Figh Academy to deliberate on allowing non-Muslim’s to worship in Maldives .
Responding to President Mohamed Nasheed’s recent radio address, in which he said he is i interested in knowing Islam’s position on allowing non-Muslims to worship and building churches and temples in the country, in an Islamic community, Ministry of Islamic Affairs is to request the Fiqh Academy ( Muslim Scholar’s Acedemy recently established to comment on religious matters) to explain the Shariah’s ruling on the matter.

Imams of Masjidhul Haram, Aqsa and Madena to visit Maldives
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has invited Imams from Masjidhul Haram of Mecca and also Masjidhu Nabavee in Medina and also Imam of Masjidhul Aqsa in Palestine. They Among Top Most Imams of the world.

Obama welcomes Manmohan at the White House.

[Please read the news on the subject and see video]

The new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka presents Letter of Credentials to President Nasheed

The President leaves for Trinidad and Tobago

President Mohamed Nasheed this evening left Malé to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which will be held in the city of Port of Spain in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on November 27-29, 2009. First Lady Madam Laila Ali also accompanied the President. The CHOGM is the supreme body of the Commonwealth. It is convened every two years to review global, political and economic developments and to conduct a strategic overview of the Commonwealth's work in support of the interests of member countries. The objective of this Summit is to engage leaders of the Commonwealth in discussing global and Commonwealth issues and to agree upon collective policies and initiatives. The members of the President's delegation include Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed Shaheed, and the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Dr Farahanaz Faizal.

AAPA calls for less government interference
Andrew Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has called for airlines to be released from “the straightjacket of restrictive government policies”. He said that government inefficiency remained a clear obstacle to recovery. “Whilst airlines grapple with this multiplicity of commercial challenges, governments appear oblivious to the calls of the industry for less interference,” he said. “In order for the industry to achieve long term sustainability and growth, it is now time for governments to wake up to the idea of removing policies that have inhibited development for decades.”  Herdman was speaking at the end of AAPA’s Assembly of Presidents, where member airlines said government interference and inefficiencies in the areas of taxation, environment, air traffic management infrastructure, and passenger facilitation “placed a tremendous burden on the industry, which needed to be addressed urgently”.

Global oil demand picking up – study.
Global oil demand has at last turned a corner and is on the rise again after falling for six consecutive quarters, the London-based Center for Global Energy Studies reported Monday. Despite a rising demand, however, "oil prices should remain around their current level over the winter," CGES said in its Monthly Oil Report for November. Crude oil prices rose during the weekend, pushing toward $79, as Iran began a military exercise that heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Norway opens first osmotic power plant
A Norwegian power company announced Tuesday Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit will head the opening of the world's first osmotic power plant. Statkraft, Europe's largest renewable energy company, said the plant at Tofte, outside Oslo, will generate power by using the energy produced when fresh water and seawater are mixed, the Norway Post reported.

Resorts World puts on a show for events
Ahead of its early 2010 soft opening, Resorts World Sentosa has confirmed 30 event bookings, with the largest – the prestigious 11th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention from October 5-7, 2011 - expecting to attract 4,000 of the top business leaders from around the world. Resorts World Sentosa, which includes Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, is currently fielding more than 150 leads, with expressions of interest for events up to 2014. The integrated resort also offers the world’s largest Marine Life Park, six hotels, a casino with a variety of Las Vegas-styled entertainment, restaurants by celebrity chefs and retail shops. Resorts World Convention Centre has 26 function rooms and the Compass Ballroom, one of Asia’s largest column-free ballrooms that seats 7,300. “These events – some of which are firsts in Singapore – signify growth in the MICE industry, and shows the confidence organisers have in the 49-hectare Resort’s MICE offerings as a solution for companies looking for venues that provide both impact and bang for the buck,” said Elena Arabadjieva, director of MICE, Resorts World Sentosa. “As the world’s economy recovers, we are getting strong interest from organisers for events from 2010 to as far ahead as 2014 and that gives us great confidence in Singapore’s meetings and incentive travel sector in the mid to long term," Ms Arabadjieva added.

The cabinet has decided to handover the powerhouses, currently operating under Island Development Committees, to Utilities Companies after giving compensation, as the Island Development Committees are not legally empowered. The members made this decision after discussing a paper on the matter presented by the Attorney General’s Office. The Island Development Committees were established on 8 April 1999 by the former Ministry of Atolls Administration under the Island Development Committee Regulation. According to the Constitution which was ratified on August 2008, regulations derive their authority only from laws passed by the People’s Majlis. As the Committees, therefore has no legal authority, the cabinet decided to abolish all Island Development Committees and to establish committees to advice island councillors, until local elections are held. At today’s cabinet meeting, the members also deliberated on a regulation drafted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on developing tourists guest houses in the islands in order to provide direct economic benefit from tourism to the people of the islands. It was further decided to give authorization, under this regulation, to build guest houses in inhabited islands.

President appoints a Minister of State for Home Affairs

President Nasheed has appointed Sh. Hussain Rasheed Ahmed as the Minister of State for Home Affairs. The Letter of Appointment to Sh. Hussain Rasheed Ahmed was presented at a ceremony held today at the President's Office. Speaking at the ceremony, the President expressed confidence that Sh. Hussain Rasheed would work to strengthen the work of the Presidential Commission under his leadership.

China said Friday it had exercised its right to block a US-led request for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to set up a panel to rule on Chinese export curbs on certain raw materials.
"We do not think the export measures China took violated WTO rules," an official with the Chinese commerce ministry, who declined to be named, told AFP. "It was a legitimate right (to reject the requests for the panel)," the official said. The United States, joined by the European Union and Mexico, on November 5 asked the WTO to set up a dispute settlement panel to rule on the restrictions. At a meeting of the WTO's dispute settlement body Thursday, the Chinese delegation said it was "not in a position to agree to the establishment of a panel at this time", the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said substitution of traditional beliefs with modern thinking based on proven results based on empirical studies was one of the most important dimensions of health system reform. In his address at the inaugural session of the National Workshop on Addressing Social Determinants of Health, this morning, the Vice President said the health of individuals, their families and communities were related and that these areas of public health could not be separated. The objective of the three day workshop organised by the Ministry of Health and Family was to examine the role of different sectors in addressing social determinants of health. Continuing his address on societal and cultural determinants of health, the Vice President said societal beliefs about the causes of diseases affect the way people treat them and cultural factors affect the individuals’ perception of disease, the causes of it, and its prevention and cure. Therefore, to promote public health, the Vice President stressed the need to change the collective beliefs about health in society through public awareness programmes. Vice President Dr Waheed also highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination between all sectors for the success of health sector. Noting the current lack of co-ordination between different government sectors, he expressed his hope that the Workshop would result in better coordination and support between all sectors.

Adaaran Prestige Resorts, Maldives, celebrate World Travel Awards

Adaaran Prestige Resorts celebrated winning the international travel industry’s Oscar as the “Indian Ocean's Leading Water Villa Group” at a special ceremony held at the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo resort on 21 November 2009. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad and by representatives of the Maldives tourist industry, as well as by local and international tour operators and travel agents.

The President appoints a High Commissioner for Bangladesh

President Nasheed has today appointed Mr Ahmed Sareer as the High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh at a ceremony held this afternoon at the President's Office. Following the presentation of the Letter of Appointment to Mr Sareer, the President called on him to work to strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between the Maldives and Bangladesh, especially in enhancing trade relations between the two countries.

The Maldives
If the first thing you want to do when you wake up in the morning is jump into the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, then head to the Maldives while you still can. Comprising of 1,190 coral islands, the Maldives stretches 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. Its population of over 340,000 inhabit only 280 of its islands, with over 87 of them exclusive resort islands. Historically, the Maldives was a popular stop-over destination on the busy trade routes and was renowned for its precious cowry shells, a small white beach shell which was used as currency in nearby countries. The Maldives is now a republic and an international gem, playing an important role in advocating the security of small nations and the protection of the environment, most recently banning the killing of sharks in its waters.

Tournament Organising Course Conclude Programme in Maldives
The ITTF Training Camp in the Maldives was completed on Sunday 15th November 2009, next on the agenda for Spain’s Ramon Ortega Montes was a Tournament Organisation Course. Under the auspices of the ITTF Development Programme the course commenced on Monday 16th November and concluded on Wednesday 18th November 2009, a wide range of subjects related to tournament organisation were addressed. Major topics for the course were: preparing a tournament budget, the roles of members of the Organizing Committee and their duties, the paperwork needed, the possible ceremonies, scheduling, awards, completing draws, the use of available software and the special requirements for Para Table Tennis events

Call to develop horticulture sector
Sri Lanka has a promising, but virtually an untapped potential as an exporter of high value horticulture products to nearby markets in the Maldives and Persian Gulf. Due to its tropical location and two monsoons, many types of tropical fruits and vegetables can be grown throughout the year. Sri Lanka can also benefit due to its proximity and regular shipping connections to these markets. The fresh produce could be shipped faster from Sri Lanka than from more distant countries.

Swine flu kills first hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Swine flu has killed four pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj, health authorities said on Saturday only a few days before the massive Muslim gathering reaches its peak. An Indian man, a Moroccan woman and a Sudanese man -- all aged 75 -- died from A(H1N1), as had a 17-year-old girl from Nigeria, Saudi health ministry spokesman Khaled al-Marghlani said. "They all had pre-existing conditions," including the Nigerian woman who had a chest-related problem, Marghlani told AFP. "Also, none of them took the (H1N1) vaccine," he added.

Vice President launches UNFPA State of World Population 2009 Report

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today launched UNFPA State of World Population 2009 Report. The report is published in two parts: with the first one titled, "State of the World Population Report 2009, Facing a Changing World: Women, Population and Climate" while the other part is entitled "At the Frontier-Young People and Climate Change".

WHO reports 525,000 swine flu cases worldwide
The total number of officially confirmed swine flu cases has exceeded 525,000 worldwide, with about 6,750 fatalities, the World Health Organization reported on Friday. Swine flu cases have been officially registered in 206 countries, WHO said. On November 7, almost 6,100 deaths and more than 482,000 confirmed H1N1 infections in 199 countries had been reported. WHO said swine flu fatalities had been registered for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Maldives

Copenhagen summit will be 'success': UN climate chief
Efforts to craft a comprehensive climate treaty in Copenhagen next month will certainly "yield a success," the UN's top climate official pledged on Thursday. "There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that it will yield a success," said Yvo de Boer, executive director of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). "I've seen some recent reports that said that Copenhagen has failed even before it starts and I must say that those reports are simply wrong," he insisted ahead of the December 7-18 meeting in the Danish capital of negotiators from 192 countries

Small island youth at risk due to climate change
Negotiators may not reach a climate deal in Copenhagen in December. And with the passing of this opportunity, goes another day borrowed from the world's 2.2 billion children. They are the group most vulnerable to the effects of climate change today and stand to lose the most tomorrow. During a recent trip to several developing islands, including the Maldives and the Kingdom of Tonga, Xinhua spoke to young people about environmental degradation, brought on by climate change and poor urban development.

Tendulkar Sets Record With 30,000 Runs
Sachin Tendulkar became the first man to complete 30,000 runs in international cricket with a match-saving innings for India against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Friday. Tendulkar, who needed 39 runs to reach the mark, went on to score 100 not out, his 43rd score of 100 or more in five-day tests and his 88th in all forms of international cricket. India, which had begun its second innings with a deficit of 334, was 412 for 4 when the match, first of a series of three, ended as a draw.

Japan whaling fleet leaves for Antarctic waters: Greenpeace
Japanese whaling ships left port Thursday for Antarctic waters for their annual hunt of the ocean giants, Greenpeace said, setting the stage for high-seas confrontations with anti-whaling activists. The factory ship Nisshin Maru and the smaller Yushin Maru 2 and 3 set sail from western Innoshima port while the Shonan Maru left eastern Shiogama harbour for their planned five-month voyage, said the environmental activist group.

IMF Says Sri Lanka Reserves at ‘Comfortable’ Levels
The International Monetary Fund said Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are at a “comfortable level”, as it reviews the island’s economy for the release of a third payment in its $2.6 billion loan. The Washington-based lender expects Sri Lanka’s economic growth and credit demand to pick up, Brian Aitken, the IMF’s Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, said in the capital Colombo today. The IMF said Nov. 9 that the approval to disburse $329.4 million to Sri Lanka this month indicates strong performance and fiscal commitment from the South Asian economy. The IMF expects the government to meet its 2009 budget deficit target of 7 percent of gross domestic product as revenue picks up with the economy’s recovery after the end of a 26-year civil war.

Second CSE Media Fellowship for the South Asian Region
For journalists from Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
The Coastal Concerns in South Asia
January 2010 – March 2010
South Asia has one of the most bustling coasts with densely populated habitations on its 12,000 km long coastline. Numerous urban centres dot the South Asian seaside, buzzing with anthropogenic activities like industrial, commercial, and tourist. At the same time these coasts are also ecological treasure-troves with the Sunderbans in Bangladesh, corals in Sri Lanka, turtles in Pakistan and the abundant and endangered marine life of Maldives.

