23 killed in Egypt tribal clashes
Cairo: At least 23 people were killed in overnight tribal clashes in upper Egypt's Aswan province, media reported Saturday.
The gunfight erupted Friday evening and...
Two killed in pro-Morsi protests in Egypt
Cairo: At least two people were killed Friday during clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi in Egypt's Fayoum province,...
Hamas committed to achieving reconciliation: Ismail Haneya
Gaza: The prime minister of the Hamas authorities in Gaza Strip told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Friday that his movement is committed to achieving...
Toll rises to 159 in Israeli air strikes in Gaza
Gaza : The deaths of Palestinians in the Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip climbed to 159 Sunday, officials said.
The operations began July...
100,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims to perform Haj
Jeddah : About 100,000 Bangladeshis will be arriving for this year’s Haj, according to Bangladesh’s new Consul General A.K.M. Shahidul Karim.
“Looking after the well-being...
Islamist militants occupy US embassy in Libya
Tripoli : A group of Islamist militants stormed the US embassy in Tripoli as intense fighting was ongoing in the capital's suburb Sunday, a...
Written by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, but made in India
By Madhusree Chatterjee, IANS,
New Delhi : The ever-growing popularity of Indo-Anglian writing and the publishing boom in India have opened the floodgates for English writers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as well. Authors from neighbouring countries are increasingly publishing their books in India, which offers them a sizeable audience still hooked to the written word.
They have inched their way up the Indian best-seller lists with powerful books that combine gripping narratives, snapshots of socio-political realities, history and commentaries.
‘Too many political parties representing Malaysian Indians’
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The multitude of political parties claiming to represent Malaysia's 1.8 million Indians could be detrimental to the community in the long run, a veteran politician has warned.
Loga Bala Mohan, who is vice president of one of them, Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), also complains that parties claiming to represent Indian supports often exaggerate their membership.
Going by their "far-fetched" claims, it would seem every Malaysian India is a member of one political party or the other.
Live TV coverage of terrorist incidents be avoided: Pakistani Minister Kaira
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday asked the electronic media to avoid live coverage of terrorist incidents and rescue activities as these caused depression among the masses.
Addressing a joint press conference alongwith Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) to inform media about the latest updates on the on-going operation in South Waziristan, he said the government does not want to force its decision; rather it is pursuing dialogue with media organizations to convince them on the matter.
Fashion fiesta of Gandhi ashram products in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Top fashion designers of Bangladesh have organised an exclusive exhibition of 'khaddar' and 'taat', the hand-spun fabrics produced by the Gandhi Ashram Trust of Noakhali.
'Charkha', the spinning wheel popularised by Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of self-reliance, was displayed at the exhibition hosted by Deshi Dosh, a joint platform of ten leading fashion houses.
The 'charkha' is now dedicated to promoting Bangladeshi weavers and fabrics at the exhibition called "Gandhir Swadeshikotaye Deshi Dosh", the New Age newspaper said.
UAE steps up vigilance against drugs
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : In an effort to control and prevent circulation of narcotics in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stepped up efforts to increase vigilance at its border entry points.
On the eve of World Anti-Narcotics Day, which will be observed June 26, UAE's ministry of interior has said there is an utmost need to protect the "family" and the "community" from drugs through a comprehensive awareness programme.
Krishna, Qureshi meet a ‘positive step’, tweets Rehman Malik
By IANS,
New Delhi : The India-Pakistan foreign minister talks should be seen as a "positive step" and not be "judged mathematically like 2+2=4", Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has tweeted in a refreshing take on the dialogue that soured after some harsh comments by the Pakistani foreign minister.
Malik, a regular user of Twitter with 3,498 followers, in his latest post commented on the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad Thursday.
Nuclear blast in space could paralyse Britain
By IANS,
London : Detonation of a nuclear weapon in space by North Korea and Iran could paralyse Britain's power, transport and communication systems, a top official has said.
Nawaz Sharif barred from contesting by-election
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A full bench of the Lahore High Court Monday disqualified former Pakistani prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif from contesting by-elections, Dawn News TV channel reported.
The three-bench full court, however, has conditionally allowed Shahbaz Sharif, who is the chief of PML-N and younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, to hold office of chief minister of Punjab province.
Sri Lanksns to get 100,000 more jobs in Qatar
By NNN-Govt Portal
Colombo : Sri Lanka will be sending 100,000 persons for employment in Qatar following an agreement reached during the talks between Qatar's Minister of Labour Dr. Sultan Al Dawsary and Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Employment and Welfare Development Keheliya Rambukwella.
This will boost the number of Sri Lankan employed in Qatar to 230,000. The employment opportunities will be open for skilled workers in the construction field and artisans, according to ministry sources.
