Miadhu Daily wins Gayyoom’s defamation case
Civil Court Confirms Maumoon is a THIEF
Miadhu Daily has yesterday won former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s defamation case against the Editor of Miadhu Daily, for publishing that the New York Times had published a story containing allegations that Gayoom embezzled US$400 million during his time in government.

AP to hold “Solution lies in ruling by the Sharia” march today
Adalaat Party (AP) has announced to hold a peaceful march today under the slogan “Solution lies in ruling by the Sharia of Allah”. AP said that the social fabric of the country have been torn with the escalating rate of sexual abuse, gang assaults using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime. According to AP, the march will be designed to raise awareness among the public about the current escalation of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence and that the solution to all these woes of the society lies in judging and ruling in accordance to law of Allah. AP said that the march will begin after commencing the ‘asr prayer today. The party called all people to participate in the march. The party said that the march will be held through out the country.

Finance Minister gives green signal to provide Riyaals for Hajj groups- Dr. Abdul Majeed
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari has said that the Minister of Finance has given the green signal to provide the Hajj groups with Saudi Riyaals, for them to buy in exchange for Maldivian Ruffiya. Dr. Abdul Majeed said that Ministry of Finance and Treasury gave the green signal to facilitate this to ease the process for the Hajj groups for it to be carried out without the use of US Dollars. Minister of Islamic Affairs said that the Ministry is now holding discussions with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to facilitate this via Maldives Islamic Bank. Dr. Abdul Majeed said that this will bring a solution to the problem of the groups announcing to collect additional fees from the pilgrims because of the government’s raise in the US Dollar exchange rate.

VP attends Certificate awarding Ceremony of Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme 2011
Attending the certificate awarding ceremony of Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme 2011, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has commended Dhiraagu for its successful and exemplary apprenticeship programmes accustom youth to the workplace. Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme is a key initiative under its youth development programme to support the positive development and provide opportunities for Maldivian youth to gain structured training and work experience at Dhiraagu.

President meets Fonadhoo and Gan councils
On the second day of the tour to Laamu Atoll, President Mohamed Nasheed, has visited Fonadhoo and Gan, and met the councils of the two islands. Discussions at the meetings with two island councils centered on the ongoing and proposed development projects in the islands as well as the arrangements required to deliver government programmes and services through the councils.

Honeymoons: What is the real cost of true romance?
With the royal newlyweds off on honeymoon, Jane Anderson reveals some of the best Castaway islands

Prince: The Maldives have proved a honeymoon destination worthy of royalty, with a mesmerising array of private island resorts falling over themselves to impress. Romance is everywhere, from overwater villas, to underwater spas and everything in between. Huvafen Fushi became the archipelago's dream destination when it opened in 2004, so there's been great anticipation about the forthcoming opening of sister hotel Niyama in October. This 86-room resort covers two islands and brings a more edgy feel to the sleepy Maldives with the world's first underwater music club and a 24-hour spa. * There are currently no tour-operator packages for Niyama (peraquum.com). Beach studios start from US$667 (£445) per night with breakfast. An opening offer of seven nights for the price of five with an upgrade to half-board is available until 31 January 2012. Newlyweds receive champagne on arrival and a honeymoon dinner. Flights not include

Queiroz Rebuffs Claims Of Leaving Iran
MNA - TEHRAN, Football Coach Carlos Queiroz rebuffed claims that he could leave Iran over payment issue with the Iran Football Federation (IFF). The local newspapers have reported that the Portuguese is likely to part with Iran football since he has not yet received his initial salary. The former Portugal coach was asked that is there any possibility of him leaving Iran, Queiroz said, “No, it’s not true. I will announce initial list of Iran football team players on May 22 and hold our first training camp from May 23 to 25.”

US envoy heads to Sri Lanka amid war flap
A US envoy heads to Sri Lanka next week to encourage a full accounting over its civil war after the government angrily rejected UN-backed allegations of atrocities, officials said Friday. Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state handling South Asia, will leave Saturday on a six-day trip to Sri Lanka and Maldives for talks with political leaders and civil society, the State Department said. A US official said Blake's visit to Sri Lanka had originally been planned a month ago and was not linked to the war panel report released Monday but that it was certain to come up in conversation. The report commissioned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon found "credible allegations" that both the Sri Lankan army and Tamil Tiger rebels had been involved in what could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Weekly Radio Address: Highlights Labour Day, Crime Prevention, Anniversary of Health Corporation, MDP Internal Election, and Royal Wedding
In this week´s radio address, that was broadcast this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed highlighted the Labour Day to be officialy marked for the first time, work of National Crime Prevention Committee, the first anniversary of Malé Health Services Corporation, internal elections of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the British royal wedding.

Vice President Attends Certificate Awarding Ceremony of Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme 2011
Attending the certificate awarding ceremony of Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme 2011, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has commended Dhiraagu for its successful and exemplary apprenticeship programmes accustom youth to the workplace. Dhiraagu Apprentice Programme is a key initiative under its youth development programme to support the positive development and provide opportunities for Maldivian youth to gain structured training and work experience at Dhiraagu.

                 28 April 2011 | Thursday                 

Gayoom loses defamation case over NYT “looters” article
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has lost a long-running defamation case against the editor of Miadhu newspaper Abdul ‘Gabey’ Latheef. Gayoom sued Latheef over an article published on June 13, 2010 which referenced allegations of corruption against the former President made in a New York Times (NYT) report. That story was based on an audit report of former Presidential palace Theemuge, published by Auditor General Ibrahim Naeem, a damning indictment of the former government’s spending habits. These, according to the NYT article, included an estimated “US$9.5 million spent buying and delivering a luxury yacht from Germany for the president, US$17 million on renovations of the presidential palace and family houses, a saltwater swimming pool, badminton court, gymnasium, 11 speed boats and 55 cars, including the country’s only Mercedes-Benz.”