Copenhagen climate change conference 2009: talking the talk
The Copenhagen summit will be bulging with technical jargon and unfathomable acronyms. So to avoid important developments don't get lost in transalation, the Telegraph offers a useful glossary to 'talking Copenhagen'.

Gore to techies: Shake off the lethargy
During the Tech Awards in San Jose on Thursday night, Former Vice President and Nobel Prize Winner Al Gore was given the Global Humanitarian Award 2009 for his work drawing attention to the global warming crisis. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized that climate change is already affecting many parts of the globe, and that fundamental shifts in policy and personal behavior are required to stave off environmental disaster. Here are highlights from Gore's more than 20-minute talk at the black tie gala: What does it mean to be a human being? One of the secrets of the human condition is that suffering binds people together. ... Outside the environment of this wealthy and fantastic city, this successful and inspiring valley, there are a billion people who live on less than $2 a day and there are many people who are already suffering the consequences of the climate crisis.

Ranil wants Indian form of democracy in Sri Lanka
Batting for the Indian kind of parliamentary democracy, Sri Lanka's Opposition leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, calls for a decent political culture in the country. As Sri Lanka awaits a formal announcement on dates for a Presidential and Parliamentary election, separately or together, the leader of the newly-floated 18-party United National Front (UNF), Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Thursday advocated switch over from the present Presidential to a model akin to the Indian system.

Sri Lankan Opposition Moots Parliamentary Model Governance
Ranil Wickremesinghe, the leader of Sri Lanka's 18-party United National Front (UNF) Thursday proposed switching to a parliamentary system of governance similar to the Indian model, reports say. A booklet outlining the shift with a Prime Minister as the executive head and President as constitutional head--with the abolition or substantial dilution of powers of the executive presidency as a key component--was presented by Wickremesinghe to monks at a temple in the capital Colombo. Earlier, he said the UNF would consider nominating General (retired) Sarath Fonseka--who led the Sri Lankan Army to a resounding victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)--as a consensus presidential candidate only if the former Army chief endorsed the alliance's 10-point common minimum program.

Prince Andrew Visits Province Office and Protectected area to  save Envoronment in Addu Atoll.

Although it is holiday trip to be spent in Shangrilla Villingilli Island Resort in Addu atoll Prince Andrew (Andrew Albert Christian Edward) or the Duke of York has visited Region’s Province Ministers office at Hithadhoo Island . Prince was warmly Welcomed with Maldivian cultural items specially played for him. He Also Visited Environment Protected Area of Hithadhoo, Eedhigali Kulhi and observed the place. the second son and third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Andrew (Andrew Albert Christian Edward) or the Duke of York has arrived in Maldives on 18th of November Prince Andrew arrived Addu Atoll Gan, former British Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Maldives ina special air craft of Biritsh Air force. He was welcomed by President Mohamed Nasheed,, Medam Leela Abdulla, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku

Copenhagen - Developing Countries Ambush West, China in Negotiations
Rising from a recent summit on Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) organized by a group of developing countries in Maldives to fine-tune their position at the next month's climate change meet in Copenhagen, zero carbon tolerance has been canvassed. In his inaugural address, President of the host nation, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed called on all

Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles scheduled to open in February
Rajesh Khubchandani has been appointed hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles at L.A. Live, which will be opening on February 15, 2010 as the first luxury hotel in Downtown L.A., adjacent to the Staples Center, Nokia Theatre and the Grammy Museum. Khubchandani has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry working in several countries, including Thailand, the Maldives Islands, India, Sri Lanka, Canada and the United States. He was most recently the director of operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Prior to that, he was the director of operations for the Toronto Airport Marriott, where he aided in the renovation and re-positioning of that hotel. While as the Toronto Airport Marriott, he was awarded the North American Lodging Director of Event Management award in 2004. In 2000, Khubchandani worked at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto as the director of food and beverage outlets.

Sri Lanka approves $891 mln China loan for coal power
COLOMBO, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has approved $891 million loan from China's Export-Import bank to fund a coal power plant, an official said on Thursday, as the island nation focuses on infrastructure after the end of 25 years of war. China along with India are now increasingly competing to win lucrative and strategic investments in Sri Lanka since the fighting stopped in May. Both India and China provided military assistance, including ammunition in the final phase of the war, while they also helped President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government to face Western-led criticism of rights abuses. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, the cabinet spokesman said the government approved China's offer of the 20-year loan with a 2 percent interest rate and five-year grace period to build the second phases coal-fired power plant in northwestern province. Sri Lanka and China signed an over $350 million worth deals to build a highway and an oil bunkering facility in August

UN confirms Tamil camps exodus
UN humanitarian chief John Holmes has confirmed that more than half the Tamils who were in refugee camps in northern Sri Lanka have now left them. The camps were set up to house Tamils who fled the final stages of a 25-year civil war between troops and Tamil Tiger rebels, which ended in May.

Standoff with Sri Lankan asylum seekers ends.
Dozens of Sri Lankan asylum seekers on Wednesday left an Australian customs vessel anchored off Indonesia after they were promised they would be resettled, ending a monthlong standoff. The 46 men, five women and five children were taken from Australia's Oceanic Viking to a detention center on nearby Bintan island off Sumatra, said Sugiyo, the center's head. They joined 22 others who disembarked last week.

R.P Trails neighbors in Transparency International’s Corruption index

WHEN it comes to corruption, the Philippines is only better than three of its neighbors in Southeast Asia—Timor–Leste, Cambodia and Burma—after having scored 2.4 and ranking 139th place to the bottom in the 2009 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) recently released by Transparency International. Timor Leste scored 2.2, Cambodia 2.0 and Burma 1.4. The Philippines shares its score of 2.4 with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The 2009 CPI includes 180 countries, the same number as the 2008 CPI. While the country’s ranking improved from 141st with a score of 2.3 in the 2008 CPI, the country continued to lag behind most of its fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

President’s Office directs all government offices to participate conferees of national awards at official events
In a directive issued today, the President’s Office has directed all government offices to participate conferees of national awards at official events organised by the offices. The directive advised government offices to invite conferees of National Awards of Honour as guests of honour of officials events organised by government offices. The directive also advised government offices to invite the conferees of National Awards of Honour and National Awards of Recognition to speak and share their experiences in schools and at various other official functions.

President Nasheed meets with British High Commissioner

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with the British High Commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes. The meeting was held this afternoon at the official residence of the President, Mulee-aage. At the meeting, the discussions were focused on ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and the UK. Discussions were also held on enhancing police and economic cooperation between the two countries. Speaking at the meeting, Dr Hayes said that the UK supported climate initiative efforts undertaken by the government of Maldives. He especially noted that the Climate Vulnerable Forum which was held in the Maldives was an important step towards sealing a deal in Copenhagen.

India: no need for third party role
A day after China and the United States issued a joint statement, which briefly mentioned India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said India did not envisage a role by a third party in what was essentially a bilateral dispute. The joint statement followed a meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Beijing. “The Government of India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement. A third country role cannot be envisaged. Nor is it necessary. We also believe that a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can take place only in an environment free from terror or the threat of terror,” the Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said.

Deadly blast near Peshawar court

At least 16 people have been killed in a suicide bomb blast outside the main gate of a court building in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, the seventh deadly explosion there in less than two weeks. Officials said about 30 people were hurt in Thursday's attack, which occurred during rush hour when the area is normally crowded with lawyers, administrative personnel and the public. The court building is located on Peshawar's Khyber Road, across the street from the Pearl Continental Hotel, which was targeted in a deadly bomb attack in June. "It happened outside the judicial complex," Abdul Wali, a police officer, told the Reuters news agency.

Dhaka upholds coup death sentences

Bangladesh's supreme court has upheld the death sentences of five men convicted of killing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's independence leader, during a military coup over 30 years ago. A five-member jury on Thursday rejected final appeals by the former soldiers. "Executions of the Mujib killers would relieve the nation of a great burden and restore rule of law," Abu Yusuf Humayun, a government prosecutor, said. The men first went on trial in 1996, after Sheikh Hasina, Rahman's daughter, became prime minister, but the process came to a halt after Begum Khaleda Zia, Hasina's rival, came to power in 2001.

World Hunger Summit 2009: Nestlé chief attacks "well-fed activists"; FAO head says FDI in agriculture has tripled since 2000
The chairman of Nestlé, the world’s biggest food company, on Thursday attacked “well-fed activists,” whose hostility to new food technologies was exacerbating a global food crisis by slowing agricultural productivity. Also at a forum for the private sector in Milan, organised by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) ahead of its World Hunger Summit due to be held in Rome next week, the agency's director general said foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture has tripled since 2000. “It is disheartening to see how easily a group of well-intentioned and well-fed activists can decide about new technologies at the expense of those who are starving,” Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said in Milan. Brabeck-Letmathe is a supporter of genetically modified (GM) food as was the recently deceased Dr. Norman Borlaug, the"Father of the Green Revolution." Borlaug made the point that no current crops are as they were even 50 years ago, much less a millennium ago. Farmers and scientists have always experimented with ways of cross-breeding plants to make them more durable and able to produce more food and profits in shorter periods. That they used hybridisation techniques rather than gene splicing makes no difference to the safety of the finished product. Last month in Ireland, the Green Party had the anti-science position of declaring Ireland a GM-free zone, agreed in the latest "programme of government." It was a morsel for activists whose knowledge of the tropical world may derive from television programmes or packaged holidays, never mind the daily challenges faced by farmers with water shortages and insects, in such regions.

Obama under fire on trade as Asia-Pacific leaders meet
US President Barack Obama came under fire Saturday from Asia-Pacific leaders for backsliding on free trade at a regional summit devoted to driving the world economy out of crisis. "President Obama is facing severe political constraints that run counter to free trade," Mexican President Felipe Calderon said, complaining about US foot-dragging on full implementation of the NAFTA pact for North America. "The cruel paradox is that within a global economy, what really kills companies is inefficiency and lack of competition. Therefore protectionism is killing North American companies," he said in a speech in Singapore. "So I think this has to do with the fact that the US government is under strong political pressure that really is not being counteracted from the political perspective" of the Obama administration. The US Congress has turned even more sour on free trade after the worst economic crisis since World War II. One landmark pact with South Korea is languishing and critics say the White House has done little to revive it. The US economy is perking up but unemployment has breached 10 percent and economic leaders, including the heads of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, warned in Singapore that protectionism could choke off recovery. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said controversial tariffs enacted by his government to shore up ailing industries were temporary and urged his regional colleagues to "do anything we can to refrain from protectionism in any sphere".

China lashes out at US over trade disputes
Singapore (AFP) Nov 13, 2009 - China's commerce minister hit out on Friday at a series of trade actions by the United States, striking a tough stance ahead of a visit next week by President Barack Obama. Chen Deming did not name the US but made clear he was referring to Washington in warning that an "unprecedented" series of trade remedy investigations and other actions against China threatened free trade. "These measures have bad and profound implications for free international trade," Chen told reporters on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore. "In my view, these trade protectionist measures will impede the recovery of international trade and will put the world economy in a more difficult situation," he told a media briefing.

PSE And G Receives Green Light To Expand Solar Loan Program
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE and G) has received approval from state regulators to expand its innovative solar loan program by approximately $143 million to finance the installation of an additional 51 megawatts of solar energy systems on homes, businesses and municipal buildings throughout its electric service area. Since the utility's initial Solar Loan Program was approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in April 2008, customers have applied for loans totaling $105 million that would result in 30 megawatts of installed solar capacity. The new initiative will result in a total of $248 million available for loans and 81 megawatts of solar power for New Jersey.

Seychelles leader urges climate pact to boost food security.
Global warming is "inextricably linked" to food security, Seychelles President James Michel said Monday, lamenting reports that no binding agreement is expected at the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen next month. Speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the UN Hunger Summit in Rome, Michel said: "Coming up with ideas at the FAO summit without tackling climate change makes no sense."

China to become global leader in green tech: campaigners
China can become the world's top exporter of "green technology" if it carries out crucial energy and ecological reforms, leading environmental campaigners said here Saturday. "For China, I am absolutely convinced that it will become the world leader in green tech," Tim Flannery, chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council, told a business forum on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit. "I think that China is in a position where, as manufacturer to the world, if it goes down that green energy route, it will open up enormous new markets," Flannery said. The Copenhagen Climate Council is a global collaboration between businesses and scientists which promotes solutions to climate change that would be acceptable to governments and companies alike.

Louis Cruises India becomes first cruise company to lease island in Maldives
Louis Cruises India, (LCI) a subsidiary of Louis Cruise Lines part of Louis Group has leased Kuda Bandos Island in Maldives to berth its luxury cruise ship, M Aquamarine, which will commence operations from Kochi on December 2, 2009, with itineraries of two nights/three days to Maldives and Sri Lanka. The leasing of the island (in a strategic partnership with Maldives Tourism Board) is the first of its kind by a cruise company in Maldives and Louis Group plans to develop a resort on the Island in near future.

