Mayor Sodiq confident of achieving Goals despite Challenges
Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq is confident that progress will be made despite having faced challenges in the past over the Addu City council, with court cases against government's decision to give the Atoll a City status.

Gov’t aim is to deliver all its programmes targeted for the development through councils- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday met with the newly elected members of Male’ City Council, congratulated the new councilors and said the government’s aim was to deliver all its programmes targeted for the development of Male’ City through Male’ City Council.

Pres. appears on NDTV’s Popular “Walk the Talk” Programme
During President Mohamed Nasheed’s recent visit to India, he was interviewed by one of India’s premier news channels, NDTV’s “Walk the Talk” programme. “Walk the Talk” hosts influential world leaders and popular public personalities.

Pres. returns after India Visit
President Mohamed Nasheed has returned to Male’ after concluding his official visit to India.
President Nasheed made the visit on an invitation from South Asia Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS) to attend the World Forum on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development held in New Delhi, India.

Madagascar navy rescues pirate-seized vessel
Madagascar's navy Sunday towed into Antsiranana port a hijacked Comoros-flagged vessel almost a week after its captain and two suspected pirates arrived on the island to seek help, an official said.

US to continue anti-piracy efforts: military chief
The United States will remain involved in the anti-piracy campaign off the Somali coast despite the killing of four Americans by Somali pirates, the top US military officer Thursday.

Drought rattles farmers in eastern China
Yu Ruicheng's weathered face creases with worry as she stands on her dry wheat field in eastern China, where a record drought is threatening to send soaring global food prices even higher.

                 27 February 2011 | Sunday                 

Mayors of Male and Addu City took Oath
Mayors of the first ever cities established in the Maldives have been elected yesterday. Adam Manik (Sarangu) was elected as the Mayor of Male’ City while Addu City council elected Abdullah Sodiq (Sobe’) as the Mayor of Addu City. Following the taking of the oath of office yesterday by the first ever councilors to be elected in the Maldives under the Decentralization Act in February 5 local council elections across the country the Councilors of the Male’ City and Addu City convened to elect their respective Mayors and Deptuy Mayors.

First ever elected Councilors take their oath of office
The first ever councilors to be elected in the Maldives under the Decentralization Act in February 5 local council elections have given their oath of office yesterday morning from 9:00 am, across the country. The newly elected island councilors, atoll councilors and city councilors from about 170 councils took their oath of office nationwide yesterday. Councilors from 14 councils were adjourned from taking the oath of office by the High Court due to an on going case. Additionally oath taking of councilors of Kelaa council and 5 other councils were postponed by the Elections Commission because of issues of discrepancies in vote counts and a second round of the elections are needed to be held respectively.

No conflict between Democracy and Islam- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that there is no conflict between Democracy and the religion of Islam. In his yesterday’s interview to Indian television station NDTV’s popular show “Walk the Talk” during his recent visit to India, the President said that reiterated that Maldives is a hundred percent Muslim nation and that the people found no abstinence from introducing multi party system and the introduction of an unprecedented transformation of the country’s politics.

Councilors taking oath of office is a historic step towards decentralization– the Pres.
In this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed spoke on newly elected island councilors, atoll councilors and city councilors in February 5 local council elections taking oath of office on yesterday, across the country. Councilors who took their posts at local councils yesterday were the first to be elected under the Decentralization Act.

Maldives will always remain a priority for India-Jairam Ramesh
Indian Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has said that Maldives will always remain a priority for India. Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said this during President Mohamed Nasheed’s meeting with him yesterday as part of the President’s visit to India. At the meeting, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh assured the President of India’s continued support and backing for the Maldives. During the meeting, the President commended the instrumental role played by India, especially Environment Minister Ramesh in the United Nations climate talks held in Cancun, Mexico in December last year. He said much of the Cancun Summit’s success in moving forward towards a more concrete climate agreement was due to the constructive and more positive engagement by India and Minister Jairam Ramesh.

India-Pakistan differences affect SAARC: Maldives
Ahead of the SAARC summit his country will host later this year, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed Friday said the India-Pakistan differences have affected the potential of the regional grouping and hoped that the two countries could resolve issues amicably. 'India-Pakistan differences have made it difficult for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to kick-start. We hope that they will be able to resolve their differences amicably,' Nasheed, who wrapped up his three-day visit to India, told reporters here.

Maldives prez asks India to help violence-hit Libya
President Nasheed, who concluded a three-day visit to India on Friday, also warned that any delay in the timely intervention on its part would lead to the UN system being obsolete. Maldives along with the Jordan and Qatar among Muslim nations had earlier called for an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council, which also has Libya as a member. Stressing on the sense of urgency that the situation in Libya warrants he said: “Libya should be suspended from human rights commission and the crimes against its people should be investigated”. “It should be done now. There is no point doing it a month later. Like this the UN system will become obsolete,” President Nasheed said.

W Retreat and Spa Maldives: Elixir of life
The more you celebrate your life, Oprah Winfrey once quipped, the more there is in life to celebrate. As we embark on magical sojourns in search of that much-coveted elixir of life, we realize that many places may catch our eye but only a prized few will capture our heart.

Mitalli becomes the first woman officer to get gallantry award
Even before the Army decides to create history by according permanent commission to women and allowing them in the combat arms, Mitali Madhusmita's Sena Medal, the first to be awarded for gallantry to a woman Army officer, has broken another male bastion that promises to remain etched in the Indian military history. This comes amid the raging debate over women's permanent commission in the Indian Army and vindicates the stance of all aspiring permanent commission women officers. The history was created on Friday morning at the 'Yodha' hall of the 'DOT' division of southwestern command, when Lt General SK Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) conferred the medal on Major Mitali Madhumita in the investiture ceremony held at the Hisar cantonment.

                 26 February 2011 | Saturday                 

Maldives listed among the 11 states with no religious freedom and special envoys will be sent
A group of Christian missionaries, Open Doors has listed Maldives among 11 countries which lack religious freedom. To address some of the alleged abuses of religious freedom, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) of Christian Missionary Open Doors introduced H.R. 440, a House bill which would create the post of "Special Envoy." According to the bill, its main focus is to have the special envoy promote religious heterodoxy of minorities in countries of the Near East and South Central Asia.

Minister Shifa meets World Bank Country Director
Minister of Education Shifa Mohamed met The World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Diarietou Gaye who is presently in the Maldives. The meeting which was held at the Ministry of Education, on 24th February, was attended by the Minister Shifa Mohamed, the World Bank Country Director Diarietou Gaye, a delegation of 4 members from The World Bank, and some senior staffs of the Ministry of Education. Discussions were held on school education in the country: single session schooling, revision of the national curriculum, introduction of vocational subjects and ICT in the curriculum, and running some of the schools under Public Private Partnerships.