Customs sets Rf14.10 as import export duty rate
Maldives Customs Service has set new import export duty rate of Rf14.10 to the US Dollar. Customs yesterday announced that the new import export duty rate of RF14.10 to US Dollar will be in effect from May 1, 2011. This is an increase of RF1.25 from the earlier rate of RF12.85. Meanwhile, the exchange rate of US Dollars in the Banks is Rf15.41. The new import export rate of the Customs is lower than the Bank US Dollar exchange rate by RF1.31. A Customs Officer informed that although the government raised the exchange rate of Dollars on April 10, Customs will continue with their earlier rate of RF12.85 until the end of this month. Meanwhile, Maldives Customs Service increased the import export rate while there are growing concerns and worries among the population over the escalating price of commodities and services. This has resulted from the decision of the Government on 10 April to keep the exchange rate of Maldives Rufiya within a band of fluctuation of 20 percent around the fixed exchange rate of Rf. 12.85 per US dollar

Maldives Police Service warns of Fake Police Officers
Maldives Police Service has warned residents of a group of people impersonating as Police Officers. Police Media Official said that this group identified themselves as Police Officers and that they targeted those who withdraw large amounts of money from the Banks. They say that they would help carry the money safe and secure. Police Media Official said that although Maldives Police Service helps people to securely carry their money, the Police will not do so without a prior formal request. If someone calls claiming to be an officer, police recommends asking for a name, identity and a call-back number. Police also warn not to give out any personal information and belongings.

There will be no damage to DRP in dismissing those who are determined to weak the party- Thasmeen
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Leader of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said he does not believe that the dismissal of those who are determined to weak the party will cause any damage to the party. Speaking on MNBC, DRP Leader Thasmeen said that those members who ascribe to the Gayyoom’s faction are hell-bent to weaken the party and its unity, and for discrediting its leadership.

Maldives Higher Education Council holds talks with IIUM Board of Governors
The Maldives Higher Education Council has met with the members of Board of Governors of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), presently in the Maldives to attend the 91st Majlis meeting of the Board of Governors. The meeting held at the President’s Office this morning was chaired by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed. Dr Waheed is also the Chairperson of the Higher Education Council. Discussions at the meeting generally focused on the areas of cooperation between the government and IIUM in strengthening the higher education sector, especially increasing collaborations between the Maldives National University (MNU) and IIUM.

President meets IIUM Board of Governors
President Mohamed Nasheed has met with the members of Board of Governors of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), presently in the Maldives to attend the 91st Majlis meeting of the Board of Governors. The President noted that a number of Maldivians have graduated from IIUM while many more were studying at the university.

MACL becomes a CANSO member
CANSO, the Global Voice of ATM, has welcomed the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as its newest Full Member. MACL CEO & Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim said: “Though the Maldives Airport Company Limited has been providing air traffic services within the Republic of Maldives and all airports located within, it was only on the 23rd March 2011 that the Government of the Maldives, through the Ministry of Transport and Communication, formally entrusted us with the provision of Air Navigation Services in the Male’ Flight Information Region.

Veyla Bill Pay & Café opened
Dhiraagu has announced that the company has added the newly opened Veyla Bill Pay & Café to the list of partner centers through which Dhiraagu customers can now pay their bills. The Café located in front of Canon Showroom, Majeedhee Magu, was officially opened by CEO of Dhiraagu, Ismail Rasheed. Miadhu Daily understands that accept payments for all Dhiraagu bills, including telephone, Internet and mobile. CEO Ismail Rasheed said that the company is working to introduce bill payment service at further partner shops and will be advising customers in due course.

                 27 April 2011 | Wednesday                 

Ministry of Islamic Affairs decides not to take additional fees from pilgrims
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has decided not to take any additional fee from the pilgrims this year even though the exchange rate of dollars has been raised by the government. To over come any difficulties that this change in the US Dollar exchange rate might have caused the Hajj and Umrah groups, the Ministry arranged some formalities with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help reduce these difficulties and operating costs.

AP threatens to annul coalition agreement if any Israeli airline is permitted to operate in Maldives
Adhaalath Party (AP) has threatened to annul their coalition agreement with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government if the government permits any Israeli based airline to operate in the country. AP said that the Sun d’Or Airlines which is to commence operations from Tel Aviv to Male’ International Airport is the subsidiary of Israeli National Airline. The party said that this airline is only permitted in Egypt and Jordan from the Muslim countries. AP said that some Muslim countries like Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan earlier had allowed this airline to operate in their countries but however later took back the permit. Moreover, AP alleged that the Sun d’Or Airlines does not conform to the International aviation standards. They said that 48 out of the 50 Muslim states have declined to permit this airline to operate in their respected countries.

Labour Day, May 1, to be Public Holiday in the Maldives
President Mohamed Nasheed has decided to declare Labour Day, observed worldwide on May 1 each year, a public holiday in the Maldives, beginning this year. The decision comes after the Cabinet recommendation today highlighting the government’s commitment as well as efforts of private parties to protect and promote workers’ rights in the Maldives. Following the decision, next Sunday, May 1, will be a public holiday in the Maldives. May 1, International Workers’ Day or Labour Day is a public holiday in many countries.

