition, when anti-Muslim riots erupted across the country, Mahatma Gandhi went on a fast to stop them. This did not sit well with communal forces, and even with some senior leaders within the Congress. They turned against him, and ultimately he was assassinated,” Madani said.
“Had the Constitution been implemented honestly and fully along the very lines on which the foundations of free India were laid, we would not be witnessing these days today,” Madani added.
Madani said it is an unfortunate truth that Congress leaders, perhaps out of some fear, adopted a soft and flexible stance against religiously driven politics of hatred from the very beginning.
“In our view, the killing of a great personality like Mahatma Gandhi was the killing of the country’s secularism itself. Sadly, what the Congress leadership should have done at that time, it failed to do,” Madani said.
The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is an organisation of Islamic scholars belonging to the Deobandi school of thought in India.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Anger, concern among KGMU ranks, alumni as ‘love jihad’ claims widen, vandalism shakes campus
by Maulshree Seth
January 14, 2026
One of the largest residential medical universities in the country, and among its oldest, King George Medical University, Lucknow, has over 4,500 patients admitted at any given time, with around 10,000 OPD patients visiting it daily, as per its website.
However, for 15 days now, KGMU has been handling not just patient pressure. It has been fending off claims that a “love jihad” network is running from its campus. A confrontation between a group of protesters led by BJP leader Aparna Yadav and the Vice-Chancellor on January 9 has added to the heat, with resident doctors threatening to stall OPD services if an FIR was not lodged against Yadav and the others.
A day after the episode on January 9, with just a couple of days of campaigning left for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP sent off Yadav, the vice-chairman of the UP Women’s Commission, to Maharashtra as “a star campaigner”. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with KGMU V-C Sonia Nityanand on Monday, where a probe into the “love jihad” allegations on the campus was transferred from a committee set up by the university to the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).
On Tuesday, the university submitted facts related to the January 9 incident to the Uttar Pradesh Home Department for an FIR. While the doctors had set a deadline of Tuesday evening for the registration of an FIR, no case had been filed till Wednesday afternoon.
On the KGMU’s vast campus, the students and resident doctors are watching the sequence of events with dismay. They talk of getting inquiries from family, friends and relatives, asking if the allegations of a conversion racket are true, and if the campus is safe; receiving forwards containing memes and video messages on the allegations; plus videos of the ruckus on the campus by the Yadav-led group, which accused KGMU of “failing to protect its women students”.
What set off the allegations was a complaint by a woman resident doctor that a fellow resident doctor and MD student, Dr Rameez Uddin Nayak, with whom she was in a relationship, had tried to forcibly convert her and “hidden” the fact that he was already married.
The matter came to the attention of KGMU authorities after the woman reportedly tried to take her life on December 17. The university’s Vishakha committee to check sexual harassment at the workplace called Nayak and the woman complainant before it. However, after the first appearance, Nayak went “missing”. His parents were next arrested by police on the charges of forcible conversion, and Nayak was finally held on January 9 from his residence in Lucknow. All three continue to be in jail.
Soon, allegations started doing the rounds of a larger “love jihad” network on the campus.
“We don’t have time for a breather here, and now there are calls from home, family, friends that ‘Love jihad network chal raha hai (a love jihad network is on)’. We don’t know anything about it, nor are we bothered about it. It is up to police to investigate,” says Ranvijay Patel, the acting president of the King George University Resident Doctors’ Association.
Patel says that even if true, the allegations against Nayak were “an isolated incident in the Pathology Department (where he and the woman worked)”. “The incident of ruckus and vandalism at the V-C’s office is a bigger safety concern,” he says, adding that this is especially true for women residents, for whom the protesters claimed to be “concerned”.
The Resident Doctors’ Association along with the teachers’ and employees’ associations has raised the demand that the government lodge an FIR into the January 9 vandalism.
At a canteen where resident doctors are taking a small break, the January 9 incident is a fevered topic of discussion. A senior woman resident doctor says that before the allegations surfaced against Nayak, there was not even a whisper of “love jihad”. “We support the woman who has accused Nayak of forcible conversion, but we had no reason to believe any such thing before she tried to tried to commit suicide. The January 9 episode has left our parents worried. We are here and know about the situation, but they are reading all kinds of things on social media,” she says.
Families of doctors and students who live in far-off places are more worried, she adds, because for many the tension ties up with what happened at the R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a woman doctor was found murdered and the campus became a battleground of protests. Some changes were made in the security arrangements after the Kolkata episode, but now fears about safety have revived, the doctor says.
Ranvijay Patel says it is the first time an incident of vandalism has happened on the campus since he joined KGMU 10 years ago. “I did my MBBS here and am doing my MD now. I have never heard of the V-C office being attacked by outsiders… It is hampering the image of the institution.”
Dr Aman Verma of Pulmonary Department, who is sitting next to him, adds: “Sirf ussi nazar se kaam karna bahut mushkil ho jayega (Just from that perspective, it is getting difficult to work).”
K K Singh, Professor, Surgery Department, and president of the Teachers’ Association, who headed the panel the university initially set up to probe whether the allegations against Nayak were part of a larger “network”, also expresses regret over how the incident is being blown up. The university set up the panel to quell allegations that other faculty members were involved in a “conversion racket”, with links also being suggested with the banned PFI (Popular Front of India).
With the matter now handed over to the STF, the rumours haven’t stopped, Singh says, and the university has been getting queries from alumni settled in different parts of the world. The list of KGMU’s alumni is long, including over 30 Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awardees, and politicians such as BJP leader and Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha and UP Minister of State (Independent charge), Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Arun Kumar Saxena.
V-C Nityanand, who is much respected in her field of haematology, also did her MD from KGMU, followed by a PhD from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Before she took over as V-C, KGMU, in August 2023, she was Director, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow.
These days, near Dr Nityanand’s office and the administrative block are parked a police vehicle, with personnel deployed across the campus.
Source: indianexpress.com
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He set out to build a school for his village in Madhya Pradesh. What followed: Madrasa rumours and demolition
by Anand Mohan J
January 15, 2026
A private school built to educate children from nursery to Class 8 in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district became embroiled in controversy when rumours falsely branding it as an unauthorised madrasa led to its partial demolition, officials said on Wednesday.
Abdul Naeem, a local resident who had poured nearly Rs 20 lakh of borrowed money and family savings into the construction, watched portions of his dream crumble on the evening of January 13 as earthmovers tore through walls and a front shed under administrative orders.
For years, Naeem had envisioned a nursery-to-Class 8 school for children in Dhaba village and surrounding tribal hamlets, where families often send their children miles away for decent education. He secured commercial land diversion, obtained a panchayat NOC, and on December 30 filed his formal application with the School Education Department, submitting all requisite land documents.
“I had decided to construct the school on my private land so that my village can progress and some people can study. Senior officials claimed that we were doing wrong things here,” Naeem said.
Rumours spread for 3 days and then came the demolition
Construction was progressing steadily when, three days before the demolition, rumours began to spread that a madrasa was being built in the area.
“This is a village with only three Muslim families. How would a madrasa even function here? And the building wasn’t even complete — no classes, no students,” Naeem said.
On January 11, the Gram Panchayat issued a notice ordering Naeem to demolish the structure himself, citing lack of permission. When he rushed to the panchayat office to submit a formal response, he says officials refused to accept his application and told him to return later.
On January 13, as Naeem and a group of concerned villagers travelled to the district collectorate to meet the Collector and seek clarity, the administration moved in. A JCB machine, flanked by heavy police presence, arrived at the site in Dhaba.
By dusk, a portion of the school building and the front shed had been razed.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajit Maravi defended the action, saying it followed a complaint from the gram panchayat alleging encroachment and rule violations. “A verification found that part of the construction fell under encroachment. Only the illegal portion has been removed, not the entire building,” Maravi said, adding that all mandatory permissions had not been obtained.
Naeem disputes this entirely. “I had the panchayat NOC. I had applied for school approval. If there was any mistake in paperwork, I was ready to pay whatever fine the government demanded.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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‘Went to get obscene pics deleted’: ‘Audio clip’ of pilgrim who stayed back in Pak goes viral
Jan 15, 2026
Amritsar: A woman from Punjab, who had travelled to Pakistan under the guise of a Sikh pilgrimage but married a Muslim man there, is said to have clarified that she did not go there as a spy, but to get the man to delete her obscene photos.
In an unauthenticated audio clip that went viral online, the woman is believed to be speaking to her former husband in India, stating that she went to Pakistan solely to have her photographs removed. She claimed that these were in the possession of a Pakistani man, Nasir Hussain, whom she married after converting to Islam.
In the clip, Sarabjit is heard tearfully stating that the Muslim man she married, along with his mother, wife, and sister, physically assaulted her. She emphasised that no one should harass her upon her return.
In an emotional tone, she adds, "I am being harassed here. I cannot live without my children. I used to give millions of rupees to people; I am a Sardarni, yet I am left pleading for money."
In the audio, Sarabjit is heard telling the man she is speaking with that she already took medicine and will take it again, urging him not to trouble her, hit her, or cause her any pain. The man, believed to be her husband, reassures her, saying that will never happen and, swearing by Guru Nanak Dev, he promises not to speak against her and also advises her to go to Gurdwara Nanaka Sahib.
As obtaining a Pakistani visa was difficult,the woman decided to enter the country under the guise of a pilgrimage. She applied for a visa as part of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's jatha that visited Pakistan to mark the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from Nov 4 to 13, 2025, and joined the group of 1,932 Sikh pilgrims.
However, on Nov 13, during the departure from Pakistan, she was found missing. After a local Sikh leader filed a petition in court seeking her arrest and deportation for overstaying the visa, she was arrested and sent to Dar ul Alam (women shelter home), waiting for a special permit to travel to India.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Pakistani prisoner in critical condition at RG Kar Hospital; jail seeks embassy intimation
15 Jan 2026
KOLKATA: A Pakistani prisoner was admitted in a critical condition to the emergency ward of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday, prompting the Dum Dum Central Correctional Home (DDCCH) authorities to inform senior officials so that the Pakistan Embassy could be notified.
Suprakash Roy, superintendent of DDCCH, sent an emergency radiogram to the additional director general (ADG) and inspector general (IG) of West Bengal Correctional Services, urging them to communicate the matter to the Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi. This, he said, would enable the prisoner’s relatives to be informed and, if possible, visit him at the hospital.
The radiogram stated that a male Pakistani national, Pangam Ali Yusuf alias P Yusuf P Mohammad, son of P Mohammad and a resident of Karachi, Pakistan, had been admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on January 13, 2026, as a life-saving measure on the advice of the correctional home’s medical officer. He was admitted to the Emergency Building, MMW Ward, sixth floor.
The prisoner was lodged at DDCCH in connection with Bongaon Police Station Case No. 39/12 dated January 18, 2012 (GR 133/12) under Sections 420, 468, 470 and 471 of the IPC and Section 14F of the Foreigners Act.
The radiogram requested the ADG and IG to inform the Pakistan Embassy so that the prisoner’s relatives could contact the correctional home through proper channels and visit him at the hospital at their own cost, in accordance with hospital rules.
“I won’t comment on the matter. You talk to the RG Kar Hospital authorities,” Roy told the TNIE on Thursday. He also declined to disclose details about the prisoner’s medical condition.
Attempts to contact Dr Manas Banerjee, principal of the medical college, and Dr Saptarshi Chatterjee, medical superintendent-cum-vice principal of the hospital, were unsuccessful as both were unavailable for comment.
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If religious places are to be profiled, then start with temples: Mehbooba Mufti
Jan 15, 2026
SRINAGAR: Former J&K chief minister and PDP Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday denounced what she called “profiling of mosques” by police, saying it amounted to interference in religious affairs and was an attempt to humiliate Kashmiri Muslims. It’s Hindu temples that needed to be “profiled”, she said.
“If religious places are to be profiled, then start with temples. Identify who the priest is, whether he is a Dalit or a Brahmin, and how much money is charged for temple entry. None of this happens in our mosques,” Mehbooba said.
Displaying a four-page police form, she said information about lands and management of mosques was already with the administration, but police were now seeking photographs, Aadhaar numbers and other personal details of imams, mosque management members and worshippers. “This kind of intense profiling is meant to push Kashmiri Muslims away from their religion,” the PDP chief said. “How much more you humiliate Kashmiri Muslims?”
She also criticised CM Omar Abdullah for not speaking out on the issue. “Even if the police are not under him, he still has a voice and tongue,” she said.
Alleging that “mosques are being treated like crime scenes”, Mehbooba said: “Will you do this with temples, gurdwaras or churches? This is not happening anywhere else in the country.”
Accusing the govt of targeting Muslim institutions, she warned that the mosque-profiling exercise could be extended across the country. “What does the govt have to do with whether someone is Shia, Sunni or Barelvi? Mosques are open to all, unlike many temples where Dalits and women are barred,” she said.
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Mideast
Syrian military tells civilians to evacuate contested area east of Aleppo amid rising tensions
January 15, 2026
DAMASCUS: Syria’s military said it would open a corridor Thursday for civilians to evacuate an area of Aleppo province that has seen a military buildup following intense clashes between government and Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo city.
The army’s announcement late Wednesday — which said civilians would be able to evacuate through the “humanitarian corridor” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday — appeared to signal plans for an offensive in the towns of Deir Hafer and Maskana and surrounding areas, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) east of Aleppo city.
The military called on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and other armed groups to withdraw to the other side of the the Euphrates River, to the east of the contested zone.
Syrian government troops have already sent troop reinforcements to the area after accusing the SDF of building up its own forces there, which the SDF denied. There have been limited exchanges of fire between the two sides, and the SDF has said that Turkish drones carried out strikes there.
The government has accused the SDF of launching drone strikes in Aleppo city, including one that hit the Aleppo governorate building on Saturday shortly after two Cabinet ministers and a local official held a news conference there.
The tensions in the Deir Hafer area come after several days of intense clashes last week in Aleppo city that ended with the evacuation of Kurdish fighters and government forces taking control of three contested neighborhoods. The fighting killed at least 23 people, wounded dozens more, and displaced tens of thousands.
The fighting broke out as negotiations have stalled between Damascus and the SDF, which controls large swaths of northeast Syria, over an agreement to integrate their forces and for the central government to take control of institutions including border crossings and oil fields in the northeast.
Some of the factions that make up the new Syrian army, which was formed after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a rebel offensive in December 2024, were previously Turkiye-backed insurgent groups that have a long history of clashing with Kurdish forces.
The SDF for years has been the main US partner in Syria in fighting against the Daesh group, but Turkiye considers the SDF a terrorist organization because of its association with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a long-running insurgency in Turkiye. A peace process is now underway.
Despite the long-running US support for the SDF, the Trump administration has also developed close ties with the government of interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and has pushed the Kurds to implement the integration deal. Washington has so far avoided publicly taking sides in the clashes in Aleppo.
The SDF in a statement warned of “dangerous repercussions on civilians, infrastructure, and vital facilities” in case of a further escalation and said Damascus bears “full responsibility for this escalation and all ensuing humanitarian and security repercussions in the region.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said in a statement Tuesday that the US is “closely monitoring” the situation and called for “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, and prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.” He called on the parties to “return to the negotiating table in good faith.”
Al-Sharaa blasts the SDF
In a televised interview aired Wednesday, Al-Sharaa praised the “courage of the Kurds” and said he would guarantee their rights and wants them to be part of the Syrian army, but he lashed out at the SDF.
He accused the group of not abiding by an agreement reached last year under which their forces were supposed to withdraw from neighborhoods they controlled in Aleppo city and of forcibly preventing civilians from leaving when the army opened a corridor for them to evacuate amid the recent clashes.
Al-Sharaa claimed that the SDF refused attempts by France and the US to mediate a ceasefire and withdrawal of Kurdish forces during the clashes due to an order from the PKK.
The interview was initially intended to air Tuesday on Shams TV, a broadcaster based in Irbil — the seat of northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region — but was canceled for what the station initially said were technical reasons.
Later the station’s manager said that the interview had been spiked out of fear of further inflaming tensions because of the hard line Al-Sharaa took against the SDF.
Syria’s state TV station instead aired clips from the interview on Wednesday. There was no immediate response from the SDF to Al-Sharaa’s comments.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israeli forces detonate house of detainee Abu Al-Rab near Jenin
January 14, 2026
LONDON: Israeli forces detonated a house on Wednesday in the Palestinian town of Qabatiya, located south of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.
The house belonged to the detainee Ahmed Abu Al-Rab in Qabatiya, according to Wafa news agency.
Israeli forces used explosives to demolish the house, causing damage to several neighboring homes and forcing multiple families to evacuate their residences in the area before the detonation.
The Abu Al-Rab family received a demolition notice in January. Overnight, Israeli forces raided several houses in Qabatiya, arresting multiple individuals before carrying out the demolition, the Wafa added.
It has now been almost a year since Israel launched a military campaign in the Jenin Governorate in retaliation for the bombing of empty buses in Tel Aviv, allegedly carried out by a Palestinian from the area last February. The campaign resulted in the deaths of over 60 Palestinians and the demolition of more than 600 houses, displacing 22,000 people.