Education Minister meets the Maldivian nominees participating in a debate in New Delhi
Minister of Education Shifa Mohamed met the two nominees from the Maldives who are leaving to participate in a debate that is to be held on Wednesday, 23rd February 2011, in New Delhi. They are two students from Aminiya School: Mariyam Shafa Ahmed Rameez and Fathmath Nabaha Mohamed Waheed. Aishath Sulthana , a Leading Teacher from Aminiya School will accompany them.

India Visit a Success – President Nasheed
Meeting the Indian press today on his two day visit to India, President Mohamed Nasheed said his visit was a success and he has had fruitful and constructive dialogue with the Indian leadership and the government. The President, over the past two days, met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, Chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance Sonia Gandhi, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and other senior officials of the Indian Government.

Renowned Poet and Literary Icon Aminath Faiza Passes Away; President Sends Condolences

Renowned poet and Maldivian literary icon Aminath Faiza has passed away this morning. Upon hearing the news the President Mohamed Nasheed has sent condolences to the bereaved family. Aminath Faiza passed away while being treated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital for a severe stroke suffered. She was 86. Aminath Faiza was one of the leading poets who graduated from ‘Dhivehi Lheverikamuge Bageechaa’ founded by the country’s first president Mohamed Amin. She has written poetry on many different topics including romance, religion and national occasions. She will always be remembered as an influential figure in the Maldivian literary circles that had made invaluable contributions in the form of poetry and other literary writings. Aminath Faiza was awarded the National Award of Recognition in 1980 and National Award of Honour in 1996 in recognition of her contribution to Maldivian poetry. Aminath Faiza was also an active member of the first ever political party to be founded in the Maldives. She served as a teacher and the Deputy Principal of Madhrasathul Saniyya. Most notable of her government services were those in the Maldives Center for Historical and Linguistic Research for over 27 years. Funeral Prayer for Late Aminath Faiza was held at Masjid Al Sultan Mohamed Thankurufaanu Al Auzam after today’s Friday Prayer. She was survived by three children, Ahmed Abbas, Aminath Abbas and Mohamed Hilmy.

                 25 February 2011 | Friday                 

Inaugural Address by His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, at the World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development
South Asia is winning.It stands poised to win its future. While it is true that our region faces difficulties… … it is also true that South Asia has never stood more powerful or so well equipped to meet its challenges.For the first time in centuries, this region has the power to influence the economics, politics and future development of the entire planet. No longer an oppressed, economic backwater; South Asia is rising to become the world’s engine of economic growth, prosperity and development.

President Meets Maldivians Studying in India
President Mohamed Nasheed meets with Maldivians studying in India today. In his remarks at the meeting, the President said the Maldives was undergoing rapid transformations, and students were preparing to contribute their share to these changes. He said contributing to the transformations in the Maldives required skills, knowledge and awareness to make sense of the world better and broaden the one’s outlook. The President said these were crucial for the current Maldives. The President noted the importance of broader perspectives, and thinking beyond traditionally held beliefs, in order to maximize the use of skills and knowledge acquired through education as well as personal capabilities. In his remarks, the President also highlighted the need for making university life enjoyable and happy to strive and achieve better results. He also asked students to look after one another when they spend their life abroad, away from their families.

President Meets Senior Officials of the Indian Government
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon. The President also today met with Chairperson the ruling United Progressive Alliance and President of Congress Party Sonia Gandhi, and India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. Discussions at the meetings were generally focused on further fortifying the close friendly relations that exist between the Maldives and India. At the meeting with External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, the President thanked the Indian government for its close relationship and continued assistance to the Maldives. Discussions at the meeting with the National Security Advisor were focused on working together on combating piracy in the Indian Ocean. The President and the Indian National Security Advisor discussed the SAARC Summit to be held in the Maldives later this year, and the President updated him on the preparations being made for the Summit. The President and the Foreign Secretary Rao held discussion on the situation in the Middle East, especially in Libya as a result of pro-democracy movement in the country. President Nasheed invited Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi to make a visit to the Maldives.  President Nasheed also today met with Chairman of Research and Information System for Developing Countries, Ambassador Shyam Saran. The President is visiting India to address the World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, that began in New Delhi, India today.

Egypt military won't allow "counter-revolution"
Egypt's military rulers assured they would guard against a counter-revolution by associates of Hosni Mubarak. Cairo: Egypt's new military rulers assured the nation on Thursday they would guard against what protesters have called a counter-revolution by associates of Hosni Mubarak, deposed nearly two weeks ago in an 18-day uprising. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said it noted the use of political expressions such as "the counter revolution" and denounced what it said were "attempts to create strife", saying it was taking all steps to meet the people's demands. Protesters have said they fear a "counter revolution" whereby associates of Mubarak seek to creep back to power, perhaps by rebranding the president's now crippled ruling party. They are also concerned by Mubarak-appointed ministers staying in their roles. "There will be no return to the past. The sublime goal now is achieving the hopes and aspirations of the people," the council said in a statement on its Facebook page. Egypt's protest organisers expect a big turnout on Friday in Cairo to demand the removal of a new cabinet in which the key portfolios of defence, justice, interior and foreign affairs were appointed by Mubarak who was ousted nearly two weeks ago. Several youth activists said the protest aims to unify Egyptians in a campaign to have a new government of technocrats appointed that will make a clean break from Mubarak's old guard. In the fragmented political arena of post-revolutionary Egypt, those with wealth, whatever its source, may still be able to win power and influence in elections where voting for decades has been determined by thuggery, bribery and manipulation. "There is anger on the streets towards everything Mubarak, and we loathe to see his followers remain in control," Yahya Saqr, one protester from the Youth of January 25 group.

No legal action against former detainees: Bahrain
Manama: Bahrain on Thursday said that Friday would be a day of official mourning and confirmed that none of the 308 detainees and convicts released on Wednesday will face criminal proceedings related to the offence for which they had been held. The ministry’s confirmation puts an end to speculations in Bahrain about possible legal problems mainly for the 23 people who were arrested in August on suspicion they formed and belonged to a group plotting to undermine the country’s stability and security. Their trial waded into controversy after their initial set of lawyers walked out and the justice ministry appointed other lawyers to defend them. However, the suspects refused to cooperate with them, an attitude that made several lawyers pull out, even though they risked facing disciplinary action. Under Bahrain law, suspects must have lawyers during their trial. The release of the dozens of prisoners was in line with a key demand made by a massive rally on Monday that called the government to allow them. King Hamad said that subsequently that they would be freed and that their cases would be closed. Protesters who have been camping at the Pearl Roundabout in Manama have feted their release with great fanfare. An earlier demand to pull the army out of the streets was also met by Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa who is spearheading a nationwide dialogue to help Bahrain overcome the most intense crisis of its modern history. Seven people were killed during ten days of protests and King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa has extended his condolences to the families of the victims. The Royal Court said that Friday would be a day of official mourning.

