29 September 2010 | Wednesday                 

President Begins a Visit to Naifaru
Today, President Mohamed Nasheed began a visit to Naifaru of Faadhippolhu Island. During his visit, the President will launch a housing project to build 25 raw houses in Naifaru. The President will also attend a session on developmental projects planned for Naifaru.

Sri Lanka gives half of billion dollar bond to US investors
Sri Lanka has allocated investors in the United States 52.5 percent of its billion US dollar bond, which was issued at 6.25 percent but was trading at a slightly lower rate. The central bank said in a statement that global investors’ demand for the bond exceeded 6.3 billion dollars within 14 hours of opening on September 27, 2010, being over-subscribed by more than six times. The bond issued at 6.25 percent was quoted at slightly lower rate in the secondary market at a capital gain, indicating high demand, according to Bloomberg newswires data. The bonds, maturing in October 2020, will be listed on the Singapore exchange. It was the island's third international sovereign bond offering, following issues in 2007 and 2009. The central bank said the demand underscored "the high global investor confidence based on the recent progress and the future prospects in the Sri Lankan economy since the end of the conflict in the country." The island's 30-year ethnic war ended in May 2009, resulting in an economic recovery with growth forecast at between 7.5 to 8.0 percent for 2010. Orders were received from 362 investors globally with 25 percent of the bonds being allocated to investors in Europe, and 22.5 percent to investors in Asia. By investor type, 85 percent of the bonds were allocated to fund and asset managers and the balance to pension funds, insurance companies and banks, the central bank said. The current coupon rate of 6.25 percent for the 10-year sovereign bond is significantly lower than the cost of borrowings as compared to the previous two international offerings in 2009 and 2007, it said. "The government will use the proceeds from the bond issue to finance its current infrastructure and to restructure a part of the existing debt stock of the government to improve overall public debt management."

World failing to meet 2010 HIV/AIDS care target: UN
UN agencies warned on Friday that the world will fail to meet an end-2010 deadline for "universal" access to HIV/AIDS care and treatment, while new crisis-driven funding cuts could unravel any gains. The World Health Organisation, UNAIDS, and the UN Children's Fund UNICEF said in a joint report that the target of universal access -- defined as access for 80 percent of the HIV positive population -- to prevention, treatment and care was within "clear reach" for "a good number of countries."

Enhanced Geothermal Systems Could Answer Energy Question
The discourse on green energy almost always includes the upside of how great it is for theenvironment and the downside of how much it will cost. With a stalled Green energy movement that seems to have convinced few people that it can actually replace our dependence on fossil fuels, Tom Rand thinks it's time to move the goal posts. An engineer who is also a venture capitalist who puts his money where his mouth is, his challenge is simple: America can either pioneergreen energy as an investment that will pay off for centuries to come, or wind up paying someone else for the same solutions down the road.

Electric Cars Hold Greater Promise For Reducing Emissions And Lowering US Oil Imports
Electric cars hold greater promise for reducing emissions and lowering U.S. oil imports than a national renewable portfolio standard, according to research conducted by Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

                 28 September 2010 | Tuesday                 

President Meets with US Department of Justice Prison Assessment Team
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with a team from the United States Department of Justice, who are visiting the Maldives to make a prison assessment. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office. The team briefed the President on their findings and recommendations on how to strengthen the prison system in the Maldives in areas such as prison operations, prison facilities, training and personnel development, and complying with international human rights standards. The team include Department of Justice Assistant Director of Corrections Programs Mr Mike Pannek, Mr Jeffrey Woodworth of the Bureau of Prisons, and two officials based in the US Embassy in Colombo.

President Expresses Concern Over the Alleged Murder of a Man in Hoarafushi
President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the alleged murder of Mr Hussain Maniku in Hoarafushi. He also sent his deep condolences to the members of the bereaved family. President has instructed the Maldives Police Service for a thorough investigation of the case and urged the public to give their full cooperation to the Police.

Pay restoration overdue
Salaries for Maldivian Public Servants should be restored in next year’s budget, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said. In September last year the Finance Ministry and the Civil Service Commission agreed to reduce the salaries of Public Servants for three months because of the country’s poor financial circumstances. However, the Finance Ministry has refused to restore all of the salaries to former levels. The CSC has since taken the Finance Ministry to Court, winning the first round in the Civil Court and forcing the Government to appeal in the High Court. At the same time, in its Country Report for the Maldives, the International Monetary Fund acknowledged the “intense political pressure” but maintained that the restoration of public sector wages “would have a large fiscal impact”, and prevent economic recovery “in the near term”. President of the CSC, Hassan Fahmy said the Commission had met with President Mohamed Nasheed to discuss the issue, and that he had said the salaries “could be restored soon.” “Nine months have passed, and we have been trying to resolve the issue through the legal system,’’ Mr Fahmy said. “When the Civil Court ruled that the Finance Ministry does not have the authority to give out orders to decrease the salaries of Civil Servants, instead of implementing the verdict, the Government has appealed in the High Court.” The High Court has yet to rule on the issue. Minister for State Finance, Ahmed Assad said the Government expected to restore the salaries of its Public Servants from January

Pak, Maldives to promote tourism
Rawalpindi—Maldives would soon ink an agreement with Pakistan for promoting tourism industry here and it was also ready to explore trade opportunities here, High Commissioner of Maldives in Pakistan Aishath Shehenaz Adam said on Monday. Addressing Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here the high commissioner said the promotion of trade relations was a key for the prosperity of the two countries. Pakistani products including pharmaceutical, sports, shoes and textile were in great demand in Maldives. The High Commissioner said that Pakistan was exporting sugar, clothes, rice, and medicine to Maldives. Both the countries enjoy good friendly relations she stressed the need for promoting trade relations as immense opportunities of investment in education, and health was available in Maldives also. The HC urged the chamber members to invest in Maldives as High Commission is ready to provide them all possible help and support in this regard. President RCCI Kashif Shabbir, Vice President Khawaja Abdul Rashid Wayan, Newly elected President Syed Ali Raza Saeed Shah, Senior Vice President Mian Mohammad Attique, Dr Shumail and members of RCCI were present on the occasion. Addressing on the occasion RCCI President Kashif Shabbir said the agriculture products of Pakistan are famous across the world due to their excellent quality. The volume of Pakistani exports is Rs 19 billion. The share of Maldives is only 0.23 percent which is too meager, he added.

Roundup: Several small island states focus UN attention on climate change
Speakers on Monday, the fourth day of the annual general debate in the UN General Assembly, saw the spotlight highlight
-- among other global topics
-- island states and their problems.

Their topics were predictable, especially for the low lying islands
-- climate change
-- and the Middle East nations
-- the Israeli-Palestinian situation.

Hong Kong company unveils new look of Male’ airport
Design Associates (IDA) has unveiled the new look of the Male’ international airport, under its expansion and modernization project. The IDA has come up with an impressive new design that will “encompass the entire scope of the airport, including a full concept design, detailed expansion schemes and the construction supervision of the new terminal, including 12 aircraft bays, spread over an area of 55,000m2,” the Maldives Traveller magazine revealed. The four-year construction plan will also add a large seaplane port to house 42 sea aircraft.

Chagos Islands exiles amazed by Foreign Office's opposition to Maldives seabed claim
The Foreign Office has signalled its formal opposition at the United Nations to a claim by the Maldives Islands for 160,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean seabed that may encroach upon British overseas territory. The letter to the UN is aimed at protecting national interests in the Chagos Islands, an archipelago from which the native population were expelled 40 years ago to make way for a US airbase on the atoll of Diego Garcia. Leaders of the exiled Chagossians contrast the rapidity with which the Foreign Office has defended its interests with the protracted refusal to permit them to return to the islands, known as British Indian Ocean Territory.

Vanuatu: Gorgeous, decadent and better yet, your friends haven't been yet
Vanuatu will be one of your always-remembered, true paradise destinations. Many savvy travelers are exuding "diamond in the rough, smiles from everyone, unspoiled, tropical forests, many active volcanoes and remarkable cultural diversity." When do we leave? Another advantage -- it takes a while to get there, so as with the Maldives, Reunion Island, Darwin, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar and many other places on our globe, most of your friends and family haven't been there. During World War Two, the islands inspired James Michener to write Tales of the South Pacific. Then came the play and the film.

The Hay Festival Maldives
The Hay Festival kicks off on the 14th of October and lasts until the 17th; what a fantastic reason to visit the Maldives! Highlighting the threats facing the Maldives due to climate change, it really is something you must visit! With a target to become a carbon neutral country in the next 10 years the festival creates awareness of this issue and gives a lot of information about it. The festival will be launched by a series of acts, including a popular Maldivian singer song writer Appi. You can enjoy the reggae rhythms of The Dinba Family and many more musical acts including FASYLIVE Silver and The Olympians; Don’t miss it! The festival then continues until the 17th October with a number of different events over the weekend including talks and discussions from authors. International speakers from all areas including arts, science, literature, music, and poetry will be joining local artists in a celebration of artistic craft and freedom of expression. The festival brings together the best international and local artists from all fields, to celebrate one of the world’s newest democracies. To experience this fantastic festival, give Holidays Please a call and one of our experts can give you much more advice and help you book to go! You really can sit back and relax and we’ll do the hard work for you.

                 27 September 2010 | Monday                 

Vice President meets UNDP Administrator
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed yesterday met with Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme Helen Clark. During the meeting, the Vice President updated Helen Clark on the progress of the government’s decentralisation programme, climate change adaptation and efforts to tackle drug abuse. At the meeting, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, who is also the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, assured the Vice President that the UNDP would support the Maldives in areas highlighted by Dr Waheed. She also said the UNDP would continue to provide assistance to the Maldives’ decentralization programme, and facilitate training in areas of local governance. As part of his visit to New York, the Vice President also met with Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov yesterday. At the meeting, Vice President Dr Waheed and UNODC Executive Director discussed expediting UNODC technical assistance programme to strengthen the national response on drug use prevention and treatment.