First Community Cabinet Meeting to be Held in Addu City on 12 May
The Cabinet has yesterday decided to hold the first Community Cabinet meeting in Addu City on 12 May. On 30 November 2010, the Cabinet decided to introduce Community Cabinet meetings, with the aim of bringing government working closer to the people. With Community Cabinet meetings, that will enable people to interact directly with the Cabinet, the government believes it will be in a better position to receive public inputs into decision- and policy-making, and understand public concerns on issues. For the Community Cabinet meetings, Cabinet ministers will travel to islands and hold meetings open for entire island communities in which the meetings are held. The Community Cabinet meeting to be held in Addu City will be open for the people from Addu City as well as Fuahmulah. Community Cabinets are forms of community forums held in few other democracies to strengthen government-public relations.

Gov’t to establish National Institute of Sports
The Cabinet has yesterday decided to establish the National Institute of Sports. Deliberating on a paper presented by the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, the members highlighted the need for a separate sports training and education institute to effectively develop sports in the Maldives, especially with the advancements in the area sports in the country. Currently, sports training and education programmes are conducted by the Youth and Sports Development Centre in the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports. At yesterday’s meeting, members of the Cabinet praised the efforts of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to collect outstanding revenue payable to the state. The Cabinet members noted that a timely recovery of large amounts of money payable to the state, in the form of revenue to the state, would give a considerable boost to the economy. The Cabinet also discussed the work of the National Crime Prevention Committee and decided to collaborate with the committee to further enhance the work of the Committee to address the serious and organised crime.

Business opportunities available through OPIC
Ministry of Economic Development has informed the private sector of financing, insurance and other business opportunities available through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States of America. These services are facilitated from OPIC under an agreement between the Government of Maldives and OPIC, an agency of the American Government. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation is hosting Access to Opportunity in Southeast Asia, an international investment conference designed to identify investment opportunities in the region’s emerging markets, encourage joint ventures between U.S. and regional businesses, and facilitate support for new investments in Southeast Asia. The conference will be held from 3 - 5 May 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia at the Shangri-La Hotel. This event will provide its participants a unique opportunity to personally meet a variety of entrepreneurs, financiers and decision-makers who can best enable them to take advantage of the potential in new markets. Ministry of Economic Develop encourages the Maldivian Private Sector to maximize the potential opportunities available to Maldivian businesses through this Conference.

Thumbstar Games launches Big Fishing for iPhone and iPod touch.
Big fishing is a realistic fishing game where you travel globally to Dokdo Island, Maldives, Florida, Cape Town and New Zealand. Through 5 maps designed from actual maps and 56 different types of fish.

Maldives plans 18-hole floating golf course
Troon Golf, Waterstudio.NL and Dutch Docklands have announced plans to build a floating golf course in the Maldives islands, in the Indian Ocean, with holes connected by underwater tunnels. The 18-hole course might sound like the kind of energy-guzzling project you'd see off the coast of Dubai, but it's intended to have zero footprint on its environment. It's powered by solar energy -- a resource that the Maldives has plenty of, lying as it does just north of the equator, and the development will also employ sustainable desalination and water cooling techniques.

A team of three to sanitise the seas
India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have joined hands to keep the seas in their sphere of influence free from unwanted visitors such as pirates, interlopers and drugrunners. “With Somali pirates getting closer, we have deep concern and are working closely with India and Sri Lanka in preventing any unwarranted incident. We have over 25,000 fishermen on the high seas on any given day. Our concern is for their protection as well. We have a surveillance programme to monitor fishing vessels but the point is we have to work in cooperation with the two Coast Guards so that they increasingly exchange information on the movement of suspicious vessels,” Ahmed Naseem told The Hindu at the end of his first visit to India as Maldives Foreign Minister.

Six Senses to Host Annual Watermen Event in the Maldives
Six Senses Resorts & Spas will host Six Senses Watermen, the Maldives’ first gathering of water sports icons and the world’s leading water conservationists, between 30 September and 4 October 2011. Watermen, from legendary surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers to divers and free divers will offer clinics to Six Senses Laamu guests while renowned musicians jam on the sandbanks. Conservationists will lead dialogues and debates on the most pressing marine and drinking water issues facing our planet today while chefs keep everyone sustained with ethically sourced gourmet food, best enjoyed with biodynamic wines from Australia’s Margaret River.

                 26 April 2011 | Tuesday                 

Robbers and looters acquired more than 800m in the last 5 years- Police
Maldives Police Service has revealed that robbers and looters have acquired a total of more than 800 million Maldivian Ruffiya from their robberies and lootings in the past 5 years. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Rishwan revealed the information yesterday during the press briefing of the high level National Crime Prevention Committee convened by President Mohamed Nasheed to oversee prevention of assault using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime at the national level.

17 Germans accept Islam
17 Germans have accepted the religion of Islam at the hands of world famous Muslim charismatic preacher, Bilal Phillips. They accepted Islam during the recent tour of Bilal Phillips to Europe. After the lecture “Islam the misunderstood religion” delivered at Frankfurt, Germany, the 17 took their Shahada, the two testimonies of Islamic Faith.

Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia calls on the Pres.
Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Ammar has paid a courtesy call President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. Speaking at the meeting, President Nasheed highlighted the close brotherly relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. He said the Maldives wanted to further strengthen the longstanding relationship in more areas, thanking the continued development assistance to the Maldives from Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed Adil appointed as Minister of State, National Office, Central Region
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Ahmed Adil as the Minister of State, National Office, Central Region. He previously held the post of the Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Maldives Participates in UN Security Council Debate on Middle East and Palestine
Maldives has called on all parties to make every effort to respect the rights of the Middle Eastern people, and to end the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Speaking on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and Palestine at the UN Security Council, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations said that the Maldives remained extremely concerned about the ongoing violence in the Middle East and that empowering people to bring make substantial reforms would lead to peace and prosperity in the region, which has long suffered from war and instability.