Truck crushes nine-year-old Indian boy in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : A nine-year-old Indian schoolboy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was crushed to death when a truck ran over him at a construction site.
Ricky Mathew Verghese, a Grade 4 student at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah, was on his way to a tuition class Monday evening when the accident took place.
The driver, carrying a concrete mixer, was reversing and unloading the truck when Ricky came under the wheels. Ricky leaves behind his parents and an elder sister who studies in the same school. His father works in UAE Exchange money exchange and remittance centre.
UAE firm buys stake in Finnish company for $177 mn
By IANS,
Dubai/Chennai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) renewable energy firm Masdar has acquired 40 percent stake in a Finnish wind turbine manufacturer for $177.3 million to become a key player in the global energy market. Controlling stake in the company WinWinD Oy is with India's Sterling Infotech Group.
Masdar has paid 120 million euros ($177.3 million) to acquire the stake in WinWinD Oy. With this investment, Masdar has established its presence in all forms of renewable energy, Masdar said in a statement.
Kuwait: Al-Jassim presents credentials to Serbia, as new non-resident Ambassador
By NNN-KUNA,
Vienna : Former Kuwaiti Ambassador to Austria Fawzi Al-Jassim submitted his credentials to Serbian President Boris Tadic on Saturday, after becoming Kuwait's new non-resident Ambassador to Serbia.
In a statement to KUNA, Al-Jassim said that he carried to Tadic, greetings from His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the Serbian people.
Global Jain business forum to open Dubai chapter
By IANS,
Dubai : In a bid to explore business opportunities in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a global Jain business forum will open a new Dubai chapter this month.
The Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), comprising Jain businessmen, industrialists, knowledge workers and professionals from across the world, has announced that the new Dubai chapter will be opened in the course of a conference here Sep 26-28.
RAW chief visit to Pakistan report termed ‘baseless’
By IANS,
New Delhi : Top officials in India's home ministry rubbished media reports that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Ashok Chaturvedi visited Pakistan soon after taking over the reins of the agency last year.
A front page report in the The News daily said that Chaturvedi was received by former intelligence heads from Pakistan, but the entire episode was kept under a thick veil and no information was made available to the media.
“The report is baseless. How can India's external intelligence chief be visiting Pakistan?” asked a senior intelligence functionary.
Bangladesh: 259 MPs takes oath, Hasina PM-elect, Zillur next President, new Cabinet by Tuesday
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina will swear in as the prime minister of the country on Tuesday evening as the party's parliamentary party today unanimously elected the former premier to run the government for the second term in five years.
Sheikh Hasina governed the country in a record full term for five years between 1996 and 2001, and lost to the BNP-led four-party alliance, which this time has suffered a crushing defeatagainst the AL-led grand alliance with only 32 seats in the 300-
seat Jatiya Sangsad.
Seven paramilitary personnel killed in Iraq
Baghdad: At least seven paramilitary personnel were killed by gunmen in Iraq Sunday, an official said.
The incident took place when gunmen carried out an...
Gunmen kill 21 soldiers in Egypt desert
Cairo : At least 21 Egyptian soldiers were killed, and four injured late Saturday in an attack by "an armed group" in the country's...
India Fraternity Forum hosts Ifthar Program across Eastern Province of KSA
By TCN News,
Dammam: India Fraternity Forum (IFF) Eastern Province for Karnataka Chapter organized its Iftar programs across Eastern Province in Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, and Al-Hassa.
Yemen Houthi rebels, tribesmen agree on truce
Sanaa: Yemen's Shia Houthi rebels and Sunni tribal fighters agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire Saturday.
The truce agreement comes after eight people were killed Friday...
Iran announces new Islamic internet
By IANS/AKI,
Tehran : Iran has announced it would launch an Islamic internet to counter the influence of the US-dominated world wide web.
Incubator toll in Pakistan rises to 15
Islamabad : Three more babies died Friday due to lack of oxygen in incubators in a hospital in eastern Pakistan, bringing the number of...
Christians in Pakistan’s Chakwal not to celebrate X’mas
Islamabad: Christians in Pakistan's Chakwal district have decided not to celebrate Christmas this year to pay homage to the 148 people, including 132 children,...
5,000-year-old brewery found in Israel
Jerusalem : A 5,000-year-old brewery has been unearthed in Tel Aviv, the Israel Antiquities Authority said on Sunday.
The find includes fragments of ancient Egyptian-made...
Afghanistan rebuilding itself – with a little help from India
By Ranjana Narayan,
New Delhi : As Afghanistan rebuilds its institutions, including in the fields of governance and education, after decades of war, Afghan officials...