The Beach House at Manufaru, Maldives
The spa: Surrounded by dense foliage and tropical vegetation, 10 cabana-style treatment rooms form the state-of-the-art spa that is the centrepiece of this isolated villa resort on one of the Maldives' northernmost atolls. The emphasis is on mind, body and spiritual relaxation, achieved through a mix of healing Shui treatments and time spent in exquisite steam rooms, outdoor saunas and plunge pools

Janko Tipsarevic to get married

The famous Serbian tennis player Janko Tipsarevic has proposed to his girlfriend Biljana Sesevic during their romantic vacation in Maldives and she has agreed to marry him. Janko and Biljana met three years ago during a tennis match. Janko later said that he fell in love with the TV host from Novi Sad at first sight. “No, it wasn’t love at first sight, because I am not that type of a person. As the time went by and as we were becoming closer, I realized that my emotions for her were stronger and stronger,” said Tipsarevic on another occasion. Before he started a relationship with Biljana, Janko was a famous seducer among the athletes and it was often speculated about his relationships with various models, singers and other beauties. The future married couple still hasn’t specified the date of the wedding.

Palestinians warned over UN move

Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, has warned the Palestinian leadership against any attempts to unilaterally declare statehood for the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. West Bank-based Palestinian officials said on Sunday that they were preparing to ask the United Nations Security Council to declare their backing for the Palestinian quest for an independent state. In a radio address on Sunday evening, Netanyahu said: "There is no substitute for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. "Any unilateral action would only unravel the framework of agreements between us and can only lead to one-sided steps on the part of Israel."

Rome hosts global food summit

World leaders and government representatives have agreed to boost agricultural aid to poor nations at the beginning of a three-day summit on hunger. But no target or a timeframe for action has been set at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation meeting, held in Rome, the Italian capital. A final declaration, which called for "urgent action" to eliminate hunger around the world, made no mention of a proposal by the agency to raise farm aid to $44bn. Earlier, many activists warned that with leaders of the wealthiest nations deciding not to attend, the conference in Rome on Monday is essentially powerless. None of the leaders of the G8 group of industrialised nations are attending the conference, apart from Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, at the meeting of delegates from 60 nations.

Is Karzai losing US support?

Hamid who? That would appear to be the subtext of much official comment about Afghanistan in the US capital these days, where that country's fraud-tainted, and poorly-reelected president, Hamid Karzai, has apparently become unmentionable. Exhibit A: Barack Obama, the US president, gave an interview to a national television network this week, and managed to talk about Afghanistan without using the words "president," "Karzai" or "election."

Growing up in island country threatened by rising sea levels
The future of the Maldives, the Indian Ocean islands facing the real prospect of disappearing into the sea, rests squarely in the hands of its younger generations. As sea levels rise and threaten the very existence of the Maldives, children and adolescents increasingly face the prospect of moving to higher ground, either within their national boundaries or beyond. Maldivian Vice-President Waheed Hassan told Xinhua that raising awareness about the effects of climate change was a top priority for his government and, while older generations still might cling to antiquated ideas, it was the country's youth that appeared more flexible

The Strategic Action Plan for the Manifesto Launched
The Strategic Action Plan for the Manifesto launched at the Democracy Fair is a manifestation of the Government’s vision to develop an operational policy framework to achieve the pledges in the Manifesto. The Strategic Action Plan for the Manifesto has been declared by the President as the framework of the country’s national development plan up to 2013.

Keells Hotels trims losses both in SL and the Maldives
John Keells Hotels PLC with interests in Sri Lanka and the Maldives has sharply reduced losses in the first half of the current financial year with revenue up nearly 28% to Rs.2.4 billion and losses down 38.9% to Rs.359.2 million, an interim statement from the company indicated. Despite losses in recent years, the company carried a revenue reserve of Rs.340.3 million in its books as at September 30, 2009.

Climate-Vulnerable Countries send SOS over Climate Change.
Ahead of the forthcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, the world's most climate-vulnerable countries have called on the developed countries to provide money amounting to at least 1.5 per cent of their gross domestic product to assist developing countries make their transition to a climate resilient low-carbon economy. Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Kiribati, Barbados, The Maldive Island, Bhutan, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, popularly known as the V11, are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but they are also among the lowest greenhouse gas emitters.

Speaking at the opening of the ‘Democracy Fair 2009’, President Mohamed Nasheed has stressed the importance of a governance system aimed for the betterment of the people. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to establish such a system in the Maldives. The President said that the policies of his government were not merely aimed for the citizens currently living, but also for the benefit of future generations. In his speech, the President focused on the powers and responsibilities of the President specified in the Constitution. He noted that it is the President’s responsibility to implement the provisions of the Constitution and the law, as well as to promote compliance by organs of the State. At the opening of ‘Democracy Fair 2009, President Nasheed launched the “National Framework for Development 2009-2013” and the “First Year of Democratic Government”. President Nasheed and Madam Laila Ali visited the stalls at the fair. Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdulla Shahid also spoke at the opening ceremony.

"We will not die quietly."

President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives delivered the following remarks at the Climate Vulnerable Forum, where he called upon a bloc of developing countries to attend the Copenhagen climate negotiations with a firm commitment to carbon neutral development. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, we gather in this hall today as some of the most climate-vulnerable nations on Earth. We are vulnerable because climate change threatens to hit us first; and hit us hardest. And we are vulnerable because we have modest means with which to protect ourselves from the coming disaster

What the Tourists of Maldives Don’t Know.

have found myself a new assignment: I think I should go, in person, to Equator Village on the island of Gan, a 5km long by 3km wide patch of coconut palms and white beaches in the Indian Ocean island state of Maldives and check out the following information: India is installing radars there. Few tourists know, and even fewer brochures reveal, that the Equator Village resort was the Royal Air Force's officers' quarters until 1976. Gan is the southernmost of the Maldives islands, just south of the equator, and it was here that Britain set up a secret naval base in 1941, building airstrips and vast fuel tanks to support its WWII fleet in the Indian Ocean.

Water Found on Moon, Scientists Say,
There is water on the Moon, scientists stated unequivocally on Friday, and considerable amounts of it. Indeed yes, we found water,” Anthony Colaprete, the principal investigator for NASA’s Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, said in a news conference. The confirmation of scientists’ suspicions is welcome news both to future explorers who might set up home on the lunar surface and to scientists who hope that the water, in the form of ice accumulated over billions of years, could hold a record of the solar system’s history.

Punjab setting up music academy in singer Ishmeet’s memory
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Friday said his government was committed to establishing a music academy in the memory of singing sensation Ishmeet Singh, who died mysteriously in Maldives last year. The chief minister directed the Ludhiana Improvement Trust to immediately transfer land to the state’s cultural affairs department for setting up the Ishmeet Sangeet Academy at Ludhiana, 100 km from here. Ishmeet Singh, winner of the “Voice of India” singing contest on a leading TV entertainment channel in November 2007, had mysteriously died after drowning in the swimming pool of a sea resort in Maldives in July last year. He had gone for an event in Maldives. The 19-year-old, who hailed from Ludhiana, was tipped to be a singing sensation. The Punjab government has earmarked Rs.20 crore for the Ishmeet Sangeet Academy and the Harpal Tiwana centre for performing arts to be set up in Patiala town.

Breast cancer 'over diagnosed'
About a quarter of Australian women undergoing treatment for breast cancer have a tumour growing so slowly that it could have been safely ignored, research indicates. A NSW-based study into the introduction of routine breast screening for older women has found the move corresponded with a much higher than anticipated rate of cancer diagnoses. Dr Stephen Morrell said the rate of new cancers was well above the known background level of breast cancer in the community, even when accounting for rising risk factors like obesity. He said it pointed to an overly sensitive screening process that resulted in unnecessary and sometimes life-changing treatment, such as mastectomy, for some women whose tumours did not pose a health risk.

Dear Friends,
Since October 24, when you helped lead thousands of events around the world calling for climate action, we've seen new political momentum behind the climate solutions that science demands. After meeting with dozens of delegates during the last round of UN climate negotations in Barcelona, I can tell you first-hand that your local climate leadership is making a real difference--and helping clear the political space for national leaders to take ever-bolder stances on the climate crisis.

Tata Housing to develop affordable houses overseas
Tata Housing Development Company on Thursday said that it has received proposals from Governments of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal to build integrated cities with affordable housing. "We have received invitations from many overseas governments to build townships with affordable housing. The governments of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal have invited us to start a same model of townships we have made in Boisar, near Mumbai," Tata Housing Development Managing Director and CEO Brotin Banerjee told reporters here.

Rising inflation threat seen in South Asia
WASHINGTON: Rising inflation is posing a threat to South Asia, with the situation most worrying in the Maldives where a foreign currency black market has emerged, a senior World Bank economist has warned. Noting that the median inflation rate in South Asia was more than twice that of Latin America and the Caribbean, economist Eliana Cardoso asked whether policymakers in the region should be concerned ‘and wonder whether they are doing something wrong.’

Efforts to fight climate change have progressed little in 20 years-researchers.
LONDON (AlertNet) - The declaration warns of a rise in temperature of 1 to 2 degrees Centigrade by 2030, notes the perils of rising sea level for small island states and urges richer nations to share technology, funding and training to help poorer nations limit climate change and its effects. It could have been passed this week when the president of the Maldives convened a summit of nations most vulnerable to climate change, in an effort to persuade them to join his nation in becoming carbon-neutral. He failed. Instead, the Male Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise dates from 1989. It shows how little efforts to deal with climate change have progressed over the past two decades.

Agreement to begin housing project in two atolls will be signed this week – President Nasheed

In this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said that an agreement, that will mark the beginning of government's housing plan, will be signed this week. Under the agreement, housing units will be developed in two atolls. The President also said a further agreement would be signed to build 1,000 housing units in Male'. He said with the completion of the housing project, affordable housing would be provided for a large number of Maldivians.

President makes new appointments

President Mohamed Nasheed has today made new appointments to senior government posts. The new appointments are as follows:
- Ms Thilmeeza Hussain as the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations
- Ms Shazly Shafeeq as the Deputy Ambassador to Japan
- Mr Mohamed Ibrahim Didi as the Trade Representative in Singapore

The three appointments were made in the rank of Deputy Ministers.

In addition, three Deputy Additional Secretaries were also appointed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The three newly appointed Deputy Additional Secretaries are:

- Ms Fathimath Inaya
- Uza. Aishath Liusha
- Ms Khadheeja Zahir

President convenes the Privatisation Committee
President Mohamed Nasheed has today convened the Privatisation Committee. Mr Mahmood Raazee was appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. Other members included in the Committee are as follows.
1. Uz. Mohamed Shahudy Anwar
2. Mr Mifzal Ahmed
3. Mr Maizan Adam Manik
4. Mr. Mohamed Adil Saleem
5. Mr. Ali Shiyam
6. Mr. Ahmed Inaz
7. Uz. Abdulla Muizzu
8. Mr. Hassan Zahir
9. Ms. Juwairiya Saeed
10. Ms. Fathimath Muaza

Commonwealth to help Maldives claim additional seabed
Submission will open up new areas for exploration, conservation and development
The Commonwealth Secretariat will assist the Republic of Maldives in making a submission to secure access to extensive additional areas of seabed. In accordance with international law, Maldives is required to make a submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (‘the Commission’). The Secretariat is providing advice and assistance during the preparation of this submission, which is expected to be completed by September 2010.

Suzlon to build wind farm in Maldives
Indian wind turbine maker Suzlon Energy has signed a deal with Southern Utilities to carry out a feasibility study for a wind farm in the Maldives. The project will have a 25MW capacity and is expected to cost around USD40m. The study will be conducted over the next six months and the results are positive, construction is expected to begin in 2011. According to local news firm Minivan News, the state-owned energy firm will fund the wind farm with a USD40m development loan.

Britain Stands Shoulder To Shoulder With Maldives On Climate Change
Be in no doubt. Climate change is not tomorrow's future menace. It is today's growing catastrophe. In Copenhagen next month, a meaningful deal must be secured if we are to have any hope of avoiding catastrophe. This very human catastrophe is already being felt in parts of the world. This year, entire communities in Bangladesh are being forced to leave their homes due to rising sea levels; women in drought-ridden parts of Ethiopia have to walk five miles a day to collect water; and natural disasters are occurring with increasing frequency and ever more devastating results.

Tension grows between China and India as Asia slips into cold war
You have to go to a tropical paradise to find the latest front in the brewing cold war between China and India. On the southernmost tip of the Maldives lies the island of Gan, a tiny patch of coconut palms and powdery white beaches. It was here that Britain set up a secret naval base in 1941, building airstrips and vast fuel tanks to support its fleet in the Indian Ocean during the Second World War. The RAF then used it as a Cold War outpost until 1976, when the British withdrew and the officers’ quarters were converted into a resort called Equator Village. Now, 33 years later, India is preparing to reopen the base to station surveillance aircraft, helicopters, and possibly ships, to monitor Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean. Under a deal signed in August, India is also installing radar across the Maldives, linked to its coastal command.