MALDIVES - Four choices in VR packages
An incentive package to encourage Public Servants in the Maldives to resign and join the private sector or take on further eduction has been approved by Cabinet. Under the scheme, PS staff and other Government employees will be eligible for one of four retirement incentive packages. In addition, employees above the age of 55 who retire voluntarily will be given the same benefits as those who reach the mandatory retirement age of 65.

The secret Gitmo documents: 6 takeaways
A bankrupt Osama bin Laden temporarily handed off control of al Qaeda in 2001, and some of his followers reportedly used impotence drugs to keep their focus on terrorism

Sri Lanka War Crime Claims 'Credible'
UNITED NATIONS—A U.N.-appointed panel found that allegations of war crimes committed by the Sri Lanka government and the Tamil Tigers during the final battles of their 27-year war are credible and could lead to formal charges if investigated. he panel's report also criticized the U.N. for not revealing casualty figures at the time. Doing so, it said, "would have strengthened the call for protection of civilians." The struggle between Sri Lanka and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or LTTE, came to an end after an intense battle over a 13.5 square mile area in the northeast of the country, where as many as 330,000 civilians were trapped between the warring sides, said the 216-page report. The report said the government shelled "on a large scale" three No Fire Zones "where it had encouraged the civilian population to concentrate, even after indicating that it would cease the use of heavy weapons."

India shouldn't have endorsed Lanka's brutal war'
The ruling classes in Sri Lanka are unhappy that a UN panel report has sought a probe into alleged war crimes committed against Tamils in 2009. An angry President Mahinda Rajapakse has called for mass "May Day protests" against such calls for investigations. Gordon Weiss was the UN spokesman in Sri Lanka in those turbulent times leading to the capture and assassination of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief V Prabhakaran. He left the UN soon, declining the offer of a new assignment in favour of writing about innocent civilians caught in the crossfire between the ruthless Lankan forces and the Tigers. He returned home, to Australia, early last year and started writing the book, The Cage: The Fight for Sri Lanka & the Last Days of the Tigers, months before the United Nations set up a team to review the "military conquest" of the Tigers. He says the panel's report vindicates his earlier statements about the war crimes of 2009. His book, as revelatory as it is incisive, comes at a time when Rajapakse plans to showcase to the world his country's counter-insurgency prowess. In an interview with Ullekh NP, Weiss terms as "naA¯ve" a proposed convention in Colombo in May to share such military experiences with other countries. He also talks about his book, Sri Lankan politics , media manipulation , Prabhakaran, India, China, majoritarianism and the roots of future conflicts in the island nation. Edited Excerpts:

UN: Sri Lanka mass deaths may be 'war crimes'
Deaths of tens of thousands in the government's final 2009 offensive against Tamil rebels 'may amount to war crimes.' A UN panel said that "tens of thousands" of deaths in the Sri Lankan government's final 2009 offensive against Tamil separatists may amount to war crimes. In a 200-page report released on Monday, the three-member panel estimated that some 40,000 civilians were killed in the civil war--the first UN estimate of the death toll. Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general, said that he could not order an international investigation into the deaths but he has decreed an inquiry into United Nations' actions during the conflict following criticism by the panel. The UN panel was set up following a visit by Ban to Sri Lanka shortly after the end of the conflict.

                 25 April 2011 | Monday                 

ADK decides to raise service charges with the current raise in Dollar exchange rate
ADK Hospital has decided to raise the service charges of the hospital with the government’s raise in the US Dollar exchange rate. Speaking to Miahdu Daily, the hospital’s Managing Director, Ahmed Afaal said that the management decided to raise the service charges with an increase between 5 to 15 percent.

MMA auctions US Dollars again
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has again auctioned US Dollars to Banks. MMA yesterday revealed that there was a 20 percent increase compared to last weeks auctions. MMA earlier stated that with this change the authority seeks to stabilize the exchange rate by finding an adequate Dhivehi Ruffiya reference exchange rate within the median of the band of fluctuation allowed for the exchange rate of Rufiyaa against US Dollar.

AP to hold a march under the slogan “Solution lies in ruling by the Shareeah”
Adalaat Party (AP) has announced to hold a peaceful march on 29 April under the slogan “Solution lies in ruling by the Shareeah of Allah”. AP said that the social fabric of the country have been torn with the escalating rate of sexual abuse, gang assaults using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime. According to AP, the march will be designed to raise awareness among the public about the current escalation of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence and that the solution to all these woes of the society lies in judging and ruling in accordance to law of Allah. AP said that the march will begin after commencing the ‘asr prayer on 29 April. The party called all people to participate in the march.

President Ratifies First Amendment Bill to Pension Act
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday ratified the First Amendment Bill to Pension Act passed by the People’s Majlis. Following the ratification the First Amendment Act to Pension Act has been published in the government gazette today. The Act states that Maldives Pension Administration Office, within 12 months of the commencement of the Act, should formulate procedures for expatriate workers to participate in the Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme. It also states that Maldives Pension Administration Office should finalize the participation of all expatriate workers in the pension scheme within 3 years of the commencement of the First Amendment Act.

Documentary Feature Film about Maldives to be Premiered this Year
A Hollywood-style documentary feature film about the Maldives and climate change will be premiered at an international film festival later this year. ‘The Island President’ is a fly-on-the-wall, 90-minute documentary film, which highlights the Maldives’ efforts to combat climate change and rising sea levels. The film has been made by Actual Films, an Oscar and Emmy-winning American documentary film company, based in San Francisco.