14th Aman Chaupal with Pakistani art activist Shoaib Iqbal in ALS, Delhi
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative of Mission Bhartiyam (India) and The Catalyst-Tc (Pakistan) conducted its 14th Aman Chaupal here on Thursday.
The guest of this time’s Aman Chaupal was an art activist from Pakistan, Shoaib Iqbal. The event was held at the Alternative Learning Systems (ALS), a renowned coaching centre for civil service aspirants in Delhi. Aman Chaupal is a short informal session wherein someone from Pakistan addresses students’ questions and curiosities in an Indian school or college (or vice versa). It is an interactive session based entirely on students’ questions.
Myanmar to repatriate more Bangladeshi boat people
Yangon: Myanmar will repatriate another 727 Bangladeshi boat people, rescued by the navy off the southern coast on Friday, after carrying out a detailed...
Pakistan may purchase military equipment from Russia
Washington : Pakistan might purchase weapons and military equipment from Russia and counts on cooperation with Moscow in the energy sphere, a senior...
Turkey urges EU to take responsibility for refugees
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday urged developed countries, notably those in Europe, to be more sensitive to the immigration crisis.
"The Western...
No marriage law for Hindus in Pakistan: Daily
Islamabad : There is no marriage law for the millions of Hindus living in Pakistan, a leading daily said on Friday, noting that this...
Four Advisers Of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Resign
DHAKA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Four advisers of Bangladesh caretaker administration Tuesday tendered their resignation, officials said.
"The four have resigned on 'personal ground' and the chief adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed sent their resignation letters to President Iajuddin Ahmed," chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told Bangladesh news agency (BSS) here Tuesday night.
The four were Information and Law Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Industries Adviser Geeti Ara Safiya Chowdhury and Health Adviser (retd) Major General ASM Matiur Rahman.
Hamas, Egypt hold talks on Rafah crossing
By Xinhua
Gaza : An aide to deposed Hamas prime minister Ismail Haneya revealed on Thursday that there are talks held between Hamas and Egypt on reopening Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip.
Allaeldien al-A'raj, Haneya's economical advisor, told the pro-Hamas daily Felastin that the talks held between Haneya's government and Egypt are semi-official.
Backgrounder: The 20th Arab Summit in Damascus
By Xinhua
Damascus : The annual Arab summit kicked off in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday with the participation of the member states of the Arab League (AL) except Lebanon.
The two-day summit is the 20th of its kind since the 22-member AL, formally called as the League of Arab States, was founded in 1945.
On Thursday, Arab foreign ministers held a preparatory meeting here, hammering out the summit's agenda and a draft resolution.
Sheikh Bin Humaid meets minister, offers Friday sermon in South Africa
By IINA,
Johannesburg : The President of Saudi Arabia's Shoura Council Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, who is currently on an official visit to South Africa, was received by South Africa's Minister of State for Political Affairs Yosef Bahad here yesterday. Bahad welcomed Bin Humaid and thanked him for taking part in the meeting of the General Assembly of the International Parliamentarian Federation in South African city of Cape Town, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Abducted UN official released in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A United Nations official who was abducted in Pakistan more than two months ago was released Saturday, a media report said.
The kidnappers said they had released John Solecki, chief of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Quetta city, on humanitarian grounds, private TV channel Dawn News said.
Solecki would be sent to a hospital first and flown to the capital Islamabad later.
Sudanese woman faces 40 lashes for wearing trousers
By DPA,
Nairobi : A woman Sudanese journalist and United Nations worker could face up to 40 lashes Wednesday for wearing trousers.
Lubna Ahmed Hussein, a columnist and public information officer at the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), was arrested in Khartoum along with 13 other women in early July.
Ten of the other women were given 10 lashes for breaching Islamic law, but Hussein demanded a lawyer and delayed her trial.
She has invited local and foreign journalists to view her flogging should she be convicted.
Dubai opens plant to produce drug for cancer patients
By IANS,
Dubai: A high-tech facility was inaugurated here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to manufacture a drug required in PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan for cancer patients.
The drug, Flurodeoxglucose (FDG), has a short shelf life of only 10 hours. Therefore, importing it into the UAE was a cumbersome process.
To conduct a PET scan, the patient needs to be injected with a dose of FDG.
The PET scan is considered better than the regular scans as it can detect cancer early.
Zardari tried to bribe my father: Fatima Bhutto
By IANS,
New Delhi : Asif Ali Zardari attempted to bribe his brother-in-law Murtaza Bhutto to swing a deal in the Middle East at a time when his estranged sister Benazir Bhutto was Pakistan's prime minister but was roundly rebuffed, Murtaza's daughter Fatima Bhutto writes in her just released memoir, "Songs of Blood and Sword".
Zardari was accused of plotting Murtaza's murder but had been acquitted of the charge.