Building community resilience saves lives during disasters: WHO
Disasters often exacerbate health and social inequities and set back communities for years. Those hardest hit are always the most vulnerable ─ the poor, women, children, the disabled and the elderly. In the effort to reduce the impact of disasters, the World Health Organization is working with governments and non governmental organizations to build community resilience by strengthening grassroots health institutions and increasing collaboration between various social sectors.

US doesn't want to arm Pak against India: Obama to Zardari
The US does not want to arm Pakistan against India, President Barack Obama had categorically told his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting at the Oval Office months after assuming the top American office. "We do not begrudge you being concerned about India," Obama had told

Australians, Kenyans happy with Games Village
They were worried before leaving for India, but after watching the arrangements at Commonwealth Games

New Luggage Inspection Methods Identify Liquid Explosives
Liquid explosives are easy to produce. As a result, terrorists can use the chemicals for attacks - on aircraft, for instance. In the future, new detection systems at airport security checkpoints will help track down these dangerous substances. Researchers are currently testing equipment in their special laboratories.

New study sheds light on Saudi volcano risk
A swarm of smallearthquakes that struck western Saudi Arabia last year was the rumbling of a volcano, geologists reported on Sunday. More than 30,000 minor quakes occurred between April and June 2009 within an ancient solidified lava field called Harrat Lunayyir, damaging some buildings in the nearby town of Al Ays and prompting the authorities to evacuate 40,000 people from the region.

                 26 September 2010 | Sunday                 

World Heart Day to be observed in Maldives- Tiny Hearts
Tiny Hearts of Maldives has informed that the World Heart Day 2010 is going to be observed across Maldives today, with the theme " Workplaces Wellness: Take responsibility for your own heart health ". “In Maldives, this day will be marked for the first time to build public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their prevention, and their global impact,” said the organisation. Speaking to the media, Tiny Hearts stressed on healthy life style to get rid of heart complications especially among youths. “Healthy behavior must be adopted even in the workplace so this year’s theme, “Workplace Wellness” is very appropriate. It encourages promoting workplace-wellness programs such as improving health and productivity and reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke which will both benefit employees and employers,” they said. Activities for the day include walks, walkathon, press activities, public education and distribution of heart shaped balloons along with notes for Healthy Heart, and a puppet show. Meanwhile, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death worldwide and account for around 80 percent of early deaths. The main risk factors that may lead to heart diseases and strokes are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use (smoking), and excessive use of alcohol. Other factors associated with cardiovascular problems are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and glucose levels, overweight, obesity, family history of heart disease, diabetes, and stress.

We have no problem in joining Commonwealth Games- Olympic Committee
Olympic Committee of Maldives has announced Maldives’ preparedness to participate in the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi, India from 3-14 October 2010. Olympic Committee said that Maldives finds no problem in joining the games despite some nations delaying traveling to New Delhi and some even suggesting the Games might be cancelled. The Committee said that countries such as Australia’s decisiveness to join the Commonwealth games in Delhi show that the event has been well organized by India. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself has been increasingly involved in sorting out the Games fiasco since Tuesday when the event seemed on the brink of collapse, amid worries about security, a bridge falling down and complaints about the "filthy" state of the village. He has held a series of crisis meetings at the highest level in a bid to bring some focus to crucial remedial work that still remains to be done with athletes already arriving in New Delhi. Indian reports say that during one of the talks, Indian sports minister M.S. Gill attempted to give a briefing, explaining how problems had arisen during preparations for the October 3-14 event. But Singh cut him short, saying the time for presentations was long past with barely more than a week remaining until the opening ceremony and serious questions remaining over the facilities, especially the athletes' village. The prime minister "literally threw up his arms in exasperation over the inability of those in charge to tackle even minor issues related to housekeeping", one government source told the Indian Express. After Indian Prime Ministers take over of the work of Indian Urban Development Minister in organizing the event, countries that have refused to participate have now started to travel to the country.

Monetary safety net needed to protect emerging economies: IMF
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed out that it is critical to develop a monetary safety net to better protect emerging economies from a future financial crisis. The IMF believed that will also help countries achieve sustainable growth - a key issue going into the Group of 20 or G20 summit in Seoul come November. The G20, formed in 1999, is made up of major economies like the US, China and Germany. High unemployment and a battered economic system were the results of the last financial crisis. The IMF said in order to strengthen the financial systems globally, the G20 members must make a firm commitment to long term growth. John Lipsky, First Deputy Managing Director, IMF, said: "We can look forward to some clear statements of intent, some medium policy adjustment that will both strengthen growth and improve its balance." Although the strength of the Chinese currency has been a hot topic recently, the IMF is confident the issue will not dominate talks at the G20 summit. "If there's a message here, it is not to focus excessively on one part of policies. The need for global rebalancing to establish strong, sustainable and balanced growth will require a broad set of policy measures both in those countries running large and persistent surpluses and those running large and persistent deficits. So the adjustment needs to be symmetrical, it needs to be broad-based, currencies will be part of it but not the only part." The IMF believed it is time to have more representation from Asia within the organization as the continent is leading the economic growth story. Lipsky said, " Certainly, emerging Asia economies are the primary beneficiaries, but [they are] not the only [economy]. other areas, Turkey will be another beneficiary, but the big beneficiaries will be the rapidly growing Asian economies. Asia's growth may be slowing down, but the IMF believed it will remain the fastest growing region in 2011.

Maldives woos Chinese investors
The Maldives' ambassador to China, Ahmed Latheef, said he welcomes investment from China on resorts to boost development of local tourism and is calling for more attention to be directed toward the country's battle against climate change. "The Maldives and China have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations, and there are many areas that can be developed through Chinese involvement and engagement in the Maldives," Latheef said in an interview with the Global Times. "We would welcome initiatives from Chinese investors in the development of tourist resorts.

IMF approves 213 million dollar loan for Sri Lanka
WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund on Friday agreed to release around 213 million dollars to Sri Lanka designed to top up the island's dwindling foreign reserves. The IMF moves to repair battered finances had been "satisfactory" as it dished out the fifth installment of a loan that now totals just under 1.3 billion dollars. "Sri Lanka's performance under the program has been satisfactory," the Washington-based fund said in a statement. "Overall economic conditions are improving, and the economy is likely to show strong growth this year on the back of improved fundamentals and political stability." In 2009 Sri Lanka sought an IMF bailout worth 2.6 billion dollars to avert its first balance of payments crisis after the island's foreign reserves slipped to under a billion dollars last year. The loan was approved two months after the military crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels and ended a 37-year conflict that claimed up to 100,000 lives according to UN figures. Sri Lanka's economic growth is expected to double this year with the country firmly on the road to recovery after decades of ethnic war. The island's economy is expected to grow by seven percent this year, twice the rate of 2009, thanks to better farm output in the previously embattled north and east, according to previous IMF forecasts

Lanka-India deepen cooperation to combat terrorism
Colombo and New Delhi have agreed on intelligence sharing to combat an upsurge in terror activities in the region, amid reports that the Pakistan-based militant group LeT was planning to use Sri Lanka as a staging ground to enter India."We have a clear understanding with India on a combined surveillance strategy where we share information.India is more aware about the happenings in this region than anyone else and thus any activity will be picked up and shared with Sri Lanka," Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror newspaper today.Days after the powerful Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa denied reports of a terror group targeting India operating from Sri Lanka, Rambukwella said the two neighours Colombo were coordinating to prevent any such subversive activity in the region.Rambukwella was responding to a query on reports that the United States had passed on information to the two countries of there being some 200 Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) cadres � a Pakistan-based terror group -- planning to use Sri Lanka as a staging ground to enter India.He said New Delhi and Colombo are collaborating with each other in maintaining an advanced intelligence network and it would pick up any news on terrorist activities in the region.Rambukwella said claims that Sri Lanka was being used as a training ground for the LeT cadres was fabricated by groups with a different agenda.Sri Lanka has said that no militant group was operating on its soil after the elimination of the LTTE in May last year. Rajapaksa, the brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a statement earlier this month, had said Sri Lanka was free of "terrorists" and there was no ground for militants to receive training in his country.His remarks came in the wake of reported claims of 29-year-old Mirza Himayat Baig, the alleged conspirator and co-planter of the bomb placed at Pune's German bakery, that he had received terror training in Colombo.Earlier this week, a top US counter-terrorism official warned that the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an "appealing target" for the LeT due to its political and economic significance for India."We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Toiba due to their political and economic significance for India," Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre, said in Washington on Wednesday.

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces re-brands in Sri Lanka; to enter China news
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, the $71-billion Tata Group's hospitality group, and one of Asia's largest hotel chains, yesterday announced that it is re-branding and expanding in Sril Lanka and will make an entry into China, the world's second-largest economy. Raymond Bickson, CEO of the India Hotels Company (IHCL), which owns the hotels and resorts, on Friday said in Sri Lanka that the company will re-brand and reclassify its hotels in Sri Lanka after the 26-year civil war ended last year. With the ending of the protracted civil war, the island nation has once again become a hot spot for tourists and IHCL wants to capitalise on Sri Lanka's tourism industry that has risen over 68 per cent to $301 million in the first nine months of 2010. Under its newly announced rebranding, th- 160 room Taj Exotica resort in Sri Lanka's western beach of Bentota has migrated to Vivanta by Taj in the upper upscale category, and will now be known as Vivanta-Bentota, Sri Lanka.