President forms Veshi Fahi Malé Programme Office
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday formed the Veshi Fahi Malé Programme Office to centrally coordinate Veshi Fahi Malé Programme. Veshi Fahi Malé Programme was initiated by the government as part of its housing pledge and aims to develop adequate housing as well as utilize available land space in Malé for industrial, commercial and socially beneficial purposes. The Veshi Fahi Malé Programme Office is to run as a separate office under the President’s Office. President Mohamed Nasheed formed a separate office to centrally coordinate Veshi Fahi Malé Programme as the programme is build on the combined efforts of several sectors and smooth functionality is attainable through a central administration office for the programme.

Akbar Ahamed Explores the Challenges Facing Latino-Muslims
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and professor of international relations at the American University in Washington, D.C. He is the author of many books, including Journey into America: the Challenge of Islam (Brookings Press, July 2010).

Distribution of British soil bacteria mapped for the first time
Britain's soil bacteria have been mapped for the first time in the most comprehensive study of a country's soil biodiversity to date. The results were published in the journal Environmental Microbiology. To complete the map the scientific team, from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Newcastle University and the University of Oxford, analysed over 1000 soil cores from England, Scotland and Wales, examining microbial DNA sequences in the laboratory to map bacterial biodiversity.

Growing threat of wheat rust epidemics worldwide
Researchers meeting at a scientific conference in Aleppo this week reported that aggressive new strains of wheat rust diseases - called stem rust and stripe rust - have decimated up to 40% of farmers' wheat fields in recent harvests. Areas affected are North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucuses, including Syria, Egypt, Yemen, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

                 24 April 2011 | Sunday                 

President reaffirms commitment to facilitate attractive, alternative employment opportunities for Civil Servants
President Mohamed Nasheed, in his radio address on Friday, has reiterated the government's commitment to facilitate more attractive, alternative employment opportunities for civil servants and government employees. Speaking on the Cabinet's decision last week to launch an incentive scheme to encourage voluntary redundancy for government employees, he said the government's aim was to provide alternative, more attractive opportunities to civil servants to improve their living standard.

Preventing Crime and Restoring Society´s Safety, Duties for Every Maldivian – Pres.
Underlining the joint effort by all relevant government agencies to prevent the escalating violent crime in the country, President Mohamed Nasheed said every Maldivian had a duty to prevent crime and restore society´s safety and security. Speaking at the ceremony to mark the 119th anniversary of the defense forces in the Maldives held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi Thursday night, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces commended the key role of Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) in making the country safe and secure.

Final dissemination workshop of SSEETF held
A dissemination workshop on the South – South Experience Exchange Trust Fund (SSEETF) was held on Thursday at Nalahiya Hotel Conference Hall. This workshop is the final activity of the exchange programme that was initiated in January 2011. The overall objective of the whole exercise was to develop the sector and to share experiences from renewable energy projects carried out in small islands states and its possibility to replicate in others.

Maldives Suspended all diplomatic ties with the Libyan regime of Ghaddafi
Maldives yesterday has suspended all diplomatic ties with the Libyan regime of Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi. Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the government decided to suspend all diplomatic ties with the Libyan regime of Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi, following the government’s decision, on 3 April, to recognise the Transitional National Council (TNC) as the sole legitimate body representing the Libyan people.

Dollar shortage in Male hurts Lankan-owned properties
A shortage of dollars in neighbouring Maldives is unlikely to adversely impact on resorts owned by Sri Lankan companies except in the cost of inputs. Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotels which has four properties in the ‘Adaaran’ brand in the Maldives, said with 90% of the purchases being imported inputs, there would be a cost escalation in this segment of hotel operations. “It won’t affect revenues but our purchase costs – all in dollars – would rise,” he said, adding that the company was negotiating an agreement with one of three Male fuel suppliers to keep down costs. John Keells also has three properties in the Maldives. Earlier this month, the government battling a shortage of dollars as export income fell woefully short of the demand announced a managed float of the Maldivian currency, Rufiya, from a fixed rate. The decision is aimed to encourage more foreign exchange into the country and curb the blackmarket which was offering 16 Rufiya per dollar against the fixed rate of 12.75 Rufiya.

Maldies ohire experts, workers from Bangladesh
The Maldives wants to hire Bangladeshi experts in public procurement to optimise the benefits of development support extended by the Climate Change Fund. It also wants to recruit about 20,000 more Bangladeshi workers in readymade garments factories, tourism, housing and other infrastructure development sectors, official sources said in Dhaka yesterday. “The Maldives has proposed to utilise the public procurement experiences and guidelines of Bangladesh. It also wants to hire experts from Bangladesh, as the tiny South Asian country has received commitment for huge amounts of Climate Change Fund. But they can’t utilise them properly due to procurement compliance issues,” said Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Rear Admiral Abu Saeed Mohamed Abdul Awal, in a letter to the foreign ministry in Dhaka.

Floating Golf Course Being Planned Off Shores of the Maldives (Photos)
Dutch developers are giving a new meaning to the term "water hazard." Three corporations -- Waterstudio.NL, Dutch Docklands and Troon Golf -- will be building the world's firstfloating golf course in the Maldives -- a small group of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, according to Business Insider. Underwater tunnels will connect the 18 holes and facilities together, while allowing golfers to experience the reef. Luxurious accommodations overlook the fairways and the surrounding reef. The course itself will be built on floating platforms, making it the world's first floating golf course.
Check out the photos (courtesy of BusinessInsider.com) below.

Assalamu Alaikum waRahmathullahi waBarakathuhu,
Respected Brothers,
We are faced with an unprecedented attack on Islam through many web sites in Sinhala by the extremist and fanatic Buddhists. As Muslims we cannot go down to their level of thinking in handling this issue. Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab would not have descended to this level of using abusive language to insult Allah (Glory be to Him), Messenger of Allah (May Peace and Blessings be upon him), Allah’s Deen and the Allah’s Book. Are we to be passive observers of this mischievous behaviour of these fanatics? Or what should be our response?