Pakistani women go under knife to regain virginity
By IANS,
Islamabad : Living as they do in a conservative, Muslim-dominated society where pre-marital sex is a religious taboo, many Pakistani women are going under the knife for hymen reconstruction surgeries to regain their lost virginity before marriage.
Just look up advertisements in English newspapers or websites or the walls of shops on busy street corners in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, offering women a chance to shroud their past with a recreated hymen - and you'll know.
United states plays major role in maintaining gulf security – Kuwaiti diplomat
By Abdel Hakim Al-Rifaee, KUNA,
Manama : Kuwait's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah has affirmed significance of the United States role in bolstering and maintaining security and stability of the Gulf region.
Sheikh Azzam, in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), said the continous American support for Iraq's security and stability would lead to further strengthening of the region's calm and order.
Rice launches new initiative to empower Muslim women
By KUNA,
Washington : US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has announced a new initiative to empower women in the Muslim world.
"Often, it takes only one woman to make a difference. If you empower her with information, training, or a micro loan, she can uplift her entire family and her whole community. Multiply this effect on one woman by a hundred, and thousands of lives can change. That is what the One Woman Initiative is all about," said Rice in launching the initiative Monday.
International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress opens Monday
By KUNA,
Kuala Lumpur : Some 1,200 archivists from 138 countries are in Kuala Lumpur to attend the one-week Congress on International Council on Archives (ICA) that will kick off Monday.
The 16th Congress to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is hosted by Malaysian National Archives.
The ICA Congress is held once every four years and Malaysia is the second Asian country to host ICA after China hosted the global event in 1996.
According to the Congress Secretariat, the 16th Congress coincides with the 60th anniversary of ICA.
Kuwait launches Islamic Food Fund
By IINA,
Kuwait City : Kuwait announced yesterday launching an Islamic food fund to help poor Muslim countries face the worsening global food crisis caused by surging prices. "Kuwait is offering an initiative to establish a fund for decent life in Islamic countries to provide basic foodstuff for those who are in need quickly," Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah told the opening session of the fourth World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuwait City. "Kuwait announces its contribution of $100 million to launch this fund," said the amir.
Moroccan women seek their way between Islam and feminism
Kenitra/Sale (Morocco), June 1 (DPA) A young woman passes in a sleeveless shirt and a knee-length skirt, her hair flowing down her back.
Another woman of the same age follows in a loose tunic and pants, the Islamic headscarf covering every strand of her hair.
An older woman wears the traditional djellaba, a long outer robe with full sleeves, her hair in a bun. Some women wear the strictest Islamic dress, covering themselves in black from head to toe, with only the eyes visible.
Israeli army says mortar shell rounds fired, truce violated
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Army claimed that three mortar shell rounds were fired from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday toward southern Israel in a sporadic manner, which represented "a violation of the truce agreement".
An Army spokesman told Israeli Radio that the rounds, last of which was launched this evening, fell in an open area within the Regional Council "Eshkol" southern Israel, without resulting in any injuries or damage.
Dubai keen to co-operate with Malaysia’s Sabah state in agriculture
By Muin Abdul Majid, NNN-Bernama,
Dubai : Dubai is keen to co-operate with the eatsern Malaysian state of Sabah in the agriculture sector as part of a broader objective to secure food supplies amid concerns over rising food prices in the emirate and in the Middle East as a whole.
This was conveyed during a meeting between members of a Sabah trade and investment mission and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry here recently. Dubai Chamber general adviser Nizar Sardast described the climate in Sabah as suitable for agricultural activities.
56 Hindu couples marry in Karachi
By Awais Saleem,IANS,
Islamabad: Amid traditional songs and dances, 56 Hindu couples got married Saturday night at a glittering mass wedding in Karachi organised by the Pakistan-Hindu Council.
Egypt: RMAF targets to evacuate 1,211 Malaysians from Egypt Saturday
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has targeted to evacuate 1,211 Malaysians from Egypt to Jeddah on Saturday, said RMAF chief Gen Rodzali Daud.
Indian painter to showcase work in Oman
By IANS,
Muscat (Oman) : Noted Indian painter Murali Nagapuzha will exhibit his artworks at the Indian embassy in Muscat starting April 6.
There is no need for National Counter Terrorism Centre: JIH
Jamaat demands complete freedom for Haj Committee to make its own travel arrangements, choose airlines
"NCTC curbs civil liberty"
"Govt should snap all diplomatic ties with Israel"
Ahmadinejad’s visit to disputed island irks Lebanon
By IANS,
Beirut : Lebanon has criticised the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the disputed island of Abu Musa.
Top Pakistan Army officers meet
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Army's top brass met Friday night with an agenda which the Dawn described as "extraordinary".