                 25 September 2010 | Saturday                 

Government to Find a Long Term Solution for Flood-Prone Islands – President Nasheed
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said the government will aim for a sustainable solution to prevent flooding in islands during rainy seasons. He added that necessary funds for the purpose would be included in the next year’s budget. Referring to flooding in the southern islands, President Nasheed said proper drainage and sewerage systems were necessary to prevent flood in those islands. The President, in his radio address, also spoke on the discussions underway between the government and the Civil Service Commission. A special committee that include officials from the government and the Civil Service Commission, had their first meeting on Wednesday in which discussions were on the issue of restoring civil service salaries to their previous levels, streamlining the civil service and establishing administrative framework for local councils.

Asian Currencies Gain, Led by Indian Rupee, as Investment Grows in Region
Funds investing in Asia excluding Japan equities took in the biggest amount in 15 months during the week ended Sept. 22, while those focused on Indian shares recorded the highest net inflows in almost three years, according to research firm EPFR Global. The yuan climbed to its strongest level since 1993 as U.S. President Barack Obama criticized China for using an undervalued currency to gain an unfair trade advantage. The rupee rose 0.4 percent this week to 45.66 per dollar, buoyed by the government’s decision on Sept. 23 to increase the cap on foreign bond holdings. Taiwan’s dollar advanced 0.4 percent to NT$31.62 as government reports showed pickups in industrial output and export orders for August.

China marks 30 years of one-child policy
Han Mei knew when she fell pregnant for the second time that she was facing an extortionate fine, a salary drop and even the loss of her job for having flouted China's infamous one-child policy. With her first child, a girl, she went on maternity leave a month before the birth, which was paid for by her employer. When she had her son she waited until the day she went into labour to stop work and paid for the caesarean section herself. The population control law that limits many in China to one child in a bid to improve people's lives marks its own 30th birthday on Saturday, having been formally implemented in 1980.

Putin says Arctic must remain 'zone of peace'
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called Thursday for "a zone of peace" in the Arctic as Russia and its Polar neighbours scramble to stake their claims to the region's energy-rich seabed. "We think it is imperative to keep the Arctic as a zone of peace and cooperation," Putin told international participants at the first Arctic Forum in Moscow, which stressed the eye-watering potential for offshore development. "We all know that it is hard to live alone in the Arctic," Putin said, calling for foreign capital to exploit the Russian Arctic.

Almost 60 whales feared dead in New Zealand mass beaching
Almost 60 pilot whales are feared to have died in a mass beaching in a remote New Zealand bay, as wild weatherhampers efforts to refloat them, conservation officials said Thursday. A pod of about 80 whales was found stranded on Wednesday at Spirits Bay, 320 kilometres (200 miles) northwest of Auckland, the second mass beaching in the area in two months. While 25 of the whales were already dead, the Department of Conservation called in 100 volunteers to help the remaining mammals survive.

                 23 September 2010 | Thursday                 

Vice President meets the President of Hungary
During his visit to New York, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed met with President of Hungary Pál Schmitt yesterday. At the meeting, Vice President Dr Waheed and President Schmitt discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and Hungary. President Schmitt expressed his intent to offer Maldivian students opportunities to pursue higher education in medicine, engineering and sports education at Hungarian institutes. He also assured the Vice President of continued European Union engagement with the Maldives in the forthcoming year when Hungary assumes the EU presidency. The Vice President explored the possibility of increasing the number of Hungarian tourists visiting the Maldives and briefed President Schmitt on investment opportunities available in the Maldives. In addition, the Vice President also participated in the high level round table on education organised by UNICEF and the government of Qatar. The panel was headed by the spouse of the Emir of Qatar, Vice President Dr Waheed and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

Online choir going for a record
A composer is searching for hundreds of people in a record-breaking attempt to form the the world’s largest online choir. Eric Whitacre wants amateur singers to record individual parts and upload them on to YouTube where he will combine them into a complete work. The first person to take part was Blur bass guitarist Alex James. He said: “This proves that you no longer have to live in a major city to be a part of a significant cultural scene. This project is accessible to anyone from Manhattan to the Maldives.” The record stands at 900 singers and would-be record breakers have until the end of the year to take part. Whitacre said: “I’ve always felt that the recent digital revolution is a fantastic thing for music fans, both in terms of listening and participating. I’m delighted to lead what I anticipate to be a big step forward for classical - and indeed, all – music. “I hope this will be a moment in music history for the YouTube Generation.”

VIDEO: U.N. MDGs SUMMIT: RWANDA, SOMALIA, CHAD, HAITI, MALDIVES (UNTV)
United Nations, New York - With only five years left until the 2015 deadline to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a summit of world leaders continued yesterday at the United Nations in New York) aiming to accelerate progress towards the achieving the goals; during the afternoon session the following world leaders addressed the UN General Assembly: Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, Somalia’s President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Haiti’s Prime Minister Jean Max Bellerive and others from Chad, and the Maldives. Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame said that the MDG agenda had, at times been dominated by a few voices from developed nations and affiliated Nongovernmental Organizations, and that despite their good intentions, “their perspective was often predicated on paternalism not partnership, on charity not self- reliance, and on promises unfulfilled rather than real change on the ground.”

Come up with targeted support for small island states, Maldives tells UN summit
system of support for small island states, Maldives Vice President told the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit in New York, Tuesday. “There needs to be a far better organized, more efficient, more targeted, and more measurable system of United Nations support for Small Island Developing States”, said Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed. In his address at the three-day summit to measure the progress towards MDGs before 2015 deadline, Vice President Dr Waheed called a formal and transparent Small Island Developing States (SIDS) category within the UN, the President’s Office. system of support for small island states, Maldives Vice President told the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit in New York, Tuesday. “There needs to be a far better organized, more efficient, more targeted, and more measurable system of United Nations support for Small Island Developing States”, said Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed. In his address at the three-day summit to measure the progress towards MDGs before 2015 deadline, Vice President Dr Waheed called a formal and transparent Small Island Developing States (SIDS) category within the UN, the President’s Office.

The Rf109 million project to reclaim Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhuffushi commenced Wednesday.
State Housing Minister Dr Mohamed Shareef told Haveeru from the island that the project funded from the state budget and carried out by Netherland’s Boskalis International will be completed within this week. “This is a short duration for such a huge project. The project has been initiated due to the lack of response to carry out the project on contractor finance basis,” he said.

                 22 September 2010 | Wednesday                 

Cabinet begins discussing next year’s budget

The Cabinet has today begun discussing 2011 national budget in its meetings and during working sessions of the cabinet. In its today’s meeting, the members of the Cabinet held wide-ranging discussions on transition to programme budgeting and the items to include in next year’s budget. The President, in his radio address on Friday, 17 September, revealed that the government was following principles of programme budgeting to formulate next year’s budget. The Cabinet decided to hold working sessions next three days to discuss 2011 budget. In addition to the budget, the Cabinet also discussed its decision on 20 October 2009 to establish a small and medium enterprise (SME) bank to facilitate small and medium enterprises easy access to finance and capital. After discussing a paper presented by the Ministry of Economic Development on the matter, members recommended the President to incorporate activities of a SME bank in the postal banking system that is to be introduced soon.

High oil prices mean shift to renewables essential – says the Vice President
Speaking at Yale University, USA, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has discussed the implications of volatile oil prices on the Maldivian and global economy. He said due the global economic recovery and rising demand for oil from emerging markets, the oil prices were likely to stay high over the long run. The Vice President said unpredictable prices oil and the prospect of higher oil prices over the long term meant shift to renewable energy was essential. Speaking on the Maldives’ dependency on foreign oil, he said high oil prices would dampen its economic growth and development. Therefore, in the first address by a Maldivian leader in the prestigious university, the Vice President stressed that the most important outcome of the Maldives’ carbon neutral plan would be freedom from dependency on imported oil. He reiterated that the Maldives’ plan to go carbon neutral was not only borne from ecological concerns, but it was also influenced by economic considerations. He said for the Maldives renewable energy made sense because imported oil was costly and it was hindering the development of the country. In his address, the Dr Waheed also outlined the Maldives’ carbon neutral plan and highlighted the challenges posed by climate change for the security of the Maldives. In this regards, he explained the implications of climate change for security and human rights. During his visit to New York, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed also met with Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and discussed climate change and consolidation of democracy in the Maldives.

Awareness vital before a referendum on administrative consolidation of islands
The newly announced agenda of the Government suggests of plans to administratively join some 99 islands to form 46 administrative island constituencies. It has been proposed that 21 islands will be grouped into 7 constituencies of 3 islands each; and 78 islands to 39 constituencies of 2 islands each. However, the proposed constituency formations would be possible only if approved by the people of the concerned islands in a referendum. Thanks to the Clause 136 of the Local Governance Act (7/2010). Whilst best practice in democracy advocates the involvement of people and a bottom up approach, it is a shame that the Government has announced this plan without consulting the people of the islands concerned. Why should the government go on planning these changes without scoping the plans with the island communities? DRP has all along said and maintained the stance that such changes should be made only if the people of the islands are willing. That is what is stated in the law.

Maldives Rehabs Extremists With 'True Spirit Of Islam'
MALE, Maldives (RNS) Despite its small population (about 400,000 residents) and small size (about twice as large as Washington, D.C.), this overwhelmingly Muslim nation is claiming success in rehabilitating hard-core Islamic terrorists. The string of more than 1,100 islands off India's southern tip is now offering to export its success to nations seeking to combat extremism. Skeptics, meanwhile, say the program is built on Saudi Arabia's strict Wahhabi version of Islam, which some critics say actually foments extremism; 15 of the 19 hijackers in the 9/11 attackers were Saudi citizens.