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Witkoff: Gaza 'entering second phase of ceasefire'
January 14, 2026
WASHINGTON: The United States said Wednesday that it is moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan that involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs in Gaza under American supervision.
President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the ceasefire deal that the Republican president helped broker was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, including the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza.
But Witkoff did not offer any details about who would serve on the new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. Trump’s White House did not immediately offer any more information, either.
The mediators of the ceasefire deal — Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar — welcomed the establishment of the committee and said it would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.
“This is an important development to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” they said in a joint statement.
The Gaza native served as a deputy minister for transportation with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. Shaath, an engineer, is an expert in economic development and reconstruction, according to his biography on the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute’s website.
Witkoff said that the US expects Hamas to immediately return the final dead hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
While Wednesday’s announcement indicates a key step forward, a new government in Gaza and ceasefire face a number of huge challenges — including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas.
Appointees to a technocratic committee are part of a broader plan to end Hamas’ 18-year rule of Gaza. The appointees will run day-to-day affairs in Gaza, under the oversight of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” whose members have also not yet been named.
The ceasefire reached under Trump’s 20-point plan took effect in October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the three-phase deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel.
The technocratic committee that Witkoff said would be established under the second phase will be tasked with providing public services to the more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, but it faces towering challenges and unanswered questions, including about its operations and financing.
The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than $50 billion. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far.
There also is the more immediate challenge of figuring out how to take over basic services after nearly two decades of Hamas-led rule in Gaza and repeated rounds of conflict with Israel.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iran vows fast trials over protests after Trump threat
January 14, 2026
PARIS: Iran on Wednesday vowed fast-track trials for people arrested over a massive wave of protests, after US President Donald Trump threatened “very strong action” if the Islamic republic goes ahead with hangings.
In Tehran, authorities held a funeral ceremony for over 100 members of the security forces and other “martyrs” killed in the demonstrations, which authorities have branded as “riots” while accusing protesters of waging “acts of terror.”
The protest movement across Iran, initially sparked by economic grievances, has turned into one of the biggest challenges yet to the clerical leadership since it took power in 1979.
Demonstrators have defied the authorities’ zero-tolerance for dissent by turning out in protests all around the country, even as authorities insist they have regained the upper hand.
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on a visit to a prison holding protest detainees that “if a person burned someone, beheaded someone and set them on fire then we must do our work quickly,” in comments broadcast by state television.
Iranian news agencies also quoted him as saying the trials should be held in public and said he had spent five hours in a prison in Tehran to examine the cases.
Footage broadcast by state media showed the judiciary chief seated before an Iranian flag in a large, ornate room in the prison, interrogating a prisoner himself.
The detainee, dressed in grey clothing and his face blurred, is accused of taking Molotov cocktails to a park in Tehran.
Blackout
Trump on Tuesday said in a CBS News interview that the United States would act if Iran began hanging protesters.
“We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” said the American leader, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military intervention.
“When they start killing thousands of people — and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them,” Trump said.
Iranian authorities called the American warnings a “pretext for military intervention.”
Rights groups accuse the government of fatally shooting protesters and masking the scale of the crackdown with an Internet blackout imposed on January 8.
Internet monitor Netblocks said in a post to X on Wednesday that the blackout had now lasted 132 hours.
Some information has trickled out of Iran however. New videos on social media, with locations verified by AFP, showed bodies lined up in the Kahrizak morgue just south of the Iranian capital, with the corpses wrapped in black bags and distraught relatives searching for loved ones.
Calls to halt executions
Iranian prosecutors have said authorities would press capital charges of “waging war against God” on some detainees.
According to state media, hundreds of people have been arrested.
State media has also reported on the arrest of a foreign national for espionage in connection with the protests.
No details were given on the person’s nationality or identity.
The US State Department on its Farsi language X account said 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani had been sentenced to be executed on Wednesday.
“Erfan is the first protester to be sentenced to death, but he won’t be the last,” the State Department said, adding more than 10,600 Iranians had been arrested.
Rights group Amnesty International called on Iran to immediately halt all executions, including Soltani’s.
Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said it had confirmed 734 people killed during the protests, including nine minors, but warned the death toll was likely far higher.
“The real number of those killed is likely in the thousands,” IHR’s director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said.
Iranian state media has said dozens of members of the security forces have been killed, with their funerals turning into large pro-government rallies.
Khamenei in hiding
At Wednesday’s funeral ceremony in Tehran, thousands of people waved flags of the Islamic republic as prayers were read out for the dead outside Tehran University, according to images broadcast on state television.
“Death to America!” read banners held up by people attending the rally, while others carried photos of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Another image could be seen at the rally showing Trump’s assassination attempt, captioned: “This time it will not miss the target.”
It appeared to be referring to the assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in 2024.
Amir, an Iraqi computer scientist, returned to Baghdad from Iran on Monday and described dramatic scenes in Tehran during protests on Thursday night.
“My friends and I saw protesters in Tehran’s Sarsabz neighborhood amid a heavy military presence. The police were firing rubber bullets,” he told AFP in Iraq.
In power since 1989 and now aged 86, Khamenei has faced significant challenges, most recently the 12-day war in June against Israel, which forced him to go into hiding.
Analysts have cautioned that it is premature to predict the immediate demise of the theocratic system, pointing to the repressive levers the leadership controls, including the Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is charged with safeguarding the Islamic revolution.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hezbollah warns Lebanese state against expanding disarmament push
January 14, 2026
BEIRUT: A senior Hezbollah official has warned Lebanon’s government that pressing on with efforts to disarm the group throughout the country would trigger chaos and possibly civil war, according to comments circulated by the armed group on Wednesday.
Lebanon has pledged to bring all arms in the country under state control, in line with a 2024 agreement that ended a devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah insists that deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere.
In an interview with Russian state media outlet RT, senior Hezbollah political official Mahmoud Qmati said pursuing a state monopoly on arms further north would be “the biggest crime committed by the state.”
“The path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos and perhaps even civil war,” Qmati said, though he added that Hezbollah would not be dragged into a confrontation with Lebanon’s army.
The Lebanese army said last week that it had taken operational control in the area between the Litani River and Israel’s border. The Lebanese cabinet has asked the army to brief it in early February on how it would pursue disarmament in other parts of the country.
Hezbollah has said that Israeli troops must withdraw from five hilltop positions they occupy in southern Lebanon, halt near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon and release detained Lebanese before any further disarmament is discussed.
“There will be no talk or dialogue about any situation north of the Litani River before Israel withdraws from all Lebanese territory, liberates the South and the prisoners, and stops its violations against Lebanon,” said Qmati.
Israel says that efforts to disarm Hezbollah fighters have been insufficient, raising pressure on Lebanese leaders who fear Israel could escalate strikes.
The war in Gaza that erupted in October 2023 triggered months of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with near-daily exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel frontier.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iran temporarily closes airspace to most flights
January 15, 2026
WASHINGTON: Iran temporarily closed its airspace to all flights except international ones to and from Iran with official permission at 5:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to a notice posted on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.
The prohibition is set to last for more than two hours until 7:30 p.m. ET, or 0030 GMT, but could be extended, the notice said. The United States was withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a US official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbors it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.
Missile and drone barrages in a growing number of conflict zones represent a high risk to airline traffic. India’s largest airline, IndiGo said some of its international flights would be impacted by Iran’s sudden airspace closure. A flight by Russia’s Aeroflot bound for Tehran returned to Moscow after the closure, according to tracking data from Flightradar24.
Earlier on Wednesday, Germany issued a new directive cautioning the country’s airlines from entering Iranian airspace, shortly after Lufthansa rejigged its flight operations across the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.
The United States already prohibits all US commercial flights from overflying Iran and there are no direct flights between the countries. Airline operators like flydubai and Turkish Airlines have canceled multiple flights to Iran in the past week. “Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace,” said Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, a membership-based organization that shares flight risk information.
“The situation may signal further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defense, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic.” Lufthansa said on Wednesday that it would bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice while it would only operate day flights to Tel Aviv and Amman from Wednesday until Monday next week so that crew would not have to stay overnight.
Some flights could also be canceled as a result of these actions, it added in a statement. Italian carrier ITA Airways, in which Lufthansa Group is now a major shareholder, said that it would similarly suspend night flights to Tel Aviv until Tuesday next week.
Source: arabnews.com
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Palestinian factions agree on committee members to run Gaza
January 14, 2026
CAIRO: : Egypt said Wednesday that all the members of a 15-person Palestinian technocratic committee meant to administer post-war Gaza had been agreed upon by all Palestinian factions, who swiftly offered their support.
Under a 20-point Gaza truce plan brokered by US President Donald Trump in October, the Palestinian territory would be governed by the committee operating under the supervision of a so-called “Board of Peace,” to be chaired by Trump himself.
Hamas officials said earlier in the day that the group had opened talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on the committee, which forms part of Trump’s truce plan for Gaza.
“We hope that following this agreement, the committee will be announced soon... and will then be deployed to the Gaza Strip to manage daily life and essential services,” Abdelatty said.
The majority of the Palestinian factions offered their support to the committee after Abdelatty’s announcement.
In a statement, the factions including Hamas and Islamic Jihad said they had agreed “to support the mediators’ efforts in forming the Palestinian National Transitional Committee to administer the Gaza Strip, while providing the appropriate environment” for it to begin its work.
The Ramallah-based Palestinian presidency also announced its support in official media, with a source from the office telling AFP the statement “reflects the position of the Fatah movement because President (Mahmud) Abbas is also the head of Fatah.”
The Cairo meeting aimed to address the formation of the committee and its operational mechanisms, a senior Hamas official had previously told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Potential committee heads
Separately, the Hamas delegation was also to hold talks in Cairo with leaders of other Palestinian factions on “political, national and field developments” and the state of the Gaza ceasefire, the official added.
Hamas has repeatedly said it does not seek a role in any future governing authority in the Palestinian territory, and would limit its role to monitoring governance to ensure stability and facilitate reconstruction.
Talks with Egyptian mediators were also focused on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the entry of aid currently stockpiled on the Egyptian side of the border, and preparations for launching the second phase of the ceasefire plan, the official said.
Abdelatty did not name any of the agreed-upon committee members.
But two names circulating as potential heads were Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority, and Majed Abu Ramadan, the current minister of health, the second official said.
The Trump proposed Board of Peace is expected to be led on the ground by Bulgarian diplomat and politician Nickolay Mladenov, who has recently held talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Mladenov previously served as the United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process from early 2015 until the end of 2020.
Media reports say Trump is expected to announce the members of the Board of Peace in the coming days, with the body set to include around 15 world leaders.
Source: arabnews.com
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Jordanian and Irish officials discuss investment, regional stability
January 14, 2026
LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Ireland’s minister of foreign affairs, trade and defense, Helen McEntee, discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors and achieve stability in the region.
The meeting, held in Amman on Wednesday, focused on both regional and international developments. King Abdullah emphasized the importance of all parties committing to the agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza. He also warned of the potential for escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, according to the Petra news agency.
He expressed Jordan’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the EU, emphasizing the significance of building on the outcomes of the recent Jordan-EU Summit in Amman earlier this month.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with the director of His Majesty’s Office, Alaa Batayneh, and Ireland’s ambassador to Jordan, Marianne Bolger, attended the meeting.
McEntee also held talks with Safadi in a separate meeting on Wednesday. The foreign ministers discussed expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, education, tourism and defense.
Safadi emphasized the significance of the first Jordan-EU Investment Conference in April, highlighting its positive impact on the Jordanian economy and ties with the EU, the Petra news agency added.
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Arab World
Threat to Kingdom’s security is ‘red line’ that will be ‘addressed and neutralized,’ Saudi envoy says
January 14, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: Any attempt to threaten Saudi Arabia’s national security is a “red line” and will be met with decisive action, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the UN told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Speaking during a meeting of the council to discuss Yemen, Abdulaziz Alwasil said the situation in the south of the country is “a just cause with social and historic dimensions” that can only be resolved through dialogue.
“We stress that any attempt to threaten our national security is a red line, and we will not hesitate to take the necessary actions and steps to address it and neutralize it,” he added.
Alwasil reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemeni President Rashad Al-Alimi, the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Yemeni government in their efforts to achieve security, stability, development and peace while preserving national unity.
He said military activity by Southern Transitional Council forces in Hadramout and Al-Mahra on Dec. 2, 2025, was unilateral, did not have the approval of the Presidential Leadership Council, and was not carried out in coordination with the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen.
It had resulted in an unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of the Yemeni people, undermined efforts to address the issues in the south, and ran counter to the coalition’s objectives, Alwasil added.
The Kingdom, working with its coalition partners, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government, had moved to contain the situation by dispatching a military force to coordinate arrangements with the Southern Transitional Council in Aden, he said.
The aim was to ensure the return of the southern council’s forces to their previous positions outside of Hadramout and Al-Mahra, and the handover of camps to legitimate government forces and local authorities in line with agreed procedures, Alwasil added.
He expressed regret over the military operations that took place in Hadramout and Al-Mahra, close to Saudi Arabia’s southern border, which he said posed a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security, as well as the security of Yemen and regional stability. Such steps were extremely dangerous, he added, and contradicted the principles on which the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen had been founded.
Alwasil welcomed a prisoner and detainee exchange agreement signed in Muscat on Dec. 23, which he described as an important humanitarian measure to alleviate suffering and build confidence.
He praised Oman for hosting and sponsoring the consultations and supporting negotiations, and commended the efforts of UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the International Committee of the Red Cross and all others that has played a part.
Regarding the political efforts to resolve the crisis, Alwasil said Saudi Arabia welcomed President Al-Alimi’s call for an inclusive conference in Riyadh to bring together all stakeholders to discuss just solutions to the situation in southern Yemen.
Preparations for the conference have begun, he added, in cooperation with the Yemeni government and southern representatives, reflecting the close ties between the two countries and their shared interests in stabilizing Yemen.
He urged all southern stakeholders to participate actively and constructively in the talks, to help find comprehensive and just solutions that meet the legitimate aspirations of the people of southern Yemen.
Alwasil called on all Yemeni forces and stakeholders to cooperate and intensify their efforts to reach a lasting political settlement that would ensure security and stability.
He described the southern issue as “a just cause with social and historic dimensions,” adding that “the only way to address it is through dialogue that leads to a comprehensive political solution” based on nationally and internationally agreed terms of reference.
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Saudi defense minister announces SR1.9b development package for Yemen
January 14, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to invest SR1.9 billion ($506 million) in development projects in Yemen, the Kingdom’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Wednesday.
The support includes 28 projects in the health, energy, education, and transport sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The package includes a new grant of petroleum derivatives to operate power plants across Yemen.
The announcement was made during a meeting with the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi, Yemen’s Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik, and the Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh Al-Yafai.
The funding will see the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen work with the Yemeni government and local authorities to support key institutions and services in Aden, Hadramaut, Al-Mahrah, Socotra, Marib, Shabwa, Abyan, Dhale, Lahij, and Taiz.
The projects include the construction of a desalination plant, the restoration of Aden airport – the country’s main aviation hub in the south, the opening of a hospital on Socotra island, and the construction and equipping of 30 schools.
Prince Khalid said the package “embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security and stability and contributing to building a better future for Yemen and its people.”
The meeting also covered relations between Saudi Arabia and its neighbor, developments in Yemen, and efforts to end the Yemeni crisis through a comprehensive political solution.
“We stressed the importance of continuing efforts, regarding the future of the southern issue, through the Riyadh conference to find a comprehensive vision for just solutions,” Prince Khalid said.
Key projects under the development package
Aden
The continued operation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital for the next three years.
The building of the first desalination plant of its kind in Yemen to address the scarcity of fresh water.
The second and third phases of the Aden Airport rehabilitation project, including rebuilding the runway and providing navigation and communication systems.
A government headquarters and presidential complex project.
Construction, expansion, and upgrading the coastal road.
Al-Mahra
The operation of King Salman Medical and Educational City for three years, following the completion of construction work.
Establishing a Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences within King Salman Medical and Educational City.
Hadramaut
Upgrading the main Al-Abr-Seiyun road.
Establishing Hadramaut University Hospital
Supporting Hadramaut and Seiyun Universities through the two new computer science and information technology faculties.
Developing the Agricultural Veterinary Technical Institute.
Socotra
Constructing the King Salman Mosque.
Operating Socotra Hospital.
Establishing a technical institute and a college of education.
Constructing and equipping several model schools.
Abyan
Construction and equipping of Sabah Hospital.
Building and equipping model schools.
Shabwa
Operate Shabwa Hospital.
Establish model schools.
Supporting the agricultural sector.
Taiz
Establish and equip Al-Ain Rural Hospital.
Construct a 30-megawatt power plant.
Operate Al-Mukha Hospital.
Marib
Implement final phase of the Al-Abr road expansion.
Construct and fully equip girls’ educational complex.
Al-Dhale
Establish Al-Dhale Rural Hospital.
Build a number of model schools.
Provide teacher training programs.
Lahij
Build a maternity and child health center in Ras Al-Ara.