Burmese cyclone? No entry
- Phyan spares Mumbai after city battens down hatches
Mumbai, Nov. 11: If the fire engulfed the east, the treeless cherry spared the west.
Cyclone Phyan roared towards the western coast, sending into a tizzy the Maharashtra administration, which went into an overdrive to prevent a calamity of the magnitude of the July 2005 Mumbai floods. The government also did not want a repeat of the destruction caused by cyclone Aila, meaning fire in a Maldives dialect, on the eastern coast and Calcutta earlier in the year.

President Mohamed Nasheed has said no ruler in the Maldives can any longer govern the country under a façade republic. Speaking at an official function held on the Republic Day, which also marks the first anniversary of his government after the first ever multi-party democratic elections, the President said: “The uncivilized culture of [façade republic] was [destroyed] by the people themselves.” He said: “History shows that autocratic regimes fall and become democracies only when people advance the cause of meaningful change instead of material benefits.”

President Nasheed presents National Awards of Honour and National Awards of Recognition
President Mohamed Nasheed has today presented National Awards of Honour and National Awards of Recognition. The awards were given at the official reception held on the occasion of the Republic Day.

MALDIVES COPS TRAINED IN CITY
The passing out parade of four Police officers from Maldives, who underwent training at the Karnataka Police Academy (KPA), the State's premier training institute for newly recruited Police officers, was held at the Police Parade Grounds here last evening. The officers from the Republic of Maldives - Fathuhulla Waheed, Mohammed Nadeem, Yousuf Bushry and Moosa Rashid — who underwent a year-long theory and practical training course along with six Sub-Inspectors of Karnataka, presented the guard of honour to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Training Division, S.T. Ramesh, at a ceremonial parade. Speaking of the occasion, Ramesh called upon the Maldivian officers to become ambassadors of good relation and trust between the two countries and advised them to inculcate the qualities of duty-mindedness in their lives. Trophies and awards were presented to the passing out Police officers on the occasion. Academy Director A.M. Prasad said that the second batch of six Maldivian Sub-Inspectors had commenced training recently. On behalf of the Maldivian Police officers, Inspector Mohammed Nadeem presented a memento to Academy Director Prasad. IGP Dr. S. Parashivamurthy (Recruitment & Training), IGP Jeevan Kumar V. Gaonkar (Southern Range), City Police Commissioner Sunil Agarwal, KPA Assistant Director Put-taswamy Gowda and others were present.

Sri Lanka banks on tourism to lift image
When S Kalaiselvam, the head of the Sri Lanka tourism development authority, hits full steam with his investor pitch, it feels like the civil war-stricken swathes of his island country are set to leave the rest of the world’s holiday hotspots trailing in the dust in a matter of months. A string of islands in the north-west, once far too close to the stronghold of the rebel Tamil Tigers, will become “like the Maldives”, he said, after about US$3.5 billion (Dh12.85bn) is spent there by international and local hotel groups.

WTM 2009: Maldives sets out new goals
The government of the Maldives is to allow foreign ownership and development of private luxury villas for the first time. The villas are to be developed by the private sector, with the country’s minister for tourism, arts and culture, Ahmed Ali Sawad, saying there is a possibility they could even be built on ‘local’ islands if the proposals were deemed appropriate. Speaking at WTM, Sawad also said the country needed to focus more on cultural tourism with a pilot project framework now in place for developing cultural projects on local islands, using new visitor interpretation centres created around the 2,000-year history of the islands.

Address by His Excellency President Nasheed at the Climate Vulnerable Forum

KOCHI: Luxury cruising comes to the city. Louis Cruises and The Great India Tour Company have officially launched their services in Kochi on Wednesday. Louis Cruise’s luxury vessel ‘MV Aquamarine’ will commence its Kochi-based services from December 2. There will be three cruises- Kochi-Maldives (four days/three nights), Kochi-Colombo (four days/three nights) and Kochi High Seas (two days/one night). The Kochi High Seas cruise will start every Saturday and return on Sunday. The trip to Colombo will begin on every Sunday afternoon and will return Wednesday while the cruise to the Maldives starts every Wednesday and returns on Saturday. Louis Cruise has already signed pacts with the Department of Tourism and the Cochin Port Trust for the service. “M V Aquamarine brings the best of Mediterranean experience to the Indian sub-continent. We have added some more features for the customers in India. A cricket bowling machine is one of the added facilities. Indian cuisine will be available on board Aquamarine,’’ said Oneil Khosa, MD and CEO of Louis Cruises. Based in Greece, Louis Cruise has 12 vessels in its fleet and is the fourth largest cruising company in the world. Aquamarine, which has seven passenger decks, can carry 1,268 passengers and will cruise at 17 knots. The rate per person starts from Rs 6,500 and an additional amount of Rs 700 will be charged as port handling charges. “Proximity to Colombo and the Maldives prompted us to start services from Kochi. Besides, Kochi is one of the preferred cruising destinations,’’ Oneil said. Bookings can be done through any of the outlets of The Great India Tour Company in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.

Maldives and climate change
President Mohammed Nasheed of Maldives is a vociferous campaigner who wants to rescue the world from the clutches of global warming. He is a degree holder in Marine Studies from UK, and is showing his outmost keenness to tackle the affects of climate change and save his country from permanent inundation

G20 to continue economic stimulus

G20 states have agreed to maintain the availability of financial stimulus measures until the world economy shows more improvement. In St Andrews in Scotland on Saturday, the grouping said that the economy had not suitably recovered to take such policies away, while it failed to agree a deal on climate change financing ahead of UN talks in December.

Nato probes deadly Afghan air raid
NATO Bombs own Soldiers??
Can War bring end to Terrorism?

An investigation has begun on whether a Nato air raid was to blame for the death of Afghan soldiers and foreign troops during a joint operation in the northwest of Afghanistan. Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said the attack on Friday killed or injured more than 25 foreign and Afghan soldiers in the province of Badghis.

TUI chief demands urgent reform of travel regulations
TUI Travel chief Peter Long has called for Air Passenger Duty to be replaced by a per plane tax "as a matter or urgency". He also told MPs at a House of Commons parliamentary reception that consultation on the reform of passenger protection to be released soon by the Department for Transport should include widening the ATOL rules to cover dynamic packaging by internet and high street retailers and click throughs from low cost carrier websites.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has returned to Malé this morning after concluding his official visit to Barcelona to attend the final round of negotiations before the UN Climate Conference to be held in Copenhagen in December. Briefing the press on his visit to Barcelona, the Vice President spoke on the nature of negotiations that were held. He said, despite the negotiations and discussions that were being held prior to Copenhagen, hopes of reaching a new global agreement on climate at Copenhagen were fading. During his visit to Barcelona, Dr Waheed participated in the “Greenland Dialogue” – an informal grouping of leading countries in the climate debate who are committed to bring about a substantial outcome at Copenhagen. He also participated in the Barcelona round of UNFCCC climate talks held from 1 – 5 November. In addition, during his visit, the Vice President met with the Chair and Coordinators from the Group of 77 and China. The Vice President participated in the climate talks in Spain on the invitation of the Danish Government, who along with the UN is supporting his stay in Barcelona.

Obstructing government administration unacceptable, says President

President Nasheed has said while criticizing the government is important deliberate obstruction of its administration is unwise and unacceptable. The President was speaking in this regard at a function held in Addu atoll, at a time when some opposition members of the People’s Majlis were pushing for a no-confidence vote against the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed Shaheed. In his speech, the President acknowledged the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Foreign Minister Shaheed, in securing external aid, investment, and trade for the Maldives. The President’s speech was largely focused on the government’s developmental plans for the South Province. He said the government had a vision for Addu atoll which, he said, was based on the policy of decentralization. The function, which was held in Hithadhoo on Saturday, saw the signing of two memorandums of understanding. Suzlon Energy and Southern Utilities Limited signed an MoU to provide electricity using wind energy, while Maldive Gas and Southern Utilities Limited signed an MoU to provide gas to the province.

The first religious research Islamic web site in Sinhala language.
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Emirates profit surges a whopping 165 percent
DUBAI – Emirates has produced a set of half-year financial results that will be the envy of many other international airlines. Emirates airline produced a net profit of Dhs 752 million (US$205 million), for the first six months of its current financial year ending September 30,2009. Emirates said the figure represents a 165 percent improvement compared to US$77 million net profits for the same period in 2008. 

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates airline and Group said, “The months since the global meltdown have really tested our mettle. “Unlike others in the industry, Emirates did not cut back on its product, service or people.

China approves Shanghai Disneyland
LOS ANGELES - Walt Disney has won approval from the central government of China to build a Disneyland-style theme park in Shanghai, Analysts estimate Shanghai Disneyland — not including hotels and resort infrastructure — will cost US$3.5 billion, making it one of the largest-ever foreign investments in China. The initial resort, with a mix of shopping areas, hotels and a Magic Kingdom-style theme park, will sprawl across 1,000 acres of the city’s Pudong district. The theme park will occupy about 100 acres, making it a little bigger than Disneyland in Anaheim, California and on par with the parks in Paris and Tokyo. It is expected to open in five or six years. Dinsney has been talking to China about a Disneyland theme park for almost 20 years amd analysts say approval of the project signals that the Chinese leadership may be more open to Western investment.

Sydney, Singapore hotels to perform better than most
SYDNEY - Travel management company Egencia predicts that the cost of air travel to top business destinations will increase globally for corporate travellers next year. Egencia’s 2010 Corporate Travel Forecast and Hotel Negotiability Index, indicates that average ticket prices (ATPs) will increase by up to four per cent for air travel in the Asia Pacific region. The study also looks at accommodation costs and predicts that hotel prices in Asia Pacific will generally remain flat in 2010. Released annually by Egencia, an Expedia Inc company, the index looks at city-specific data to help business decision-makers gauge travel programme opportunities while planning. This year’s index analyses corporations’ buying power in nearly 40 global cities. Corporate travel ATPs are expected to rise just slightly for Asia-Pacific markets due to increased demand outstripping supply. Unlike most global markets, the Asia-Pacific region has already seen increases in air traffic over last year during the month of September, the first positive move in many months. However, the continued battle for market share between domestic carriers and the entrance of V Australia and Delta to trans-Pacific routes are likely to temper rising ATPs in the Australian market. Despite anticipated growth in business travel, there are likely to be fewer business travellers compared to capacity in some markets, which will mean lower to flat ADRs for hotels. Most notably in China and India, excess capacity built up over recent years will provide value to businesses. Key exceptions to this are Sydney and Singapore, which may see a small rebound in pricing. Ken Pfaffman, Egencia’s Australia manager, said ADR in Beijing was tipped to fall eight percent, the result of a capacity overhang from the Beijing Olympics and the global financial crisis. “There is still excess capacity in the market and there are still pricing opportunities to get people into hotels,” he said. Sydney was a very different scenario, he said, because occupancy rates this year had been relatively stable compared to other markets, and there had not been much new supply coming into the market. Pfaffman also thought Singapore would absorb the arrival of thousands of new hotel rooms at the two integrated resorts due to open in 2010. Egencia’s Hotel Negotiability Index, an indicator of the overall supply landscape in top Asia-Pacific cities, suggests that 2010 will remain a buyer’s market for corporations during at least the first two quarters. The majority of major business destinations will maintain high negotiability, with the exception of Melbourne and Sydney.

Dhaka to push for climate refugee plan in Male’
Bangladesh, which fears rising seas displacing 200 million people by 2100, will push for a climate refugee plan at the conference of vulnerable countries in Male, foreign minister Dipu Moni has said. The Maldives is organising the first ever conference for 17 countries most affected by climate change on Nov 9-10, ahead of the United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December. Dipu Moni will attend the two-day meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum. Rehabilitation of climate refugees has not received required level of attention at the 14 previous climate change conferences, says Dhaka. The declaration of the forum will be placed at the Copenhagen summit with a view to putting pressure on the biggest emitters to reduce green house gas emissions and provide adequate resources to the victims of climate change.

The President speaks on the need to begin social protection programmes for the needy
In this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has spoken on the need to begin comprehensive social protection programmes for the needy. He noted that about 1,6000 Maldivian citizens live below the poverty line. He added that unless they are enabled to live a life of dignity, the country would not prosper. He said, therefore, it was important to provide them with subsidies for electricity and food as well as providing assistance to single-parents and people with disabilities. In his radio address, the President said that during the past year, the government has made considerable achievements while at the same time there were things that were yet to be achieved.

Vice President attends the final round of climate negotiations before Copenhagen
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed is currently in Barcelona, Spain attending the final round of negotiations before the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this year. During his stay in Barcelona, the Vice President participated in the informal round of the Greenland Dialogue – an informal grouping of leading countries in the Climate Debate who are committed to bring about a substantial outcome at Copenhagen. The government of Denmark chaired the discussions of the Greenland Dialogue. At these discussions the Vice President made interventions calling for an ambitious and equitable outcome at Copenhagen. In addition to the Greenland Dialogue, the Vice President has also been actively participating in the formal negotiations being held in Barcelona.