Dhaka offers Maldives diplomatic service
DHAKA, Sept 21 (APP)--- Bangladesh has reinforced its ties with the Maldives by offering the Indian Ocean island nation diplomatic service through its various missions abroad.This would include opening outlets for Maldives in Bangladesh missions, for instance, in Moscow, to help the island nation in negotiations, officials of the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. At present, the Maldives has only 13 missions abroad. They are located in London, Beijing, Tokyo, Riyadh, New Delhi, Islamabad, Dhaka, Colombo, Brussels, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Besides its permanent missions are in New York and Geneva. Sources said Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes has been drafting a concept paper on how to proceed with the new role being envisaged for Bangladesh with regard to the Maldives. Apart from their common South Asian identity, both Bangladesh and the Maldives have Muslim majority populations and identical climate vulnerability.

Costa Rica, Maldives set diplomatic ties
San Jose. Costa Rica and Maldives established diplomatic ties on Tuesday, the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry said, Xinhua informed. The diplomatic relation was set after a bilateral meeting at Maldives' Permanent Mission in the United Nations (UN), where Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rene Castro met with his Maldives' counterpart Ahmed Shaheed. Castro and Shaheed met in New York to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as the cooperation on issues related to the climate change, the frame on the COP-16 Summit to be hosted in Mexico at the end of this year. Costa Rica and Maldives share the concerns over global warming and the increase of the oceans' water level, mainly in Maldives, which is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. Castro is in New York accompanying Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, who will give a speech in the UN General Assembly Thursday.

ONE DAY ON EARTH – Maldives invited to participate!
On October 10, 2010 (10.10.10), across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period and contribute their voice to the largest participatory media event in history. People across the world participating in the “One Day on Earth” project will capture an unprecedented global video snapshot of a single 24-hour period. Participants, ranging from teenagers with cell phones to Academy-Award nominated documentarians using the latest HD cameras, will film the world from their own perspective. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with “One Day on Earth” to help the project reach participants in 100 countries with low bandwidth, making it a truly global initiative. “One Day on Earth” currently has a growing number of thousands of filmmakers and inspired citizens representing over 190 countries. The results of this unique collage documenting the countless stories of triumph, tragedy, hope and fear that take place each and every day, will be made into a feature-length documentary to be released next year. In addition, all the footage shot as part of the project will be publicly available via an innovative online searchable archive. The scope and range of this material will provide an invaluable resource: a database of films that deal with some of the most important issues facing our global community.
Everyone who is interested is invited to participate in this event!
For more information about One Day on Earth, please visit http://www.onedayonearth.org
In UNDP Maldives, contact, Ms. Aminath Ibrahim at 3343285 or [email protected]

                 21 September 2010 | Tuesday                 

President forms a committee to hold discussions between the government and Civil Service Commission
President Mohamed Nasheed has formed a joint committee of senior government officials and members of Civil Service Commission to hold discussions between the government and the Civil Service Commission on matters regarding civil service.

The Committee will be chaired by the President. Other members included in the committee are as follows:
1. Mr Ali Hashim, Minister of Finance and Treasury
2. Mr Mahmood Razi, Minister of Economic Development
3. Mr Ahmed Ali Sawad, Attorney General
4. Dr Ibrahim Didi, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture
5. Mr Mohamed Fahmee Hassan, President of Civil Service Commission
6. Mr Ahmed Hassan Didi, Vice President of Civil Service Commission
7. Dr Mohamed Ali, Civil Service Commission member
8. Ms Khadheeja Adam, Civil Service Commission member
9. Mr Abdulla Khaleel, Secretary General of Civil Service Commission

President attends Indonesia’s Independence Day Reception

President Mohamed Nasheed last evening attended the reception hosted by Indonesian Ambassador to the Maldives Mr Djafar Husein to mark the 65th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. The reception was held at Holiday Inn Hotel. In his remarks at the function, President Nasheed said since Indonesia gained independence in 1947, the Indonesians had fashioned a successful nation, and become a fast developing nation and a leader in the international community. Noting Indonesia was the biggest Muslim country, he said the Maldives “look for leadership from Indonesia” in the Muslim world. Further he said, with the long history of Islam in Asia and Indonesia had experience, understanding and capability to take leadership in the Islamic world. Speaking on the relations that exist between the Maldives and Indonesia, the President expressed his confidence that the both countries would expand their economic relations and increase the volume of trade between both countries. The President said the Maldives and Indonesia had a lot in common, and there was much the Maldives could learn from the Indonesian experience, especially in building a democracy in an Islamic community. Indonesia’s Independence Day is marked on 17 August.

3 Suspects Alleged for Killing a 14 Year old Found Not Guilty
The Criminal Court has given verdict to 3 allegedly killing Shifaau Ismail, a 14 year old not guilty and ordered to release. The court released the 3 suspects after trial that had not provided solid evidence to justify the suspects deliberately killing the child. Ihusaanuddhin Rasheed of Galolhu Ward, Male’, Mohamed Waseem, Huvadhu South Vasmeeru ge and Musth’afa registered at Male’ Municipality Desk were prosecuted for the death of Shifaau witness at the court says clashed with him and died during treatment for his injuries. he court ruled the government attorneys did not provide enough evidence that caused the death of Shifaau by the 3 suspects. According to witness at the court provided by the state attorneys medical reports indicated Shifaau died of the injuries caused by attacks on him. They produced pictures and medical reports including a witness earlier testified by four. The court noted only one witness was testified at the court and the weapons used to attack Shifaau did not prove the suspects attacked Shifaau. Shifaau died in April 12 2008 during treatment after he was being attacked on April 4 2008.

The Biggest Crash On Earth
During the collision of India with the Eurasian continent, the Indian plate is pushed about 500 kilometers under Tibet, reaching a depth of 250 kilometers. The result of this largest collision in the world is the world's highest mountain range, but the tsunami in the IndianOcean from 2004 was also created by earthquakes generated by this collision. The clash of the two continents is very complex, the Indian plate, for example, is compressed where it collides with the very rigid plate of the Tarim Basin at the north-western edge of Tibet. On the eastern edge of Tibet, the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008 claimed over 70,000 deaths. Scientists at the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences report in the latest issue of the scientific journal "Science" (vol. 329, Sept. 17, 2010) on the results of a new seismic method which was used to investigate the collision process. In international cooperation, it was possible to follow the route of the approximately 100 kilometers thick Indian continental plate beneath Tibet. To achieve this, a series of large seismic experiments were carried out in Tibet, during which the naturally occuring earthquakes were recorded. By evaluating weak waves that were scattered at the lower edge of the continental plate, this edge was made visible in detail. The boundary between the rigid lithosphere and the softer asthenosphere proved to be much more pronounced than was previously believed. The entire Indian sub-continent moves continuously north over millions of years and has moved 2 meters below Tibet in the last 50 years alone. TheHimalayas and the highlands of Tibet, the highest and largest plateau in the world, were formed this way. But the recurring catastrophic earthquakes in China are also caused by this collision of two continents. For a better understanding of the processes involved in the collision of the two plates, it is hoped to ultimately reduce the earthquake risk to millions of people across the entire collision zone.

World powers to tackle climate amid skepticism
The 17 nations responsible for 80 percent of carbon emissions blamed for global warming will seek to unblock stalled climate negotiations this week but analysts expect little progress. The two-day Major Economies Forum on Energyand Climate kicks off Monday and will include top government envoys, including US special envoy for climate change Todd Stern. US President Barack Obama launched the meetings to facilitate climate talks in the wake of last year's disappointing United Nations conference in Copenhagen. The successor conference to the Copenhagen meet is set for this November in Cancun, Mexico. "I don't think anyone is expecting any major announcement," said Michael Levi, an analyst with the Council on Foreign Relations.

A Chip Off the Early Hominin Tooth
Were our early mammalian ancestors vegetarians, vegans or omnivores? It's difficult for anthropologists to determine the diet of early mammalians because current fossil analysis provides too little information. But a new method that measures the size of chips in tooth fossils can help determine the kinds of foods these early humans consumed.

                 20 September 2010 | Monday                 

Indonesian Ambassador calls on the President

Indonesian Ambassador to the Maldives Mr Djafar Husein has this afternoon paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed. Discussions at the meeting held at the President's Office were focused on further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the Maldives and Indonesia. Speaking at the meeting, the President said the Maldivian economy was now open for foreign investment, and the government would welcome Indonesian investors to the Maldives. Further, noting the government's policy to diversify Maldives fishing industry, he said the Maldives wished to learn from Indonesian experience in aquaculture and other types of fisheries. Ambassador Djafar Husein assured the President of his commitment to further enhance the relations between the two countries.

Aitken Spence hotels partners with environmental leader Earthcheck
Aitken Spence Hotels has launched a partnership with EarthCheck and certified the environmental practices employed at its chain of hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman. EarthCheck is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators, and will work with the luxury brand portfolios of Heritance, Aitken Spence Hotels & Resorts and Adaaran, Sri Lanka’s biggest multinational hotel chain said. “Environmental sustainability is part of our corporate commitment to responsible business,” said B.H.R. Sariffo’deen, Assistant Vice President, Aitken Spence Hotels. “While nine of our hotels have already been benchmarked, and three have been certified on the EarthCheck Programme, plans are well underway to ensure that many more become certified in the coming year.” Ravi De Silva, Consultant Social & Environmental Management at Aitken Spence Hotels explained that sustainability is a top corporate priority of the company. The environmental management systems introduced by the company are recognised through the EarthCheck Certifications. Aitken Spence Hotels is focusing on issues such as reducing, recycling and reusing solid waste; reducing the use of harmful chemicals; conserving energy and water, and improving indoor air quality, all of which have an immediate impact on the environment and the communities where their hotels operate. “Aitken Spence Hotels has long demonstrated their commitment to improving the social, environmental and economic welfare of host communities,” explained Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “EarthCheck provides them with a framework for their properties to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.”Properties currently participating in the EarthCheck Programme include: Bandarawela Hotel, Browns Beach Hotel, Earls Regency Hotel, Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Tea Factory, Hotel Hill Top, Ramada Resort Kalutara and the former Neptune Hotel.