Iraq suspends 10 TV channels over sectarianism
By IANS,
Baghdad : An Iraqi commission has suspended 10 satellite TV channels for allegedly inflaming sectarianism in their coverage of a Sunni Muslim protest, state media reported Sunday.
Cross-border clash kills 15 in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least 15 people were killed and two injured Saturday when militants attacked a security checkpost near the Pakistan-Afghan border in North...
Bahrain king congratulates Modi
Manama : The king of Bahrain has congratulated Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for success in the elections and wished him success in his...
Eid celebrated in Telangana, Andhra
Hyderabad : Muslims across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Tuesday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and gaiety and with prayers for the dead in Gaza.
Tens...
An Indian safari in Nairobi, with samosas and biryani
By Manish Chand,IANS,
Nairobi : Chapatis are for Christmas and biryani is for weddings. And samosas are forever. Traces of India and Indians can be found just about everywhere in the leafy, sunlit streets of the Kenyan capital that is fast emerging as an economic magnet for the East African region.
If you are not feeling hungry and looking for a bit of an escape, take a 'gaddi' (vehicle), ask your driver to put on a Bollywood number (he is sure to have the latest CDs), and go on a safari to one of the game parks Kenya is famous for.
Global Muslim population estimated at 1.57 billion
By IANS,
Washington : An estimated 1.57 billion Muslims of all ages live in the world today, representing 23 percent of the global population of 6.8 billion, according to a new study of more than 200 countries.
India is estimated to have the third largest Muslim population of over 160 million after Indonesia with more than 200 million and Pakistan with nearly 175 million.
Oman Embassy in India petitioned to rescind Modi’s visit to Oman
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The New Delhi Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman has been filed with a public petition urging their government to rescind the likly visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Oman later this year.
The petitioners have reminded the Oman Embassy and their government that Modi is being investigated for his role in the 2002 pogrom in Gujarat in which thousands of innocents were killed with the help of government machinery.
1,600 dead, 15 mn affected in Pakistan floods
By IANS,
Islamabad: Authorities in Pakistan raced to evacuate families threatened with fresh floods as heavy rains worsened the deluge which had left at least 1,600 people dead and affected 15 million others.
Officials in Sindh province warned that a major deluge could hit impoverished river communities in the fertile basin, where they said up to three million people had already been affected and one million evacuated, Dawn News reported Saturday.
UAE raises $19 mn for Pakistan flood aid
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : In order to help flood-hit Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has raised AED 72 million ($19 mn) from donations given by its citizen during a three-day nationwide campaign.
A total of AED 72 million was collected on the final day of the telethon "Awnakum" (Arabic for Your Help), which was launched Wednesday by the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) to help millions of flood-affected people in Pakistan.
There was no backup plan for water crisis: Maldives president
Male : Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen has admitted that the water crisis in the capital city was caused by lack of preparedness but his...
MQM exceeding limits in criticising army:Pakistani minister
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is exceeding its limits in criticising the army and...
811 arrested in Saudi Arabia on terror charges
Riyadh : The security authorities have arrested 811 people of 25 nationalities on terrorism charges across the Kingdom in the past six months, according...
An open letter to the Rohingyas: RIP RIP Rohingyas !
A scathing critique of the general Muslim apathy towards issues.
By Dr Asma Anjum Khan for TwoCircles.net,
My Dear Rohingyas,
Heard you are on a cruise these...
Hamid Ansari condoles deaths in Makkah’s Grand Mosque accident
New Delhi: Vice President Hamid Ansari has condoled the deaths in the crane accident at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of...
Malaysia plans new logo for products made by Muslims
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian government official has said that the government is considering a new halal logo as proposed by two economic organisations...
Syrian and Iranian officials discuss current Mideast situation
By SPA
Damascus : Syrian Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Muallem discussed here yesterday with Ali Larenjani, the representative of the Islamic revolution at the supreme national security council in Iran, the latest developments of the situation in the Middle East, notably in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Syrian news agency reported that the views of the two sides were identical and that the two countries will continue consultation and coordination.
Larenjani voiced Iran's support to the efforts exerted by Syria to settle the Lebanese problem.
Egypt progresses in sealing off Gaza border
By Xinhua
Gaza : Egyptian security forces started to impose its control on the border with Gaza Strip by closing the breaches that Hamas militants blew up a week ago, witnesses said on Tuesday.
The Egyptian border forces have walled up 11 breaches in the 15-km-long concrete fence separating the Gaza Strip and Egypt in southern Gaza town of Rafah, but there are still two holes remained open to allow both Egyptians and Palestinians to cross back home.
Afghan ISAF driver killed in blast
By KUNA
Kabul : An Afghan civilian driver was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in eastern Afghanistan, NATO forces said Friday.