Gaddafi blames unrest on al-Qaeda
Libyan leader says protesters are young people being manipulated by al-Qaeda, as violence continues across the country. Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has said in a speech on Libyan state television that al-Qaeda is responsible for the uprising in Libya. "It is obvious now that this issue is run by al-Qaeda," he said, speaking by phone from an unspecified location on Thursday. He said that the protesters were young people who were being manipulated by al-Qaeda's Osama bin Laden, and that many were doing so under the influence of drugs.

Carbon Sink At South Pole Has Grown Recently
By studying collections of a marine bryozoan that date back to a famous 1901 expedition to the South Pole, researchers have found that those organisms were growing steadily up until 1990, when their growth more than doubled. The data, reported in the February 22 issue of Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, provide the highest-latitude record of a century of growth and some of the first evidence that polar carbon sinks may be increasing.

                 24 February 2011 | Thursday                 

Only a Democracy Can Deliver Sustainable Growth and Development – President Nasheed
South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development, that began at New Delhi, India today. In his address, President Nasheed reiterated the government’s commitment to promote democracy and economic freedom to ensure sustainable development of the Maldives. The President said “It is only a democracy, and a liberal capitalist system, which can deliver broad-based sustainable growth and development.” He said liberal democracy, economic freedom with a strong social safety net were fundamental prerequisites for the development of any country. “This is certainly the formula that we are following in the Maldives,” he added. Speaking on building a successful democracy, the President said successful democracies were more than just separation of powers and right to vote. He said, “Successful democracies must protect the freedoms that allow people to thrive.” President Nasheed underlined the need for “strong political parties, a flourishing civil society and a fearless press” to protect the core freedoms of the people.

The world is now in need of the leadership of India- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that India is the world's largest democracy and that this is a moment that the world is in need of the leadership of India. Speaking to press before departure to India on an official visit to India, President Nasheed told Miadhu Daily, “Our brothers from those many countries who are similar to us traditionally and religiously are now taking the same steps that we took.” “I think, in this moment they are in dire need of the counsel and guidance of India,” the President said. He said that he will discuss these issues with the Indian government and with the various organizations in India. The President also said that he will be discussing on national security because of the threat of Somali pirates to the Maldives. Furthermore, President Nasheed said he would share the Maldives’ experience in eradicating poverty, which has gained legitimacy in the region as a result of the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Country status. During the visit the President will also hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President of ruling Congress Party Sonia Gandhi and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. Speaking to press, the President also said he would, along with Acting Minister of Finance and Treasury of the Maldives Mahmood Razi, meet Indian Finance Minister to finalize the US$40 million credit line from India for the Maldives’ housing project.

No evidence to conclude Police misconduct in AbdulBasith’s death- PIC
The Police Integrity Commission has said that there is no evidence to conclude that Police should be made accountable for the death of Abdulla Basith Zubair, of Raiyvilla Dhoadhi/Seenu atoll Hithadhoo, while under police custody. Abdulla Basith Zubair was found dead early morning of January 14, 2011 while in police custody. The drug suspect who was 20 years old went to Veymando enroute to his home atoll Addu Atoll. Basit who was mistaken for sleeping was taken immediately to the hospital when the police found that he was not pulsating.

Will increase collaboration with the Gov’t- World Bank
World Bank Country Director for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Diarietoy Gaye has expressed his confidence of increasing collaboration between the Bank and the government under her tenure. Diarietoy Gaye said this during her visit to President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday as the newly appointed the World Bank Country Director for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Diarietoy Gaye. Speaking at the meeting, held at the President’s Office, the President noted said the Maldives and the World Bank had a very good partnership, and especially highlighted the Bank’s technical assistance and advice during the transition period. The President also expressed his appreciation for the role of former Country Director of the Bank Naoko Ishii. Discussions at the meeting were focused on increasing the impact and the effectiveness of the World Bank funded projects in the Maldives. The President informed the new Country Director on ongoing projects funded by the Bank and expressed willingness to continue with the projects. He made request for a more substantial participation of the Bank with a more serious and focused role in the next SAARC Summit to be held in the Maldives. The President also spoke on the issue of increase in global food prices and possible measures to reduce the impact of the increasing prices on the Maldives.

President of Interpol begins his Official Visit to the Maldives
President of Interpol, Khoo Boon Hui arrived this morning beginning his official visit to the Maldives. The current President of Interpol was warmly welcomed by the Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh and Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Rishwan at the GMR Male International Airport. The Presidents agenda include meeting with the Heads of the National Central Bureau of Interpol and discussing the role of this international partnership and co-operation in further developing the Bureau. Khoo Boon Huis visit will provide an opportunity for the world police body and Interpol NCB of Maldives to review their collaborative activities against international crime. Khoo Boon Hui has been serving his term as the Interpols President since October 2008. He also served as Vice President for Asia of Interpol Executive Committee in 2006. Born in Singapore, he has more than 30 years of police experience as well as recognized expertise in organizational management. He began his career in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1977 and since his term as the Commissioner of the Singapore Police in 1997, he has maintained a congenial relationship with the Maldives Police Service. Khoo Boon Hui holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Harvard and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Engineering Science and Economics from the University of Oxford. He has received numerous international honours and local awards.

Interpol President calls on the Pres. Nasheed
Interpol President Khoo Boon Hui has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. Discussions during the meeting held at the President’s Office yesterday afternoon were focused on formulating strategies for national defence and security. Speaking at the meeting President Nasheed highlighted terrorism, money laundering, corruption and drug trafficking as key areas of concern in the government’s efforts to strengthen national defence and security. The President further spoke on solidifying concepts to create a concrete approach to secure national safety. During the meeting, President requested Interpol to provide assistance to the Maldives in further improvising its national defence and security framework. Raajjenews has got information from reliable sources that Interpol is helping to investigate the of 800 million dollar money laundering case of Dictator Gayoom and his brother.

Pres. Nasheed departs for India
President Mohamed Nasheed has departed on an official visit to India yesterday. The President is making the visit on an invitation of South Asia Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS), to attend its World Conference on Recreating South Asia: Democracy, Social Justice and Sustainable Development. President Nasheed will deliver the inaugural address at the conference that begins in New Delhi on 24 February. Other speakers at the inaugural session include Nobel Laureates Amartya Sen of India and Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh. While on visit, the President will also meet the Maldivian students in India.