THE QURAN AND MOTIONS OF THE SUN AND MOON
By Prof. Zafar Ahsan for NewAgeIslam.com
Introduction:
Throughout the last fourteen centuries, no book has been read so widely nor has shaped the human mind as The Quran. The Quran is the book of Allah, the Wise and Worthy of all Praise. There is only one version of The Quran. It is the only religious book that was never altered since its revelation to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) about fourteen hundred years ago. This is a fact which even the critics of Islam admit. Before studying The Quran it must be realized that, unlike all other writings, this is a unique book with a supreme author. Its contents are not confined to a particular theme or style, but contain the foundations of the entire system of life. The word Quran means “to recite” or “to collect”. Thus The Quran is a complete code covering all aspects of life, whether spiritual, intellectual, social, economic or scientific. These messages are spread throughout The Quran in a variety of ways.

                 21 April 2011 | Thursday                 

Thasmeen confident on winning 2013 elections without Gayyoom
Leader of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali yesterday has expressed confidence that he will win the presidential election and be sworn-in as President in 2013 without the backing of DRP founding leader Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. Celebrating his first anniversary in his tenure of DRP Leader, Thasmeen said that he is even ready to compete with Gayyoom if he chooses to run in the 2013 election. He said that he will not turn to the influence of any one.

MMA auctions US Dollars
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has for the first time auctioned US Dollars to Banks. MMA yesterday revealed that discussions where held with all of the Banks operating in the country on 17th of this month. MMA said that the meeting was to disseminate information regarding the change in the US Dollar foreign exchange procedure. MMA stated that with this change the authority seeks to stabilize the exchange rate by finding an adequate Dhivehi Ruffiya reference exchange rate within the median of the band of fluctuation allowed for the exchange rate of Rufiyaa against US Dollar. MMA said that with the new change the authority will hold auctions at least once every week. The authority also said that a reference rate will be published gradually on MMA’s website in contrast to the auctions held. Furthermore, MMA said that the authority is seeking the help and technical assistance from financial authorities to stabilize the exchange rate of US Dollars. Meanwhile, the government, in consultation with MMA, on 10 April, decided to float the Rufiyaa, allowing it to be exchanged for US Dollar within 20 percent of pegged rate of Rf12.85 to US Dollar. In his weekly radio address last Friday, speaking publicly for the first time after the implementation of a managed floating exchange rate, the President said this was a necessary step to ensure the long term stability and prosperity of the Maldives.

Escalating violence tarnishing the image of Maldives- MATI
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has expressed concern that that recent escalation of assault using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime are tarnishing the image of Maldives as a hospitable, safe and secure environment. MATI expressed the concern during yesterdays meeting with the National Crime Prevention Committee formed by the President to resolve the increasing incidence of serious and organised crime in the country.

Opening of new path for Chinese tourists to the Maldives
China opened a new gateway to promote the Maldives by opening a Maldives Travel Service Centre in Dongguan City, China. The Centre was officially launched by Ahmed Latheef, Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the People’s Republic of China. At the ceremony Ambassador Latheef highlighted the importance of Chinese market to local tourism and highlighted areas of opportunities for Chinese businesses to invest in the Maldives, particularly in the tourism sector. The Ambassador expressed confidence that by opening the travel service center in Dongguan City would promote bilateral relations and promote commercial diplomacy between the two countries.

Cambodian PM’s special envoy pays a courtesy call on Pres.
Advisor and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Cambodia Ouch Borith has paid a courtesy call President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. Speaking at the meeting, the President underscored the strong and vigorous strides by Cambodia towards development. He said Cambodia’s development provided a strong incentive for the development and progress of other ASEAN countries. The President also noted the areas in which the Maldives and Cambodia could cooperate and said Cambodia could be a potential development partner for the Maldives. The Cambodian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy spoke on promoting cooperation in areas of tourism and agriculture between the two countries. At the meeting the Cambodian Prime Minister’s Advisor and Special Envoy presented a special letter from the Cambodian Prime Minister to the President. The meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Advisor on Political Affairs Mohamed Shihab and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem.

resident visits Dhiyamigili
As the first leg of the tour President Mohamed Nasheed began to Thaa Atoll yesterday afternoon, he has visited Dhiyamigili. During the visit to Dhiyamigili, the President met with Dhiyamigili Island Council and discussed the delivery of government services through island council, and ongoing and proposed development programmes in the island.

Surf's up at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
For skilled windsurf and kite-surfing enthusiasts, May through to October is the best time to visit the Maldives as the conditions are perfect for watersports with strong winds and warm sunshine. Housing one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives, the four-star deluxe Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is the ideal destination from which to enjoy a watersports holiday. What’s more, book a week of kite-surfing or windsurfing during this period and receive a free daily stand-up paddle boarding session worth US$126 per person.

Survivor's carmel upset at eviction
CARMEL Fisher became the fifth member of a tribe and first celebrity to be thrown out of the reality show SurvivorSouth Africa. Recalling how it all started Fisher, pictured, says: "I got a call from Survivor asking me if I was interested in participating in the reality show. As usual I did not take time to think about it. "Shortly after that I went to visit a friend in the United States. It was while I was in the US that the idea of participating in Survivor really struck me. I got the jitters just thinking about the show." Fisher reveals that she never had a chance to backtrack from the show because two weeks after coming home she found herself on a Maldives-bound plane. The pretty actress and businesswoman says she expected the show to be exactly like it was ontelevision.