Across Hadramaut, Aden, Lahij, Abyan, Al-Dhale, Shabwa, and Socotra
Construct and equip 30 schools at a rate of 10 schools per year.
Across all areas:
A fuel derivatives grant to contribute to the operation of power plants and provide reliable electricity to hospitals, medical centers, schools, airports, ports and other facilities.
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Saudi deputy foreign minister calls for Sudanese unity during meeting in Cairo
January 14, 2026
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s deputy foreign minister, Waleed Al-Khuraiji, on Wednesday stressed the important need to maintain the territorial integrity of Sudan.
Speaking at the fifth Sudan peace coordination meeting in Cairo, he said a political solution to the civil war that began in April 2023 must be based on respect for Sudanese sovereignty and unity.
He highlighted the efforts the Kingdom is making in an attempt to ensure stability in Sudan, help reach a ceasefire agreement that ends the conflict, prevent the collapse of state institutions, and maintain the unity, territorial integrity and capabilities of the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Khuraiji also said that Saudi efforts to address the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the war are continuing, in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
It is important that the conflicting factions return to political dialogue, he added, as stated in the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023 and the short-term ceasefire deal that was agreed that same month.
The war in Sudan, between rival military factions the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, poses a threat to regional stability, Al-Khuraiji warned.
He rejected the quasi-government formed by the Rapid Support Forces in July last year as an obstruction to ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis, a threat to the unity and sovereignty of Sudan, and a risk to regional security and the safety of the Red Sea.
“The announcement of parallel entities outside the framework of legitimate institutions is worrying and disrupts efforts through the political track to solve the crisis,” he said.
The prevention of external intervention in the conflict, including illegal support in the form of weapon supplies and foreign fighters, is crucial for efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian operations, Al-Khuraiji added.
He also called for the establishment of safe corridors so that deliveries of aid can reach those in need, similar to a mechanism established in August last year at the Adre crossing on Sudan’s border with Chad.
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Saudi Human Rights Commission president meets Italian ambassador in Riyadh
January 14, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission President Hala Al-Tuwaijri recently met with Carlo Baldocci, Italy’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the officials focused on the importance of dialogue and promoting awareness of human rights, Al-Tuwaijri posted on X.
“We discussed a range of topics of mutual interest, shared experiences, and explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation in the field of human rights,” Al-Tuwaijri stated.
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Canada eyes stronger ties with Saudi Arabia in 2026
LAMA ALHAMAWI
January 14, 2026
RIYADH: On the sidelines of OpenText’s regional headquarters opening in Riyadh, Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu told Arab News that Saudi-Canadian cooperation will “speed up” under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new government.
“You are going to see a quick speeding up of this relationship in 2026,” Sidhu said.
“This was my first visit to the region, and I did that on purpose because this region plays a vital role to Canada. This is about friendship and, of course, allyship,” he added.
During the visit, Sidhu will hold meetings in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE with a Canadian senior-level business delegation.
When asked about the primary goal of the visit to the Kingdom, he said: “Well, for this visit, I think it is about connectivity — making sure conversations happen between the Saudi ecosystem, Saudi businesses, and Canadian businesses.
“But of course, government-to-government is very important to establish initiatives that enable more businesses.”
The minister noted that two-way trade between Saudi Arabia and Canada currently stands at $4 billion, with room to grow.
“Right now, I am focused on opening doors for businesses on both sides, but also to show collaboration. You are seeing a lot more coming. Companies set up their regional hubs here to create economic opportunities.”
During his visit, Sidhu met with Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih to discuss advancing Saudi-Canadian industry and investment partnerships and supporting both countries’ trade diversification efforts.
In November 2025, a high-level Saudi delegation led by Al-Falih visited Ottawa, during which both sides announced the reactivation of the Joint Economic Commission.
More than 150 Canadian companies are currently active in the Kingdom, in sectors such as artificial intelligence, mining, creative economy, healthcare, and defense.
Sidhu aims to use his visit to further business-to-business cooperation, both in the Kingdom and in Canada.
“We are also welcoming Saudi companies to come to Canada because the physical distance between our two nations is very wide, and we serve different regions,” Sidhu said.
“And so there is a lot of complementary opportunities that we should be looking at. In Canada, we have 15 trade agreements with 51 countries. We welcome Saudi companies to set up there, just as OpenText has done in the region, to continue collaborating.”
During the interview, the minister also highlighted mining as a key area of cooperation and said he hopes to further develop it.
Sidhu noted that more than 100 Canadian companies are participating in the Future Minerals Forum, running until Jan. 15 in Riyadh.
The minister also said that defense cooperation will expand, noting that while 40 Canadian companies participated in 2025, this year’s World Defense Show will welcome 80.
Sidhu also met with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha to discuss strengthening bilateral partnerships in AI, innovation, and advanced technologies, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a global hub for AI and the digital economy.
Closing the interview, Sidhu noted the many similarities between the two countries: “We (Saudi Arabia and Canada) are roughly 40 million people, and we have a lot of alignment in education, healthcare, and tourism.”
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Smart systems streamline crowds at Grand Mosque
January 14, 2026
MAKKAH: Modern technologies have improved crowd management efficiency inside the Grand Mosque in Makkah through smart counting systems that use sensors and real-time monitoring of visitor movement at gates and corridors.
These systems accurately track entrants and exits, enhancing pilgrims’ safety and improving their worship experience, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said the systems are a key technological pillar supporting crowd management.
It added that real-time data enables field teams to make faster, more accurate decisions to regulate movement and respond to changes in crowd density.
The authority noted that smart technologies help guide visitor movement smoothly, ensuring balanced distribution across levels, courtyards, and corridors.
They also help reduce congestion and enhance safety and comfort standards, it said.
The authority added that smart counting systems allow early detection of high-density areas, enabling proactive intervention and management of potential bottlenecks through an integrated operational system.
It stressed that adopting these technologies is part of ongoing efforts to improve services and enhance pilgrims’ experience in line with development objectives.
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Buraidah’s Klaija Festival features local, global flavors
January 14, 2026
BURAIDAH: The 17th Klaija Festival in Buraidah is featuring culture and cuisine from Morocco, Turkiye and Egypt, as well as the region’s signature pastry.
Representatives of these nations have been sharing their most renowned dishes and culinary traditions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The festival, which runs until Jan. 17 at the King Khalid Cultural Center, is also featuring live cooking by expert chefs.
A special tent dedicated to organic agricultural and animal products showcases ghee, date syrup, whole wheat, natural honey, and grains, which are key ingredients of Klaija.
Launched 17 years ago by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, the festival has evolved from showcasing a single local product into a major annual event reflecting the region’s cultural identity.
The festival has helped transform Klaija from a traditional pastry into a recognized cultural and economic symbol by empowering producer families and artisans, and turning heritage-based skills into sustainable income sources.
The Culinary Arts Commission has adopted Klaija as the signature popular product of the Qassim region, affirming its cultural value and role in representing the region’s food identity.
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Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break
January 14, 2026
JEDDAH: The Jazan Festival 2026 is drawing considerable support from people of all ages during the mid-year school holiday, reflecting the event’s growing appeal.
Launched on Dec. 25, the festival runs until Feb. 15 under the theme “Jazan: Treasures of Nature,” showcasing the region’s cultural and natural heritage while reinforcing its position as a tourism destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The event features live performances and interactive displays recreating aspects of daily life across Jazan’s governorates.
Pavilions representing Jazan’s governorates line the festival’s Cultural Street, highlighting the craftsmanship of the local community and its close relation with the surrounding landscape, the SPA reported.
Abu Arish governorate features prominently through a live experience centered on traditional agricultural life and historical sources of livelihood.
Its pavilion displays tools once used for water storage and transport, kitchen utensils, pottery, cooking and measuring implements, lanterns and palm-leaf products, alongside scenes depicting agricultural activities.
Traditional attire and social customs, including bridal preparations and ceremonial practices, highlight the governorate’s cultural identity and social life.
The Cultural Street has artworks and paintings by local artists who found inspiration in Jazan’s landscapes and heritage.
The mild winter weather and school holiday have helped boost attendance, with young and old attending folk performances, educational pavilions, photography areas and heritage exhibits.
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Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation
January 14, 2026
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification continues to strengthen national capabilities to implement environmental initiatives requiring advanced technical skills and scientific expertise in assessing and rehabilitating vegetation resources.
The Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students with the knowledge and skills to conduct vegetation inventories, assessments, and prepare technical plans for rehabilitating degraded forest areas.
The program offers a mix of theoretical and practical training, including presentations, educational modules, group discussions, and case studies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
These components enable participants to conduct vegetation inventories and assessments, identify degradation, determine rehabilitation needs, and develop technical forest management plans.
The program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing, the SPA reported.
It serves as a model for building highly qualified national cadres capable of applying best scientific practices in forest management and rehabilitation, contributing to the protection of natural resources, advancing the Saudi Green Initiative, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s vegetation cover.
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Manhood Rules: new program teaches Saudi etiquette to younger generation
AFSHAN AZIZ
January 14, 2026
JEDDAH: Saudi private tutoring platform AlGooru has launched a unique educational initiative in Jeddah designed to instill traditional values and social skills in children.
The program, titled Manhood Rules, focuses on teaching young participants the fundamentals of Saudi etiquette, hospitality and social conduct in a practical, hands-on format.
The initiative is in response to a gap observed in modern life skills among today’s youth, according to the people behind the program.
Khalid Abou Kassem, co-founder of AlGooru, explained: “We noticed that principles and discipline hold great significance within Saudi culture, but there is no real platform that addresses the gaps in social and life skills among children.
“This program fills that void in a way that is both practical and culturally rooted.”
Muhanad Al-Jaser, co-founder, added: “Saudi etiquette used to be taught naturally by parents and through our majlis for generations.
“Today, many parents are occupied with providing for their families and often miss out on teaching these important rituals. We introduced the program to support them in filling this gap, not to replace their role.”
The program is structured as a four-hour in-person workshop, designed for groups of 30 children divided by age.
Over the course of the session, participants explore five main topics: greetings and farewells, gathering etiquette, dining etiquette, the art of polite responses and Saudi hospitality and coffee etiquette.
The sessions are practical, featuring role-playing, simulations and interactive exercises rather than traditional lectures.
Abdulmajid Mohammed Al-Ghanim, a Saudi hospitality expert and certified trainer, supervises the curriculum.
“My role consists of supervising the training content and delivering the program in person, while ensuring that the presentation aligns with Saudi cultural values and is age-appropriate.
“The focus is on applied learning, turning values into daily practices that children can experience and carry forward.”
A typical session begins with welcoming the children and preparing them for the experience.
They participate in activities, learning how to greet and bid farewell to guests, respect elders in gatherings, serve and enjoy Saudi coffee and practice proper dining etiquette.
Role-playing real-life situations and participating in group exercises allows them to apply these principles in a safe environment. The session concludes with an open discussion to reinforce the lessons learned.
Al-Ghanim observes that children respond very positively to the program, particularly because of its hands-on approach.
“Some children are shy or hesitant at first,” he said, “but the program addresses this through gradual encouragement, building confidence and helping them engage fully in activities.”
Parents seeking to instill confidence, awareness of right and wrong, and social skills in their children find the program particularly valuable.
It allows children to interact with peers in a structured yet enjoyable environment while learning to connect etiquette and hospitality with their personal identity.
Children also benefit from a museum exploration segment, which introduces them to Saudi history and heritage through rare artifacts, historic schoolbooks and cultural exhibits, strengthening their connection to the traditions of their families and ancestors.
Kassem emphasized the program’s distinctiveness: “This is the first program of its kind in Saudi Arabia. What sets it apart is its practical delivery, measurable outcomes, and focus on real-life application.”
Looking ahead, AlGooru plans to expand the program across the Kingdom.
Al-Jaser said: “We aim to broaden the curriculum to include a wider range of regional customs and traditions, expand the age groups to youth and adults, and introduce specialized tracks tailored to specific audiences.
“Once firmly established locally, we may explore offering the program in other regions in a culturally sensitive way.”
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Fines for dune-bashing in AlUla to protect vegetation
January 14, 2026
JEDDAH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has introduced fines for dune-bashing and harmful driving on vegetated lands, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and maintain ecological balance in the governorate.
The commission said that damaging vegetation with vehicles was strictly prohibited, warning that such practices threatened AlUla’s fragile ecosystem, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Abdulrahman Al-Trairi, the commission’s spokesperson, urged civilians on his official X account to avoid reckless dune-bashing to support sustainable nature.
“Out of concern for your safety and to protect AlUla’s natural and cultural environment, we appreciate your commitment to avoiding dune-bashing on vegetated land,” he said. “This helps reduce risks, protect ecological balance, and preserve wildlife and habitats.”
Under the new regulations, fines start at SR500 ($133) for the first violation, SR1,000 for the second, and SR2,000 for the third.
The measures form part of broader efforts to prevent environmentally harmful behavior and safeguard AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.
The commission highlighted that vegetated lands were among AlUla’s most valuable resources, crucial for soil protection, combating desertification and supporting biodiversity.
Unauthorized or reckless activities, including dune-bashing, degraded these resources and threatened their long-term sustainability, the SPA reported.
Preserving ecological balance is a key pillar of the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which seeks to protect heritage sites and the natural environment.
The commission called on residents and visitors to use approved camping locations, follow environmental rules, and help protect vegetation, stressing that conservation is a shared responsibility in line with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals and Vision 2030.
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Heritage Commission discovers 20 ancient rock art sites in Soudah Peaks
January 14, 2026
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission, in collaboration with Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund company, has announced the discovery of 20 ancient rock art sites in the Soudah Peaks area of southwest Saudi Arabia.
The find adds to the Kingdom’s growing record of archeological and cultural heritage sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The Soudah Peaks region, in Asir province, is more than 636.5 sq. km, and includes the highlands of Soudah and parts of the historic Rijal Almaa area.
Known for its mountains, cool climate, and scenic views, the region is part of a major development plan to create a luxury tourism destination that respects local culture and history.
The newly discovered rock art, spread across several sites, is estimated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old, making it among the oldest cultural remains in the area.
The engravings include Thamudic inscriptions, an early form of writing in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as carvings of animals such as ibex, hyenas, and ostriches.
Other scenes depict hunters, dancers, palm trees, and weapons, providing insight into the daily life, environment, and beliefs of ancient communities.
The archeological survey followed a four-phase scientific approach, based on a memorandum of understanding between the Heritage Commission and Soudah Development.
The work included data collection, site analysis, field documentation, and classification of archeologically significant locations, ensuring accurate recording and supporting future research and conservation.
Experts say the discovery is important for archeological research and cultural understanding. The variety of images and inscriptions sheds light on early human settlement and how ancient societies expressed themselves and interacted with their environment.
The Soudah Peaks project, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aims to combine high-end tourism with environmental and cultural protection. Soudah Development has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the area’s natural beauty and historical sites.
The initiative aligns with the Heritage Commission’s mission to document and protect archeological sites across the Kingdom. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts to register and preserve heritage locations.
As research continues, the rock engravings at Soudah Peaks are expected to become key reference points for researchers and visitors, offering a tangible link to the cultural roots of southwest Saudi Arabia.
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Europe
Laila Cunningham: 'London is not a Muslim city and I'd like to see Christianity celebrated more'
January 14, 2026
Laila Cunningham is in the bathroom of Reform HQ, trying to decide which blazer to wear. One is a chic brown number from Zara, the other is cornflower blue (you get the sense that this is as close as she will go to Reform turquoise) with a slightly fussy tie around the neck. She whips the brown one off over her head and stands unselfconsciously in her bra, considering the blue. Minutes ago she had shaken my hand with barely a smile, but women’s bathrooms have a way of breaking the ice. I tell her that the brown seems more her style, but the blue is more politician-y. She concludes that in this case, politician-y is the point.
Cunningham was a little-known councillor for Westminster when she defected from the Conservatives to Reform in June last year. Since then, her star has been rising. She makes for good TV and has become a favoured guest on GB News. Not only does she have Jemima Khan-ish looks, with an angular face and long, blow dried chestnut hair, but she is also up for a scrap. Numerous clips have gone viral of her sparring with Labour MPs, stabbing a finger as she talks over them. “Laila, respectful debate means not constantly interrupting somebody,” pleads one.
Last week, Nigel Farage announced the 48-year-old as Reform’s mayoral candidate for London in 2028. The party’s last candidate in the 2024 election was Howard Cox, a stock image of an old white man who ended up receiving just over 3 per cent of the vote. At the time, the party had only one MP in parliament (Tory defector Lee Anderson) and was still seen as fringe and a bit loony.
Now, Reform leads the opinion polls and is a slicker and more serious operation. As well as having five elected MPs, it has become a rescue home for dozens of stray Tories looking to regain their seat. The most recent defector is former Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi, who once said he would be “frightened” to live in a country run by Farage. In their Millbank Tower offices between Parliament and Pimlico, each newspaper is open to the page with the news of Zahawi’s move.