The slain civilian was a fuel tanker driver. He was driving his vehicle in an ISAF convoy in the mountainouns province of Kunar.
A statement from NATO headquarters here said the bomb hit the vehicle around 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Thursday.
"The truck was part of a convoy that was conducting a resupply mission in the Manogai district," it added.
14 militants killed in Pakistan’s tribal region
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 14 militants were killed Tuesday in two incidents in Pakistan's tribal region, Xinhua reported.
Blast, gunshots rock Afghanistan’s Kandahar
By IANS,
Kandahar (Afghanistan) : A blast rocked Kandahar city, the capital of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Saturday night followed by gun shots, officials said.
22 killed in Iraq car bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 22 people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide car bombing that rocked Baghdad Friday, Xinhua reported.
India has toughened its Siachen stand: Kayani
By IANS,
Islamabad: India has toughened its stance on Siachen, the world's highest battleground, said Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
UAE charity delivers food aid to Yemen
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The Khalifa Bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has distributed 1,300 food parcels among needy people in Yemen.
Afghan police kill 35 militants
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan police forces with air support from the international troops drove back a Taliban assault on southern Afghan province of Uruzgan killing 35 militants, Juma Gul Humat, the provincial police said Wednesday.
Police chief Juma Gul Humat said more than 100 Taliban militants surrounded Dehrawud district of the province and launched simultaneous attacks from all sides heading toward the centre of the district.
Zia’s son, seven others to be tried for graft
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's anti-corruption commission (ACC) has pressed charges against former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman, one of her former ministers and six others in a bribery case to hush up the murder of a local entrepreneur.
The anti-graft body said Tuesday that the eight were involved in receiving and giving the bribe to hush up the murder of Humayun Kabir Sabbir, a director of the Basundhara Group.
They worked to ensure that Shafiat Sobhan Sanvir did not have to face charges of killing Sabbir whose body was found outside a building July 5, 2006.
Book Review: The Prophet Muhammad-A Role Model for Muslim Minorities
By Yoginder Sikand, TwoCircles.net
Muslims should join hands to eradicate evil influence of terrorism that is staining Islam
By Kaleem Kawaja,
In Qoran, the holy book of Islam, God says very clearly that He sent the religion of Islam through Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as a mercy to mankind, to remove oppression, injustice, mayhem, violence and anarchy from the earth.
Nine militants killed in Pakistan’s Gujrat and Ziarat
Islamabad : At least nine militants were killed in two different security operations in Pakistan's Ziarat and Gujrat areas, media reported Friday.
A search operation...
How will Netanyahu victory affect Iran deal, Palestinian future?
By Saeed Naqvi,
Just when the US thought it would mop its brow, having tried hard to tame the West Asian rodeo, the Israeli horse has kicked up dirt. Americans, like everyone else, were waiting for Benjamin Netanyahu to lose the March 17 elections, before proceeding with their script of a nuclear deal with Iran towards some conclusion in the coming weeks.
Lift ‘no fly zone’ restriction: India urges Saudi Arabia
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has urged the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to persuade Saudi Arabia to lift the ban on...
Russian Muslims denounce ISIS as enemy of Islam
Moscow : A leading Russian Muslim group has issued a fatwa against ISIS group and called it “enemy of Islam”, and calling for the punishment of all its members as criminals, media sources reported.
The Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Russia published the text of the fatwa on its website on Tuesday. “From the point of view of the Muslim canon the members of such criminal groups deserve either capital punishment or full lifelong isolation from the society,” the Russian Muslim leaders stated.
Cruising on a fictional world
Enjoy a dose of light fiction to beat summer heat. From heartaches to thrillers and from graphic travelogue to Vipassana journey - take your pick from this vibrant assortment of books IANS has on offer this weekend.
1. Book: Never Kiss Your Best Friend; Author: Sumrit Shahi; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 206; Price: Rs.195
Dubai police seize over 56 kg hashish
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : Dubai police have seized about 56 kg of hashish stashed in two sacks in the Marina area and arrested an Iranian smuggler.
Pakistani minister wants anti-Islam filmmaker dead
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistani Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour Saturday offered a $100,000 reward to anyone who kills the maker of the anti-Islam US video.
Indian buses for Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Sunday handed over the keys of 20 buses to Bangladesh.
UAE, Tajikistan discuss relations
By IANS/WAM,
Dushanbe : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Tajikistan have held talks over their bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance them.
Pakistan troops again open fire across LOC in Jammu
Jammu: Pakistani troops Monday opened fire in Bhimber Gali area of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu's Poonch district and again violated ceasefire...
Four men charged with terror offences in Britain
London:Four men, arrested here, have been charged with plotting a terrorist attack after having allegedly sworn an oath to the Islamic State (IS) militant...