India's Economy In Recovery Mode: Ratan Tata
India's economy is on the recovery mode from economic slowdown, said Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, adding that it may take some more time for the U.S and the U.K. for the same, report media. Participating in the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of a High Range School run by the group at Munnar, he said that by and large there was no free fall of the economy and it was good news.

Gihan- Oman Air’s Country Manager for SL and Maldives
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman recently appointed Gihan Karunaratne as Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Karunaratne brings with him over 30 years of experience in the travel industry in Oman, the United Arab Emirats and Sri Lanka. Prior to this assignment, Karunaratne served as Oman Air’s Country Manager for Bangladesh

Maldives: Last minute luxury Maldives break

Wake to the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean and the sun beaming through the curtains on Christmas Day this year with this last minute break. Take a dip in the cooling waters from your very own over water villa before spending the day relaxing on your private deck at the newly opened Lily Beach Resort. Days can be spent snorkeling in the crystal clear seas, sun bathing on the white sandy beaches or indulging in spa treatments before an evening of entertainment and delicious Maldivian cuisine.

Government signs MoU with GMR to develop a trendsetting international airport at Hanimaadhoo

The Government of Maldives has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GMR Infrastructure Global Limited to develop a trendsetting international airport at Hanimaadhoo in the Upper North Province. Under the aegis of the Memorandum, the Government and GMR would work together to ascertain the technical feasibility and viability of the project. Both the parties are committed to moving the understanding ahead over the next few months.

The government aims to foster development in the northern region through the development of the airport – says the President

The government’s aim was is to foster development in the northern region through the development of Hanimaadhoo airport to an international airport. He made this statement while speaking at the MoU signing ceremony with GMR Infrastructure Global Limited to develop a trendsetting international airport at Hanimaadhoo in the Upper North Province. The ceremony was held this afternoon at the President’s Office. In his speech, the President noted that airport development was linked with tourism development and that the government was now in discussion with GMR to build resorts in the Maldives with a total bed capacity of 6000. He further added that this would create a new type of tourism market in the Maldives and that it would benefit the whole country.

Maldives Goes From Underwater meetings to Huge Wind Farm.
Maldives, one of the most beautiful nations on earth, held the artistic, theatrical event of an underwater government meeting last month, to try to bring more attention to the threats of climate change. Now, they are getting more practical but still grabbing headlines — they are looking to build a wind farm that will generate 40% of the island nation’s electricity needs. The wind farm plans were announced earlier this week. The project will include 30 turbines and is expected to provide the nation with 75 MW of power, powering the capital city, their international airport, and more.

Aitken Spence shows stronger performance in 2Q
Aitken Spence PLC released its second quarter financial results to the Colombo Stock Exchange yesterday, reporting Rs 744mn as pre-tax profit and Rs 470mn as profit attributable to shareholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2009; both increasing by 16 percent over the previous year. The Sri Lanka-based diversified conglomerate’s figures for the first six months revealed a pre-tax profit of Rs 1.23bn and profit attributable to shareholders of Rs 764mn, reflecting marginal declines of 1.2 percent and 3.6 percent respectively.

Nepal cabinet meeting to be held in Mount Everest
After Maldives organized historical cabinet meeting under water, Nepal has announced that it will organize a cabinet meeting at the base camp of Mount Everest -- the highest peak of the world to draw global attention about climate change. Though Maldives organized the meeting on October 17, Nepal has set a special date for the ministerial meeting. It is the 11th day of the 11th month and if the numbers of the year 2009 are also summed up it will be 11. There are chances that the meeting will also start at 11 in the morning. Deepak Bohara, the forest and soil conservation minister who is coordinating the event says " it is just a co-incidence and but I believe the fate of Nepal is very strong, that's why we are organizing such a big event." I had asked him if the government consulted with an astrologer regarding the dates, he answered "No".

Maldives to host summit for climate vulnerable nations
Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed will host a summit on Nov. 9-10 for developing nations most vulnerable to climate change, the Maldivian presidential office said Tuesday in a press statement. The meeting aims to forge a common position among developing, vulnerable countries on the contentious issue of financing for climate adaptation and green growth, said the statement.

Government signs agreement with Shri Educare to privatise Ghiyasuddin School

The government of Maldives has signed agreement with Shri Educare to privatise Ghiyasuddin School. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government of Maldives by Education Minister Dr Musthafa Luthfee while Mr Karikeya Bharat Ram signed on behalf of Sri Educare Pvt Ltd. Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony held this morning at the President's Office, President Mohamed Nasheed reiterated the government's long-term ambition to dramatically improve the state of education in the Maldives. He added that the government's aim was for at least 60 per cent of student who finish school to pass all their exams with higher than C grades. Stating that Ghiyasuddin School was the first school to be privatised under the government's public-private partnership policy, the President said that more such schools would be established in the Maldives. The President added that he was confident that such partnerships would improve the quality of education, make schools more efficient and give parents a choice of different schools. Speaking at the function, Education Minister Dr Musthafa Luthfee said that privatisation of schools would provide more choices to parents and increase competition within the system. Minister of Civil Aviation and Communcation, Mr Mahmood Razi and Kartikeya Bharat Ram from Sri Educare Pvt Ltd also spoke at the function

Oman Air launches Muscat - Maldives Flights
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has launched non-stop flights between Muscat and the Maldives. The new flights to Malé depart Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, returning the same day.

President appoints a Permanent Representative to the UN Offices at Geneva

President Mohamed Nasheed has today appointed Ms Iruthisham Adam as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices at Geneva. In accordance with Article 115(l) of the Constitution, the President made this appointment in consultation with the People’s Majlis. Following the presentation of the Letter of Appointment to Ms Adam, the President expressed his confidence that she would contribute towards further strengthening the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Europe, and achieving the Maldives’ foreign policy objectives

Maldives to host summit for climate vulnerable nations
Colombo: After the succesful underwater cabinet meeting last month to highlight the threat to his atoll nation from rising sea waters, Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed will host a two-day summit next week focussing the danger posed by climate change to developing nations. meeting, to be held on November 9 and 10, aims to forge a common position among developing countries on the contentious issue of financing for climate adaptation and green growth, an official statement said today.

Third of consumers would opt for ‘eco-friendly’ hotels
Guests are becoming more concerned with hotels’ eco-credentials, according to a pan-European survey.

Almost a third (29%) of respondents would choose a known ‘eco-friendly’ hotel if it was offered by a popular online booking system.

The poll of 5,000 people found that more than half (54%) say sustainable energy sources, such as wind, solar or hydro-electric power, should be used.

Almost half (48%) say hotels should use more efficient electrical appliances, like flat screen energy efficient TVs.

Nearly two thirds (65%) say all hotels should install low flow toilets designed to save water.

The demand for green credentials is echoed by guests’ own behaviour in hotels, according to the study by Samsung Electronics:

*More than three quarters(76%) are as conscious or more conscious of the impact they have on the environment when staying in hotels compared with their behaviour at home

*88% switch off the lights when they leave their hotel room

*63% reuse towels more than once

*59% still switch electrical equipment off at the base

Samsung Electronics Europe B2B sales and marketing director Pammi Mudhar said: “Environmental awareness is on the rise and playing an increasingly significant role in the hotel booking process.

“Hoteliers can appeal to the ‘green’ consumer by responding to their expectations; putting in water-saving toilets, using sustainable energy or installing eco-friendly appliances like energy efficient flat screen TVs.”

He added: “We believe that state-of-the-art technology and eco-design go hand in hand.

“Not only can eco-friendly products save energy and improve a hotel’s green credentials, they can also generate significant cost savings over the product lifecycle thanks to the reduction in energy consumed.”

Argentina puts ex-leader on trial
“ It is the Right time for Maldives to put Ex President Gay oom and his Gay brothers on trial.”
Argentina's last military ruler has gone on trial accused of involvement in the kidnapping, torture and murder of 56 people at a military base. Reynaldo Bignone, who was president of the South American nation from 1982 to 1983, appeared in a makeshift courtroom in an indoor sports arena, along with seven other former military and police officers, on Monday.

Clinton urges Israel on peace moves
Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, has said that Israel must make greater efforts to ensure peace with the Palestinians, a day after supporting Israel on the contentious settlements issue. Speaking in Morocco while meeting Arab foreign ministers on Monday, Clinton said that Washington remains opposed to Israeli settlements, but that Israel's stance has progressed. She said she had told Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, that "positive steps" taken by the Palestinians towards peace, such as improved security in the occupied West Bank, "should be met by positive steps from Israel". In particular, Clinton highlighted allowing Palestinians greater freedom of movement. "Israel has done a few things in that regard, but they need to do much more," Clinton said in Marrakesh where she was due to meet the Arab ministers to talk on the peace process.

Maldives to switch to wind power
MALE - THE Maldivian government on Monday flagged off construction of a US$200 million (S$279.76 million) wind farm as part of efforts to make the low-lying archipelago carbon neutral by 2020.
The wind turbine facility on a small islet just north of the capital Male is expected to be completed within 20 months, an official said, adding that it would supply more than half the nation's electricity needs. Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said the setting up of the 75-megawatt farm would reduce emissions by 25 per cent in his low-lying atoll nation of 330,000 Sunni Muslims. 'We are doing this because we have an environment conscience and it is economical to do so,' Mr Nasheed said. The build-own-and-operate project is being run by the British-based Falcon Energy company. Mr Nasheed, whose cabinet met underwater last month in a stunt aimed at highlighting the Maldives' vulnerability to rising sea levels, said he wanted the country to be a showcase for renewable and clean energy. In 2007, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that an increase in sea levels of just 18 to 59 centimetres (seven to 24 inches) would make the Maldives virtually uninhabitable by 2100. More than 80 per cent of the tiny nation, famed as a tourist paradise because of its secluded beaches, coral reefs and white-sand beaches, is less than a metre (three feet four inches) above sea level. – AFP

Maldives: Last minute luxury break
Guests can this week fly from Manchester to the Maldives, staying for seven nights on a half board basis at the four star Paradise Island resort. If you think sun, sea and sport is the perfect combo then this resort will tick all the right boxes. Circled by lagoon-like waters, this luxury island hideaway is bursting with activities and only a short speedboat ride from the nearby airport. Whether you’re after a knock-about on the tennis court or parasailing over endless seas, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And with five bars and a handful of international restaurants to try you’ll be sure that every day will be as action-packed as your last. Prices start from £815 per person based on two people sharing, saving £220 per person. Flights depart on December 1st 2009, with more information at First Choice.

Nepal cabinet to meet on Everest: minister
Nepal is to hold a cabinet meeting on Mount Everest to highlight the impact of global warming on the Himalayas ahead of next month's climate change talks in Copenhagen, a minister said Monday. The entire cabinet will travel to Everest base camp at an altitude of 5,360 metres (17,585 feet) for the meeting, to be held later this month, forests minister Deepak Bohora told AFP.

Save thousands on last minute luxury in the Maldives
The Hilton Family Maldives has launched a range of fantastic offers for departures to their portfolio of three resorts between now and December, with savings of over £2500 per couple and a wealth of added value including free seaplane transfers and complementary nights.

Crunch Time for Climate Talks
As this goes to Press, the United Nations is hosting the final and crucial round of talks in Barcelona. The negotiations are crucial as this is the last chance to hammer out a draft agreement before the all important climate summit in Copenhagen next month. Little time is left before world leaders and climate experts meet in the Danish capital to approve a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol on global carbon emissions and to freeze the climate change, if not totally reverse it. In other words, there’s little time left to unleash really meaningful and effective steps to save 
the planet. Alarmingly though, serious differences on the role and responsibilities of rich, industrialised nations and to the extent they should be helping the poor, developing countries such as Bangladesh and the Maldives still persist.

Maldives announces windfarm plan to provide 40% of island's electricity
The Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed stands in the sea off Kurumba to show the threat the islands face. Photograph: Chiara Goia
Plans for a new windfarm are set to make the Maldives the country with the highest proportion of renewable power in the world. The 30-turbine proposed windfarm, close to the capital Malé, will deliver 75 megawatts of electricity at full capacity, enough to provide electricity for the whole of the capital, the international airport and the surrounding resorts. Excess power will be used to run desalination plants that will produce bottled drinking water from the sea.

Maldives announces major wind energy project
The Maldives’ State Electric Company Limited, STELCO, have signed a 20-year agreement with Falcon Energy, whereby Falcon Energy will build and operate a 75 megawatt wind farm in Gaafaru island, North Male’ atoll. The wind farm will produce clean electricity for North Male’ atoll, which includes Male’ island, the Maldivian capital, the international airport island of Hulhule’ and a number of luxury tourist resorts.