Before our interview begins, Cunningham squirts Nicorette breath spray into her mouth. She is not quitting smoking, but uses it “like a nootropic” to help her focus. In person, she is forthright, maintains disarmingly steady eye contact and speaks in a no-nonsense manner; a softened version of the finger-pointing firebrand I’ve seen in clips. She occasionally prods the table with a manicured red nail.
Reform has struggled with public perception that it is a racist party. A YouGov poll from October found that over four in ten Britons and half of Londoners thought Reform and its policies were “generally racist”.
Cunningham is the daughter of first generation immigrants from Egypt, and like mayor Sadiq Khan, she is Muslim. “I would never be part of a racist party,” she insists. Yet her selection as candidate has elicited the ire of the blue tick, far-Right mob on X. Many are outraged that Reform did not choose Ant Middleton, a former SAS soldier and Tommy Robinson sympathiser who has been to prison for assaulting a female police officer. They call Cunningham everything from an Islamist to a Mossad agent. Multiple accounts call for her to be deported, even though she was born in Paddington.
While she has been surprised by the viciousness of the attacks, Cunningham is a vocal supporter of X and thinks free speech must be protected on the platform. Others have dug up a picture of her at a Pride march in 2022 when she was a Tory councillor, seeing it as proof that she’s secretly woke. She shrugs the accusation off. “I’ve always been very pro gay rights, and I’ll always march for that.” In fact, she believes she was either born Right-wing, or had it instilled into her from an early age by her mother, who was a keen Thatcherite. “I always believed that if you worked hard you can be successful. That’s what my mum taught me: don’t rely on anyone but yourself.” Her parents moved to London in the 1960s and worked several jobs before going into property development. “My dad was the one who spoiled us and took us to the toy shop and stuff. My mum was: ‘No, no, no, no. We don’t waste money on toys.’”
Cunningham was born Laila El-Meleigy, the youngest of five siblings by 12 years (“My mum said I was a mistake”). She grew up in Kensal Rise and went to the Lycée in South Kensington, a private school which teaches the French curriculum. She made use of her height (she was already 5ft 10in at aged 11) and competitive streak by playing basketball.
She has been married twice, first to a French entrepreneur, Philippe Dupuy, with whom she has four children. The 10-year marriage ended when Dupuy left her for a woman in Dubai. Cunningham has been candid about the nitty gritty, revealing on the Daily Telegraph podcast that Dupuy cheated on her with two different women. This led host Tim Stanley to repeat: “He’s a dog”.
Today she is more guarded. “It was very difficult at the time to find myself alone with four young children,” she says, adding she was thankful in the end because she met her second husband, an American called Michael Cunningham who is head of an AI start-up and previously worked at a cryptocurrency betting site, according to his LinkedIn. Cunningham took on Michael’s two children and the pair had a child together, meaning she sees herself as a mother of seven. The family live in a five-bedroom flat in Bayswater which is worth a reported £5m, though Cunningham insists that she wishes as much.
In 2018 she set up a business designed to connect women who were working from home together. The concept was scuppered by Covid, and Cunningham has recently come under scrutiny for failing to dissolve the company, leading to it being struck off the register. She is a lawyer by training and worked as a prosecutor for the CPS alongside being a councillor. She was forced to resign after defecting to Reform, when she made comments to the Standard about the failure of policing and criticised the Online Safety Bill.
Like many on the Right, Cunningham characterises London as a wild west in the grip of a crime wave under Sadiq Khan. The narrative has spread like wildfire on X and even crossed the pond, with Donald Trump insisting that there were certain no-go zones in London because people were at risk of “being stabbed in the ass or worse”.
Meanwhile, Khan has been keen to promote the latest figures, which show that London’s homicide rate has dropped to the lowest level in more than a decade, meaning you’re less likely to be killed in the capital than in any other UK city, as well as Paris, Milan, New York and Berlin. Knife crime figures have fallen in the past year, as have admissions to hospital for knife assaults.
When I ask Cunningham about the perception that London is unsafe, she says pointedly: “It is not a perception, actually, like some journalists like to call it — it is the truth.” She bluntly insists that “you don’t measure safety by how many people die”. We are, she says, in a “rape epidemic”, shoplifting is “the highest it’s ever been” and knife crime is still far higher than it was 10 years ago.
The problem, according to Cunningham, is that there is “no visible policing”. She recalls the halcyon days of her youth when she knew her “local bobby” and if you found a wallet on the street, “you’d give it to the police station, right? I remember doing that a lot”.
Nowadays, she believes that no part of London is safe, which is why her campaign will be based on law and order. She was christened a “vigilante mum” by the news platform MyLondon in 2022, when she followed a group who had mugged her son’s friend to a McDonald’s and called the police on them. The police told her they were dealing with a stabbing and did not have the resources to send someone.
The story has morphed a little bit since its inception — now Cunningham says in interviews and podcasts that it was her son who was mugged, using it as a parable for the failures of the Met. “I want to bring back that reliance on the police to keep you safe and to have your back should a crime happen,” she says.
Cunningham wants to increase stop and search and would, if she could, give the police special powers to search anyone wearing a face covering. She is scathing about some of Khan’s ventures. “I know that last year he announced a specialist unit to police hate crime. Words,” she seethes. “I don’t know why there’s no specialist unit to police rape gangs.”
Nevertheless, a survey last week found that most Londoners think London is a safe place to live, while the majority of those outside London in the UK perceive it as unsafe. Cunningham is dismissive of surveys, saying she prefers hard data.
She is keen to scrap Ulez, and says she cannot trust the reports from City Hall which says levels of deadly pollutants have dropped since the zone was expanded. She dismisses Ulez as a cynical attempt by Khan to build his brand and be seen internationally as an “eco warrior”. In any case, she relies on personal feeling in this instance. “I don’t think the air quality is bad in London,” she frowns. “Some areas that do have the Ulez expansion, the air quality’s fine.” Surely that’s difficult to know? “No — exactly that,” she falters, before snapping back into soundbite mode. “But politics is about choices, right? Politics is about your priorities. And I think people’s priorities right now are being ignored.”
Another bête noir is the multicultural celebrations for various religious holidays, including Eid in Trafalgar Square. “I just think, listen, celebrate whatever you want in private, but the civic culture of a city has to be British,” she says. Cunningham does not pray or fast over Ramadan but does celebrate Eid at home with family. “I think that it’s not a Muslim city. And I think that I would like to see Judeo-Christian culture and British culture celebrated more in London.” How? “I didn’t see any Easter celebrations in central London, you know. I’d like to see, like, a… city wide Egg Hunt!” her eyes light up. “Love that, my kids would love that, you know, where all of London, we all get in teams, and we do an egg hunt.” She also wants the Union flag (“a beautiful sight”) to be “everywhere”.
The mayoral election is not until 2028, but Reform is keen to drum up enthusiasm ahead of local elections this May. When she’s not working on the campaign, Cunningham spends time with her children. “I don’t really have a big social life. It’s either the gym or the kids,” she says. “I love hanging out with my kids, even though some of them are completely in the opposite spectrum politically than I am. Some are like, ‘Mum, I’m not going to talk to you — you and your ultra-Right-wing party.’”
Cunningham loves walking, which is handy for her game plan. “I’m going to spend the next two years going around London, because I really want this manifesto to be written by Londoners,” she says. Just as our interview finishes, a fire alarm begins to blare. “Let’s hope it’s not a terrorist attack,” she deadpans, as a pugnacious fire marshall comes in to tell us that this is NOT a drill. “I need my phone!” Cunningham cries, darting off despite the marshall’s barked orders. The whole Reform outfit emerges from various rooms and offices, including one of “Farage’s fillies” Andrea Jenkyns, who is smiling moonily and wearing an entirely emerald green outfit, down to her eyeliner. We all troop down 24 flights of stairs before standing outside in the drizzle, where the outline of Parliament is obscured by a pea soup fog. The Reformers remain upbeat, seemingly buoyed by a notion that their neighbours in Westminster feel closer than ever.
Source: standard.co.uk
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Two Palestine Action hunger strikers end protest after 73 days
January 14, 2026
Dominic Casciani
Two alleged Palestine Action activists who are awaiting trial have ended a hunger strike protest in prison, seemingly bringing to an end protests that have taken place for 73 days.
In a statement issued by their supporters, Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed said they had ended their protests at their respective prisons where they are being detained on remand.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not commented on the action over the last two months, but it has not previously disputed accounts from supporters that the hunger strikes were taking place.
Four other detainees who - along with Muraisi and Ahmed - began their strikes in early November, ceased their protests last month.
All of them have been objecting to the time on remand ahead of trials, which are up to a year away due to the unprecedented court backlogs.
The BBC understands that Ahmed was taken to hospital earlier on Wednesday in a very poorly condition.
Supporters say the pair have now joined Teuta Hoxha, Jon Cink, Qesser Zuhrah and Amy Gardiner-Gibson, also known as Amu Gib, in receiving medical re-feeding treatment overseen by doctors, as set out in guidelines for the management of hunger strikes in prisons.
A seventh detainee, who had decided to refuse food every other day due to an underlying health condition, has also ended his protest.
During the protest the group had made five demands including that the UK government lifts the ban on Palestine Action, closes down an Israeli-owned defence firm and addresses complaints about their prison conditions and treatment.
The ban on the organisation was already being considered independently by senior judges. Bail decisions are taken by judges not the government, with ministers having no role in deciding who is remanded ahead of a trial.
Shortly before Christmas, lawyers for the hunger strikers had threatened legal action over their treatment.
Ministers said neither they, nor MoJ officials, would meet the protesters, but the government offered to facilitate a meeting between the protesters' representatives and medical professionals inside the jails to brief them on the care being offered.
The protesters took up that offer two weeks after it was made.
The MoJ has vehemently denied clams of medical mistreatment and the Care Quality Commission, a watchdog, has not opened any investigation.
It confirmed to the BBC its experts had spoken to medical staff at HMP Bronzefield, one of the prisons where the protest was taking place.
There are about 200 hunger strikes a year in prisons and nine people have died as a result of the protests since 1999.
Hunger strikes are deemed to be part of the right to protest under human rights law, which means the state no longer has any power to forcibly feed a prisoner, unless doctors conclude they lack the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
If a prisoner understands the risk that they may die and has made their wishes clear, doctors will not give them food, even if it would save their life.
Source: bbc.com
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Ukraine sacrificing troops in failed defensive effort – top Russian commander
15 Jan, 2026
Russian forces continue to gain ground on the battlefield despite defensive actions by Ukraine that disregard any losses suffered by its military, the head of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, has said.
Russian troops are on the offensive virtually everywhere along the front line and have liberated eight additional settlements and taken control of more than 300 square kilometers of land since the start of the month, Gerasimov stated at a briefing with army commanders, which the Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
“The leadership of the Ukrainian armed forces is using any means and pays no heed to its own losses in attempts to stop our advancements,” the general said. “However, our opponent’s plans are thwarted thanks to the valor and heroism of Russian soldiers and officers, meticulous and coordinated planning by staff, and effective leadership of military unit commanders,” he added.
Gerasimov noted that some of Kiev’s efforts are aimed at falsifying a Ukrainian military presence in locations where there is actually none. Publicity stunts reportedly involve attempts to plant Ukrainian flags with drones, which Russian troops prevent.
The briefing was part of the top general’s inspection of the Center Group, which he noted was recently involved in the most intense fighting among all Russian forces involved in the Ukraine conflict.
According to media reports, the Ukrainian military has been suffering from increasingly high frontline casualties, mass desertions, and shortage of reinforcements. Russia has accused Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of ignoring reality and refusing to strike a compromise resolution to the conflict, which US President Donald Trump is offering to mediate.
Trump cited high casualties as one of his primary reasons for seeking a swift resolution. In an interview with Reuters this week, he claimed that Ukraine and Russia together are losing 30,000 troops a month, without elaborating.
In a series of repatriations of military remains last year, more than 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and several hundred Russian soldiers were returned for burial.
Source: rt.com
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Von der Leyen vows to turn EU into ‘military powerhouse’ – media
14 Jan, 2026
The EU has been working to boost its defense capabilities in order to become a “military powerhouse,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said, Euractiv has reported, citing sources.
The remarks were reportedly made on Wednesday during a closed-door meeting in the European Parliament, where von der Leyen told lawmakers that the bloc needs to draw up its own security strategy and that the Commission would present such a document in 2026.
“We know that we need to be strong … We are not a military powerhouse, but we are building up to be a military powerhouse,” von der Leyen was quoted as saying.
Across the EU, defense budgets are surging as Brussels has pushed for rearmament under the banner of security. The European Commission’s ‘ReArm Europe’ plan, which von der Leyen mentioned as a step to increase the bloc’s military capabilities, aims to pour hundreds of billions into joint weapons procurement and infrastructure, while member states have boosted arms purchases by nearly 40% in just one year.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Western European officials have claimed that Russia could threaten EU states.
Moscow has dismissed such allegations as “nonsense” intended to instill fear and justify higher military outlays, and has condemned what it calls the West’s “reckless militarization.” Russian officials have argued that NATO’s eastward expansion poses an existential threat and remains one of the root causes of the Ukraine conflict, accusing the EU and its allies of preparing for a large-scale confrontation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said EU leaders are inflating the alleged danger to push their own political agendas and funnel cash into the arms industry, and that Moscow has no intention of confronting the bloc militarily.
Source: rt.com
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Putin and Lula discuss Venezuela in phone call – Kremlin
14 Jan, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a phone call with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in which they discussed the situation in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was abducted by US forces earlier this month, the Kremlin has said.
According to a statement on Wednesday, Putin and Lula emphasized that “Russia and Brazil shared fundamental stances as to ensuring the sovereignty and national interests” of Venezuela following the US aggression against the oil-rich nation.
The two presidents “agreed to continue coordinating their efforts, including within the UN, as well as through BRICS, with the aim of de-escalating tensions in Latin America.” Russia and Brazil are both among the founding members of the economic group.
Putin and Lula also discussed deepening bilateral relations ahead of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation, scheduled to convene in February, the Kremlin said.
On January 3, American commandos carried out a series of airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and several other regions of the country, while abducting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. They were taken to a US warship and later flown to New York, where last week they appeared in court on drug-trafficking conspiracy charges. Both pleaded not guilty.
Commenting on the US raid, Lula wrote on X that Washington’s actions had crossed an “unacceptable line.” He warned that the US military operation had set an “extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community.”
The abduction of Maduro is a throwback to the “worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean and threatens the preservation of the region as a zone of peace,” he added.
Russia also reaffirmed its solidarity with Venezuela “in the face of blatant neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression,” and called for Maduro’s immediate release from US custody.
Addressing an emergency session of the UN Security Council in early January, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia described Washington’s actions in Venezuela as “international banditry” driven by a desire to gain “unlimited control over natural resources.”
Speaking on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced the US attack on Venezuela as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
Source: rt.com
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EU reveals new plan to steal Russian assets
15 Jan, 2026
The European Commission has formally presented a €90 billion ($105 billion) EU taxpayer-funded loan package for Kiev, insisting that its original idea to eventually use frozen Russian assets for the purpose remains on the table.
Kiev’s Western backers froze $300 billion in Russian central bank assets after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The majority is held at the Belgian-based depository Euroclear.
Last month, the EU failed to agree on using the funds as collateral for a ‘reparations loan’ for Ukraine. As a compromise, the bloc decided to fund Kiev through common debt, leaving taxpayers to cover interest payments of at least €3 billion a year for as long as the loan remains outstanding.
On Wednesday, the European Commission formally presented the Ukraine Support Loan, adding that the original plan to appropriate Russian funds “remains on the table.”
“The Union reserves its right to use the Russian assets immobilized in the Union to repay the loan, in full accordance with EU and international law,” it stated.
Russia, as well as several EU members, has long insisted that no existing law can justify the move. Brussels has approved legislation to keep the assets blocked indefinitely but has so far found no legal basis to seize them outright. Instead, it has resorted to siphoning off proceeds through a 99.7% tax on ‘windfall profits’ generated by the frozen assets to arm Kiev.
Brussels said two-thirds of the new €90 billion loan is intended for weapons for Kiev, with the remainder covering its budget deficit over the next two years.
EU nations are now reportedly clashing over how to ensure that the money goes to European weapons manufacturers rather than American manufacturers.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov this week accused the EU of being “obsessed with finding money to continue the war.”
Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic secured exemptions from the borrowing scheme, arguing that Kiev will never be able to repay the loan. Brussels expects repayment only when Ukraine receives ‘reparations’ from Russia – a scenario Moscow has called detached from reality.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the EU will eventually have to return Russia’s sovereign assets, warning that not doing so would cause severe reputational damage and undermine the foundations of the modern financial system.
Moscow has also filed a lawsuit against Euroclear for damages linked to its “inability to manage” the funds and said it would expand the case to include European banks holding the assets, citing the EU’s continued attempts to seize them.
Source: rt.com
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Hillsborough Law campaigners say they cannot back proposed bill
January 14, 2026
Chris Bell
The families of victims of the Manchester Arena bombing say they cannot support the current form of a new law being designed to stop cover-ups.
Campaigners met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday in Parliament to press their case that the Hillsborough Law should apply to individual employees of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and leave no public authority exempt.