Frantic hunt as NZ quake leaves 400 dead, missing
Hundreds of rescuers swarmed over twisted and smoking buildings Wednesday in a frantic search for survivors after New Zealand's catastrophic earthquake left nearly 400 dead or missing. Emergency services cordoned off central Christchurch, which was devastated by Tuesday's shallow, 6.3-magnitude tremor, to hunt for anyone still alive along with an unknown number of bodies buried in the rubble.

World races to aid New Zealand quake rescue
A major operation swung into action Wednesday with hundreds of foreign rescuers, equipped with sniffer dogs and cutting-edge technology, rushing to help New Zealand in its hour of need. Teams from Australia, Japan, the United States, Britain, Singapore and Taiwan were to join hundreds of local rescuers digging through the rubble in Christchurch, where a 6.3 magnitude quake killed at least 75 people on Tuesday.

Web becomes virtual crisis centre in NZ quake
Victims and survivors of the New Zealand earthquake are using the web as a virtual crisis centre, searching for missing people and even offering survivors a place to stay. Information is flowing out from Christchurch to sites such as web giant Google's Crisis Response service where people can add or request information on individuals.

Nanomaterial filters bacteria from water
U.S. researchers say a newly developed nanomaterial could help solve the age-old public health problem of removing harmful bacteria from drinking water. Working with a special kind of polymer called a block copolymer, researchers at the University of Buffalo have synthesized a filter nanomembrane containing pores large enough for water to slip through easily but too small for bacteria, a UB release reported Monday.

Massive iceberg shears off glacier after quake hit
A 30 million tonne block of ice sheared off a New Zealand glacier just minutes after a violent earthquake devastated the city of Christchurch, officials said Wednesday. The huge iceberg crashed into a lake shortly after the 6.3 magnitude tremor rocked the South Island on Tuesday and created waves up to three metres high for 30 minutes which rocked two sightseeing boats on the lake at the time.

                 23 February 2011 | Wednesday                 

Interpol President Calls on the President
nterpol President Khoo Boon Hui has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed today. Discussions during the meeting held at the President’s Office this afternoon were focused on formulating strategies for national defence and security. Speaking at the meeting President Nasheed highlighted terrorism, money laundering, corruption and drug trafficking as key areas of concern in the government’s efforts to strengthen national defence and security. The President further spoke on solidifying concepts to create a concrete approach to secure national safety. During the meeting, President requested Interpol to provide assistance to the Maldives in further improvising its national defence and security framework.

President Makes Senior Government Appointments
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Adam Naseer as the Registrar General of Shipping at the Ministry of Transport and Communication. He was previously the Deputy Minister of State at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Other appointments are as follows:
1. Aishath Shan Shakir as the Deputy Ambassador at the Maldivian Embassy in Saudi Arabia
2. Ahmed Adil as the Deputy Ambassador at the Maldivian Embassy in Japan
3. Sarah Mahir as the Consul at the Maldivian Embassy in Brussels
All four appointments were made at the level of Deputy Minister.

Cabinet Deliberates on Resolving Foreign Currency Shortage
At today’s meeting of the Cabinet, members deliberated on resolving the issue of foreign currency shortage in the market. Members highlighted the importance of expediting measures to ease the difficulties arising as a result of the prolonged shortage of US Dollar in the market. After discussing the matter, members decided to strengthen the implementation of regulations on foreign currency exchange. At the meeting, the Cabinet also approved the Maldives’ participation in the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA). IACA is a joint initiative by the United National Office on Drugs and Crime, Austria, European Anti-Fraud Office and other stakeholders. IACA aims to overcome current shortcomings in knowledge and practice in the field of anti-corruption. The Academy will function as an independent centre of excellence in the field of anti-corruption education, training, networking and cooperation, as well as academic research. Members of the Cabinet underlined that the Maldives’ participation in IACA would be a huge step forward in its fight against corruption. Cabinet members also recognised that the Maldives slipped in this year’s Corruption Index as a result of increase in disclosure and reporting of cases whereas most cases went unreported previously. They expressed optimism about climbing higher in the index in the future due to better investigation and efforts to wipe out corruption.

President Nasheed Expresses Concern over the Situation in Libya, Calls for International Action
President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the international community to prevail and strengthen measures to realize the aspirations of the Libyan people. Pledging the Maldives’ support for the democratic movement in Libya, the President called on Western, African and Arab countries and the African Union to urge the Libyan government to immediately cease the use of violence against pro-democracy campaigners. The President’s call comes as reports from the country suggest that Colonel Gaddafi’s regime has used live ammunition against demonstrators in a bloody attempt to maintain power. Human Rights Watch reports that the death toll of protestors has reached at least 233 in four days of pro-democracy demonstrations across Libya.

Cabinet deliberates on resolving foreign currency shortage
At yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet, members deliberated on resolving the issue of foreign currency shortage in the market. Members highlighted the importance of expediting measures to ease the difficulties arising as a result of the prolonged shortage of US Dollar in the market. After discussing the matter, members decided to strengthen the implementation of regulations on foreign currency exchange.

Pres.expresses calls for international action over the situation in Libya
President Mohamed Nasheed has called on the international community to prevail and strengthen measures to realize the aspirations of the Libyan people. Pledging the Maldives’ support for the democratic movement in Libya, the President called on Western, African and Arab countries and the African Union to urge the Libyan government to immediately cease the use of violence against pro-democracy campaigners. The President’s call comes as reports from the country suggest that Colonel Gaddafi’s regime has used live ammunition against demonstrators in a bloody attempt to maintain power.

It will take time to get the total T-GST- MIRA
Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has said that it will take time to get the the total amount to be received as Tourism Goods and Services Tax (T-GST). Director of MIRA, Fathmath Rasheeda informed Miadhu Daily that the T-GST is a new form of tax introduced to the country to be taken from all tourist resorts, hotels, picnic islands, guest houses and tourist vessels and other facilities established therein for the supply of services to tourists and other service providers effective from 1st of January. She said that it will take time to achieve the actual amount since the tax is totally new and the T-GST Act in the Constitution only mentions that the tax is liable to those tourist services provided after 1st January. “Most of the resorts sell their rooms prior to 2 months of the arrival of the tourists. So if the payment is taken before January, T-GST will not be charged,” Fathmath Rasheeda said.