Maldives: Diving over the blue abyss
Global Adventures, LLC (http://www.global-adventures.us/) is pleased to announce that tours to the Maldives are now available. 11 days of all inclusive fun with up to 34 dives for certified scuba divers, 10 nights of accommodation aboard the yacht Maldives Siren, all meals and most beverages, plus essential dive gear and all air- and Nitrox fills (for divers with a valid Nitrox certification) will set the stage for an unforgettable dive vacation.

Govt allows export of 32,094 tonne of wheat flour to Maldives
New Delhi, Apr 20 (PTI) The government today allowed the export of 32,094.70 tonnes of wheat flour to Maldives under the bilateral trade pact. The total quantity of wheat flour will be exported by the state-owned trading firm MMTC Ltd during the financial year 2011-12, the Director General Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. "The export of 32,094.70 tonnes of wheat flour to Maldives is permitted under the Bi-lateral Trade Agreement between the government of India and the Republic of Maldives through MMTC Ltd unto March 31, 2012," the notification said. India has banned the exports of wheat and wheat products but allows shipments of small amounts under the diplomatic channel.

                 20 April 2011 | Wednesday                 

Ali Waheed meets the President to discuss on escalating gang violence
Deputy leader of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Ali Waheed has met with the President to show concern on the escalating rate of gang violence and to discuss to curb gang violence and gang related crimes in the Maldives. The meeting was held yesterday night at the President’s Official House, Muleeaage. Ali Waheed who has been known for his open opposition and criticism of the government, concluded the meeting at 22:45.

Cabinet decides to provide incentives for employees who leave Gov’t service voluntarily
The Cabinet has yesterday decided to launch a special programme to provide incentives and financial assistance to government employees who want to retire from government service voluntarily. Employees can opt for one of four retirement incentive options finalised by the Cabinet yesterday. Employees can leave the government service without any financial assistance, or retire from the government service with a single payment of Rf150,000, or leave with a one time payment of Rf150,000 with priority in government’s small and medium enterprises loan scheme. This option is available for employees between 18 and 50 years of age or leave the government service with a lump sum of Rf200,000, in addition to priority in government scholarship and training programmes. This last option is available for employees between ages 18 and 40.

Media’s projecting a negative image of the Majlis is a major concern-Tarig
Manadhoo MP, Mohamed Tarig has said that it is a major concern that the media is projecting a negative image of the Peoples’ Majlis. Tarig said that it is a joke that the media sometimes complain that they are not being adequately informed. He said that it needs to be asked why the Majlis is not opening up enough regarding the MPs. Tarig said that the relationship between the media and the Majlis can only be enhanced if there are structures for dialogue and learning between the two.

Gov’t to develop ten new islands from lagoons in Malé Atoll
At yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet has decided to reclaim and develop 10 islands between 5 to 10 hectares in lagoons in Malé Atoll. The decision was made after discussing the expressions of interest from investors to establish tourist facilities in lagoons and sand banks in Malé Atoll given the close proximity to major tourism infrastructure in the area. The Cabinet members also noted that the opportunities available to reclaim and develop islands using environmentally friendly technologies. Size, shape and design of the islands will be determined by the investors. Further, the Cabinet decided to publicly open for expression of interest from investors to buy and develop the islands.

Chairman of BML resigns
Chairman of Bank of Maldives (BML), Adam Ibrahim has yesterday resigned from office of the Board of Directors and Chairman of Bank of Maldives PLC. In a press release, BML said that the appointment of a new Chairman is underway in accordance with the Articles of Association of Bank of Maldives PLC.

Local governance is the fundamental building block for democracy- Wright
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, Carl Wright has said that Local Governance and grassroots participation in the democratic process are the fundamental building blocks for democracy. Wright said this officiating the inauguration of the ‘Institute of Local Governance and Development’ held at Dharubaaruge last night.

Pop star rumoured to be married in Cliveden House
Girls Aloud pop star Sarah Harding has reportedly chosen Cliveden House inTaplow as the venue for her wedding. The 29-year-old singer, who was born in Ascot, got engaged to DJ Tom Crane in the Maldives on New Year's Eve last year and reports suggest the pair will tie the knot at the Taplow mansion this summer. Other celebrities who have got married at the venue include footballer Steven Gerrard and TV presenter Ant McPartlin.

SAFF to Organise More Tournaments
The South Asian Football Federation was formed in 1997 with six founding members (Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) while Bhutan in 2000 and Afghanistan in 2005 joined later. Now SAFF is eight nations strong and the organisation last year finally decided to expand its footballing activities from just organising the South Asian Football Federation Championships for Men. The first seminar for South Asian Football Federation Member Associations was held last week in New Delhi and there it was decided to launch three new tournaments this year – the SAFF Club Championships, an Under-16 Youth Tournament for Boys, an Under-13 Football Festival for Boys – following the launch of the SAFF Women’s Cup last year.

Hilton Resorts’ Seaplane Lounge at Male International Airport to “equal the best lounges worldwide”
Terminal near Male International Airport on 20 February 2011. Shared between the Hilton, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria resorts, the new lounge offers a very welcome respite after a long international flight. “Once they’ve landed at the airport, guests transfer by seaplane to our three resorts in the Maldives,” says Regional General Manager Carsten Schieck. “We felt that gave us an opportunity to create a fantastic arrival experience that no other resorts in the country can match. We therefore created this private lounge, inspired by the best international airline lounges, where our guests can enjoy spa treatments, refuel on freshly prepared food or simply just relax and begin their holiday in style.” Designed to be the equal of the best airline airport lounges in the world, the spacious private lounge facilities include a spa, a children’s play room, a balcony with sun loungers, freshly prepared hot and cold dishes as well as live cooking by the resident chef. Located on the second floor of the Trans Maldivian Airlines seaplane terminal, guests can watch seaplanes taking off and landing in the lagoon in front of the lounge and a bird-eye view of the airport to the rear while they relax. Guests travelling to Beach House Maldives, a Waldorf Astoria Resort and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island enjoy a large shared lounge while guests of Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi have their own, separate, area.