Last week, families bereaved by the arena attack in 2017 wrote to him saying MI5 had failed them and argued that the proposed law must apply fully to security services.
But following their meeting, they said the PM had failed to address their concerns.
A public inquiry found MI5 had not given an "accurate picture" of the key intelligence it held on the suicide bomber who carried out the arena attack, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds.
The Hillsborough Law Now campaign has warned that the draft legislation in its current form could allow intelligence chiefs "to hide serious failures behind a vague claim of national security".
The government has tabled amendments to the draft law, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, that would place the same "duty of candour" on security service personnel as other public servants.
But MI5, MI6 and GCHQ chiefs would have the power to "review and determine whether or how" to provide any information supplied by agents to inquiries or investigations, under the amendments.
Government sources said while they had the deepest respect for the families, they had gone as far as they could without compromising national security and that the security services would be subjected to unprecedented scrutiny.
A government spokesman told the BBC: "We have listened to their concerns on how the duty of candour will apply to the security services and we will continue to work with them to make the bill as strong as it can possibly be, while never compromising on national security."
Ruth Leney, who chairs the Manchester Arena Support Network, said the PM had "listened" during their meeting on Wednesday, but added: "It's not the outcome that we expected.
"It's got to be all or nothing, they can't water down anything, especially with the security services."
She added: "We can't trust the bill if not everybody is accountable to it."
Caroline Curry, whose son Liam Curry, 19, was killed in the bombing, said she was "devastated" about amendments to the bill and felt like she had been misled.
"We can't bring our children back, they're gone," she said.
"But what we can do is try to stand up for other people and try to protect their children."
"It's not what they agreed and what they promised," said Lisa Rutherford, whose daughter Chloe Rutherford, 17, was also killed.
"They have said that they will go away and have another look but we are not hopeful," she added. "All we want is honesty."
"The government is in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory," said Pete Weatherby KC, a director of the Hillsborough Law Now campaign which is assisting with the bill.
At Prime Minister's Questions, Labour MP Anneliese Midgley accused MI5 of spending "six years misleading the public and concealing information" about the arena bombing.
In response, Sir Keir said he is determined not to "water down" the legislation and argued that the amendments tabled by the government would "strengthen" it.
"It is right that there are essential safeguards in place to protect national security, and we've got that balance right," Starmer said at PMQs.
The bill follows campaigning by families affected by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed 97 lives.
Police leaders were found to have spread false narratives about that disaster, blaming Liverpool fans, and withheld evidence of their own failings.
The government has confirmed the remaining stages of the bill will take place next Monday, instead of Wednesday, allowing time for changes to be considered.
Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne - a long-standing Hillsborough campaigner - said he plans to press ahead with his own amendment, which would fully apply the law to the security services, unless the government was willing to change its position.
He told the BBC it was "soul-destroying" that the government appeared to be giving the security services a veto and that families of victims he met had been "distraught".
About 30 Labour MPs have so far publicly backed Byrne's amendment.
Source: bbc.com
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David Hockney says moving Bayeux Tapestry to UK is 'madness'
January 14, 2026
Lauren Turner
Artist David Hockney has described a plan to move the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the UK later this year as "madness", describing it as too much of a risk.
The 70m-long embroidery, more than 900 years old, is due to go on display at the British Museum in London in September.
But Hockney, writing in the Independent, said the "beautiful as well as historically important" masterpiece could be damaged in transit and "will be put in jeopardy if it is moved to London".
In response, British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan said: "While we understand these concerns, the museum has a world-leading conservation and collections team who are experts at handling and caring for this type of material."
The tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum until July 2027 in an agreement between the French and British governments while its current home, the Bayeux Museum in Normandy, is renovated.
Some French art experts have also expressed concerns about the plan, saying the tapestry is too delicate to be transported. French officials have said that's not the case.
Hockney, who now lives in Normandy, said he first visited the tapestry in 1967 and has seen it more than 20 times in the last three years alone, describing it as "something that has defined my life for more than eight decades".
"Some things are too precious to take a risk with," the 88-year-old wrote. "Moving the Bayeux Tapestry is one of them.
"It is nearly a thousand years old, the most complete narrative work of art in Europe and remember it is very long, more than 70 metres in length.
"It is fragile, which makes it madness to think of moving it. It is too big a risk."
The artwork, which shows events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is being insured for £800m by the Treasury.
But Hockney said that figure was "meaningless", insisting: "It is priceless."
He said transporting it for the exhibition involves "significant risk".
"The linen backing is weakened by age, and the wool embroidery threads are vulnerable to stress," he said, adding that he had researched the process.
"Rolling, unrolling or handling it in a new way can cause damage."
He noted it had been kept safe "for centuries" in Bayeux, where it is kept in "tightly-controlled conditions".
The artwork has already been taken off display and moved into storage in preparation for its journey to London.
Hockney claimed the move was being carried out for "the vanity of a museum which wants to boast of the number of visitors".
The British Museum said it was working closely with conservators and specialists in France before transporting the tapestry.
Cullinan said they "send and receive thousands of loans each year - including ancient frescoes and textiles which are older than the Bayeux tapestry".
He added that their condition and safety was "always of paramount importance".
The tapestry tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and is widely believed to have been created in Kent.
It is made up of 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses, and depicts William the Conqueror taking the English throne from Harold Godwinson, becoming the first Norman king of England.
In exchange, British treasures including artefacts from Anglo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo and 12th Century Lewis chess pieces are being loaned to museums in Normandy.
Source: bbc.com
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North America
Senate Foreign Relations Committee calls for U.S. leadership in protecting religious freedom
January 14, 2026
By Vaughn Cockayne
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and other Republican senators on Tuesday introduced a resolution calling for continued U.S. leadership in protecting religious freedom around the world.
Sen. James E. Risch of Idaho, the committee chairman, noted in a statement the persecution of Christians in China, Syria and Africa and called on the administration to press its allies abroad to preserve religious freedom.
“All people deserve the internationally recognized right to practice their freedom of religion, share their convictions and live according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal. Here in America, we believe that all people are endowed with inalienable rights from their Creator and that religious freedom is a cornerstone of any free nation. America must continue to be a leader in defending religious freedom at home and abroad, and we must push our allies to do so as well,” said Mr. Risch.
The resolution comes as President Trump ramps up efforts to halt the persecution of Christian communities worldwide. He launched targeted strikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria on Christmas and pledged to carry out more strikes if Christians continue to suffer there.
The Nigerian government has denied that the military strikes had anything to do with religion. Experts say Islamic militants and Boko Haram have killed far more Muslims in Nigeria than Christians.
Speaking Tuesday before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on Christian Persecution, Mr. Risch said a focus on protecting international religious freedom is essential, especially as China cracks down on religious expression.
“China continues to carry out policies of genocide and cultural erasure against Muslim Uyghurs and Tibetan Buddhists, destroys crosses and churches, and replaces images of Jesus Christ with Xi Jinping,” Mr. Risch said. “Just last week, Chinese authorities ramped up their recent attacks on Christian house churches in China, detaining more believers of the Early Rain Covenant Church simply for daring to practice their inalienable right to freedom of religion. This is in addition to the detention of even more Christians late last year.”
The GOP senators who co-signed resolution are: John Barrasso of Wyoming, Katie Britt of Alabama, Ted Budd of North Carolina, John Cornyn of Texas, Mike Crapo of Idaho, John Curtis of Utah, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Roger F. Wicker of Mississippi and Todd Young of Indiana.
Source: washingtontimes.com
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US attack on Iran imminent – Reuters
14 Jan, 2026
A US military attack on Iran is “imminent,” and could come within mere hours, Reuters has claimed, citing anonymous sources.
In recent days, President Donald Trump has issued several threats against the Islamic Republic, which has been gripped by riots since late December. The unrest broke out amid soaring inflation and the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial. Tehran has blamed the street violence, which has allegedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, on the US and Israel.
On Wednesday, Reuters quoted an unnamed Western military official as saying that “all the signals are that a US attack is imminent.” The anonymous source, however, reportedly added that “that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes,” with unpredictability being “part of the strategy.”
According to the outlet, which cited two unnamed European officials, “US military intervention could come in the next 24 hours.” Reuters similarly quoted an unnamed Israeli official as suggesting that Trump appears to have decided in favor of attacking Iran, though the scope of the potential military action remains unclear.
Reuters also reported that the US was evacuating some of its military personnel from bases in the Middle East in case of retaliatory strikes from Iran.
On Tuesday, Trump called on Iranian protesters to seize control of state institutions, after he proclaimed earlier that “help is on its way.”
Earlier this week, the US president stated that his administration was “looking at some very strong options” against the Islamic Republic.
On Monday, the US State Department urged all American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately.
That same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while Iran does not seek a military confrontation with the US, it is “prepared for war.” The diplomat, however, noted that Tehran is also “prepared for negotiations” with Washington, as long as those are “fair, honorable, and from an equal position.”
Source: rt.com
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Gone too far? What Americans think of US op in Venezuela – most want ‘less-active’ role in world affairs
Jan 14, 2026
More than half of Americans believe President Donald Trump has “gone too far” in using the US military to intervene in other countries, with growing unease over Washington’s recent operation in Venezuela, according to a new opinion poll.
The survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, conducted between January 8 and 11, found that 56 per cent of US adults think Trump has overstepped when it comes to military interventions abroad. The poll was carried out after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a US operation Absolute Resolve.
The majority of respondents also disapprove of how Trump is handling foreign policy overall and the situation in Venezuela specifically. About 57 per cent said they disapprove of his handling of Venezuela, while 61 per cent expressed dissatisfaction with his broader foreign policy approach, figures broadly in line with his overall job approval during his second term.
The findings run counter to Trump’s recent assertive foreign policy posture, which has included the use of US military power in Venezuela, public comments about taking control of Greenland if Denmark resists, and warnings that the US would come to the “rescue” of peaceful protesters in Iran.
Views on the Venezuela intervention, however, are mixed. Around half of Americans believe US action will be “mostly a good thing” for curbing the flow of illegal drugs into the country, according to the AP-NORC poll.
About 44 per cent feel it will benefit the Venezuelan people, who lived under Maduro’s rule for more than a decade. Opinions are more divided on whether the operation will help US national security or the American economy.
Political divisions are stark. About nine in ten Democrats and roughly six in ten independents say Trump has “gone too far” on military intervention, compared with about two in ten Republicans. Among Republicans, 71 per cent say the president’s actions have been “about right,” though only about one in ten want him to go further.
The poll also points to broader fatigue with overseas engagement. Nearly half of Americans want the US to take a “less active” role in world affairs, while about one-third believe its current level of involvement is appropriate. Only around two in ten favour a more active global role.
Support for stepping back is strongest among Democrats and independents, at least half of whom now want reduced US involvement abroad – a notable shift from a few months ago.
Republicans, by contrast, have increasingly rallied behind Trump’s approach, with 64 per cent saying the country’s current global role is “about right,” up from 55 per cnet in September, AP-NORC said.
The results suggest that while some Americans see limited benefits in the Venezuela operation, a majority remain wary of deeper US military engagement overseas and prefer Washington to focus less on foreign interventions.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/gone-too-far-what-americans-think-of-us-op-in-venezuela-most-want-less-active-role-in-world-affairs/articleshowprint/126528781.cms
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‘Fundamental disagreement’: No breakthrough in Greenland talks? Who said what after high-stakes meeting
Jan 15, 2026
A senior Danish official said on Wednesday that a “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland persists with US president Donald Trump, following closely watched talks at the White House with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio.
While the discussions failed to produce a breakthrough, both sides agreed to set up a working group to explore ways to manage their differences.
“The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters after holding talks alongside Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt.
He added that it remains “clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland.”
Both Rasmussen and Motzfeldt struck a cautiously hopeful tone, suggesting the talks could open a dialogue that might lead US president Donald Trump to drop his demand and pave the way for closer cooperation with the United States.
“We have shown where our limits are, and from there, I think that it will be very good to look forward,” Motzfeldt said, as cited by AP.
The meeting came amid renewed tensions after Trump reiterated that anything short of full US control of Greenland was “unacceptable.”
The semi-autonomous territory belongs to Nato ally Denmark, even as several Nato countries have announced plans to deploy troops to the strategically important Arctic region.
The US president, who did not attend Wednesday’s meeting, told reporters he remains committed to acquiring the territory.
Trump last month appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. While Landry was not present at the talks, his spokesperson said he is scheduled to travel to Washington on Thursday and Friday for meetings that will include discussions on Greenland.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump took to social media to argue that “Nato should be leading the way” for the United States to acquire the territory.
Meanwhile, more Nato troops are set to deploy to Greenland, the Arctic island’s deputy prime minister said on Wednesday.
“Soldiers of Nato are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships,” Mute Egede told a news conference, adding that the activities would involve “training.”
France, Germany and several Nordic countries earlier announced their participation in a European military mission to Greenland.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/fundamental-disagreement-no-breakthrough-in-greenland-talks-who-said-what-after-high-stakes-meeting/articleshowprint/126538505.cms
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Texas GOP has 10 non-binding propositions on March primary ballot, including banning Sharia law
Bethany Blankley
January 14, 2026
The Republican Party of Texas has added ten non-binding propositions to the March 3 Republican primary ballot.
Two propositions address property taxes, which Gov. Greg Abbott has made a campaign priority for his reelection bid, The Center Square reported. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is also running for reelection, has also proposed a competing plan. Reducing property taxes remains a top priority among all voters regardless of party.
One proposition addresses Islamic Sharia law, which Texas has taken a lead on nationally, The Center Square reported. Abbott has taken multiple actions, including designating Muslim groups as foreign terrorist organizations, launched criminal investigations and called on the U.S. Treasury Department to take action. A Texas mayor has banned Sharia law and the state comptroller has held school choice applications submitted by private schools with potential connections to foreign adversaries, including to Sharia law. Texas congressional members also launched a Sharia Caucus.
Another addresses pro-life and public welfare issues, as only one member of the Texas congressional delegation voted to drop Hyde Amendment protections to prevent taxpayer-funded abortion. This includes Medicaid, which illegal foreign nationals have access to, as extensive fraud is being investigated in the program, The Center Square reported.
Republican primary voters will be asked to support or reject the following propositions:
Proposition 1: Texas property taxes should be assessed at the purchase price and phased out entirely over the next six years through spending reductions.
Proposition 2: Texas should require any local government budget that raises property taxes to be approved by voters at a November general election.
Proposition 3: Texas should prohibit denial of healthcare or any medical service based solely on the patient's vaccination status.
Proposition 4: Texas should require its public schools to teach that life begins at fertilization.
Proposition 5: Texas should ban gender, sexuality, and reproductive clinics and services in K-12 schools.
Proposition 6: Texas should enact term limits on all elected officials.
Proposition 7: Texas should ban the large-scale export or sale of groundwater and surface water to any single private or public entity.
Proposition 8: The Texas Legislature should reduce the burden of illegal immigration on taxpayers by ending public services for illegal aliens.
Proposition 9: The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature should stop awarding leadership positions, including committee and subcommittee chairmanships and vice chairmanships, to Democrats.
Proposition 10: Texas should prohibit Sharia Law.
The propositions are used to gauge voter support or opposition and factored into party legislative priorities. Both the state Republican and Democratic parties add propositions to their respective ballots. The results are used by delegates at party conventions held this year to formalize legislative priorities for the 2027 legislative cycle.
The primary election for both parties is March 3. Early voting begins February 17.
Source: justthenews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/ten-propositions-republican-primary-ballot-including-banning-sharia-law
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Why Washington will take Greenland
14 Jan, 2026
By Timofey Bordachev
American political culture is drifting openly toward the annexation of Greenland. This may sound surreal to European ears, but it is not an exotic idea in Washington. It follows a logic that is deeply rooted in how the US historically became a great power and how it still proves its strength today.
The United States rose through territorial expansion at the expense of weaker neighbors. It seized land from those who could not defend it. There is no serious reason to assume that this instinct has disappeared. The only reliable guarantee of borders is the ability to fight for them. And history shows something very simple: the US does not attack those who can resist.
Modern world politics suggests that Western Europe is no longer among those who can resist.
That is why, from Washington’s point of view, the real question is not whether Greenland will eventually be absorbed into direct American control, but when. Western European states, and Denmark specifically, are among the least dangerous targets imaginable. They are harmless not only militarily, but psychologically: they are unlikely to respond in any serious way.
In American strategic culture, refusing to exploit such an insignificant position would contradict the fundamentals of foreign policy thinking. The conclusion becomes unavoidable: the annexation of Greenland, peacefully or by force, is inevitable.
Over the past few days we have seen an escalating series of statements and initiatives from American representatives. They range from internet “teasers” and political provocation to official remarks and even draft bills in Congress. The overall message is clear: Greenland should fall under direct US control. And just as importantly, the discussion itself is meant to create an impression in Europe, and in the wider world, that the outcome is pre-determined.
Western European politicians have responded with predictable panic.