Claudia Winklemen is busy doing nowt on Maureen's magnificent Maldives
Right then, let’s not dilly-dally. We all know that to properly unwind, to feel the wind in your hair (if that’s your thing), to clear your head and to fully unravel then you have to go on holiday to somewhere where’s there’s absolutely nothing to do. If there was a self-help book called How To Relax, chapter one would basically be about going to a place where the busiest you can get is ordering breakfast.

The Maldives high five: Top resorts to splash out on the Indian Ocean's luxury isle
Breaking through the clouds after a long overnight flight from London is the best possible introduction to the honeymoon republic of the Maldives. On board the atmosphere shifts suddenly from sleepless and irritated to excitable as the plane cruises low over hundreds of tiny coral islands ringed with luminous turquoise waters, before touching down at Male's international airport, a man-made marvel that dwarves the natural islands around it.

Shihab, new Maldivian envoy to Colombo

Career diplomat Hussain Shihab has been appointed as the new Maldivian High Commissioner for Sri Lanka. Shihab, a senior foreign service officer currently serving as the Maldivian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, is due to assume duties in Colombo from next month. Ali Husain Didi who was heading the Maldivian mission in Colombo, will move to Brussels, to assume duties as the Maldivian Ambassador to the European Union from later next month. High Commissioner designate Shihab, 61, has been serving in Saudi Arabia from May 2008. He has previously served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to UN.

                 18 September 2010 | Saturday                 

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES CHANGES
TO APPLYING FOR A BRITISH PASSPORT IN SRI LANKA AND THE MALDIVES
The British High Commission in Colombo announced that with effect from 15 October, 2010, applications for British passports received in Sri Lanka will be processed and printed in Hong Kong.

Taj Hotels unveils new Vivanta brand
Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has unveiled the second phase of its brand architecture with the migration of 19 hotels to their new brand, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts in the 5-Star "upper upscale" segment. India's largest hospitality group introduced Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts at the brand's marquee hotel, Vivanta by Taj - Whitefield, Bangalore. This follows the successful launch of its upscale brand - The Gateway Hotel - two years ago. Sixteen Taj Hotels joined the three existing Vivanta by Taj hotels to create a brand which has an inventory of nearly 2,500 rooms. An expansion program is already in place to grow the brand organically to more than 30 hotels with more than 5,000 rooms over the next two years. Vivanta by Taj includes landmark city hotels like like Vivanta by Taj - President, Mumbai and Vivanta by Taj - Connemara as well as popular resorts such as Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada, Goa and Vivanta by Taj - Holiday Village, Goa, among others. The name 'Vivanta' draws inspiration from the term 'bon vivant,' signifying sophistication and appreciation for the good things in life and also from the attributes of vividness and vivacity.

Mauritius holds international conference on environment
PORT LOUIS: A three day international conference on energy, environment and development kicked off here to draw global attention towards the major environmental problems and its impact, with active Indian participation. The 3rd International Congress of Environmental Research began yesterday at the University of Mauritius, the biggest ever academic event in the country. The conference has been jointly organised by the Journal of Environmental Research and Development (Jerad), Bhopal, and the University of Mauritius.

President calls for qualified people to contest in the local council elections
In this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said it is crucial that people with good educational qualifications and experience in administration contest in the local council elections, which are to be held later this year. “As the Maldives undergoes [political] transformation, where opportunity for participation is open for all, it is crucial that qualified people contest in the upcoming elections,” he said. Speaking further on the elections, which will see decentralized local governance for the first time throughout the Maldives, the President said the current appointed councilors would not remain in their positions there after elections, adding that they must contest and win the elections to remain as councilors. In his radio address, the President also discussed 2011 budget, describing it as a “programme budget”. The purpose of a programme budget, he added, was to determine the targets every government office wanted to achieve in the year 2011, and identify the means to achieve those targets. The President also discussed Gulheefalhu development project, where land is being reclaimed to develop port, storage and warehouse facilities. The President said government had planned to develop 2000 housing units in the reclaimed land. Last week, President Nasheed visited Gulheefalhu, a shallow lagoon North West of Malé, to inspect land reclamation.

Oceans of luxury
You better make the most of this chance — these islands may not be around very long,” my friends bantered with me, as I packed my bags for the Maldives. In distant Delhi, the doomsday news of our Indian Ocean neighbour sinking due to global warming only created faint ripples, but when you are actually in these paradise-like islands, it hits you like a big tidal wave. Surely, this incredibly beautiful country is not going to be washed away? The very first glimpse of the tropical islands from the air is an eye-catching sight — bobbing up in the dark blue of the Indian Ocean are patches of green, ringed by white sand, in turn encircled by turquoise blue waters. The play of many shades of blue is enchanting. From the air, you can also appreciate the aptness of the name — Maldives or mala dweep — given to this chain of estimated 1,192 islands that together form the country. Ask them and the Maldivians themselves are delightfully vague about how many islands they actually have. It could even be 2,000; nobody has really counted them, the official Web site informs you. On touchdown, the picture is prettier still. Turquoise waters so clear that you can spot all the aquatic life, white sands — soft and clean — on which you would love to walk barefoot, emerald hued tropical greenery that takes your breath away.

Trends: Lisbon nominated for world's top tourist destination
Portugal's capital of Lisbon was nominated on Wednesday for the Best Destination of the World Travel Awards. Some 17 cities were nominated for the award, including Abu Dhabi, Cancun (Mexico), Cape Town (South Africa), Istanbul (Turkey), Maldives, New York, Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney. For the winners, the award is an opportunity to attract more tourists, and generate exposure

                 16 September 2010 | Thursday                 

UNDP SALUTES ANTI-POVERTY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photographers from India, Pakistan and Viet Nam win top prizes
New York, 14 September 2010—A photograph of female and male students in Pakistan working together on a circuit board in their engineering class was one of three winning photographs of a global anti-poverty photo contest. The other two winners, judged by UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and internationally-acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas and four photo journalists, feature a boy on his way to school in India and fishermen in Viet Nam bringing in the day’s catch.

Cabinet decides to stop licence for cargo at ports except Male’, Thilafushi and regional ports

At a meeting held at the President’s Office today, the Cabinet has decided to stop issuing licence for cargo at all ports except Male’, Thilafushi and the two regional ports. Taking the decision, the Cabinet noted that it was crucial to closely monitor the items imported into the country and strengthen cargo facilities. The Cabinet noted that to run regional ports sustainably, duty on cargo imported via sea to the ports must be reduced by 30%.

President appoints the Board of Directors of Upper North Health Services Corporation Limited
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed members to the Board of Directors of Upper North Health Services Corporation Limited.

Dr Mohamed Ahmed was appointed as the Chairman of the Board. Other members included in the Board are as follows:
1. Mr Badhuruddeen Hassan
2. Ms Rahma Adam
3. Mr Hassan Athif
4. Mr Mohamed Shimal
5. Mr Ibrahim Ashraf
6. Mr Abdul Muhaimin Ibrahim

Dhiraagu introduces unlimited free calls to prepaid customers and 1 laari per SMS for the first time in Maldives
Dhiraagu has today announced the most exciting package of unlimited benefits to Dhiraagu mobile customers. At a news conference, today, at Nasandhura Palace Hotel, Dhiraagu introduced a new prepaid plan that includes unlimited free calls to a selected number, named ‘Best Friend Plan’ and 1 laari per sms for both prepaid and postpaid customers for the first time in Maldives. In addition, new tariff plans for prepaid customers and changes to popular data packages for customers using mobile internet were also introduced today.

India will assist Maldives in development projects- High Commissioner
IndianHigh Commissioner in Maldives, Dyaneshwar M. Mulay has said that India will assist in every development project proposed by Maldives. Speaking at a ceremony held last night at Indian High Commission to celebrate I-Tech Day, Mulay said that India have been providing Maldives with technical and educational support and scholarship for students every year. He noted that India will assist Maldives with extensive economic aid and will participate in bilateral programs for the development of infrastructure, health, civil aviation, telecommunications and labour resources. Indian High Commissioner furthermore suggested to the hundreds of graduates from the Indian scholarships to join together to form an organisation in the service of Maldives.He added that India will assist and support it if the organisation is established. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of state for Education Dr. Ahmed Ali Manik said that Maldives has been getting close cooperation in different fields from India since the joining of Mulay as Indian High Commissioner. He noted the increasing support of India in the educational development of the Maldives.

Rape allegations is a smear campaign- Risheef
Sacked Police Chief Inspector Risheef Thoha has claimed that the rape allegation against him was a political smear campaign. In an interview to SunFM, Risheef said that he was setup and accused of raping a girl for not following the illegitimate orders of some senior Police Officers.
“I am now subjected to their punishment. These three young men (Husham, Fayaz and Ali Nashid) are now sharing the punishment,” alleged Risheef. Husham, Ali Nashid and Fayaz also agreed that the claims made against them was unreal, totally based on speculations. They alleged that it was nothing beyond a slander made by some senior Police Officers to attain their insidious goals. “I love, respect and salute the whole Police institution. But this matter that has befallen on me, the investigations is underway. So I do not want to expose those responsible yet. I reckon that the country will be shocked if I reveal those illegitimate orders that I have received. If I have abided by these orders then it would not only harm many of the citizens, but also cause chaos and strife. And this is what they want to achieve,” Risheef said. Risheef said he was brought to police's disciplinary board Tuesday along with the three officers. Board Chairman, Superintend of Police Mohamed Jinah informed them that the board decided to sack them as their statements contradicted with each other, he added.