Pres. sends sympathy to the New Zealand PM
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of sympathy to Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key following the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the earthquake that hit the New Zealand city of Christchurch. “It was with deep shock and sadness that I learned about the powerful earthquake that hit the city of Christchurch causing loss of lives and injury to many people as well as extensive destruction to property and infrastructure,” the President’s message to Prime Minister Key reads as follows. President Nasheed said that the Government and people of the Maldives join him in conveying our deepest sympathy to the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of New Zealand, and in particular, to those who were directly affected by this tragedy. “We would also like to send our sincere condolences to the members of the bereaved families,” the President said.

International Mother Language Day observed by the High Commission of Bangladesh
International Mother Language Day, proclaimed by the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 was celebrated by the Bangladesh High Commission, Male’ at the Social Centre in the Maldives with due solemnity. It is also observed as ‘Language Martyr’s Day’ in Bangladesh and many places in the world by Bangladeshi diasporas in commemoration of the sacrifice of the Bangalee students who laid down their lives for establishing right of their own language.

                 22 February 2011 | Tuesday                 

More time is required for Judiciary to be completely independent- ICJ
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has said that more time is required for the Judiciary of the Maldives to be completely independent. Speaking at the press conference held at Dharubaaruge yesterday to release the report of ICJ on state of the Maldives’ judiciary since the advent of democracy, entitled “Securing an Independent Judiciary in a Time of Transition”, ICJ’s Asia-Pacific Director, Roger Normand said that the country is in the process of practically making the Judiciary completely independent.

We cannot run away thinking that there is no solution- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that it is no good to do simply do nothing saying that the world is ending.  President Nasheed said this at the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of Gulhi Falhu Development Project and naming the first avenue of Gulhi Falhu. “But we cannot run away thinking that there is no solution. Of course, there are always solutions, and the more we look into it, the more we study into it, the more solutions we are able to find – solutions for human problems, social problems, engineering issues and whatever that we may come across,” the President said.

Pres. is setting a benchmark for the global efforts to cope with climate changes- Freddy Svane
Ambassador of Denmark to Maldives, Freddy Svane has said that President Mohamed Nasheed is setting a benchmark for the global efforts to cope with climate changes and challenges. Speaking at the at the inauguration ceremony of the second phase of Gulhi Falhu Development Project and naming the first avenue of Gulhi Falhu as “Copenhagen Avenue”, Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane said that President Nasheed took the lead in finding a solution to the climate changes and challenges.

Gov’t welcomes ICJ report on securing an independent and accountable Judiciary
The Government yesterday welcomed the findings and recommendations contained in the first comprehensive and independent assessment of the state of the Maldives’ judiciary since the advent of democracy. The report by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), entitled “Securing an Independent Judiciary in a Time of Transition” was compiled following a mission to the Maldives in September 2010.

Pres. meets the European Parliament Delegation
President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday met with the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia, currently in the Maldives. Speaking at the meeting, the President expressed his appreciation for European Union’s long standing engagement with the Maldives and the EU’s assistance to the Maldives. The President also updated the members of the European Parliament on the process of consolidating democracy in the Maldives.

Ilyas and Shahid exchanges posts
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim as the Minister of State for Housing and Environment. He was previously in the post of the Minister of State, Controller of Immigration and Emigration. President Nasheed has also appointed Abdulla Shahid as the Minister of State, Controller of Immigration and Emigration. He previously held the post of the Minister of State for Housing and Environment.

Yes, oral sex is sex, and it can boost cancer risk
Here's a crucial message for teens: Oral sex carries many of the same risks as vaginal sex, including human papilloma virus, or HPV. And HPV may now be overtaking tobacco as the leading cause of oral cancers in America in people under age 50. "Adolescents don’t think oral sex is something to worry about," said Bonnie Halpern-Felsher professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. "They view it as a way to have intimacy without having 'sex.'" Halpern-Felsher and other researchers presented the latest information about the risks of contracting an HPV infection Sunday at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting.

Surfing Boot Camp Comes to Maldives
The camp allows intermediate to advanced surfers the opportunity to experience a truly sensational trip with fellow surfers. The Maldivian waves are all reef breaks and make for some truly challenging, as well as exhilarating, surfing for those who have experience in this water sport. The surfing boot camp is a 10-day event taking place between April the 3rd and April the 13th 2011. Sponsored by Diverse Dynamics, the boot camp lets participants enjoy the beauty of the Maldives and the Indian Ocean whilst experiencing first-class waves. Surfers have the opportunity to choose between two packages: staying on Guraidhoo, an inhabited island located in the South Male Atoll, or the Safari Boats.

                 21 February 2011 | Monday                 

Newly elected councilors take their oath of office this month
Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the newly elected councilors will take their oath office on 26th of this month. Home Ministry said that the councilors, elected from the local council elections held in the country in order to consolidate local governance as envisaged by the Constitution and the Decentralization Act, will take their oath of office next Saturday corresponding to 26 February, 2011 at 9:00 in the morning.

ACC sends case of STO’s former MD to PG’s Office
The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) have yesterday sent a case against State Trading Organisation(STO)’s former Managing Director, Mohamed Hussein Manik to the Prosecutor General (PG)’s Office. ACC sent the case to PG’s Office saying that STO’s former MD, Mohamed Hussein Manik allegedly gave Rf15,365,991 to Yacht Tours to buy dollars for STO after keeping a cheque of Yacht Tours.

Maldives set an example of how to bring about democratic change peacefully- Robert key calls
Former Member of the United Kingdom Parliament for Salisbury Robert Key has said the Maldives have led the way in introducing democracy in a Muslim country and set an example of how to bring about democratic change peacefully. Robert Key said this during his courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday.

We don’t have the authority to annul parties with less than 3000 members- EC
-Funds for 6 parties have been suspended this year
The Elections Commission (EC) has said that in Maldives there exist political parties with less than 3000 members. The commission however said that they do not have the authority to annul such parties. President of the Elections Commission, Fuwad Thaufeeg said that in some cases many members of certain parties annul their membership from the parties. He said that such parties have very few members now registered under them. He said that even though the situation is as such, the Elections Commission does not have the power to terminate these parties from the register of the political parties.

National Heritage can only be protected by teaching History- Waheedudin

Member of the National Heritage Committee, Mohamed Waheedudin has said that the national heritage of Maldives can only be protected by incorporating Maldivian History in the school curricula.

Gov’t to address existing legal impediments to find permanent mechanism for mosquito Control

President Mohamed Nasheed has said there were obstacles to find a permanence solution to the problem of mosquitoes through the current legal framework. He said the government would seek a temporary regulatory solution to address the matter through the existing legal framework until a permanent solution was available.