Germany, for instance, has proposed a joint NATO mission called Arctic Sentry. The initiative is absurd, but revealing. It is Berlin’s attempt to respond to claims from the American president and others that Greenland is threatened by Russia and China, and that the island is supposedly defenseless. Direct consultations between senior German and American diplomats are reportedly scheduled in the coming days.
But it is difficult to imagine Washington taking Germany’s proposal seriously, because the issue is not about deterring mythical threats from Moscow or Beijing. It is about Washington’s own intentions.
The German idea draws inspiration from NATO’s Baltic Sea operation Baltic Guardian, which has been running for several years. But the Baltic Sea has little to do with American military or economic interests. Even the least intelligent member of the Finnish parliament should be able to understand this. That is precisely why NATO and Western Europe are free to play their games there.
Greenland is different.
Any attempt to frame Greenland as a NATO matter only exposes the alliance as a theater production, performing threats in order to justify foreign policy rituals. These Europeans are accustomed to imitating danger and imitating response. They appear to believe they can do it again.
It is unlikely to work.
Meanwhile, most of the world views this spectacle with indifference. Russia, China, India and many others see the Greenland drama primarily as another lesson in how relations inside the so-called “collective West” are structured. It is simply a more visible version of what has always been there.
There is nothing new in the fact that Americans are prepared to violate norms, including international law. The difference is that this time they are openly testing these norms against their own allies.
From Russia’s perspective, the situation does not pose a direct threat to our interests. The US can deploy weapons in Greenland even today. Its presence does not fundamentally change the military situation in the Arctic, nor does it threaten shipping along the Northern Sea Route. The US still lacks a serious fleet of military icebreakers, and it remains unclear when – or whether – it will acquire one.
China, too, is essentially indifferent to Greenland becoming American property. Greenland does not threaten China’s trade in the Arctic because the only real issue of interest to Beijing is the Northern Sea Route. And the US military presence on the island does not materially affect Chinese security interests.
On the contrary, in the context of Taiwan, Beijing watches with curiosity as the Americans undermine their own empire’s ideological foundations, including the principles of international law. Once the balance of power settles, it is always possible to return to old norms. Or indeed to codify new ones.
But for Western Europe, Washington’s aggressive noise around Greenland feels like the death sentence for what remained of the half-continent’s relevance.
For decades, its politicians considered themselves a “special” element of global affairs. Not fully sovereign perhaps, but privileged. They were happy to violate the sovereignty of other states across the world, insisting that this was humanitarianism, democracy, civilization. Yet they never seriously imagined the same logic could be applied to them.
The entire content of what Western Europeans loudly call “transatlantic solidarity” or a “community of values” lies precisely in this exceptional status. Their part of Europe’s role was to serve as a morally decorated extension of American power, a satellite that believes it is a partner.
Now it is the US itself that is delivering a potentially fatal blow to that illusion.
Even if the annexation of Greenland is postponed, watered down, or delayed by unforeseen complications, the fact that it is being discussed seriously is already catastrophic for Western European political legitimacy. It undermines what remains of their credibility in the eyes of their own citizens and the rest of the world.
Every state must justify its existence.
Russia’s legitimacy rests on the ability to repel external threats and pursue an independent foreign policy. China justifies itself through organization, stability and prosperity for its citizens. India’s legitimacy is grounded in holding together peace in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious civilization.
In every case, legitimacy is tied to the state’s ability to influence the most important aspects of people’s lives. Not to mention being able to rely on internal resources to do so.
But modern Western European states justify themselves differently. They justify their actions to their citizens through the idea of exceptional status, the right to look down on other countries and civilizations. If Americans can simply deprive the EU of territory, then they become equal to countries like Venezuela or Iraq: states which Washington attacks with impunity.
This is why Greenland matters more than Greenland.
Western European politicians still do not understand the main point. The US wants Greenland, of course, because it is valuable Arctic territory. Geography that matters in a changing world. Direct control over territory is often preferable to indirect use through allies.
But the deepest motive is more psychological and political: Washington wants to act as it sees fit.
In the US, disregarding all external norms – recognizing only internal American rules – is increasingly part of how the state gains legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens. The ability to seize something from a weaker neighbor becomes proof that such a state is not only strong, but necessary.
Donald Trump was elected precisely because he promised to restore American statehood. Greenland will not be the only issue where this restoration expresses itself.
In other words: Greenland is not a dispute about the Arctic. It is a demonstration of how American power is validated, and a demonstration that Western Europe is no longer protected by the very system it helped to build.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/630978-why-washington-will-take-greenland/
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CAIR Opposes Latest March to War with Iran for Israel’s Benefit, Says Iranian People Must Determine Their Future Without Internal Oppression or Foreign Interference
January 14, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed strong opposition to the latest demands by neoconservatives and other supporters of the Israeli government for the Trump administration to launch a regime change war against Iran under the false pretense of protecting protesters, who must be able to guide their future without foreign interference or internal oppression.
CAIR expressed support for the right of Iranians to peacefully protest, condemned attacks on peaceful protesters, and condemned violent attacks by rioters, including arson attacks on mosques and desecrations of the Quran.
CAIR also called for the Trump administration to reenter into negotiations with Iran to reach a lasting compromise regarding its civilian nuclear program and U.S. economic sanctions.
In a statement, CAIR said:
“The Iranian people must be able to determine their own future without internal oppression or foreign interference, including interference by the United States and the Israeli government. That’s why we strongly oppose demands for the United States to launch another illegal attack on Iran for Israel’s benefit, this time under the false pretense of protecting protesters.
“This latest march to war with Iran has nothing to do with protecting Iranian protesters and everything to do with toppling an adversary of the Israeli government. The neoconservatives and other supporters of the Israeli government pushing for a U.S. attack on Iran know that it would likely trigger an Iranian attack on U.S. bases in the region, which could lead to a full-blown regime change war that could throw the region into chaos, all for the benefit of the Israeli government.
“Our government lacks credibility to express support for freedom in Iran because of our ongoing support for dictators across the world, including in the Middle East, and our history of launching coups to overthrow democratically-elected governments, including Iran’s democratically-elected leader in the 1950s.
“If the Trump administration cares about the lives of protesters and other civilians, it would have held the Israeli government accountable for murdering an American citizen while she peacefully protested in the West Bank last year and it would stop funding the Israeli government as it slaughters the people of Gaza on a daily basis.
“What we need in our world today is moral consistency in upholding international law.
“The United States should peacefully support the human rights of all people in the region, including the Palestinian people suffering under Israeli occupation and Arab populations living under unjust dictatorships run by U.S. allies.
“At the same time, the Iranian government should meet the Iranian people’s legitimate demands for change and support freedom instead of oppression for others in the region, including the Syrian people it helped oppress through its backing of the Assad regime.“
CAIR also called on the Trump administration to reenter the negotiations with the Iranian government that ended when Israel attacked the country last summer, saying:
“Even though signatories to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty have the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, even though U.S. intelligence has confirmed that Iran was not and is not pursuing a nuclear weapon, and even though Israel maintains a real rogue nuclear weapons program that should face sanctions, a compromise could entail Iran voluntarily giving up its right to enrich the uranium for its civilian nuclear program for some long period of time in exchange for the Trump administration lifting the sanctions that have devastated Iran’s economy and harmed the Iranian people.
“The alternative to reasonable compromise between the United States and Iran–and moral consistency in upholding international law–is more death, destruction, oppression and instability, egged on by the Israeli government. Our nation and the world must not fall into this trap again.”
Before the 12-day U.S.-Israel war against Iran last summer, CAIR called on President Trump to avert an “unnecessary and disastrous” all-out U.S. war with Iran by dropping Israel’s “poison pill” zero enrichment demand meant to doom nuclear negotiations.
CAIR issued a statement warning President Trump that the Netanyahu government’s insistence that the U.S. adopt a “zero enrichment” demand in negotiations was meant to scuttle the talks and lead to war, which is exactly what happened.
CAIR also condemned Israel’s unilateral offensive strikes on Iran and called on the Trump administration to immediately halt all U.S. weapons transfers and military aid to the Netanyahu government.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-opposes-latest-march-to-war-with-iran-for-israels-benefit-says-iranian-people-must-determine-their-future-without-internal-oppression-or-foreign-interference/
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CAIR Md. to Hold Webinar on Best Practices to Manage Religious Accommodations for Incarcerated Muslims on Feb. 4
January 14, 2026
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) invites all correctional and detention staff in the state to attend an educational webinar on best practices to manage religious accommodations for incarcerated Muslims on February 4 at 12:30 p.m.
With Ramadan approaching, this webinar is designed to provide staff at Maryland correctional facilities and detention centers with an overview of managing religious accommodations in carceral institutions. Participants will learn how federal and state laws apply to common accommodation requests including diet, religious items, grooming, prayer and congregational services. Participants will also learn how to evaluate requests and balance institutional safety and operational needs while remaining compliant with constitutional obligations.
WHAT: Webinar on Best Practices to Manage Religious Accommodations for Incarcerated Muslims
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-md-to-hold-webinar-on-best-practices-to-manage-religious-accommodations-for-incarcerated-muslims-on-feb-4/
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California investigates Grok over AI deepfakes
Lily Jamali
Jan 15, 2026
California's top prosecutor has launched an investigation into the spread of sexualised AI deepfakes generated by Elon Musk's AI model Grok.
Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement announcing the probe: "The avalanche of reports detailing the non-consensual, sexually explicit material that xAI has produced and posted online in recent weeks is shocking."
xAI, which develops Grok, has previously said "anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content".
California's inquiry comes as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warns of possible action against X.
In Wednesday's statement, Bonta said: "This material, which depicts women and children in nude and sexually explicit situations, has been used to harass people across the internet."
The Democratic prosecutor urged xAI to take immediate action.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, posted to X on Wednesday that xAI's decision to "create and host a breeding ground for predators... is vile".
The BBC has contacted xAI for comment.
On Wednesday, Musk posted to X that he is "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero."
"Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images," Musk wrote. "It does so only according to user requests."
The tech billionaire, a Republican mega-donor, has also said that critics of X were politically motivated and using the Grok controversy as an "excuse for censorship".
In November, Wired magazine reported that tools from other AI companies like OpenAI and Google have also been used to digitally undress people.
Last week, three US Democratic senators asked Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their app stores.
Within hours of the request, X restricted its image generation tool so that it would only be available to paying subscribers.
X and Grok remain available on Apple's App Store and Google Play.
It comes amid a debate over whether US tech companies are shielded from responsibility for what users post on AI platforms.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 provides legal immunity to online platforms for user-generated content.
But Prof James Grimmelmann of Cornell University argues this law "only protects sites from liability for third-party content from users, not content the sites themselves produce".
Grimmelmann said xAI was trying to deflect blame for the imagery on to users, but expressed doubt this argument would hold up in court.
"This isn't a case where users are making the images themselves and then sharing them on X," he said.
In this case "xAI itself is making the images. That's outside of what Section 230 applies to", he added.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has argued that Section 230, which he co-authored, does not apply to AI-generated images. He said companies should be held fully responsible for such content.
"I'm glad to see states like California step up to investigate Elon Musk's horrific child sexual abuse material generator," Wyden told the BBC on Wednesday.
Wyden is one of the three Democratic senators who asked Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their app stores.
The announcement of the probe in California comes as the UK is preparing legislation that would make it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images.
The UK watchdog Ofcom has also launched an investigation into Grok.
If it determines the platform has broken the law, it can issue fines of up to 10% of its worldwide revenue or £18m, whichever is greater.
On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer told Labour MPs that Musk's social media platform X could lose the "right to self regulate" adding that "if X cannot control Grok, we will."
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwnqlpw7gxo
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US is ‘main enemy of the dollar’ – ex-IMF director
14 Jan, 2026
The US is the main enemy of the dollar, prominent Brazilian economist and former International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive director, Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr., has told RT.
Washington has increasingly weaponized its national currency, undermining trust in the greenback and the broader Western financial system, he said, in an exclusive interview with RT.
“The main enemy of the dollar and of the international payment system controlled by the West is the US itself,” Batista said. “There is a move away from the dollar, from US Treasuries, to a large extent derived from the abusive use by the US of instruments [such as] SWIFT, of reserves.”
He said the “most notable case” of such abuse is Russia, which saw about $300 billion in Central Bank reserves frozen in the West under sanctions imposed after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Beyond the asset freeze, the US and its allies removed most Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank messaging system and imposed full transaction bans on key financial institutions, effectively cutting Russia off from the dollar- and euro-dominated Western financial system.
According to Batista, 2022 was a turning point when de-dollarization and the shift away from US-linked financial institutions – already slowly progressing – picked up pace.
“Countries like Russia and China, also Iran, had already suffered sanctions or fears of sanctions from the US… But this was a watershed because of the scale of Russia’s reserves and the assets frozen. Since 2022, major central banks, for example China’s, are moving away from US Treasuries,” he said.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/630943-us-main-enemy-dollar-imf/
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Advocates again ask the Detroit district to recognize Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr
January 15, 2026
Students, educators, and advocates are renewing calls for the Detroit school district’s calendar to recognize the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr.
The district’s failure to observe the holiday in its academic calendar makes it difficult for Muslim students to celebrate without the stress of catching up on missed schoolwork or tests, speakers said during public comment at the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s board meeting Tuesday night. The group asked the board to adopt a 2026-27 calendar without any classes scheduled on the holiday.
“There is a lack of representation for the religious holidays for the Muslim students who are a part of this community,” said Nabila Wahid, a recent graduate of Cass Technical High School, during public comment.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti addressed the speakers to say the district will revisit the idea of adding the holiday to the calendar each year.
Metro Detroit is home to one of the country’s largest Muslim populations. Other districts in the area, including Hamtramck and Dearborn, take the day off from class for the holiday every year.
Though the district did recognize the holiday once in its calendar, in 2022, union negotiations and considerations for extending the school year derailed plans for continued observance.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of communal fasting and prayer for Muslims. The holiday includes celebrations, meals with family, and prayer. The holiday falls on a different day each year because it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
This year, Eid is expected to begin around the night of March 18. The holiday lasts 24 hours, though celebrations may continue for up to three days.
Moriyum Begum, a 2025 graduate of the Detroit International Academy for Young Women, said students who miss school for the holiday won’t receive the district’s perfect attendance incentive for that week.
Religious observances are generally considered excused absences in the district, and students are given time to make up work.
The incentive, which pays students $100 gift cards in five-day cycles in an effort to curb absenteeism, will continue through the week of March 16.
“There still hasn’t been any communication on this matter from any faculty member or the district,” Begum said during the meeting.
A couple of months ago, MI Students Dream created an online petition calling Vitti and the board to put the holiday back on the calendar next year. As of Wednesday afternoon, 970 people had signed it.
The group also successfully lobbied for the Detroit Federation of Teachers to add a survey question about whether observing the holiday was a bargaining priority for members
Eid al-Fitr observance hinges on calendar negotiations with DFT
For years, students have asked DPSCD to recognize Eid.
The board voted for the first time to add Eid to its 2019-20 calendar. Days after the vote, members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers threatened to take action because they said the calendar violated their contract and prioritized standardized testing. After the backlash, the district revoked the proposed calendar.
Students again objected to the calendar not recognizing Eid al-Fitr in 2020-21. Board members and Vitti acknowledged the students’ complaints, but cited several barriers to including it.
After a student-led campaign and widespread community outreach, the district and the DFT agreed to observe it in 2021-22. In 2022-23, the holiday began on a Friday evening, so it was not included in the district calendar.
In 2023-24, union negotiations again hindered the observance because of objections to extending the school year later into the summer, Vitti said at last night’s meeting.
At the time, district spokesperson Chrystal Wilson told Chalkbeat that DPSCD would ensure any student absent for a religious holiday not recognized by the calendar would be excused and given time to catch up on missed assignments.
Lindsey Matson, deputy director of youth organizing for nonprofit 482Forward, said during public comment a student she worked with had to complete all of her finals in one day so she could take Eid off.
“She really feels like she didn’t get the score that she would have gotten had she been able to spread that out,” she said.
Begum said her sister, who attends Cass, skipped Eid celebrations last year to take her finals.
Vitti told the speakers during the meeting the district will adjust the final exam schedules if the holiday falls on the dates in the future.
Last year, Eid began the evening of March 30 and continued through March 31, which was a school day.
Valerie Ortiz Sanchez, a junior at Cass, said she has advocated for the calendar change for years for her many Muslim friends and peers.
“We have to all be treated equally,” she said after the meeting. “It’s not fair seeing my friends struggle and not getting justice.
Ortiz Sanchez said she’s emailed board members and the district administrators about the issue multiple times, but has not heard anything back.
During Tuesday’s meeting, two DFT members showed support for the calendar change next school year.
Begum and Wahid are hopeful that DPSCD will observe the holiday again.
It’s not fair that other school districts around the area get the holiday off,” Begum said. “And it is not fair that we should be sacrificing our time over school. I really hope that we can get this.”