Maldives will regularise 16,100 undocumented Bangladeshi workers, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain said on Sunday. “Maldives authorities assured our workers, who are in an undocumented status would be regular from January next," the minister told newsmen at his office in the ministry a day after he returned from Maldives. Hossain, who led a three-member delegation, went to Maldives on October 22 on a weeklong visit. He met Maldives President Mohammad Nasheed, Vice President Mohammad Waheed and its home and labour ministers during the visit. There are around 40,000 Bangladeshi workers mostly in tourism and construction sectors, and those having irregular status were facing various problems. Bringing an end to such crisis was the prime target of the Maldives visit of the expatriates’ welfare minister.

Leisure island
It’s one of those places I have always wanted to visit but, somehow, never have. I first tried to go to Bali in 1976, when it was considered off the beaten track but it was such a hassle to get a visa that I soon abandoned the attempt. Then, Bali opened up. New hotels were built, it became a great tourist destination and the visa problem was resolved: if you paid $10 at the airport, they gladly gave you a visa.

President speaks on the progress of delivering the government pledges

Addressing the plenary of the validation workshop on the Manifesto Strategic Action Plan 2009-2013, held at Holiday Inn this morning, President Nasheed highlighted the progress made by the government towards achieving the objectives of it’s election Manifesto. The President said the Action Plan was a framework for the development, and an operational plan of how the government would proceed with achieving the objectives proposed in the Manifesto. This strategic action plan outlines the policy frameworks the government would follow in order to achieve the five main pledges of the government – nationwide transport system; affordable living costs; affordable housing; affordable and quality healthcare for all; prevention of narcotics abuse and trafficking. The President spoke on the progress made by the government within the last one year since the government came to office. Speaking on the nationwide transport system, the President noted that the transport network in Central Province was currently in operation, while the government was in a position to close contracts for the transport networks in six more provinces within this month.

President meets Finnish parliamentary delegation

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with a parliamentary group from Finland. The meeting was held this morning at the President’s Office. Discussions were focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and on issues of mutual concern such as climate change. At the meeting, the President briefed the MPs on the democratisation process in the Maldives. The President said there were several challenges ahead as the Maldives tries to consolidate democracy. The President noted that international engagement with opposition parties was crucial for consolidation of democracy in any country. The parliamentary group discussed decentralisation process and briefed on the municipal system in Nordic countries. They also spoke on the underwater cabinet meeting held last month in the Maldives. The MPs said it was very effective in passing the message across the world.

Plenary Meeting successfully concludes Validation Conference to formulate the Maldives Strategic Action Plan based on the Manifesto
The three-day Validation Conference, organized by the government of Maldives to formulate the Maldives Strategic Action Plan based on the priorities of the Manifesto, concluded today with the findings of the workshops being presented at a plenary meeting. The United Nations Development Programme has been working closely with the government and other stakeholders in supporting the process of operationalizing the Manifesto.

HotelTravel.com's Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Maldives
Low-lying, laidback and surrounded by some of the planet's clearest and bluest waters, the Maldives remain a popular choice for honeymooners, and those seeking once-in-a-lifetime holiday experiences. HotelTravel.com is proud to present its Top 10 reasons to visit the Maldives. Phuket, Thailand (PRWEB) October 31, 2009 -- HotelTravel.com recently completed its customer survey of the most romantic holiday choices on the planet with the Maldives taking top honours

Indian, Maldives troops conduct mock drill.
BELGAUM: The third and final phase of `EKUVERIN 09’, a joint exercise of the Indian and Maldivian troops, concluded at Rohideshwar camp here on Friday. A mock drill was held to deal with ‘terrorists’ hiding in villages. During the exercise, an artificial village model called ‘Usain’ was created, wherein Shaikh Ali Hussian, leader of the `terrorist’ group ‘Shaseb ‘ was hiding with his team in a duplex house.

EU agrees climate funding deal

The European Union has agreed a conditional deal on the amount it will contribute to developing countries to fight global warming, ahead of a key United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen in December. The EU on Friday agreed poorer nations would need $148bn per year by 2020 to tackle climate change and that it would pay $32bn to $74bn of that amount annually, conditional on other nations' actions. No fixed amounts for individual EU nations were announced at the meeting in Brussels and the initial funding will be on a voluntary basis. Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president, said the EU had made an "important breakthrough" in agreeing the deal.

Bomb kills soldiers in Pakistan

At least seven Pakistani soldiers have been killed in a roadside bomb blast in a tribal region of northwest Pakistan, officials say. The vehicle was travelling in Pakistan's Khyber region on Saturday when it was struck about 15km west of the city of Peshawar. "Seven paramilitary soldiers were killed and 11 were wounded in the remote-control bomb attack," Shafirullah Khan, the chief administrative official of Khyber tribal district, told the AFP news agency.

In his weekly address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said there is currently no fear of a terrorist attack in the Maldives. He said the Maldives received support from India, the United States, Britain, and Pakistan, on counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing. The President however cautioned against complacency about religious extremism in the country. In the weekly address, which was broadcast on the Voice of Maldives on Friday morning, he emphasised the importance of information-sharing and the cooperation of the general public to address religious radicalism in the Maldives.

Maldives Defence Minister to witness Joint Exercise
Bangalore Oct 30: Maldives Defence Minister Ameen Faisal will witness the joint exercise by Maldives and India at Belgaum tomorrow. Mr Faisal, currently on tour of India, arrived here today. He was received by the Commandant of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Centre, Brigadier Sanjay Holey and the District Commissioner Dr J Ravishankar, according to a release from PIB (Defence Wing). It was for the first time that an entire Maldives squad has come for a joint exercise. The platoon level exercise, began on October 18, was aimed at sharing expertise in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism operations. Two officers, one JCO and 39 other ranks from the Indian army while five officers and 38 other ranks from the Maldives National Defence Force are participating in the joint excercise.

U.S. Economy Began to Grow Again in 3rd Quarter.
The nation’s gross domestic product expanded at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the quarter that ended in September, matching its average growth rate of the last 80 years, according to the Commerce Department. But government programs to encourage consumer spending on things like cars and houses are expiring, and employers remain reluctant to hire more workers, suggesting the recovery may not last, economists say. “The big-picture perspective is that things have improved,” said Jan Hatzius, chief United States economist at Goldman Sachs. “The question is, how sustainable is this growth going forward?” For most people, the recovery will not feel real until jobs are more plentiful and the housing market improves. Jobs may still be hard to find well into 2010, economists say. A government report to be released next week is expected to show that unemployment rose again this month. Still, Wall Street welcomed the news of renewed economic growth, with major stock indexes ending the day about 2 percent higher. The Dow Jones industrial average soared 200 points, to close at 9,962.58.

Saudis Try to Head Off Swine Flu Fears Before Hajj.
Every year, the single largest gathering on the planet is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca: 2.5 million people from 160 countries packed into a small city in Saudi Arabia for five days. This year, some will be bringing swine flu. The Saudi authorities, fearing that the hajj could turn their holy city into a petri dish for viral mutations and a hub for spreading a new pandemic wave around the world, are working hard to head that off. They have asked some worshipers, including pregnant women and the elderly, not to make the trip, which is scheduled for the last week of November. “The hajj is a central ritual of Islam, and our country tries to make it easy for everyone to come,” said Dr. Ziad A. Memish, the country’s assistant deputy minister for preventive medicine. “We’ve said we won’t turn away anyone who arrives at our borders. But we are recommending to other countries whom they should let come.”

Mobile Islamic book stall DC
Mobile Islamic book stall has been pioneered to the Sri Lankan dawah field by Bro: Anver Manatunga. Unfortunately leaders of the past era not been identify the value of this method of dawah. No sooner the inception of the DA’WAH CORNER – SRI LANKA we were able to commence this activity since there were lot of freedom to do so. We formed a kit by utilizing a garden table under a garden umbrella. Alhamdulillah! With the help of Allah (SWT) our first mobile book stall was erected in front of a public library in an urban area. We purchased a three wheeler vehicle to transport the mobile book stall kit, since we found it difficult to carry them in hands. We have been functioning this mobile Islamic book stalls in front of the Mosques on Fridays and front of libraries on weekends.

President launches Maldivian Sign Language Dictionary
President Mohamed Nasheed has today launched the first Maldivian Sign Language Dictionary at a function held this afternoon at Jamaaluddin School. Speaking at the function, the President noted that language or communication was an important tool for human development as well as for the development of a nation. He also noted that though the Constitution grants freedom of speech for all citizens, without the means for communication, this freedom could not be realized. He added that there were many people among us who live without this means for communication.

Oman Air launches services to Maldives
MENAFN - Times of Oman) Oman Air yesterday celebrated the launch of its services to the Maldives the 31st destination from the national carrier at Muscat International Airport. The celebration was held under the auspices of Eng. Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, chairman of Muscat Municipality; and attended by Peter Hill, Oman Air CEO; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Sinani, director-general of planning, follow-up and info at the Tourism Ministry; and a number of officials at the Royal Oman Police (ROP)

Media has power to ‘produce positive social change’ – BBC News chief
Public should hear about CHOGM ‘outcomes’, says Richard Sambrook
The media plays an essential role in holding to account organisations charged with delivering the Millennium Development Goals, a senior international news broadcaster has claimed. Richard Sambrook, Director of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s global news division, speaking at a Commonwealth Secretariat debate on the role of the media in development last week, insisted that journalists and broadcasters, with the aid of evolving technologies, have the capacity to change ordinary lives for the better.

India, Maldives Hold Joint Anti-Terror Exercise
Taking forward their defence cooperation, the armies of India and the Maldives are holding a joint counter-terrorism exercise at Belgaum. The exercise, codenamed Ekuverin, began on October 19 and will conclude on November 1 when Maldivian Defence Minister Ameen Faisal and Indian Army's Southern Commander Lt Gen Pradeep Khanna would jointly witness the exercise. Army sources said here said the fortnight-long exercise was aimed at achieving interoperability between the two countries for future joint counter-terrorism operations.

Australian Solar Power In The Maldives.
Melbourne, Victoria, October 28, 2009. An Australian solar power company has its sights set on assisting the Maldives in making the switch to renewable energy. According to Max Sylvester, co-founder of national solar power solutions provider, Energy Matters, the Maldives may become the first carbon neutral nation. "For the people of Maldives, this isn't just about being the first; it's not a glory seeking exercise - it's about a nation's survival and leading by example. Most of the country is only 1.5 meters above sea level and the sea surrounding the nation is rising due to global warming; spurred on in part by coal fired power generation by the rest of the world." Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed set a target in March 2009 to make his country carbon-neutral within a decade and solar power will play an important role in achieving that goal.

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Mr Eng Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain, Minister of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office. Discussions were focused on a range of issues, including Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives, climate change and tourism cooperation. President said that there were many Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives and that the Maldives appreciated their services to the country. However, he noted there were several illegal immigrants in the Maldives, and that it was an issue that needed to be regulated.

Climate Change A Bigger Threat Than Islamic Radicalism, Says Nasheed
President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has described climate change as one of the most serious security challenges the world is going to face. The President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, called for urgent United Nations reforms and making India and Brazil as permanent members of the Security Council.

Vice President thanks the UN for its contribution towards the development of the Maldives

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has thanked the United Nation for its contribution towards the development of the Maldives. Dr Waheed spoke on the importance of the work the UN was doing globally, at the 2009 UN Day function held at the UN House in the Maldives this afternoon. The Vice President noted the assistance the UN system in the Maldives provided during the transition period. UN Day is observed on October 24 each year, to mark the formal establishment of UN after the majority of its founding members ratified the treaty to set up the world body. Noting the work related to environment and climate change were an important part of the UN’s work, he said it was appropriate that the world spent October 24 this year in the activities related to the environment, as part of the “International Day of Climate Action”. Speaking at the function, the Vice President acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice the UN staff, everywhere around the world, make in their duties.

The Vice President kick starts the activities of the “International Day of Climate Action”

Weekly radio address:
President confident of Indian investment in northern region
In his weekly radio address, aired Friday morning on the Voice of Maldives, President Mohamed Nasheed has said Indian companies have expressed interest investing in the northern region. The President said he was very confident of one of those companies would invest in Hanimaadhoo airport to upgrade it to an international airport. The President also revealed that another company was also interested in investing in a transshipment port in the northern region. The government was hopeful of reaching agreements with the interested companies in the near future. In his radio address, the President highlighted the excellent bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives.

Cabinet bicycle ride on Saturday
Cabinet will have a bicycle ride around Male’ on Saturday, 24 October. The ride will begin at Boduthakurufaanu Magu, in front of the President’s Office, at 6.45 on Saturday morning. Participation in this ride is open to public, and the organisers request all those who want to take part in the bicycle ride to be present in front of the President’s Office at 6.30 am. The ride is one of the activities organised in the Maldives as part of the International Day of Climate Action, to be marked on 24 October, initiated by 350.org. This bicycle ride of the cabinet is organised by the Divers Association of the Maldives and Sunfront.