Onset of multiple protests against the government
Main opposition party Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has announced the onset of multiple protests against the government for selling public assets. Umar Naseer, Deputy Leader of DRP told Miadhu that the DRP “will do whatever is possible to stop the Government for putting up ‘sales’ to sell public assets illegally.” Umar said that the first demonstration of the multiple protests against the government will be staged at Artificial Beach on Friday night. “We have to stop the selling of the Airport. We have to stop the selling of the lands of Male’. We have filed cases against this in the courts and the authority. Now it’s time to protest against this in action,” said Umar. Umar alleged that the Government has opposed the constitution in leasing public assets to foreign parties. “The Government is going ahead with selling public assets despite wide opposition and ongoing legal challenge in the Court. This shows how unjust and irresponsible the government is,” DRP deputy leader claimed.

President Calls to Renew Commitment to Consolidating Democracy
In a message, on the occasion of International Day of Democracy, President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the people to renew their commitment to consolidating democracy. The President urged “all Maldivians to renew our commitment to consolidating democracy in the country while visualizing the big picture, striving for the interest and welfare of all.” He said that we must prioritise empowerment of women in national, political and social matters, strengthen civil society, establish a strong and proper judiciary, and implement measures to ensure respect and trust for judges to reap the benefits of democracy. ”We must remind ourselves that the development we hope for can only be achieved by inter party agreements on decentralisation and enacting free and fair local and national elections,” the President said.

                 15 September 2010 | Wednesday                 

President Calls to Renew Commitment to Consolidating Democracy
In a message, on the occasion of International Day of Democracy, President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the people to renew their commitment to consolidating democracy. The President’s message reads as follows:

“On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, I urge all Maldivians to renew our commitment to consolidating democracy in the country while visualizing the big picture, striving for the interest and welfare of all.

To reap the benefits of democracy, we must prioritise empowerment of women in national, political and social matters, strengthen civil society, establish a strong and proper judiciary, and implement measures to ensure respect and trust for judges.

We must remind ourselves that the development we hope for can only be achieved by inter party agreements on decentralisation and enacting free and fair local and national elections.

I wish for a better and prosperous future for us all. My prayer is for us all to be able to achieve the benefits of both the worlds.”

Government blames DRP coalition as a pretext to pull out of talks – Thasmeen
Main Opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Leader Ahmed Thasmeen has said that the Government attempts to blame DRP and the DRP led coalition as a pretext for them to pull out of the talks between MDP led governing coalition and the DRP led opposition. “One of the things that was mutually agreed upon at the first meeting of the talks that happened on 26th July was that no information, except mutually agreed statements, would be given to the media regarding the talks. We have been abiding by that commitment, as we do with all our commitments. What we are seeing now is an attempt by the Governing Coalition to blame DRP and the DRP led coalition as a pretext for them to pull out of the talks. Given that the Governing Coalition starting from the Presidential Spokesperson to senior members of their delegation have come out to the media and tried to shift blame on the Opposition and have clearly stated that they have either suspended or pulled out of the talks, it is only appropriate that the Opposition side of the story is put out to the media,” said Thasmeen on his blog.

Help Pakistan Telethon hand over donation to Pakistan High Commission
Donations of over 1 million Rufiyya collected from the Help Pakistan Telethon organized by the Help Pakistan Campaign Team has been handed over to Pakistan High Commission. Help Pakistan Campaign Team handed over the donations to Pakistan High Commissioner Ali Akhtar. The 24 hour show was a joint effort among the NGOs, media, sports and film industry personals and catering industry to help the flood victims of Pakistan. The flood devastation has affected around 20 million people, besides claiming over 1,500 lives, destroying infrastructure and incurring losses of around 1.5-2 percent to the GDP growth. The telethon received a total of Rf1015707.11. Rf435,355, which was received via SMS and Rf254195.50 from the fund boxes. While Rf43,500 was received from selling souvenir tickets of the football matches played Friday evening, Rf17,240 was received by selling general tickets of the matches. Private fund raising events conducted as part of the telethon collected Rf210,711 and Rf32,500 was received from selling jerseys and sports equipments used by players in the football matches.

Democracy in Frames
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a group of NGO’s, including; Democracy House, Maldivian Democracy Network, United Artists of Maldives and Strength of Society will host an event titled “Democracy in Frames”,to coincide with the International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2010. The event will take place at ‘Raalhugandu’ – surf spot in Male’, on September 15, from 4:00pm onwards. The event will see artistes and the public gather in support of democracy. The evening will progress with canvases lined up in the venue, where interested individuals will have the opportunity to take part in painting posters based on the theme of the day; “Political Accountability: Strengthening links between the parliament and the citizens”. Simultaneously, experienced artists will be painting segments of a pre-sketched picture. The completed segments will be combined at the end of the session to form a grand picture. A kid’s corner will be set up for children to draw pictures on the theme of ‘happiness’ and will also include arrangements for face painting. A creative Expression Board will be installed for the public to stick their messages and thoughts. The latter part of the evening will be filled with live music to celebrate the day’s engagements and achievements. The main aim of the event is for everyone, as participants of democracy, to show their support to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. It is hoped that this event will provide an opportunity for the people to spend an enjoyable evening in a productively stimulating environment and express themselves through creative mediums.

STO sponsors Bride Maldives Fair
State Trading Organisation (STO) has announced their sponsorship of the Bride Maldives Fair. Bride Fair 2010 which is to be held on September 28 is a fair that gives the ticket for Maldives to experience the current and all-time favorite trends in the event planning industry. The fair will also provides a great advertising opportunity for the foreigners, tourists who consider Maldives as paradise for their wedding venues and other very heartfelt events. Bride Fair is organized by Bride Maldives, the one and only fashionable event magazine mounts the creative ideas and realistic goals from stylish backgrounds of vibrant and talented Maldivians.

Indian Kashmir Under Strict Curfew
Authorities imposed a strict curfew across Indian Kashmir a day after 18 people were killed in clashes with security forces. The government, which is searching for a way to calm down the protests that have gripped the region, says it will consult all political parties on the growing tensions in Kashmir. Thousands of heavily-armed security personnel patrolled towns across Indian Kashmir and made periodic announcements asking people to stay indoors.

Indian inflation rate falls to 8.5
India's inflation rate fell in August to its lowest level since January, partly due to changes in the way it is calculated. India's wholesale-price-index (WPI) inflation slowed to 8.5% last month, down from 9.8% in July, official figures show. The new index includes a wider range of consumer goods, such as computers, scooters and refrigerators. Under the old system August's inflation rate would have been 9.5%.

Indian model of growth wins praise over its Chinese rival
Indian economic growth, often described as chaotic and weighed down by poor infrastructure, came in for praise from experts here, compared to more disciplined but highly autocratic Chinese model. While Indian economic growth was more fuelled by high domestic consumption and services, the Chinese model relied heavily on manufacturing and exports, said Western and Chinese experts at the state TV debate, on the sidelines of of the World Economic Forum being held here.

                 14 September 2010 | Tuesday                 

Government will launch many development projects- President
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government will launch many development projects apart from Gulheefalhu project and Male’ International Airport development project. Speaking at the ceremony to commence the Gulheefalhu development Project last night, the President said the government’s aim was to improve livelihoods of the people and to bring about general prosperity in the country through economic and social development.

Arctic ice melting quickly, report says
The ice around the North Pole has experienced another severe meltdown this year, German scientists said. Around 1.9 million square miles of the Arctic Ocean will be covered by ice by the end of this summer, the third-lowest figure since satellite monitoring began in the 1970s, scientists from the University of Hamburg and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research said Monday. In the past four years, the average ice coverage in mid-September was around 2 million square miles, led by a record meltdown to 1.6 million square miles in 2007 from an average winter height of 5.4 million square miles. The scientists attributed the latest meltdowns to a combination of man-made climate change and seasonal temperature shifts.

Giant ice island breaks in two
A giant iceberg four times the size of Manhattan that split off from a Greenland icesheet last month has split in two, U.S. satellite images show. The ice island broke apart after smashing into Joe Island, a small rocky outcrop in the Nares Strait west of Greenland, CNN reported Saturday. The ice island split from the Petermann Glacier in early August, moving up the Petermann Fjord and into the Nares Strait in early September. The ice island first hit Joe Island last week, and broke apart after repeated collisions. "The forces of the ocean currents and the winds wiggling it on and off the island were too much," Andreas Muenchow, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, said. The larger of the two pieces is about 60 square miles, or around 2.5 times the size of the New York borough of Manhattan, while the smaller piece is around 32 square miles, he said. The break off in August was the biggest in 140 years, Muenchow said. "We went back to 1876 to find all glacier positions that have ever been reported. From this analysis, we found that this indeed was the largest event that has been observed at Petermann," he said.

Sea temperatures around Japan hit record high in August
Tokyo (AFP) Sept 10, 2010 - Japan, which has just endured its hottest summer on record, said Friday it had also last month recorded the warmest sea temperatures since it started gathering comparable data 25 years ago. Ocean surface temperatures in much of the archipelago's Pacific Oceanand Sea of Japan waters reached more than 25 degrees centigrade (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in August, said the Japan Meteorological Agency. The average sea temperature was the hottest recorded since 1985 when the agency started a new measuring system, and was also a record 1.2 degrees centigrade above the average for the 1971-2000 period. "When examining the earlier data also, I would say global warming is one of the factors behind the warmest recorded sea waters," said an agency official. Scientists warn that the greenhouse effect caused by heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere is raising global temperatures, melting the planet's ice caps and triggering more severe weather events such as storms and floods. Japan this year experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1898, with thousands of people taken to hospital with heatstroke. The average temperature for June to August was 1.64 degrees centigrade above average.