Source: chalkbeat.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2026/01/14/advocates-renew-calls-for-the-detroit-district-to-observe-eid-al-fitr/
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Africa
Violations: Lagos shuts 244 hotels, churches, mosques, others in 2025
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
January 14, 2026
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), shut down 244 facilities—including hotels, churches, mosques, warehouses and others—across the metropolis in 2025 for violating environmental laws during enforcement drives aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
The state also revealed that noise pollution topped environmental complaints received in 2025, accounting for 3,300 out of a total 8,437 cases.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this while addressing journalists yesterday during the agency’s Annual Performance Appraisal and Media Parley at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Ajayi, the closures resulted from sustained monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities carried out between January and December 2025.
“During the year under review, LASEPA carried out 244 enforcement actions across households, markets, hotels, warehouses, service centres, churches and mosques to ensure compliance with state environmental laws,” he said.
Ajayi added that the agency also monitored over 200 hospitality facilities, including supermarkets, nightclubs and bakeries, noting that 180 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organisations found discharging raw sewage into lagoons and engaging in other forms of land and water pollution.
He said enforcement efforts extended to industrial and chemical facilities, stressing that improved monitoring had “significantly reduced incidents of fire outbreaks and chemical spillages” in chemical markets.
Ajayi cited a joint compliance operation at the Ojota Chemical Market with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and environmental task forces as a key intervention.
Beyond enforcement, he highlighted community-focused initiatives, including the installation of two state-funded smokeless kiln machines at the Ago-Egun Ilaje fishing community in Bariga.
“This intervention is designed to improve air quality, protect women’s health and boost economic productivity,” he explained.
On air quality management, Ajayi said LASEPA partnered with local and international institutions to deploy low-cost air quality sensors across Lagos, providing real-time pollution data to guide policy and enforcement.
He said the agency releases weekly air-quality data from its 114 air monitors installed across the state and is targeting at least 200 monitors before the end of 2026, adding that 60 additional monitors are already on ground awaiting installation.
On noise pollution, Ajayi said many complaints were resolved without sealing premises.
“For every one naira spent on environmental protection, about ₦40 is saved that would have been spent on sickness or disease management,” he said.
He also disclosed that religious leaders and nightclub operators signed memoranda of understanding with the state under the Noiseless Lagos advocacy to curb excessive noise.
“Our goal is not punishment alone, but a cleaner, safer and healthier Lagos for all,” Ajayi said.
He noted that the agency deliberately combined enforcement with education and support, explaining that compliance improves when operators understand the health and economic costs of environmental abuse.
“We are not just shutting down facilities; we are also helping operators comply. That is why we established a compliance desk to assist industries facing environmental regulation challenges and provide practical solutions,” he added.
On public health, Ajayi said LASEPA worked closely with the Lagos State Ministry of Health on water quality testing and sample analysis to enable early detection and prevention of cholera and other water-borne diseases.
“Environmental protection is inseparable from public health. Our surveillance and laboratory collaborations help the state respond proactively rather than reactively,” he said.
The General Manager also disclosed capacity-building initiatives, including a mandatory sensitisation workshop for over 400 master bakers in collaboration with the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, to address pollution, fire hazards and sanitation risks.
Ajayi further revealed that about 25 per cent of diseases reported in health facilities are environment-related.
He added that LASEPA registered and accredited 153 e-waste and battery recyclers and collectors in 2025 to formalise the recycling sector and curb unsafe disposal practices.
The agency also conducted 1,637 laboratory tests in 2025 and plans to build on the record in 2026.
“As part of efforts to provide insights and data for critical stakeholders, the agency will publish monthly summaries of environmental data,” Ajayi said.
Source: vanguardngr.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/violations-lagos-shuts-244-hotels-churches-mosques-others-in-2025/
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Fubara De-escalates Rivers Crisis, Reaches Out To Speaker As Lawmakers Withdraw From Impeachment Plot
January 15, 2026
Fresh efforts to halt the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, gained momentum on Wednesday as more lawmakers, traditional rulers and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stepped in to seek a political solution to the crisis.
Two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency I) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II), in Wednesday appealed to their colleagues to conditionally discontinue the impeachment process.
The lawmakers acknowledged that the governor and his deputy may have breached constitutional provisions but said appeals from respected leaders across the state should not be ignored.
Their intervention came two days after the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency), and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency), also urged the Assembly to temper justice with mercy.
The lawmakers made it clear that their call to halt the impeachment was not unconditional.
They stressed that Governor Fubara must henceforth conduct the affairs of the state in strict compliance with the Constitution.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers in the state have constituted a committee to help resolve the political impasse.
The mediation committee set up earlier by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has also commenced consultations with both camps.
Sources told The Nation thay the committee has been engaging key actors behind the scenes in a bid to restore calm and prevent a breakdown of governance in the state.
It was gathered that Governor Fubara has shown willingness to de-escalate the crisis by reaching out to the leadership of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for reconciliation.
The governor reportedly directed members of his camp to refrain from making public statements against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and to avoid further heating up the political atmosphere in the state.
Fubara and his deputy were last week served impeachment notices by the Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct, with a seven-day window given for their response.
The leadership of the APC, the party to which both the governor and the majority of lawmakers belong, has also intervened in the crisis.
A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) said the party had commenced internal efforts to reconcile the governor and the lawmakers.
According to him, the intervention was necessary to prevent further depletion of the party’s governors’ forum and avert internal implosion.
The source said it is the responsibility of the party leadership to bring together its chieftains and resolve this impasse.
Another party source disclosed that, following APC’s intervention, the House of Assembly may reconvene to suspend the impeachment process and explore a political settlement.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/15/fubara-de-escalates-rivers-crisis-reaches-out-to-speaker-as-lawmakers-withdraw-from-impeachment-plot/
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PRP accuses Islamic scholars, Bauchi Assembly of interfering in judicial process
January 14, 2026
By Timi Owolabi
The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has accused a group of Islamic clerics and the Bauchi State House of Assembly of what it described as undue interference in ongoing judicial matters in the state.
The party alleged that the Coalition of Bauchi State Islamic Scholars and the state legislature were attempting to politicise ongoing court processes involving individuals facing serious allegations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s state secretary, Wada Abdullahi, the PRP described the actions of the clerics as “baseless” and an “assault on the judiciary’s independence”.
According to Abdullahi, religious leaders are expected to promote fairness and justice but have instead chosen to “descend into partisan politics by defending suspects and issuing baseless statements”.
He accused the coalition of “shielding corrupt and criminal suspects at the expense of justice”, adding that their conduct showed “desperation” and “partisan inclinations”.
The PRP also criticised the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, accusing him of turning the Assembly into a “rubber stamp” and defending members of the Executive allegedly facing investigation.
“This act of partisanship and outright support for criminal suspects is unprecedented and condemnable,” the statement added, urging the Speaker to “realign his stance with his constitutional duties of oversight and accountability.”
The party called on the public to resist attempts to weaken judicial institutions, adding that the rule of law must be protected above personal or political interests.
Source: dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/14/prp-accuses-islamic-scholars-bauchi-assembly-of-interfering-in-judicial-process/
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How Owo Church Attack Shattered My Legs, Took My Eye – Survivor Narrates In Court
January 15, 2026
A witness in the ongoing trial of five men accused of masterminding the deadly 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church bombing in Owo, Ondo State, has given a harrowing account of the attack, revealing how an explosive device shattered her legs and blinded her left eye, leaving her permanently confined to a wheelchair.
The witness, a trained nurse and housewife, testified before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. She recounted how the blast from an explosive device, suspected to be dynamite, destroyed both her legs, which were later amputated above the knees, and caused permanent damage to her left eye.
Describing the attack in emotional detail, she explained how she fled to the church’s choir gallery in an attempt to escape, only to be caught in the explosion. She stated that, despite her severe injuries, she survived and was later taken to a hospital, where she lost her left eye and both legs.
“I was there praying in my heart that God would save my family because I did not know the direction they ran to,” the witness shared. She also spoke about her attempt to call for help, despite her voice being gone.
She recounted her desperate plea for medical assistance while in pain and shock, saying, “I was trying to call for help, but my voice was not coming out. So, then I started waving my hands and saying ambulance, hospital.”
The witness further revealed that 41 parishioners were killed in the attack, with many others severely injured. She described how she was hospitalized for five months and has since been using a wheelchair due to her amputations.
Additionally, another prosecution witness, SSE, a civil servant and husband of one of the victims, testified. He confirmed the tragic loss of 41 lives in the attack, and the devastating injuries sustained by his wife and mother. His wife, SSD, lost both her legs and her left eye to the explosion. SSE described his attempts to get support from the Ondo State Government for his wife’s artificial limbs, which were promised but never delivered.
Justice Nwite admitted the witness statements as exhibits and adjourned the case to February 10 and 11, 2026, for further proceedings.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/15/how-owo-church-attack-shattered-my-legs-took-my-eye-survivor-narrates-in-court/
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Pro-chancellor seeks overhaul of Islamic education to boost economic empowerment
by Toba Adedeji, Osogbo
January 14, 2026
The Pro-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has called for a comprehensive reform of Islamic education to ensure it extends beyond preparation for the afterlife and aligns more effectively with contemporary economic demands.
Adeduntan made the appeal while delivering the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, titled “From Faith to Fortune: Building a Prosperous Ummah Through Leadership, Education and Economic Empowerment.”
He argued that the misinterpretation of Islamic leadership, particularly the conflation of spiritual authority with socio-economic stewardship, has contributed to a persistent gap between faith-based education and the practical skills required for modern development.
Adeduntan stressed that no individual or community can engage competitively from a position of economic weakness, urging religious leaders to adopt teachings that enhance the well-being and economic prospects of their followers.
He said, “To our esteemed Islamic leadership – the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and all bodies of authority, you must move from being custodians of mosques to architects of economies by promoting ethical entrepreneur, organise investment funds, build bridges and set agenda.
“We must re-engineer Islamic Education for Life, not just the afterlife. We must rethink our approach to Islamic education. Our current system of Islamic education excels at preservation but fails at preparation. It teaches the soul about eternity but leaves the intellect ill-equipped for the immediate, complex demands of this world.
“We have perpetuated a damaging dual-track model, where spiritual and worldly knowledge run parallel but never intersect. This must be replaced by a new paradigm: the unification of knowledge, where faith is the framework through which we understand, engage with, and transform our reality.
“We must move from theory to integrated, project-based learning by integrated classrooms, applied theology and entrepreneurship as a capstone.”
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/pro-chancellor-seeks-overhaul-of-islamic-education-to-boost-economic-empowerment/
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‘A Friend Of A Thief Is A Thief’ – Defence Minister Issues Warning To Sheikh Gumi, Others
January 15, 2026
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has sternly warned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other individuals he described as sympathizers of terrorists and bandits.
The Minister urged them to cease offering any form of support, either overtly or covertly, to criminal groups threatening national security.
During an official visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Defence Minister made it clear that terrorism and banditry should never be framed as expressions of regional, ethnic, or religious solidarity.
He highlighted the detrimental impact of such justifications, emphasizing that criminal behavior should not be excused under any circumstances.
“A friend of a thief is a thief,” Musa said, stressing the point that it is essential for Nigerians to reject narratives that legitimize or excuse criminal activity.
The Minister’s comments appeared to be a direct response to Sheikh Gumi, who has previously referred to bandits in the forests as “our brothers” and suggested that society could not function without them. Musa made it clear that while compassion for victims of violence is vital, empathy must not equate to complicity.
He warned that such narratives only embolden criminal networks, which have wreaked havoc on communities, displaced families, and caused the deaths of countless innocent people.
Furthermore, Musa pointed out that terrorism thrives not only on weapons but also on moral and rhetorical support.
He stated that those who defend, excuse, or shield criminals, whether through words, influence, or silence, must bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
The Defence Minister concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria cannot effectively combat terrorism and banditry while the lines between victims and perpetrators are blurred by sympathetic narratives.
He reiterated that neutrality is unacceptable when it comes to national security and that Nigerians must choose between standing with the law or enabling criminality.
“The choice is clear,” Musa emphasized. “Stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling criminality.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/15/a-friend-of-a-thief-is-a-thief-defence-minister-issues-warning-to-sheikh-gumi-others/
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‘You Can Criticize Me But Edo Is For Tinubu’ – Okpebholo Tells Critics
January 14, 2026
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has maintained that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election in the state despite criticism from opposition politicians.
Naija News reports that Okpebholo made this known when the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, joined him to inspect some legacy projects of his administration.
Okpebholo said projects are scattered across the state, showing President Tinubu‘s support for his administration, and questioned why the Edo people would not vote for him.
The Governor assured the Edo people that they would continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy through practical governance.
He said, “You can see the jubilation and cheers from the people assuring us that 2027 is sure. 2.5 million votes is not negotiable, my critics can go ahead to critise me but Edo is for president Tinubu.
“Edo has never been loved before, Tinubu has shown us love. Every kobo you see us spend on this project and others are coming from president Ahmed Bola Tinubu, tell me how Edo people will not vote for him.
“You can’t come here before because of the gully. Hopefully before the end of this year the people of this area will be driving on a smooth road. I will continue to talk because I am working for Edo people. The 2.5 million votes are settled.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/14/you-can-criticize-me-but-edo-is-for-tinubu-okpebholo-tells-critics/
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Tinubu Charges Military To Uphold Discipline, Loyalty And Unity
January 14, 2026
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigerian military to uphold the core values of discipline, loyalty, and unity, describing the Armed Forces as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s strength and the guardians of the nation’s democracy.
Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala and Award Night, the President reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the military in ensuring lasting peace and stability nationwide.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I charge you to remain true to the values of discipline, loyalty, and unity that define you as service personnel. In a diverse nation such as ours, you remain the enduring symbol of our shared strength,” President Tinubu said.
He also urged the military to remain loyal to the Constitution and to play their role as guardians of unity with the same dedication as they do in defending Nigeria’s borders.
“I urge you to remain loyal to our Constitution and our democracy. Your role as guardians of our unity is as vital as your role as defenders of our borders, for our strength as a nation lies in our unity,” Tinubu added.
The President emphasised that the welfare of troops is directly linked to national security and assured personnel of improved equipment, enhanced training, and better living conditions.
“Your welfare is inseparable from national security,” he said, pledging continued support to the military as a means of bolstering their operational capabilities.
He further assured the personnel that his government would continue to match their sacrifices with concrete support and resources.
While paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country, President Tinubu emphasised that their names live on not only in monuments but also in the hearts of every Nigerian.
“Your names are etched not only on monuments but in the hearts of Nigerians,” the President said.
He stressed that remembrance of the fallen soldiers is a permanent national duty and should not be treated as a mere ceremonial exercise.
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, describing their support as a vital pillar of national defense.
In recognition of the contributions of the armed forces, President Tinubu announced the approval of two nationwide engagement initiatives, “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall” and “My Nigerian Hero Campaign”.
These initiatives are designed to provide Nigerians with platforms to express appreciation and honor the service personnel and veterans for their dedication and service to the country.
While highlighting the progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President assured Nigerians that the government would not relent until every citizen could live and work in safety and dignity.
The event featured the presentation of various awards to deserving serving and retired military personnel. Among the awardees were:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu
Former Army Chief, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai
Former Army Spokesperson, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman
These individuals were recognised for their exceptional service to the country and their significant contributions to the military’s successes.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/14/tinubu-charges-military-to-uphold-discipline-loyalty-and-unity/
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Southeast Asia
Bomba: Two-week investigation underway for deadly HELP University AC blast
By Malay Mail
15 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — The investigation into the fatal air-conditioning system explosion at HELP University that killed one student and injured nine others will take about two weeks to complete, a Fire and Rescue Department official said.
The incident claimed the life of 24-year-old Soo Yu Juan, a Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman student, who died while receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The Higher Education Ministry confirmed that four students were among the victims.
Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operations), Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman, said the probe is complex and involves multiple parties, stressing that no early conclusions can be drawn, the New Straits Times reported.
“As a technical agency, we cannot make early assumptions. We must go through various processes before identifying the actual cause,” he was quoted as saying today.
Ahmad Izram said the department's fire investigation officers are examining the incident from all angles, which includes recording statements from the building owner and the manufacturer of the air-conditioning unit.
He explained that samples have been taken from the site for analysis. While some tests can be done in-house within a week, more advanced testing may require sending the samples to accredited external laboratories, which could extend the timeline.
“We must be absolutely certain before making any statement. We will only move towards confirmation once the investigation is fully completed,” he affirmed.
Separately, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said he is awaiting a full report from the Higher Education Ministry before deciding on the appropriate assistance for the victims.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/15/bomba-two-week-investigation-underway-for-deadly-help-university-ac-blast/205537
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Johor MACC remands shariah officer, lawyer for allegedly soliciting and receiving RM91,000 bribe
14 Jan 2026
JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 14 — The Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has remanded a shariah officer and a lawyer for allegedly soliciting and accepting RM91,000 in bribes related to Islamic-compliant asset ownership transfer documents.
It is learnt that the two male suspects solicited and received the gratification amount in return for issuing a Hibah Confirmation Order (a legal Islamic asset distribution order) for the purpose of ownership transfer.
Magistrate Tuan Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid allowed both suspects, who are in their 40s and 50s, to be remanded for seven days until January 20, after an application was made by MACC investigators at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court here today.