President Nasheed meets with the Indian Prime Minister
President Mohamed Nasheed has met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, in New Delhi. The meeting was held this afternoon at the Residence of the Prime Minister. Discussions were focused on a range of issues, including climate change, economy, and security. Both leaders discussed the importance of a common regional approach on climate change. Earlier today Prime Minister Singh and President Nasheed addressed a climate conference in New Delhi. In the meeting, Dr Singh commended President Nasheed’s speech at the conference. The Prime Minister described President Nasheed as an "untiring champion of global cooperation to address the formidable challenge of climate change". They also discussed the global economic recession and its impact on the Maldives. Prime Minister assured of Indian assistance for the Maldives’ budgetary and economic difficulties. India provided US$100 million to alleviate budget difficulties in the Maldives. During the meeting, Prime Minister Singh also assured the President of Indian support to consolidate democracy in the Maldives. President Nasheed underscored the importance of Indian assistance in coastal security and surveillance in the Maldives. He said piracy posed a threat to the Maldives and that the Maldives needed to free its waters from illegal fishing. India has already provided radars to the Maldives. After the talks, President Nasheed participated in a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister of India.

Maldives Cabinet Meets Underwater To Seek Action on Climate.
MALE - Maldives, facing a grave threat of being swamped by the rising sea levels, appealed for concerted action on climate change with its Cabinet holding the world’s first underwater meeting to highlight the danger posed to low-lying nations like it by global warming. The Maldivian cabinet met at the bottom of the sea On Oct 17 to frame an SOS to global leaders to save their atoll nation from being submerged by the rising seas. A declaration approved at the end of a 25 minute meeting, presided by President Mohammad Nasheed, called for global action to combat climate change and would be presented at the Copenhagen climate summit in December. “We should come out of Copenhagen with a deal that will ensure that everyone will survive,” said Nasheed.

Oxbow World Longboard Tour 2009. A prestigious stage for an exceptional event
After the spectacular success of the 1st event of the Oxbow World Championships in Tahara, Japan, the world's best longboarders will gather at the mythical surf spot of Pasta Point on Chaaya Island in the Maldives to participate in the 2nd and final event of the 2009 Oxbow World Longboard Tour. The event will take place from the 26th to 31st of October. 4 of the 6 Hawaiian riders are still in the race for the final victory. Keegan Edwards, and Ned Snow, are respectevelly respectivelyBonga Perkins, World Champion, is 3rd and Oxbow Rider, Duane DeSoto, is 2nd before the ultimate stage of Maldives.

Sprit that Freed South Africa Must now rescue the Planet
The intense debate about dealing with climate change has mostly taken place between powerful players in the rich world. The battles between coal and oil companies, whose products cause climate change, and environmentalists have largely been fought in rich countries. The United States, European Union and China have driven negotiations on the international stage. Every top-level conversation has been about what's thought to be possible - and often what's convenient - for these strong forces.

Maldivians face life as 'climate refugees': president
The people of the Maldives face the prospect of life in a "climate refugee camp," President Mohamed Nasheed warned Thursday as he urged rich countries to clinch an effective global warming treaty.
Calling the South Asian island chain a "frontline state" in the fight against climate change, Nasheed said global warming threatened to submerge his low-lying country and "kill our people" unless action was taken urgently. "We have a written history of more than 2,000 years and we don't want to trade our paradise for a climate refugee camp," he told a climate change summit in New Delhi.

Maldives Dive Travel Offers Unforgettable Liveaboard Holidays at Competitive Prices
Maldives Dive Travel, a travel agent possessing over 20 years experience in the Maldives, has recently slashed the prices of their liveaboard holidays. Also, Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering unbeatable last minute rates

CCTV launches broadcasting in Maldives
China Central Television has begun broadcasting in the Maldives. Now, all major countries in South Asia can watch CCTV programs. With this handshake, CCTV launches its broadcasts to all major countries in South Asia. On hand are the director of China's Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Wang Taihua, CCTV Vice President Zhang Changming, the Chinese ambassador to the Maldives Yang Xiuping and Maldivian government officials.

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Gandhi remains as relevant today as he was during his lifetime. He made this statement in an lecture, entitled “Is Gandhi Relevant Today?”, delivered at the Auditorium of Faculty of Engineering Technology. The lecture was organised by the High Commission of India in the Maldives in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to mark the International Non-Violence Day and the 140th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In his lecture, the President said that Gandhi’s legacy of non-violent resistance had inspired millions “to break their own chains of oppression”.

Luxury accommodation in the Maldives
The underwater seats at swim-up pool bars seem old compared with this splendid arrangement at Angsana Velavaru in the Maldives. It feels like sitting on a sofa, albeit one that has migrated from the customary lounge room to a perch above a lagoon that merges with the horizon.

Maldives Prez to head high level delegation to India
After highlighting the threat to his atoll nation from rising sea waters by holding an underwater cabinet meet, Maldivian President Mohammad Nasheed is to visit India from Wednesday to attend a conference on climate change and review the bilateral ties. Nasheed would be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising ministers, MPs, businessmen and media persons, official sources said from capital Male.

Maldives President to head high level delegation to India
After highlighting the threat to his atoll nation from rising sea waters by holding an underwater cabinet meet, Maldivian President Mohammad Nasheed is to visit India from Wednesday to attend a conference on climate change and review the bilateral ties.

Matrade Trade Missions To Bangladesh & Maldives Attracts Interest In Healthcare & Construction
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation's (Matrade) recent specialised marketing missions (SMM) to Bangladesh and Maldives, attracted strong interest in the quality and capability of Malaysia's healthcare and construction services sectors respectively. The Matrade SMM mission for the healthcare sector to Bangladesh was from Oct 4-7 and the construction services sector in Maldives from Oct 12-15.

WATCH TOWER 08
Maldives going under water: new look at a doomsday story
Oct 19, 2009 (LBO) - A great deal of fear has been expressed by many that on one fine day in the future the Maldives will be submerged by rising sea levels without leaving even a trace of those beautiful islands that have attracted thousands of visitors to them for thousands of years.

President hopeful new penal code will be passed without death penalty and amputation
Speaking in his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said he is hopeful the new penal code will exclude the penalties of death and amputation. After debate, the People’s Majlis sent the revised draft penal code to an ad hoc committee for further review, on Wednesday. On death penalty, the President said: “A fair, a very fair trial – in my view as fair as the justice delivered during the Prophetic era – must be ensured before taking human life. “I don’t believe that the Maldives’ judicial system has the capacity to meet all requirements for such a fair trial. Ultimately, the burden of pardoning or the burden of implementing death penalty is upon the President.”

First Lady meets with the visiting delegation of Bernardo's

First Lady Madam Laila Ali has met with the visiting delegation of the Bernardo’s - a children’s charity organisation of UK. Bernardo’s visit is a follow up of the discussions held in the UK in April this year during Madam Laila Ali’s visit to the Bernardo’s High Close School. During that visit, Madam Laila explored possibilities of seeking assistance on providing alternative care for children under state care. Speaking at the meeting held at the Official Residence of the President this afternoon, Madam Laila noted that there are a number of children who need special care. She also spoke on the importance of further developing the area of providing special care for such children in the Maldives. Delegates of Bernardo’s elaborated on the ways in which Bernardo’s could provide its assistance to the Maldives in providing care to children who need special care. Specifically, discussions were focussed on capacity building and staff development.

350 :: The Most Important Number in the World
From Mt. Everest to the Maldives, people worldwide are turning an arcane number into a movement for a stable climate. Bill McKibben asks: Will you join them?

THE CASE FOR 350 AND A CALL TO ACTION
In honor of blog action day, so designated by the group Change.org with partners like Greenpeace and 350.org, I found myself explaining the 350 number to my kids on the way to school. As it happens, the teenager already knew about this benchmark, thanks to AP science classes and the vast online world. The younger one didn’t. But she got it right away.

Cabinet gets ready for underwater meeting
Ministers in the Maldives dived in their final rehearsals on Friday ahead of an underwater cabinet meeting this weekend aimed at drawing attention to the dangers of global warming for the island nation. Ministers in full scuba gear dived six metres for the dress rehearsal near the Girifushi island, 25 minutes by speed boat from the capital island Male, co-ordinator of the event Aminath Shauna said.

Maldives cabinet set to submerge

The government of the Maldives is set to hold a cabinet meeting six metres underwater to highlight the threat of global warming. President Mohamed Nasheed and his cabinet will sign a document, calling for global cuts in carbon emissions. Ministers have been training for weeks for the dive, and will communicate with white boards and hand signals

Heaven on Earth? Practically perfect in every way

As I got into the lift, my breakfast-show rival Johnny Vaughan asked me why I was looking so smug. "I'm off to the Maldives tonight," I replied. "You'll hate it," he said, "Paradise Syndrome..."

Now I've read a lot of guff about Paradise Syndrome, mainly from rich, successful celebrities who claim to suffer from depression induced by having everything they want. The term, I believe, was coined by Dave Stewart, who, after a lifetime of amassing vast quantities of cash with Annie Lennox and achieving everything he desired artistically, stated publicly that it made him miserable. You remember him, the bloke who made the All Saints movie Honest – a film that made a lot of other people miserable too.

Maldives underwater meeting to address climate change
Small island nations have much at stake at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The Maldives, along with other islands such as Seychelles and Tuvalu, is organizing a series of activities and events to pressure the international community to take action. On Saturday it will hold an underwater cabinet meeting designed to highlight the danger Maldive faces from rising waters and rising temperatures. Global Voices Online posted a roundup of blogs from Maldive explaining what the small island nation is doing to publicize the urgency of the issue. One of the first major events, run by Avaaz.org, was a Global Climate Wake-Up Call on Septemer 21 in Malé, the capital of Maldives

British Airways returns to Sharm El Sheikh
British Airways is launching its thrice-weekly direct non-stop services from Gatwick to Sharm El Sheikh from October 26, 2009. This signifies a return for the airline's colours to this popular Red Sea resort, with the new direct non-stop London Gatwick flights to Sharm El Sheikh departing on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. As well as the new flights to Sharm El Sheikh, British Airways will also be adding The Maldives to its already extensive network. Richard Tams, British Airways' head of UK & Ireland sales, said: "These new routes will be great assets to the BA network and a real winner with customers. They are both perfect holiday destinations, known for their great beaches and fantastic diving. We're particularly pleased to be serving a completely new destination, the Maldives, and returning to Sharm El Sheikh. We expect both routes to perform well

Maldives: All set for underwater Cabinet meeting
Government ministers in scuba gear prepared Friday to hold an underwater meeting of the Maldives' Cabinet to highlight the threat global warming poses to the lowest-lying nation on earth. The Maldives' president will lead Saturday's meeting around a table on the sea floor — 20 feet (6 meters) below the surface — and ministers will communicate using white boards and hand signals. President Mohammed Nasheed has emerged as a key, and colorful, voice on climate change amid fears that rising ocean levels could swamp this Indian Ocean archipelago within a century. Its islands average 7 feet (2.1 meters) above sea level. Nasheed is also a certified diver, while other ministers have had to take diving lessons in recent weeks.

Human Rights Council endorses recommendations in report of Fact-Finding Mission led by Justice Goldstone and calls for their implementation
Demands that Israel Immediately Cease All Excavation Work Around Al Aqsa Mosque and that it Allow Palestinian Citizens Access to Their Properties and Religious Sites

India sending Dornier aircraft to Maldives for surveillance mission

The Maldives and China enjoy a long friendship based on mutual respect and admiration – says the Vice President

Vice President speaks on the urgent need to protect the people from the effects of climate change on human health and security

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Government’s priority is improving the quality of education – says the Vice President

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Maldives - President given a warm welcome on his return back home. Visit to New York has enhanced Maldives’ international status – President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has, this evening, returned to Malé after concluding his visit to New York to attend the UN Summit on Climate Change, the 64th session of the UN General Assembly, and the high-level summit of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). On arrival to Male, the President was given a very warm welcome. The crowd chanted messages of congratulations and presented a garland of flowers and globe for his achievements in New York and for been chosen by TIME magazine for its Heroes of the Environment 2009 list.

The Maldives May Become the First Carbon Free Nation
The Maldives, the smallest Asian country, is now planning to tax tourists. President Mohammed Nasheed wants the island Muslim country to become the world’s first carbon neutral nation. It would not change the fate of the planet that much because the Maldives have only 309,000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, global warming and the climate change are worrying locals.

Increase in sea levels due to global warming could lead to 'ghost states'
Global warming could create "ghost states" with governments in exile ruling over scattered citizens and land that has been abandoned to rising seas, an expert said yesterday. Francois Gemenne, of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations in Paris, said the likely loss of small island states such as Tuvalu and the Maldives raised profound questions over nationality and territory.

S. Lanka cbank allows foreigners to buy securities again
COLOMBO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's central bank on Tuesday said it had reopened government security sales to foreign investors, after rejecting all bids at a bond auction because they demanded a higher yield than the actively traded rate.The central bank on Friday said it had temporarily stopped foreign purchases to keep a buffer, before the foreign holdings of all outstanding government securities reached the maximum statutory limit of 10 percent.