New British High Commissioner presents credentials
New British High Commissioner accredited to the Maldives John Rankin has presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. At the ceremony held at the President’s Office, President Nasheed congratulated new High Commissioner Rankin and thanked the British government and his predecessor for their assistance in introducing and consolidating democracy in the Maldives.

World's strangest hotel mini-bar items
INTIMACY kits, Voodoo Love Dolls and Swarovski studded water bottles are just some of the strange items found in hotel mini bars. Gone are the days of the standard peanuts, chocolates and soft drinks - these items have now been replaced with Alice in Wonderland mirrors, Pez Dispensers and even cans of oxygen.

Lavender Oil Has Potent Antifungal Effects
Lavender oil could be used to combat the increasing incidence of antifungal-resistant infections, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology. The essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections.

Extinction Predictor Will Help Protect Coral Reefs

A new predictive method developed by an international team of marine scientists has found that a third of reef fishes studied across the Indian Ocean are potentially vulnerable to increasing stresses on the reefs due to climate change.

                 20 February 2011 | Sunday                 

Somali pirates pose a great threat to Maldives- US Military
An US Military commander has warned that the Somali pirates pose “particular problems to Maldives.” Admiral Robert Willard, head of the 300,000-troop Pacific Command, said that Somali pirates were skirting pressure by moving deeper into Asian waters and pose the greatest threat to Maldives. "It's remarkable that 28 nations combining their maritime forces together in the Gulf of Aden have not been able to defeat this challenge," Willard said at the Asia Society on a visit to Washington.

Discussions held on protecting national heritage
In the first meeting of the Department of Heritage, discussions were held on protecting national heritage of Maldives. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Mariyam Zulfa. In yesterday’s meeting the committee elected Mohamed Waheed (Madulu) and Mohamed Thorig (Manadhoo) as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Dr. Zulfa then gave each member of the Committee to express their opinion on the work to protect national heritage and promote the culture of the country. Meanwhile, President Mohamed Nasheed established Department of Heritage under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on October, last year. Department of Heritage undertakes the functions of protecting national heritage and promoting culture previously mandated to the Ministry.

MALDIVES: First national university inaugurated
The Indian Ocean tourist haven of Maldives on Tuesday opened a new chapter in higher education with the upgrading of the Maldives College of Higher Education to the status of Maldives National University. Its first intake comprises 4,853 students enrolled for full-time courses of longer than a year, and more than 7,000 students registered for short-term courses. Inaugurating the national university in a ceremony at the Dharubaaruge Exhibition and Conference Hall, Male, Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed appointed former education minister Dr Musthafa Luthfee as chancellor. The Maldives College of Higher Education, MCHE, was incorporated as the national university in accordance with the Maldives National University Act 3 of 2011. The decree establishing the university was presented to current Minister of Education Sifa Mohamed. Vice-rector of the MCHE, Hussain Haleem, told University World Newsthat the college had been set up in 1998, bringing several training and research institutes under one umbrella to rationalise resources and assure the quality of existing post-secondary government institutes. Before 1998, training was offered under different line ministries, said Haleem. For instance, there was an Institute for Teacher Education under the education ministry, and nursing training was conducted by the Allied Health Services Training Centre under the health ministry. There were also centres for vocational, tourism, hotel and catering, maritime and other training.

Surfing Boot Camp Comes to the Maldives
The camp allows intermediate to advanced surfers the opportunity to experience a truly sensational trip with fellow surfers. The Maldivian waves are all reef breaks and make for some truly challenging, as well as exhilarating, surfing for those who have experience in this water sport. The surfing boot camp is a 10-day event taking place between April the 3rd and April the 13th 2011. Sponsored by Diverse Dynamics, the boot camp lets participants enjoy the beauty of the Maldives and the Indian Ocean whilst experiencing first-class waves. Surfers have the opportunity to choose between two packages: staying on Guraidhoo, an inhabited island located in the South Male Atoll, or the Safari Boats.

Worldwide Sulfur Emissions Rose Between 2000-2005, After Decade Of Decline
A new analysis of sulfur emissions appearing in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics shows that after declining for a decade, worldwide emissions rose again in 2000 due largely to international shipping and a growing Chinese economy. An accurate read on sulfur emissions will help researchers predict future changes in climate and determine present day effects on the atmosphere, health and the environment.

Trialling Ocean Temperature Forecasts For Fish Farms
Marine scientists are trialling the first near-shore water temperature forecasts to assist Australia's aquaculture farm managers contending with rising ocean temperatures.

                 19 February 2011 | Saturday                 

President Urges Business Organizations to Join Hands with the Government to Reintegrate Drug Addicts into Society
Speaking in this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has urged state owned corporations and other large business organizations to join the government's efforts to rehabilitate drug addicts back into the society. He made the appeal welcoming the Works Corporation Limited's initiative to enroll recovering addicts in its different projects. Works Corporation Limited is a state owned corporation that specializes in construction and infrastructure development. In today's radio address, President Nasheed revealed that in March last year Works Corporation Limited recruited 15 recovering addicts to work in its Thilafushi Precast Yard, and assist them reintegrate back into the society.

Onyx Signs First Amari Hotel in Maldives
Onyx Hospitality has been appointed to manage the Herathera Island Resort, a 273-villa property in the Maldives. The resort is the group’s first property outside of Thailand. During the course of this year, the resort will undergo significant upgrades including enhancements to the beach and villas as well as the addition of numerous sports and children’s facilities. By Q4 2011, the property will be re-launched under the Amari brand, the centrepiece of the Onyx portfolio. Amari Addu Maldives will target activity and family holidays.

US researchers hopeful for dengue vaccine
Promising advances have been made in the testing of possible vaccines to prevent the mosquito-borne dengue virus, which kills 25,000 people every year, researchers said Thursday. "We have some very exciting leads on different types of vaccines that are in various stages of clinical trial that hopefully can be implemented with a reasonable period of time," said Anthony Fauci, director of the infectious diseases division of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Workers pay high price at Bangladesh export tanneries
Standing barefoot in toxic chromium effluent at a tannery in Dhaka's Hazaribag district, 23-year-old leather worker Sumon fears his job is sending him to an early grave. A decade of inhaling fumes from the chemicals used to turn Bangladeshi raw hide into soft leather for shoes to be sold in the West has given Sumon, who started working in the tannery at 13, a shallow cough and stabbing chest pains.