New process halves water purification cost
A new biochemical carbon dioxide water purification process from Krebs & Sisler energy firm halves the cost of turning effluent and salt water into a potable drinking resource in a move with potential for use worldwide. U.S. government, military and corporate agencies spend billions on purifying water while prohibitive costs and lack of affordable means keeps safe water out of the reach of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Krebs & Sisler's method combines photosynthesis with photocatalysis to treat impure water and turn it into safe water, the company explained. The method involves water purification through a rapid growth in biomass, which also can be harvested and used for human or animal consumption.

                 13 September 2010 | Monday                 

President Meets with Visiting Delegation from International Commission of Jurists

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with a delegation from the International Commission of Jurists. The delegation is headed by the former Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, United Nations Human Rights Council, Mr Leandro Despouy. Discussions at the meeting were mainly on the importance of reforming the judiciary and strengthening integrity and accountability of the judiciary. The ICJ members noted that several challenges remained in strengthening the judiciary and discussed short and long term assistance that ICJ could provide to the Maldives. The International Commission of Jurists is dedicated to the primacy, coherence and implementation of international law and principles that advance human rights and is comprised of up to sixty lawyers (including senior judges, attorneys and academics). The meeting was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Advisor on Political Affairs Hassan Afeef.

President Appoints Two Members to Human Rights Commission

President Mohamed Nasheed has today appointed Mr Ahmed Abdul Kareem and Dr Ali Shameem as members of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Earlier, Mr Kareem and Dr Shameem were sworn in by Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef at a function held at the President’s Office today. Addressing the Commission members after the appointment, President Nasheed reiterated that past human rights abuses must be investigated for the socio-political harmony of the country. On 17 August, President Nasheed had appointed three members to HRCM approved by the People’s Majlis out of eight names proposed by the President. Human Rights Commission Act states that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives shall consist of five members. On 18 August, the President proposed for a second time, six names to the People’s Majlis for their consideration.

Calling to Islam is an individual obligation- Zakir Naik
Dr. Zakir Naik has said that it is an individual obligation upon the Muslim to call to the religion of Islam to the level of his knowledge of Islam. Speaking at his TV channel, Peace TV, the televangelist Indian preacher said that that any Muslim can work in the propagation of Islam and that it should be done in accordance to the level of knowledge he has on the religion. The self styled orator of Islam, who is a medical doctor by profession, said that those who are ignorant of the fundamentals of the creed of Islam should not talk in matters of the religion without knowledge. He said that this would create chaos and sectarianism among the Muslim nation. Dr. Zakir Naik said that all the Muslims should work together to raise the banner of Islam in a time when Islam and Muslims are facing onslaught of atrocious attacks from the enemies of Islam.

Fisherman should use protective glasses- Dr. Imteyaz
Dr. Imteyaz Mohsin, consultant ophthalmologist has said that it is suggested that fisherman should use protective glasses to prevent accidents such as fishhook injuries. The fishing industry in the Maldives is the island's second main industry. According to national tradition in the words of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, "Fishing is the lifeblood of our nation, it is inborn. From the soil on which we live, to the sea around us, it remains an integral part of our existence. Fishing, and our country and its people, [are] one and shall remain inseparable forever." Fishing is now not only pursued just for earning a livelihood, but also as a common recreation sport. While serious injuries are uncommon, penetrating tissue trauma involving fishhooks frequently occurs. On 6th of this month a fisherman was brought to ADK with a fish hook caught on his right eye. It was removed by Dr. Imteyaz Mohsin under general anaesthesia on an urgent basis as apart of ADK emergency service. The patient’s vision started recovering next day and hopefully he was able to see again with the help of glasses. Patient was discharged home on the 3rd day. After about 23 years of service in Maldives, Dr. Imteyaz Mohsin has intended to return back to his country. Dr. Imteyaz Mohsin has worked as a volunteer actively involved in many humanitarian activities conducted by the India Club

Government gets financial aid from Donors Forum- Zuhair
Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair said that the Government has been receiving financial aid of the parties who promised to aid the Maldives in the Donors Forum held this year. Zuhair told Miadhu that the set financial aid for this year is 110 million US Dollars and that the Government has so far received 100 million US Dollars. He further added that the financial aid promised by the Forum can be given yearly. “We have two ways of getting the financial aid. One is the World Bank, IDB, ADB and the aid via such international finance institutes. The other is the aid received via the bilateral relations between countries. We are receiving the aid from both these ways,” said Zuhair. Furthermore, the Press Secretary noted the financial aid received from the countries of Europe, America and even the Middle East. He also said that the Maldives receives financial support from the countries like Japan, Turkey, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. In March 2010, Maldives hosted a donor forum at Bandos Island Resort that yielded millions of dollars in pledges to the country from multilateral development banks, the European Union, and many nations including the United States.

MCSA holds talks with CSC
Maldives Civil Servants Association (MCSA) has held talks with Civil Service Commission (CSC) to find a solution to the challenges faced by the civil servants. Speaking to Miadhu, MCSA member Abdullah Mohamed said that the association held discussions with CSC last week Tuesday on finding a solution to the challenged faced by the civil servants. The talks between the two institutions focused on the grievances of the civil service employees such as those terminated from office illegitimately.

INMAFF 2010 to hold its Grand Finale’
The Grand Finale’ of the India- Maldives Friendship Festival (INMAFF) 2010, organised by the High Commission of India, Maldives, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Art & Culture of the Government of Maldives, The India Club, Maldives, and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), will be celebrated at Rannabandeyri Maalam, Dharubaaruge on 17th September 2010 from 8.00PM onwards. According to the High Commission of India, President Mohamed Nasheed will be the Chief Guest on the occasion. A 14-member Bollywood Variety Dance & Music Troupe of Surinder Sagar & Party, which is sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), will perform in the Grand Finale. A reputed Maldivian Cultural Group will also perform on the occasion. Complementary tickets for the show are available at Indian High Commission, Athireege Aage, Henveiru, Male’. After the Grand Finale, the troupe from India will proceed to Addu Atoll, South Province and will perform at Youth Centre Hall in Maradhoo-Feydhoo Island on 19th September evening.

IMF issues warning on Britain's debt
Britain is among those countries needing to tighten their fiscal policies in order to stem the growth of ballooning debts, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The organisation warned that the UK's debt in relation to its GDP could rise to 90.6pc by the end of this parliament, more than doubling the levels of 2007 before the financial crisis. "Fiscal policy will need to react more strongly to debt than past behaviour would suggest, and governments will need to engage in reforms that place debt on a sustainable footing," the IMF said. The Fund's report would appear to support the government's aggressive stance on reducing spending. The report continued: "In the last three and a half decades, public debt has been the shock absorber in advanced economies - going up in bad times and not coming down in good times." Britain is in a better position than other countries in regards to debt, particularly those in Southern Europe and Japan, but remains "constrained in their degree of fiscal maneuver". The IMF concluded: "Timely policy measures are needed to increase the probability that public debt will remain on a sustainable path and convince markets that fiscal policy is not proceeding on a 'business as usual' basis." The report comes as the coalition spending review, to take place in October, begins to loom large on the political horizon. David Cameron's government will likely use reports such as these as support for their arguments on spending cuts and debt reduction, in what is likely to be a politically contentious period as the full scale of George Osborne's economic plans come to light. Labour, although in the midst of a leadership election, has regularly attacked the speed and scale of government spending cuts as unnecessary.

                 12 September 2010 | Sunday                 

Telethon gets more than 1 million Rufiyyah in 24 hours
Help Pakistan Telethon organized by the Help Pakistan Campaign Team has received more than 1 million Rufiyyah in 24 hours. The 24 hour show was a joint effort among the NGOs, media, sports and film industry personals and catering industry to help the flood victims of Pakistan. The flood devastation has affected around 20 million people, besides claiming over 1,500 lives, destroying infrastructure and incurring losses of around 1.5-2 percent to the GDP growth.

JP Condemns U.S. Pastor's Plan to Burn the Quran
Jumhooree Party (JP) has condemned the plan by a Florida pastor to burn copies of the Quran and called the Government to intervene with the U.S. government to take strong action against the act. In a press release, JP criticized Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville for his plan to burn the Muslim holy book on Sept. 11. JP expressed their disapproval of the atrocious act, calling the proposed burning a disrespectful, disgraceful act against the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. Meanwhile, President Obama and Hillary Clinton, the White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, the attorney general, Eric Holder, the archbishop emeritus of Washington, Cardinal Theodore E McCarrick, and dozens of other faith leaders have all condemned the burning.

Soneva Gili to Sponsor Hay Festival Maldives October 14-17 2010
Soneva Gili is delighted to announce its sponsorship of the inaugural Maldivian offshoot of the internationally renowned Hay-on-Wye literary festival which is taking place in the Maldives from the 14th to 17th October 2010.

Maldives Hotel Offers Underwater Room as Part of Wedding Package
A Maldivian island resort is offering newlyweds the option to spend the night not under the stars, but under the sea. In a room nestled five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, with 180-degree panoramic views, newlyweds will be able to spend their honeymoon enjoying incredible views of tropical reef sea life. The room is surrounded by coral reefs teaming with schools of reef fish radiant in the tropical sunshine, Rangali Island resort staff told The Epoch Times. “At night the underwater glow of the restaurant attracts a variety of rays, sharks and aquatic life," said the staff member.