‘Pakistan’s law on domestic violence will increase divorces’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's just-enacted law against domestic violence will increase family feuds and divorces and could also result in old, weak and indisposed men being made to suffer, says the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
Saying that the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill that parliament passed earlier this month was ambiguous and contained few reforms, the council held that the bill assumed only women and children could be victims of domestic violence, ignoring the possibility of old, weak and indisposed men also suffering.
Nehru, Patel are ‘respectable’ for RSS: Bhagwat`
By IANS,
New Delhi : Amid a raging political storm in the BJP following Jaswant Singh's book on Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah that criticised Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat Friday said the two were "respectable" figures for the organsiation.
The comment from the leader of the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes days after the release of Jaswant Singh's book -- "Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence" -- that led to the author's expulsion from the BJP.
Nepal Muslims criticise government’s Haj ‘ban’
By Sudeshna Sarkar, IANS,
Kathmandu : After protests by Buddhist monks against the Nepal government's alleged intervention in their religion, now the Muslim community is in an uproar over the bid to control the number of devotees making the annual pilgrimage - Haj - to Saudi Arabia's holy city Mecca, warning to take to streets in protest.
The protests started after the new government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal formed a 20-member Haj Committee this month to facilitate the passage of Haj pilgrims to Mecca in November.
British MP says he won’t meet veiled Muslim women
By Venkata Vemurim IANS,
London: A Conservative MP has drawn flak from Muslims in Britain for saying he will refuse to meet women wearing the full Islamic dress in his constituency unless they lift their veil.
Muslim groups have condemned Philip Hollobone, the MP from Kettering, saying he is being pedantic.
High Court invalidates 1982 Bangladesh coup
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Dhaka High Court Thursday declared illegal the seventh amendment to Bangladesh's constitution that legitimises the 1982 military coup led by the then army chief Gen. Hossain Muhammad Ershad.
The High Court also invalidated all constitutional acts under the rule of Ershad who had declared martial law after taking over the government March 24, 1982.
The seventh amendment ratified the proclamation of martial law and other regulations, orders and instructions issued by Ershad between March 24, 1982 and Nov 10, 1986.
Afghanistan a ‘litmus test’ for NATO, say leaders
By DPA,
Strasbourg (France) : Describing Afghanistan as a "litmus test" for NATO, leaders of the 60-year-old alliance Saturday began talks on defeating the Taliban insurgency and preventing the warn-torn country from becoming a haven for Al Qaeda terrorists.
"Afghanistan is a litmus test for us all," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the NATO summit's co-host along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Malaysian woman strikes yoga pose to win shopping vouchers
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Striking a yoga pose has won Malaysian Adriana Zuleika Azmi shopping vouchers worth RM 5,000 ($1,432) that she can spend with award-winning television personality Aznil Nawawi.
A participant had to walk into a Ogawa firm outlet and take a picture with any of the Ogawa products.
She struck a yoga pose on the Ogawa ezShape machine to win the grand prize in a contest, NST Online said Monday.
It did not specify which of the asanas from yoga, the system of mental and physical rejuvenation that has its roots in India, was performed.
First Muslim women elected to British parliament
By IRNA,
London : Shabana Mahmood and Yasmin Qureshi have become the first Muslim women to be elected to the British parliament after successfully defending Labour seats.
Mahmood successfully increased the majority of former International Development Secretary Clare Short, who has retired from parliament, from under 7,000 votes to more than 10,000 in Birmingham Ladywood in central England.
The Oxford University-educated barrister saw off challenges from two other Muslim candidate, Ayoub Khan representing the Liberal Democrats and Nusrat Ghani, who was standing for the Tories.
SIO condemns Israeli attack on unarmed Gaza aid ship
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) strongly condemned the attack of Israel on the Gaza aid ship convoy that was carrying aid to the war affected Gaza. In a condolence message from Istanbul, SIO President Suhail KK said the attack is “really inhuman,” demanded Israel to stop such activities.
In the condolence message from Istanbul, SIO President said: “It's really inhuman to kill 16 unarmed people by open fire while activists in the Freedom Flotilla were from non-violent groups like Free Gaza Movement or Turks.”
Van Gogh painting stolen from Cairo museum
By DPA,
Cairo : One of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings, "Poppy Flowers", has been stolen from a museum in Cairo, Egypt's Ministry of Culture said Saturday.
It was not immediately clear how the thieves managed to steal the painting from the Mahmoud Khalil museum, but Culture Minister Farouq Hosni ordered urgent measures to prevent it being taken out of the country.
Jordan, EU sign a grant agreement
By NNN-Petna,
Amman : Jordan and EU Saturday signed a financing agreement worth USD15 million, as part of EU support to the Jordan services modernisation program.