                 18 February 2011 | Friday                 

European Parliament/ Maldives Inter-Parliamentary Meeting
The European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with South Asia, led by Ms Jean Lambert (Greens, European Free Alliance, UK) will visit the Maldives from 19 to 21 February 2011 to hold the 3rd European Parliament/ Maldives Inter-Parliamentary Meeting. The parliamentary delegation will be accompanied by the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr Bernard Savage and other EU officials. During the visit, the cross party parliamentary delegation will also hold meetings with H.E. President Mohamed Nasheed, senior government officials, Opposition parties, civil society and other stakeholders. Several meetings on climate change and development challenges faced by the Maldives further to its graduation from a Least Developed Country status will be held during this parliamentary mission. The parliamentary delegation will also travel to Kudahoovadhoo Island to visit European Union funded reconstruction and development projects in the education and health sectors.

Commencement of Fuvahmulah airport operations would ease dollar shortages- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed has said commencement of Fuvahmulah airport operations would ease dollar shortages and enable quicker transportation of agricultural produce of Fuvahmulah farmers. The President said this during his meeting with senior civil servants, business people, non government organizations and governing boards of schools in Fuvahmulah in his visit to the island yesterday.

Malaysian High Commissioner pays farewell call on the VP
Malaysian High Commissioner accredited to the Maldives Mr Rosli Ismail has paid farewell call on Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed yesterday. During the meeting held at the President’s Office yesterday afternoon, the Vice President spoke on the establishment of the first ever university in the Maldives and expressed interest to cooperate with other Malaysian universities.

College of Islamic Studies to Operate under the Education Ministry
President Nasheed has moved the College of Islamic Studies under the Ministry of Education following the establishment of the Maldives National University. College of Islamic Studies had previously functioned as a faculty of the Maldives College of Higher Education that was incorporated as the Maldives National University on 15th February 2010, as stipulated in the Maldives National University Act (Act number 3/2011).

Maldivian High Commissioner presents his credentials Sultan of Brunei
Non Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Brunei Darussalam, Mohamad Zaki presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

Cost Sharing Facility launched
Ministry of Economic Development and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a "Cost Sharing Facility" in order to provide funding for practical trainings related to the business industries. Ministry of Economic Development informed that under this facility, 80% of the funding required will be provided by the CSF in the form of a grant, and the remaining 20% has to be contributed by the recipient. This facility is specifically allocated for the fisheries, agriculture and handicrafts industries of the Upper North (HA, HDh, Sh), Upper South (GA, GDh) and the South (Gn, Seenu).

Ministerial Conference of LDC in New Delhi
Government of India is organizing a Ministerial Conference of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in New Delhi on February 18-19, 2011.  Foreign Ministers of all the 48 LDCs and their Permanent Representatives (PRs) to the United Nations in New York have been invited to the event. All the PRs and about thirty five Ministers will be participating in the Conference.

Somali pirates heading to Asia: US
A US military commander warned Thursday that Somali pirates were skirting pressure by moving deeper into Asian waters and said the only solution was to restore stability in the African nation. Admiral Robert Willard, head of the 300,000-troop Pacific Command, voiced exasperation at years of naval efforts to stem the flow of pirates from Somalia -- which has been effectively without a central government for two decades. "It's remarkable that 28 nations combining their maritime forces together in the Gulf of Aden have not been able to defeat this challenge," Willard said at the Asia Society on a visit to Washington.

Experience Manta Ray Season at Hanifaru Bay Before It’s Too Late
In recent months, the Maldivian government, Liveaboard Association Maldives, Diving Association Maldives and private Hotel Resort investors have been discussing proposals to limit access to the world famous manta ray diving spot, fuelling rumors of plans to introduce entry fees and other limitations to enter the unique Hanifaru Protected Marine Area. The diving community in the Maldives is worried that such moves could drive up the prices of diving at the site and exclude liveaboard divers altogether. Hanifaru is home to the biggest manta feeding frenzy on the planet and has become an instant favorite with divers all over the world. From August to November, Hanifaru is known to attract up to 200 mantas and a dozen whale sharks, which come to feed on the massive amounts of plankton that accumulate in the bay due to a unique interplay between the South West monsoon and tides.

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Help Maldives Monetary Authority Establish Credit Information Bureau
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank Group, a partnership of multilateral development organizations based in Washington, DC, recently announced that it has been helping the Maldives Monetary Authority set up the country’s first credit information bureau. The objective of the bureau is to create a more formal credit culture that will enable banks to share credit information and make better-informed decisions. It will also improve access to financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IFC has been working with the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Ministry of Finance since 2007 to evaluate the ability of the country’s main banks to support the credit bureau. IFC has also helped to develop a five-year business plan to create the bureau. The organization’s current investment portfolio in the Maldives is USD 100 million, which has been used in efforts to develop the country’s tourism sector, telecommunications and financial markets.

                 17 February 2011 | Thursday                 

If no solution is found for the problem of hard drugs then there is no need to run a Gov’t- President
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that there is no need to run a government if no solution is found for the problem of hard drugs. President said this speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the National Conference on Working together for the Protection of Children at Bandos Island Resort and Spa.

DRP acts on the decisions of the party council- DRP
Main opposition party Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the party acts on the decisions of the party council committee. Secretary General of DRP, Abdurasheed Nafiz said that the criticisms of the some against the leader of DRP, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, claiming that he is an autocrat are based on conjecture. Nafiz said that the Thasmeen does not take his own decisions within the party without the counsel of the council committee of DRP. “Some people belonging to DRP, they speak as if nothing is done in accordance to the regulations of the party. They say everything is done in opposition to the primary regulations of the party,” Nafiz said.

Bertrand Mendis underscored the importance of strengthening the child protection blanket
Bertrand Mendis, the UNICEF Maldives Representative has underscored the importance of strengthening the child protection blanket by all collectively working together to advocate the rights of the children and protect them. UNICEF Maldives Representative, Mendis said this speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the National Conference on Working together for the Protection of Children at Bandos Island Resort and Spa. Mendis said that it is now over 20 years since the formulation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. He said that the generation of children has now reached their adulthood and much has been gained in the work to protect the rights of the children. Mendis said that now 6 million children die less every year compared to the child death rates 20 years ago. He said that many children of school age, both boys and girls now attend school. He also said that proportionally many houses now have access to water and sanitation. The UNICEF representative said that these achievements are applicable even in the Maldives. However, he underscored the importance of strengthening the work against violence against Children. Mendis also said that now more civil society organizations are being formed in the country and the government is more supportive. He also noted that now the media report on cases against the violence against children. However, he said Children continue to be exploited, abused and neglected. He said that according to the survey done in Maldives in 2008 show that 26 percent of children have been psychologically abused and 14 percent of children have been physically abused. He also said that 8 percent of the children have been physically abused by their teachers. He added that 11 percent of boys and 26 percent girls have been sexually abused.