Sri Lanka recruits Tamil police
Sri Lanka is recruiting Tamil police officers from the northern city of Jaffna for the first time in 30 years, defence ministry officials say. More than 6,500 people applied for 500 police constable jobs in Jaffna, a statement on the defence ministry website said. A police spokesman said that applicants were being vetted more strictly than recruits elsewhere in the island. Sri Lanka's military declared victory over Tamil Tiger rebels in May. Although Jaffna has been under army control since 1995, the city bordered the rebel-held areas of Sri Lanka. Between 1992 and 1995 it was under rebel control

British Airways melts in The Maldives
British Airways is to launch its new thrice-weekly direct service from Gatwick to Male in the Maldives from October 25, 2009. The new service will be the first time ever British Airways has offered flights to the Maldives. The new flights to Malé will depart Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. As well as flights to The Maldives, British Airways will be adding Sharm El Sheikh to its already extensive network. Richard Tams, British Airways' head of UK & Ireland sales, said: "These new routes will be great assets to the BA network and a real winner with customers. They are both perfect holiday destinations, known for their great beaches and fantastic diving. We're particularly pleased to be serving a completely new destination, the Maldives and returning to Sharm El Sheikh. We expect both routes to perform well."

Pak moots joint maritime security agency with India
Islamabad: Pakistan has mooted to India the creation of a joint maritime security agency to prevent sea borne terrorist attacks like the one on Mumbai last year that killed 183 people. The Pakistan Navy has suggested the creation of the joint maritime security agency to the government, Naval chief Admiral Noman Bashir told reporters after inaugurating a conference on piracy organised in southern port city of Karachi by the Master Mariners Society of Pakistan. Replying to a query, Bashir said soon after the Mumbai attacks, the Pakistan Navy had proposed the setting up of the joint maritime force comprising personnel from the two countries. He did not give further details. The 10 terrorists who carried out the Mumbai attacks travelled by sea from Karachi to the Indian financial hub. Pakistani investigators have seized the boats that were used by the attackers and are currently searching for their crews. The conference on piracy held yesterday was addressed by Pakistani and foreign marine experts, who underlined the need for concerted efforts by the international community to curb crimes on the high seas. According to them, piracy has intensified to the extent that between January and June this year, pirates hijacked 33 vessels in at least 140 attacks across the globe.

UN investigator defends Gaza report
A United Nations investigator has defended a report published earlier this month that accuses Israel and Palestinian fighters of war crimes following the Israeli offensive in Gaza earlier this year. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, Richard Goldstone said a lack of accountability for war crimes committed in the Middle East had reached "crisis point", undermining any hope for peace in the region. The former South African judge rejected criticism by Israel that the 575-page report was politically motivated. He said his team was led by a belief in the rule of law, human rights and the need to protect civilians during war.

Interview with Maldives' President at U.N.
You know that with sea-level rise over 1.5 meters, more than hundreds of millions of people would be dead. They would simply be wiped out,” says President Mohammed Nasheed of the Maldives in an interview on Thursday morning at the Tudor Hotel in New York. Maldives and nearly 42 other small-island and low-lying developing countries are considered the most vulnerable to climate change, yet they have historically contributed the least to global warming. Combined all small islands constitute less than one percent of global carbon emissions. In comparison the US and China, the two biggest emitters, each pollute about 20 percent or combined more than 40 percent of the greenhouse gases going into atmosphere today.

2009 Human Development Report:
“Overcoming Barriers: Human mobility and development”

Global Launch: Monday, 5 October 2009, 03:00 GMT
Local Launch: to be announced

EMBARGOED MEDIA WEBSITE NOW AVAILABLE
We live in a highly mobile world, where migration is not only inevitable but also an important dimension of human development. Nearly one billion – or one out of seven – people are migrants. The 2009 Human Development Report demonstrates that migration can improve the lives of millions of people: the ones who move those in destination communities and others that remain at home. The findings in this Report cast new light on some common misconceptions on migration, proposing a series of migration policies that can allow migration – both within and between countries – to increase people’s freedom and improve the lives of millions around the world.

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The Maldives struggles to save sinking economy
The Maldives, which faces the gloomy prospect of drowning this century due to rising sea levels, is now confronted with a more immediate challenge of saving a sinking economy. President Mohamed Nasheed says his atoll nation, South Asia's most exotic tourist destination, is facing its worst economic crisis ever because of a sharp fall in tourist numbers and chronic government overspending.

Maldives President proposes green tax for tourists
The Maldives, an archipelago of over 1000 islands in the Indian Ocean known for their stunning beauty and expensive, luxurious resorts, aren't exactly cheap to visit. And they aren't about to get any cheaper. The President of the Maldives has proposed a $3 per day "green tax" on tourists.The tax would help fund the President's plans for fighting climate change and for making the Maldives a carbon-neutral country within the next decade. He has a vested interest in stopping global warming - the Maldives are the lowest-lying islands on the planet, with an average elevation of only 7 feet above sea level, and it is estimated that they could be completely submerged by rising sea levels within the next ten years. With an average of 700,000 visitors, who each stay around three days, visiting the Maldives annually, the tax could provide the country with over $6 million per year for environmental initiatives. With most resorts in the Maldives costing $500 (or much more) per night, $3 per person, per day is a small price to pay to help protect this vulnerable country from the dangers of climate change

Remarks by President Mohamed Nasheed at the World Bank Maldives Country Management Retreat
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen,
My government was elected on a platform of good governance and fiscal discipline. We campaigned as a centre-right party that wished to roll back the state and unlock the potential of our people. We set about our task to reform the country after seeing how broken the system was; and knowing that we could do better. Autocratic rule, breakdown of law and order, human rights abuses, and rampant corruption defined the era that preceded us. The flourishing of democracy has brought with it a number of important innovations.

President Nasheed shares the government’s economic policy with the World Bank

At the World Bank Maldives Country Management Retreat being held at Kurumba Maldives, President Mohamed Nasheed has shared the government’s economic policy with the World Bank. The objective of this retreat is to advance in refocusing the Bank Group’s strategy in the Maldives. Speaking at the meeting, the President said that his administration inherited a nation “on the verge of bankruptcy”. “The fiscal irresponsibility of our predecessors has left a big black hole in the treasury”, the President added.

The Maldives’ newly elected Parliament under the revised Constitution wound up the first session of three months -- without passing a single bill. Newly sworn in House following its Parliamentary elections on May 9, comprising 77 members were seen bogged down in endless debates, compromising the assembly’s prime duty -- passing bills.

British Airways to Arrive Soon…
British Airways has announced that it is to make use of some of its ’spare’ planes to carry additional passengers to luxury holiday destinations such as Jamaica, Las Vegas and the Maldives. A decline in business travel has led to a situation where BA has grounded 16 planes. In response to this, BA is to offer more long haul flights for holidaymakers. BA have chosen the routes carefully to ensure there is sufficient demand and in total they will be adding six additional flight routes that will run over the winter months. obviously, at this time of year, a greater percentage of holiday destinations are further afield and the long haul nature of the new routes reflects this.

United Nations Calls for Faster Resettlement of War Refugees in Sri Lanka

The United Nations is calling for faster resettlement of war refugees in Sri Lanka, and warns that it will not indefinitely fund a camp which houses tens of thousands of Tamils displaced by the fighting in the country. A quarter-century-long civil war ended in the country in May. The Menik refugee camp in northern Sri Lanka is cramped with nearly a quarter of a million Tamils who fled their homes to escape fighting in the months before the military defeated the Tamil Tigers.

Channel 4 must apologise to Lankan Govt - Minister
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Parliament yesterday that Channel 4 news of the United Kingdom should tender a public apology to the Sri Lankan Government regarding the telecast of the false and fabricated video aimed at besmirching the name of Sri Lanka and denigrating the Armed Forces. Responding to the adjournment motion moved by UPFA MP Lalith Dissanayake, Minister Samarasinghe said if Channel 4 is not willing to do so, they should scientifically prove that the investigations initiated by the Government into the Channel 4 video are false or inaccurate.

Pranab walks the talk, ‘flies’ economy class
Kolkata: In the midst of a controversy over austerity measures imposed by his ministry, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday arrived here from New Delhi, flying economy class with a budget airline. "It's nothing new to me. During elections and whenever I travel on commercial flights, I almost (always) travelled economy class. It's nothing new," he told reporters here.

Government’s goal is to help every staff made redundant, says President Nasheed

President Nasheed has said the government’s goal is to find an alternative for every staff made redundant. He made this statement in his weekly radio address which was broadcast by the Voice of Maldives at 10.15 today.

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Internet pornography, hacking and fraud probed in Caribbean
Prosecutors and police across 15 countries receive Commonwealth-funded ‘high tech crime’ training. Incidents of internet pornography, hacking, copyright and data theft and fraud have exploded in the past decade with the advent of new digital technologies like the internet, email and mobile phones. Yet the notion these ‘high-tech’ crimes are by-and-large ‘victimless’ remains widespread. It is a myth that Rory Field, Director of Public Prosecutions for Bermuda, is keen to dispel. “We have just had a guilty plea today to a pornography case where a girl under the age of 14 was being used in order to make a film which was being put out on the internet,” he says. “That can hardly be said to be a victimless crime.”

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Maldives welcomes Denmark aid for climate talks
The Maldives, which faces the prospect of being submerged by rising sea levels, welcomed Wednesday an offer by Denmark to finance its participation at a key climate change summit in Copenhagen. Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who said this week he would have to skip the meeting to save money for the crisis-hit islands, said he was "delighted" to hear that Denmark had offered to sponsor their participation. "I am delighted to hear of Denmark's kind offer of support," Nasheed told AFP by telephone. "The Maldives understands the crucial importance of the Copenhagen summit in tackling the climate crisis. "The new government inherited a huge budget deficit from the former regime. As such, we are unable to travel abroad without outside assistance." Denmark on Tuesday said it was ready to help the Maldives, whose fight against rising sea levels has made it a cause celebre for environmentalists.

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Maldives, Mauritius new centres of Sino-Indian rivalry
For a change, India is responding swiftly to the intended Chinese encroachment in a region it has seen as its traditional sphere of influence. The Indian Ocean is becoming the latest theatre of Sino-Indian rivalry, with China straining to breach India’s old intimacy with island nations like the Maldives and Mauritius and sparking a diplomatic battle between the two countries. For a change, India is responding swiftly to the intended Chinese encroachment in a region it has seen as its traditional sphere of influence, ramping up engagement on the economic and security front and hoping these new initiatives will deter these countries from cosying up to China. The Maldives, in fact, is turning out to be India’s most exciting new partner in South Asia, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inviting Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed to be the chief guest at a climate change conference India is hosting on October 22-23, so as to get support from small island states like the Maldives in the run-up to the likely bruising battle against the western world at the Copenhagen conference on climate change in December.

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Maldives-bound travel insurance could offset emissions
Travel insurance customers heading to the Maldives could be asked to pay a green tax, the islands'' president Mohammed Nasheed has announced. Passengers flying to the holiday destination will be charged around £1.80 per day, which will go towards environmental projects, Mr Nasheed stated. His vice-president Dr Mohamed Waheed explained it is important the administration leaves the archipelago in a better state than it inherited it in, creating a good legacy for future generations. Commenting, Carbonfootprint.com managing director John Buckley said the cash would probably amount to enough to offset the cost of the flights.

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Maldives president in trial call
The president of the Maldives says his predecessor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom should face a court trial over allegations of human rights abuses. President Mohamed Nasheed defeated Mr Gayoom, criticised as a dictator, in a presidential election 10 months ago. Mr Gayoom still lives in the country and is reportedly interested in a political comeback. President Nasheed said his predecessor should be allowed a graceful retirement and not be subject to a witch-hunt

The Cabinet has today approved redundancy allowances for government employees who, within a period determined by the government, resign, or are dismissed, from their jobs. These allowances exclude any other allowance to be given under the Employment Act.

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Administration and management of youth centres to be open for private sector
The government has decided to open youth centres in different areas of the Maldives for private sector administration and management.After discussing a paper proposed by the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, the Cabinet today decided to open the centres for bidding and award contracts to the parties with the best proposals. The Cabinet also decided to give subsidy based on the demand for services at the centres. The members of the Cabinet noted when civil society parties run the centres, more efficient and better services could be provided from the youth centres. There are 12 youth centres in atolls established by the government.

Vice President inaugurates Justice Society of Maldives

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has last night inaugurated Justice Society of Maldives at a function held at the Social Centre. Speaking at the function, Dr Waheed said that the responsibility of upholding justice was lies not only on law enforcers but also on many other parties and individuals.

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By Amal Jayasinghe (AFP) – 5 hours ago

President Nasheed appeals to China to use its close relations with Burma to ‘relieve’ Suu Kyi’s dire situation
President Nasheed has appealed to China to use its close relations with Burma to take appropriate measures to free the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

This Will Not End Well
China and India are competing for bases in the Indian Ocean.
 

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