NATO air strike ‘accidently destroys’ flock of sheep
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : NATO aircraft killed a flock of sheep in the Afghan province of Laghman, in a botched attack on Taliban gunmen, according to sources in the governor's office.
Provincial police say the incident occurred on Wednesday night near the town of Mehtar Lam. Shots fired from NATO helicopters killed over 200 sheep belonging to local shepherds.
The sources told reporters that NATO troops claim they were targeting Taliban warriors. The alliance has not commented on the incident.
India, 12 Arab nations unite to showcase diverse cultures
By IANS,
New Delhi : The mystical and colourful cultures of the Arab countries came together in a high-voltage jugalbandi with traditional Indian dance and music on the closing day of the India-Arab Forum Cultural Festival in the capital.
The forum, an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) initiative, was inaugurated Dec 4 and came to a close Sunday.
Performers from 12 Arabian countries, including Syria, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Iran and Yemen, took to the stage in a riot of colours and styles that mark the folk arts of Arabia.
Bolivia to March against Israel Attacks
By Prensa Latina,
La Paz : An association of Bolivian citizens of Palestinian origin called all the people from the Andean country to march on Tuesday against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
“We condemn such a crime against humanity, and call upon all persons with faith in life to express their rejection of that brutal aggression,” said Shadia El-Wisieh, the organization´s head of information.
UAE model Muslim country: President Bush.
ABU DHABI, (WAM) The UAE have shown the world a model of the Muslim state that is toolerant towards its people and other faiths, said US President George W. Bush.
The UAE founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has succeeded in building a country and a proseprous society out of the desert, said Bush in his speech at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi where he started Sunday his visit to the UAE.
Yemen keen in defence cooperation with Pakistan
By NNN-APP
Sanaa (Yemen) : Lauding Pakistan’s progress in defence production, Yemen has day expressed keen interest in promoting defence cooperation between the two countries.
The interest was shown by Yemeni’s defence minister General Muhammad Nasir Ahmed during his call on with Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro at Republican Palace.
Interaction at highest level always helped in improving relations and strengthen bonds between the two countries, the Prime Minister said.
Mubarak quits as ruling party chief
By IANS,
Cairo: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Saturday stepped down as chairman of the country's ruling party, as the mass uprising against his three-decade-old rule entered the 12th day.
Kidnapped Hindu trader rescued in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Hindu trader, who had been abducted late last month, was rescued after a fierce gun battle in Pakistan's Sindh province, police said.
UAE, Sri Lanka discuss bilateral ties
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Top officials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka met in Colombo Monday to discuss ways to improve bilateral relations.
MFN sets stage for Indian, Pakistani leaders meeting in Maldives
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Hindu doctors’ murder a sad day for Pakistan: Imran Khan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has strongly condemned the killing of Hindu doctors by armed assailants in Pakistan's Sindh province.
Two-nation theory, alive and well: Former Pakistani minister
By Meha Mathur, IANS,
80-year-old school in Pakistan lacks furniture
By IANS,
Islamabad : A school in Pakistan does not have any furniture, even though it was started over 80 years ago -- before the country was born.
Shia Enclave: A reality or figment of Western imagination
By Soroor Ahmed, TwoCircles.net,
Al Hamad becomes first female Qatar Olympian
By IANS,
London: Two points away from reaching the women's 10m air rifle final, Bahya Mansour Al Hamad still made history by becoming the first female Olympian of Qatar.
The shooting of Malala Yousafzai and Western hypocrisies
By Shaik Zakeer Hussain,
The shooting of 14 year old Malala Yousafzai, has shocked the world, and shocking it should be, as children don’t deserve such tyranny.
Syrian government battling Al Qaeda: Minister
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Dubai : Pro-government troops in Syria are waging a war with well-armed groups of Al Qaeda militants, Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoebi said Monday.
Toll in Bangladesh ferry capsize rises to 12
Dhaka : The toll in ferry mishap in Bangladesh's Patuakhali district has risen to 12 Sunday after five bodies were retrieved from Golachipa river,...
Acute water crisis looms in Gaza
Geneva : Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are without water after Israeli air strikes that have wrecked the water and sewage system and the...
Yemen arrests three foreigners for Al Qaeda links
Sanaa: The Yemeni police have arrested three foreigners in the capital Sanaa for possessing Al Qaeda material, the country's defence ministry said Saturday.
The three...
N-deal possible if sanctions lifted ‘all at once’: Iran
Tehran : Iran has reiterated its call for the removal of all sanctions before a final nuclear deal with the P5+1 group as the...
Three killed in Afghan bomb attack
Kabul: At least three civilians were killed and 10 others injured after a roadside bomb struck a security convoy in Afghanistan's Kunduz province on...