Civil Court asks Miadhu Daily Editor to put forward AG’s report on Gayoom’s corruption
The Civil Court today has asked the Editor of Miadhu Daily, Abdul Latheef to put forward the reports of Auditor General on the corruption of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. After a 6 month hiatus, a hearing of Gayoom’s case against Maidhu Daily’s Managing Editor, Abdul Latheef was held yesterday afternoon at 3:00 at the Civil Court. Former President is charging Miadhu Daily for publishing a news article based on a report by New York Times on corruption activities of the previous regime. In yesterdays hearing of the trial, Gayoom’s lawyer alleged that the picture on the news article published on the Miadhu Daily paper was not the same picture published on the New York Times article. Miadhu Daily Editor, Abdul Latheef replied to this claim of Gayoom’s lawyer, saying that the picture was changed because the picture on NY Times was repulsive horrible. He said that picture published on Miadhu Daily was a better picture than on NY Times. Miadhu Daily article changed some of the words on the NY Times such as the word “loot” to “taken”. In yesterday’s hearing Abdul Latheef explained to the judge how the report was published in Miadhu Daily and said that the article’s intention was not to discredit former president. The article was based on reports by the Auditor-General of the Maldives and noted that original NY Times article was reported in local media by other media companies as well. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of the Former President’s Office said that the legal team of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is now researching to take potential legal action against the Chief National Correspondent of CNN-IBN, Sumon K. Chakrabarti for writing a report on the Indian weekly magazine The Week alleging that Gayoom and his half brother, PA Leader Abdullah Yameen have been involved in an international money laundering racket worth of $800.

President Visits Addu City, Inaugurates Addu City Administration Office
President Mohamed Nasheed has visited Addu City as part of his tour of Addu City and Fuahmulak that he began today. During the visited, the President yesterday afternoon inaugurated Addu City Administration Office at South Province Office.

Scoping mission by E8 for the development of Solar-Diesel Hybrid project in collaboration with ADB
A meeting was held yesterday at the Ministry of Housing and Environment with officials from Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc, Ministry of Housing and Environment, President’s Office, Ministry of Finance and STELCO to discuss on developing a solar pilot project for a small island of the Maldives.

UNICEF and partners sign agreement of US$ 1.72 million to promote child rights.
UNICEF and partners, including the Government and independent institutions signed the 2011 Annual Work Plan of US$ 1.72 million under the new UNICEF Maldives Country Programme 2011-2015 to strengthen national capacity development for the realization of children’s rights.

Get more from the Maldives with Sun Hotels & Resorts
While the Maldives is famed for its laid-back atmosphere and 'no shoes and no news' motto, it is also a prime destination for early birds and night owls. From seeing a spectacular star show at night on the hood of a traditional dhoni boat and dancing into the evening on a deserted island to spotting dolphins as the sun rises, guests staying at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort can do as much - or as little as they please - at whatever time suits them. Located in the South Male Atoll, Olhuveli is nestled amid tropical vegetation and surrounded by a vast sandy, award-winning beach - perfect for a brisk morning jog, while its crystal clear lagoon invites early birds in for a swim as the sun rises. Those wanting to be first out on the water can take a fishing excursion at dawn to catch a lunch of tuna, sail fish and barracuda - and perhaps be lucky enough to see dolphins playing in the morning surf.

Film about big wave spot Maverick's gets go ahead
The infamous Northern California big wave break called Mavericks is set to star in a feature film about the late Santa Cruz surfer Jay Moriarty. Producer-screenwriter Brandon Hooper told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that the film titled "Maverick's" will begin shooting in October. The 22-year-old Moriarty, known for his positive attitude on land and fearlessness in the water, died in 2001 during a free diving accident in the Maldives. The Maverick's big wave contest was renamed in his honor this year. Curtis Hanson, whose films include "8 Mile" and "L.A. Confidential," has agreed to direct the film. It will be shot on location at Maverick's and Santa Cruz.

India 'cannot pollute way to prosperity' says minister
India's crusading environment minister has rejected criticism that his pro-green policies are driving away foreign investors and said the country "cannot pollute its way to prosperity".

India, China growth race 'silly', says Nobel winner
India's leading economist, Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen, dismissed on Monday the "silly" obsession of comparing the economic growth rates of China and India.

Satellites Locate Seized Italian Oil Tanker
The Cosmo-SkyMed satellites, operated by the Italian space agency, have acquired the first images of the Italian oil tanker Savina Caylyn since it was hijacked earlier this week by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. According to the satellite radar images, acquired by Italian space agency (ASI) and e-GEOS on Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday morning, the seized ship is about 330 km off the Somalia coast.

                 16 February 2011 | Wednesday                 

National University should be independent of undue political influence- VP
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed highlighted the importance of nourishing an educational environment independent of undue political influence for the proper functioning of the Maldives National University. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the University, yesterday, Vice President urged to make the Maldives National University a symbol of academic enlightenment in the country.

Events played out Tahrir Square are a replication of the demonstrations in Republic Square- Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed, in his inaugural address of the Maldives National University, has said the Maldives has set the precedence in peacefully unseating an autocratic ruler in an Islamic country, and events played out in Cairo’s Liberation Square were a replication of the peaceful demonstrations for democracy in the Republic Square in Male’.

INVESTIGATION
Maldivian autocrat’s family’s illegal ‘oil trade’ allegedly worth $800 million
By Sumon K. Chakrabarti
2011 does not bode well for autocrats, past and present. In January, the Jasmine Revolution swept away Tunisian autocrat Zine el Abidine Ben Ali; Egypt’s Mohamed Hosni Mubarak has promised to leave. Protests are growing louder in Algeria, Yemen, Jordan and Syria. But one former autocrat is quietly trying to make a comeback, just two and a half years after being unseated.

Revisited Human-Worm Relationships Shed Light On Brain Evolution
"Man is but a worm" was the title of a famous caricature of Darwin's ideas in Victorian England. Now, 120 years later, a molecular analysis of mysterious marine creatures unexpectedly reveals our cousins as worms, indeed. An international team of researchers, including a neuroscientist from the University of Florida, has produced more evidence that people have a close evolutionary connection with tiny, flatworm-like organisms scientifically known as "Acoelomorphs."

Newly Discovered Pheromone Linked To Aggressive Behavior In Squid

cientists have identified a pheromone produced by female squid that triggers immediate and dramatic fighting in male squid that come into contact with it. The aggression-producing pheromone, believed to be the first of its kind discovered in any marine animal, belongs to a family of proteins found in vertebrates, including humans. Results of the study appear in the February 10th issue of Current Biology.