The two suspects were detained when they appeared at the Johor MACC office at 8pm yesterday to give their statements to anti-graft investigators.
According to Johor MACC, initial investigations revealed that the two suspects had conspired to commit the act between 2016 and 2018.
“The two suspects are suspected of having received bribes in cash from 13 grant recipients, each of whom received RM7,000,” read the statement issued today.
Johor MACC director Hairuzam Mohmad Amin@Hamim said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009.
Under the section, it is an offence to corruptly solicit or receive any form of gratification by any person, especially concerning any action or inaction by an officer of a public body.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/14/johor-macc-remands-shariah-officer-lawyer-for-allegedly-soliciting-and-receiving-rm91000-bribe/205450
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Jakarta to Import 7,500 Live Cattle From Australia Ahead of Ramadan
Indah Handayani
January 14, 2026
Jakarta. Jakarta is preparing to import 7,500 live cattle from Australia in 2026 to strengthen meat supplies through regional government-owned food company Perumda Dharma Jaya, as authorities seek to stabilize food availability and prices ahead of the Ramadan and Idulfitri period starting in February.Jakarta city guide
Dharma Jaya President Director Raditya Endra Budiman said the import plan is awaiting final approval from the Trade Ministry. While import recommendations have been secured, administrative processing at the ministry has yet to be completed.
“We are still waiting for import approval from the Trade Ministry. Hopefully it will be issued by the end of January. Once the permit is granted, we can begin the purchasing process,” Raditya said on Wednesday.
He said permits for live cattle imports must be renewed annually and cannot be carried over from the previous year. If approvals are finalized on schedule, purchases could begin in February, with shipments expected to arrive two to three weeks after transactions are completed.
The cattle imports will be carried out in stages, in line with available holding capacity. Dharma Jaya’s existing cattle facilities in Serang, Banten, can currently accommodate around 1,300 head of cattle.
“In the initial phase, out of the total 7,500 cattle, around 750 head are expected to arrive first,” Raditya said.
Capacity Expansion
To support the import program, Dharma Jaya is also seeking additional land to expand its holding facilities, targeting extra capacity for about 1,000 cattle. The current facility in Serang cannot be expanded, as the area has been designated for agrotourism.
Raditya said cattle purchases will be conducted on a quarterly basis, reflecting strong market absorption. Existing stock has been almost entirely taken up.
“Our previous stock has been fully absorbed. We currently have around 400 cattle remaining, and those have already been allocated for the upcoming fasting month,” he said.
High demand has been driven not only by Jakarta but also by orders from surrounding regions, including Bogor, Banten, and other parts of West Java. Demand for imported cattle has also risen as traders cite genetic factors and quality advantages compared with locally sourced cattle.
“The demand for imported cattle comes directly from traders, and we adjust our supply to market needs,” Raditya said.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/business/jakarta-to-import-7500-live-cattle-from-australia-ahead-of-ramadan
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Fact Check: AI Video Fakes Israeli Flag at Surabaya Protest
January 14, 2026
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A video claiming that Muslims in Surabaya carried Israeli flag during a demonstration has been circulating on social media platforms like X [archive], Facebook (account one, two, and three), and Instagram since early January 2026.
In the short, 17-second video, a protester, while walking, states that thousands of Muslims in Surabaya were demonstrating peacefully. "We carried the Israeli flag as a sign that we want peace, not hatred. Allahu Akbar! Islam is a religion of peace! May the world hear our message," he said.
However, was it true that there was a demonstration by Muslims carrying Israeli flags in Surabaya?
FACT CHECK
Tempo verified the video using Google's reverse image search feature, credible media reports, and artificial intelligence detection tools. The results showed that the circulating video was created by artificial intelligence (AI).
The video bears the watermark of the TikTok account @rutdangi2. After investigation, the account shared the video on January 9, 2026. The account is pro-Israel, having repeatedly shared videos promoting the idea that peace was created by Israel.
Tempo found several irregularities in the video purportedly showing Surabaya residents carrying Israeli flags. From 0:03 to 0:07, the people on the truck appear frozen, completely motionless.
The banner displayed on the front of the truck reads "Islam Agama Dama" (Islam, the Religion of Peac). But the letter "i" is missing, which should form the word "Damai" (Peace). Furthermore, the man's speech, speaking to the camera, is out of sync with his lips.
Anomalies in this kind of content are one of the signs that the video was created with AI.
Next, Tempo analyzed the video using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The tool concluded that the video had a 99 percent probability of AI elements.
Meanwhile, analysis using the Zhuque AI Detection tool found that the video was generated by AI at around 47.38 percent.
Solidarity Rallies for Palestine in Surabaya
Several solidarity rallies for Palestine and condemnation of Israel's genocide against the people of Gaza took place in Surabaya in 2025. The first one took place on February 2, 2025. According to Suara Surabaya, the rally in defense of Palestine consisted of a long march and ended at the Grahadi Building.
Further rallies took place on March 28, 2025, and April 19, 2025, also centered at the Grahadi Building, according to Antara.
In these rallies, no residents carried Israeli flag. Furthermore, there have been no demonstrations in defense of Israel in Surabaya as of the publication of this article.
CONCLUSION
Based on Tempo's investigation, the claim that there was a demonstration by Muslims carrying Israeli flag in Surabaya is false.
TEMPO FACT CHECK TEAM
**Do you have information or claims that you want to have fact-checked? Contact our ChatBot. You can also send criticism, objections, or feedback for this Fact-Checking article via email to cekfakta@tempo.co.id.
Source: tempo.co
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://en.tempo.co/read/2080438/fact-check-ai-video-fakes-israeli-flag-at-surabaya-protest
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Chief Secretary hauls up 14 ministry heads for missing development goals
15 Jan 2026
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 — A total of 14 ministries have been identified as having failed to meet their targets in implementing physical development projects allocated last year, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said expenditure on development projects by the ministries concerned stood at 87.91 per cent, which is below the national average and warrants serious attention.
“I will call in the secretaries-general (KSU) of these 14 ministries, and this will have implications for their performance assessments.
“People-oriented projects such as road repairs, as well as the construction of schools, clinics and hospitals, are being implemented, but at a slow pace, which explains why the achievement rate is only 87 per cent.
“When allocations are provided but not fully utilised, it results in losses. These funds should have been used for other priority needs,” he told reporters after delivering the 2026 New Year Message today.
Earlier in his address, Shamsul Azri said that as of Dec 22, a total of 9,578 development projects had been implemented nationwide, involving an allocation of RM83.06 billion, with actual expenditure amounting to RM81.67 billion.
This translated into a national average expenditure performance of 98.33 per cent for development projects.
The Demerit Performance Evaluation System (DEEP) was previously introduced to assess the performance of civil servants, with demerits imposed on those who fail to achieve set objectives. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/15/chief-secretary-hauls-up-14-ministry-heads-for-missing-development-goals/205521
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Akmal quits Melaka exco role but stays on as Umno Youth chief
By Muhammad Yusry
15 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh today announced that he will resign from his post as Melaka State Executive Councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security effective next week.
However, he will continue to serve the party as the Umno Youth chief.
“To show that I am carrying the voice of the grassroots who are concerned (about working with DAP), I am hereby resigning from my position as a Melaka state executive councillor, effective next week.
“But if anyone says that I am abandoning the struggle, that is absolutely not the case — I am not leaving Umno Youth,” he said in his policy speech at the Youth wing annual assembly here.
Dr Akmal said for him, a government post was not the priority; what mattered more were dignity, principles, and the voice of the grassroots.
“To those who ask, ‘Who are you?’ I want to answer: I have dignity, do you?” he asked.
He also issued a warning to those who frequently criticised him or pressured the president and the Melaka chief minister.
“Now that I am no longer in the exco, I will fight you to the very end,” he added, prompting loud cheers from delegates.
“I will ensure that the dignity of Umno Youth is upheld, unlike those who just talk without results. Therefore, I want to make it clear once again that this is not about a position. Because of my post, my principles, and my dignity and yours.
“I am bold enough to announce my resignation as a state exco to fight DAP to the very end,” he said.
After his speech ended, Dr Akmal, who was visibly emotional, was seen hugging delegates, including Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abd Rauf.
The Umno Youth annual assembly, which runs alongside the party’s general assembly from Wednesday to Saturday, gathers delegates from 191 divisions nationwide.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/15/akmal-quits-melaka-exco-role-but-stays-on-as-umno-youth-chief/205514
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Toy store assistant faces shariah charges for alleged cross-dressing in Kuala Terengganu
14 Jan 2026
KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 14 — A male sales assistant at a toy store pleaded not guilty today at the Syariah High Court here to charges of cross-dressing and behaving like a woman last year.
Mohd Lukman Mohamad Aluddin, 33, made the plea after the charge was read before Syariah Judge Hamidi Shafie.
According to the charge, Mohd Lukman is accused of wearing women’s clothing and behaving like a woman on May 12 at the KTCC shopping centre here.
He faces charges under Section 33 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment (Terengganu) 2001, which carries a fine of RM1,000 to RM3,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
If convicted of a repeat offence, he could face six lashes, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, and a fine of up to RM5,000.
The court granted Mohd Lukman bail of RM3,000 with two sureties and set Feb 10 for case mention. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/14/toy-store-assistant-faces-shariah-charges-for-alleged-cross-dressing-in-kuala-terengganu/205434
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Will UPSR and PT3 return? Education Ministry sets end-2026 deadline for policy review
15 Jan 2026
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 — The review on the need to reinstate Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examinations is expected to be completed this year, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said the review process would commence in the near future once the appointment of members to the National Education Advisory Council (MPPK) is finalised.
“The MPPK is currently in the process of being appointed. In terms of preparation, we are ready.
“We are just waiting for the appointment of the council members, after which the review can be completed as soon as possible this year,” she told reporters after the Preschool PAKAT programme and the presentation of the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Presint 9 (1) here today.
UPSR was abolished in 2021, followed by the abolition of PT3 in 2022, with both examinations replaced by the School-Based Assessment (PBS) system.
Commenting further, Fadhlina said the review was being undertaken after the government took into account requests and feedback from parents and educators regarding the need for both assessments.
She added that her ministry had received views from various stakeholders, prompting the government to re-examine the matter before making any major decisions on national education policy.
“I do not see any issue with conducting the review as there have been requests for it. This shows that the government listens to feedback and adopts a consultative approach by examining the matter collectively before making important decisions,” she said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the distribution of the BAP assistance, Fadhlina said that the Education Ministry was targeting to complete the process nationwide this week, while allowing some flexibility for certain schools.
“We hope to be able to complete the distribution this week as well, but we are allowing a little more time, particularly for schools in rural areas and those with a large student population, which may require additional time to manage the process,” she said, adding that the nationwide distribution of BAP has so far been running smoothly. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/15/will-upsr-and-pt3-return-education-ministry-sets-end-2026-deadline-for-policy-review/205526
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South Asia
Japan provides $3 million for health and psychosocial support in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
January 15, 2026
Japan has contributed $3 million to support health services and psychosocial programs, assisting vulnerable populations affected by disasters in remote provinces of Afghanistan.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced that Japan has contributed $3 million to provide health services and psychosocial support for disaster-affected populations in remote areas of Afghanistan.
According to a statement released Thursday, the funding will support a project titled “Strengthening Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, Nutrition, and Psychosocial Support Services for Vulnerable Populations Affected by Disasters in Remote Afghan Communities.”
The project will operate through 60 health posts across the provinces of Daikundi, Faryab, Khost, Kunar, and Paktika, aiming to reach underserved and disaster-affected communities.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 210,000 people, including women, adolescent girls, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and children under five, providing access to essential health and psychosocial services.
The UNFPA also noted that the program will provide health services to 840 individuals with disabilities, ensuring equitable access for all vulnerable groups in the target areas.
Target populations also include internally displaced persons, returnees from Iran and Pakistan, and vulnerable host communities in remote provinces, who are often exposed to natural disasters and limited access to medical care.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/japan-provides-3-million-for-health-and-psychosocial-support-in-afghanistan/
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3.3 Billion Afghanis Outstanding Debts Owed to Previous Government Paid, Ministry
January 15, 2026
KABUL: The Ministry of Finance said in a statement Wednesday that it has returned 3.3 billion Afghanis outstanding debts inherited from the previous administration to domestic private companies and individuals.
“From 2023 until the end of the month current month of 1404, a total of 3.3 billion Afghanis has been paid back as part of the debt settlement process,” the statement said.
Earlier, the state-owned electricity company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) had also announced that it had paid millions of dollars in outstanding debts from the former administration to countries supplying electricity to Afghanistan.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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U.S. freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran
By Fidel Rahmati
January 15, 2026
The United States has frozen new immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, citing welfare dependency concerns, affecting applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti and several African nations.
The United States has announced a suspension of processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, citing concerns over welfare dependency, the State Department said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the department said the move was driven by what it described as “unacceptably high” rates of use of public welfare and social assistance programs by migrants from those countries.
US officials said the visa freeze will remain in place until Washington is satisfied that new immigrants will not place an undue financial burden on American taxpayers.
Countries affected by the decision include Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Afghanistan and Eritrea, according to the State Department.
The department stressed that the measure is intended to protect public resources and prevent abuse of what it called the generosity of the American people.
The decision aligns with broader US immigration policies aimed at tightening eligibility standards and reinforcing the “public charge” principle, which evaluates whether an immigrant is likely to rely on government assistance.
Similar restrictions have been introduced in past administrations, often drawing criticism from human rights groups who argue that such policies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations fleeing conflict, poverty and political instability.
The State Department said the suspension is temporary and will be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to balance immigration controls with economic responsibility and national interests.
Source: khaama.com
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Muttaqi, UNAMA Officials Discuss Doha Process, Development Efforts
January 15, 2026
KABUL: The country’s Foreign Minister, Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Georgette Gagnon, Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s (UNAMA) Political and Resident Office, to discuss key developments under the Doha Process.
The meeting discussed progress made by working groups addressing counter-narcotics efforts and private sector support, as well as other related matters, the ministry said in a statement the other day.
Afghanistan has made satisfactory progress in the Doha Process working groups, Muttaqi said, highlighting that other parties have yet to achieve substantial results on alternative livelihoods and banking issues, and emphasizing the need for strong steps to ensure progress in these areas.
Meanwhile, Gagnon described the outcomes of the previous Doha Process working group meetings as positive and emphasized that further attention will be given to these initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a call for increased collaboration to address additional issues beyond the two existing working groups under the Doha Process framework.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/muttaqi-unama-officials-discuss-doha-process-development-efforts/
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Vulnerable Families Need More Support, Employment
January 15, 2026
Over the past year, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has taken notable steps to support vulnerable segments of society, particularly widows, orphans, and people with disabilities. A significant amount of public funds has been allocated to provide monthly financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs independently. This initiative reflects a commitment to social welfare and an acknowledgment of the widespread poverty affecting the country after decades of conflict and economic hardship.
Financial assistance to vulnerable groups plays an important role in reducing immediate suffering, especially for orphans and families without a stable source of income. Removing beggars from the streets and enrolling them in regular assistance programs is also a positive development, as it helps restore dignity and social order while ensuring basic needs are met. Such measures contribute to short-term poverty relief and demonstrate responsibility toward disadvantaged citizens.
However, while direct financial support is necessary, it is not sufficient on its own to achieve long-term economic stability. Greater and more targeted attention to orphans is especially important. Beyond monthly payments, orphans need access to education, healthcare, psychological support, and safe living environments. Investing in schools, vocational training centers, and orphan care institutions can help transform financial aid into lasting human development.
In addition, creating sustainable employment opportunities for families should be a central priority. When parents or guardians have access to stable jobs, entire households can move toward self-reliance, reducing long-term dependence on state assistance. Expanding support for small businesses, agriculture, and local industries can create jobs while strengthening the domestic economy. Special programs aimed at employing widows and persons with disabilities would further promote social inclusion.
Infrastructure projects and industrial development are important foundations for economic growth, but these efforts should be paired with policies that actively involve local communities and the private sector. Encouraging investment, improving skills training, and fostering an environment of economic cooperation can significantly reduce unemployment and poverty.
The current social support programs represent an important step forward. By increasing attention to the comprehensive needs of orphans and prioritizing job creation for families, the Islamic Emirate can move from short-term relief toward long-term economic resilience and social stability for the people of Afghanistan.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Kabul, Beijing Discuss Strengthening Tourism, Cultural Ties
January 15, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Qudratullah Jamal, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture for Tourism, Finance, and Administration, in a meeting with Zhao Xing, the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, discussed enhanced coordination, tourism development, and cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement from the ministry on Wednesday.
Mawlavi Jamal emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between Afghanistan and China and requested Chinese support in various areas, including boosting tourism, training students at the Tourism and Hospitality Institute, facilitating visas, tourism marketing and promotion, investment in tourism infrastructure, and sharing expertise.
He also highlighted the importance of the Silk Road and proposed joint exhibitions and the exchange of specialists between the two countries.
Ambassador Zhao Xing reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations and assured continued cooperation and experience-sharing in the highlighted areas.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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