Emmerdale's Alice Coulthard on why she's leaving her role as Maisie Wylde
When Emmerdale's Alice Coulthard landed the part of poor little rich girl Maisie Wylde she had no idea what a wild time lay ahead. Not only is it fun playing such a spoilt, brattish flirt, but the part has put Alice at the heart of some of the ITV1 soap's most controversial storylines - including murder, incest and mental meltdown. And she has loved every minute. But now after two years in the show she has decided to quit for her other great love - new husband Owen Dyke. Alice is just back from honeymoon in the Maldives, which explains her golden tan and why she can't stop smiling. "It was the most amazing day of my life," says Alice, 29, who married rock star Owen four weeks ago. "I loved every second and I wouldn't change a thing. I'm so happy - I'll have that memory for the rest of my life."

                 11 September 2010 | Saturday                 

Burning Quran is spitting on the Sun- Shaheem
Minister of State for Islamic Affairs Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that the “Burn a Quran a day” campaign is similar to trying to spit on the sun. In today’s Fitr Eid sermon in Masjid Muhammad Thakurufaanul A’dham, Shaheem said that even before the writing of Quran on paper it was securely preserved in millions of muslims and has been “memorized” verbatim.

Taj exotica resort & spa, maldives ranked among top hotels in the world
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has won tenth place in Condé Nast Traveller UK 2010 Readers’ Travel Awards under the category of ‘Best Overseas Leisure Hotels in Africa, Middle East and the Indian Ocean’. This sees the exclusive resort jump up eight places from its 2009 ranking.
General Manager of the hotel, Girish Sehgal said: “I am delighted that Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has won yet another top award. This recognition from the readers of Condé Nast Traveller is testament to the hotel’s outstanding personal service, its excellent facilities, as well as the pristine natural beauty and privacy of the island itself.”

Maldives Will Use Seat at the UN Rights Council to Promote Human Rights Abroad and Consolidate Democracy at Home: President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said the Maldives will use its seat at the UN Human Rights Council to promote human rights in other countries and consolidate democracy and human rights norms in the Maldives. The Maldives secured a seat at the UN Human Rights Council in May this year. The Human Rights Council is the principal UN intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. This is the first time that the Maldives has run for and secured a seat from one of the main organs of the UN. The Maldives will officially assume its seat on 13 September. Speaking on the occasion in his weekly radio address, the President said, “The Maldives will use its seat to promote human rights that Maldivians now enjoy, for all peoples of the world. “Those rights were denied to Maldivians until recently. We will use the seat to consolidate democracy in the Maldives, and protect human rights in the Maldives.” In his weekly address, the President also spoke on the ongoing talks with political parties in determining inhabited islands under local elections law. Noting that the talks were going very smoothly, the President congratulated party leaders of both Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) for putting forward national interests ahead of political differences.

Leaders warn against Koran burning plan by US pastor
Thousands of protesters have held anti-American rallies in provinces across Afghanistan over plans by a US church to burn copies of the Koran. President Hamid Karzai said the Florida church's plan, now on hold, had been an insult to Islam's followers. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia also spoke out, urging the US goverment to take steps to prevent the act taking place.

                 9 September 2010 | Thursday                 

Urgent efforts needed to prevent deaths from diarrhoea and pneumonia: WHO

Bangkok: September 9: Each day, 3500 children under the age of five years die of pneumonia and diarrhoea in WHO’s South-East Asia Region. More than 2.1 million deaths caused are by acute diarrhoea and respiratory infections among all ages in the Region, more than twice the combined deaths from HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Globally, every year about 2 million children under 5 die from pneumonia and about 1.9 million from acute diarrhoea.

Global forum to improve developing country access to medical devices
"The medical device industry holds great promise for public health, sometimes spectacular promise, sometimes seductive promise," said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. "Health officials and hospital managers in all countries, at all levels of development, need guidance. We are also holding this forum because the unquestionable benefits of medical devices are so unevenly and unfairly distributed."

President Ratifies Second Amendment Bill to the Tourism Act
President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Second Amendment Bill on the Tourism Act. The Bill was passed by the People’s Majlis on 26 August. Following ratification, the bill has been published in the Government Gazette. The Second Amendment to Tourism Act stipulates rent charges to be paid to the government by tourist resorts, tourist hotels and tourist guest houses. Under the Amendment Act, if rent charged from land smaller than 200,000 square metres is more than US$1 million, the rent is set at US$1 million per year. If the rent charged in less than US$1 million, the rent is set at a rate of US$8 per square metre. The Act also stipulates that US$1.5 million per year is charged for 200,001 to 400,000 square metres, while where rent of land larger than 400,001 square metres is more than US$2 million, the rent of the land is set at US$2 million per year.

President Ratifies First Amendment Bill to Decentralisation Act
President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified the First Amendment Bill to the Decentralisation Act. The bill was passed by the People’s Majlis on 29 August. Following the Amendment Article 136 (b) will be removed from the Act.

President Returns Repeal of Certain Acts and Parts of Acts Bill
President Mohamed Nasheed has returned Repeals of Certain Acts and Parts of Acts Bill, to the People’s Majlis for reconsideration. In a letter to the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, President Nasheed said Attorney General had advised him that repealing certain laws and parts of Acts stated in the Bill would hinder the administration of some state institutions. The letter also stated that the Attorney General had advised the President that the ratification of the Bill would also hamper the work of law enforcement authorities. The President noted in his letter had also stated the issues identified by the Attorney General on the Bill.

President congratulates the Australian Prime Minister
President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia following her success in Australian Federal Elections. The President’s message of congratulations to Prime Minister Gillard reads as follows:
Quote:
"I send you warm congratulations on your recent electoral success. I am confident under your leadership Australia will attain greater prosperity and development and continue to play a key role in global affairs like climate change. I look forward to working closely with you toward further strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and in addressing our common global challenges."

President Ratifies Tourism Goods and Services Tax Bill
President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Tourism Goods and Services Tax Bill that was passed by the People’s Majlis on 26 August. Following ratification, the Tourism Goods and Services Tax Act has been published in the Government Gazette. The Act states the ways in which goods and services tax will be charged on the price of goods and services sold to tourists from resorts, hotels, guest houses, picnic islands, tourist vessels, and other services provided to tourists in the Maldives. Under to the Act, a tax will be levied on the following services and items sold to tourists.
1. Room rates charged by resorts, hotels, picnic islands, and guest houses
2. Room and bed rates charged by tourist vessels
3. Prices of all goods and services, in addition to those included in numbers 1 and 2 above, sold to tourists from resorts, hotels, guest houses, picnic islands, tourist vessels
4. Prices and charges of goods and services sold to tourists from diving schools, shops, spas, and water sports facilities in tourist resorts, hotels, guest houses and tourist vessels
5. Travel planner charges
6. Domestic transportation fares for tourists

President Meets Japanese Ryokan Okami Delegation

President Mohamed Nasheed today met with a delegation of Okami Association of Japanese Ryokan. Ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese hotels that originated between early 1600s and mid 1800s. These hotels and inns are usually built in scenic areas near mountains, natural hot springs or by the sea. This type of traditional hotels are usually owned and managed by women, who are known as Okami. Japanese communities attach great importance to Ryokans and depend on them to maintain customs and traditions of their regions. Speaking at the meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, President Nasheed said the Maldivian economy was based on the tourism industry. He said the Maldives economy was open for foreign investments and encouraged Japanese investors to invest in the tourism industry. The President also noted the long standing and friendly relations between the Maldives and Japan, and the assistance provided by Japan for the development of the Maldives. At the meeting, the head of Ryokan Okami delegation to the Maldives, President of Japan Education Centre for Hotel Industry and Principal of Hotel School of Japan, Mr Tsutomu Ishizuka briefed the President on the purpose of the visit. The visit of Okami group is organized under a new international exchange programme, “World Hospitality Exchange Series” that began this year. This visit to the Maldives is the first visit under the new programme. Mr Ishizuka also noted that the visit marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan.

Tomorrow is Eidul-Fitr
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared tomorrow as this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement was made in a statement issued last night following the conclusion of the Ministry’s meeting held at the Islamic Center, to decide on the sighting of the moon for the month of Shawwal. The statement issued by the Ministry said that the decision was based on the fact that the moon for the month of Shawwal was not sighted last night anywhere in the Maldives or any other Islamic country. The statement on the sighting of the moon for the month of Shawwl was announced by the Minister of State for Islamic Affairs Shaheem Ali Saeed. Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated across the country on Friday. Meanwhile, the ministry has allocated the Islamic Center and the surrounding areas including the Republican Square to perform Eid prayer.

Government hoping to buy land in the event Maldives becomes submerged in water
In an exclusing interview to Asian Tribute, President Nasheed has said that the government is hoping to create a fund to buy land, in the event Maldives becomes submerged in water due to climate change.A sian Tribute described the President as “a staunch advocate against climate change, trying to save his nation of coral islands from being submerged”. The President said that when it comes to climate change “there is nothing called free lunch” but that “we have to fend for ourselves.” “The bottom line” he said is “finding dry land” and for that matter the country is hoping to create a fund to buy land, in the event they become climate refugees. Asian Tribute also reported that despite the country’s ongoing constitutional crisis, the President sounded optimistic of remedying it, sooner. According to the report President Nasheed sees the passage of the amendment to the Public Finance Act in Parliament as no barrier for governance. “The constitutional allows a fair amount of powers to the President. What the president has not done is using those powers,” Nasheed said hinting he would not hesitate to do so.

India should “drag” regional countries in development- President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has urged the regional super power India to “drag” neighboring countries in its development efforts, and otherwise it would give rise to “resentment” in the region. In an exclusive interview with the Asian Tribune, the President said that it is very important for India to drag other countries in the region in its development efforts with newly found wealth in India with its development. “Otherwise it will give rise to resentment and lot of regional issue, if India becomes suddenly rich and others in the region find themselves not eating,” he warned.