                 19 April 2011 | Tuesday                 

MPs halt debate on the unconstitutional bill on AG nomination
MPs halt the initial debate on an unconstitutional amendment to Audit Act, 2007/4, proposed by Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed in yesterday’s sitting of the Peoples’ Majlis.  The amendment proposed by Riyaz Rasheed seeks to usurp the powers of Executive to nominate the Attorney General (AG) and seeks to give that power of to the Majlis instead.

Gov’t looks to replicate success of Four Seasons Apprenticeship Program with other resorts- Dr. Zulfa
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Mariyam Zulfa has said that the government looks forward to replicate the success of the Four Seasons apprenticeship program with other resorts in the country. Dr. Zulfa said this at the ceremony held yesterday at Nasandhura Palace Hotel to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Program, which also was the graduation ceremony of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Program Class of 2011

MDP Members’ enquiries to make gov’t accountable to be proposed to National Majlis
Ruling party of Maldives, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s National Majlis has passed that enquiries of the members to scrutinize and make the government accountable to be proposed to the National Majlis. This proposal made by Alhan Fahmy was passed in the 88th meeting of the MDP National Majlis with the majority in favour of it. Alhan Fahmy proposed that prior to the accountability of government Ministers and political figures, the government should be made accountable within the party since MDP is the ruling party. The proposal said that the MDP members representing the Peoples’ Majlis and members of the National Majlis of MDP will be given the opportunity to make the government figures accountable by sending their enquiries to the Chairperson of the party. The chairperson then will be forwarding these enquiries to its respected addressee by giving him or her a period of 7 days to summon to a meeting of the National Majlis of the party.

No powerful ruler can yield benefit without empowering the people- Waheed Deen
Mohamed Waheed Deen has said that it is apparent from the current events in the world that no powerful ruler can yield without empowering the people. Waheed Deen said this at the inauguration ceremony of the “Institute of Local Governance and Development”, of which he is the initiator and benefactor, held at Dharubaaruge yesterday night.

Local governance and grassroots participation are the fundamental building blocks for democracy- Wright
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, Mr. Carl Wright has said that Local Governance and grassroots participation in the democratic process are the fundamental building blocks for democracy.

Majlis accepts Amendment to Clemency Act
The Peoples’ Majlis has yesterday accepted the amendment to the Clemency Act proposed by Fares Mathoda MP, Ibrahim Muthalib. The amendment which was earlier proposed by Hoarafushi MP, Ahmed Rasheed’s although he later decided to withdraw it, require the courts to execute death penalty upon murderers if the Supreme Court upheld a guilty verdict.

Gov’t, Muni Enterprise and UNDP sign MOA to promote pearl culture
The United Nations Development Programme and Marine Research Centre (MRC) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Muni Enterprise Pvt. Ltd, to set up a pearl farm in Noonu Atoll Maakurandhoo.

Ahmed As-ad Appointed as the Financial Controller
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Ahmed As-ad as the Financial Controller at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury yesterday. He was appointed to the post at the rank of a state minister. Following the change, former Financial Controller Mohamed Ahmed has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury.

Pres. ratifies Bill on capital islands of administrative divisions
President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Bill on Capital Islands of Administrative Divisions of the Maldives passed by the People’s Majlis on 6 April 2011. Following the ratification, the Act on Capital Islands of Administrative Divisions of the Maldives has been published in the government Gazette yesterday. The Act stipulates how capital islands of administrative divisions listed in the Schedule 2 appended to the Constitution should be determined. According to the Act, capital islands listed in the appendix of the Act shall retain their status unless decided otherwise by a two-thirds majority of an atoll council and approved through a public referendum.

Pres. sends sympathy to US President
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of sympathy to President Barack Obama of the United States of America following the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by violent storms that has been ravaging parts of Southern United States. In his message to President Obama, President Nasheed said that he was deeply saddened to learn of the devastation and loss of lives caused by the violent storms that hit parts of Southern United States. President said that the Government and the people of the Maldives join him in conveying the profound sympathy to President Oabama, the Government and the people of the United States of America and in conveying the condolences of the people of Maldives to the members of the bereaved families, at this time of distress.

NCPC holds joint meeting with Clemency Board, Parole Board, Drug Treatment Committee and DDPRS
The National Crime Prevention Committee (NCPC) has held a joint meeting with Clemency Board, Parole Board, Drug Treatment Committee and the Department of Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation and Services (DDPRS) on Sunday.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives marks 10 years of Apprenticeship Programme
The graduation ceremony of the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Programme Class of 2011 was held last night at Nasandhura Palace Hotel yesterday, which also marks the programme’s tenth graduation ceremony to date.

New SAFF tourney
In an attempt to expand its sphere of activities, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has decided to start a tournament for the champion clubs of eight Saff members from this year. According to Saff general secretary Alberto Colaco, the first edition of the Club Championships will be played in Dhaka from September 1 to 15. While two clubs each from India and Bangladesh will play in the tournament, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan will be represented by one club each. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) sources, however, said that though it agreed with the dates for the tournament, the modalities of participation are yet to be decided. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s meeting between Bob Houghton and the AIFF-appointed committee over the show cause issued to the national coach has been postponed. The meeting could be held later this month, a federation official said.

ONYX Hospitality Group to Manage Maldives Tourism Development Corporation PLC (MTDC) Resort in Maldives
ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand's leading hotel management company has been appointed by the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Plc (MTDC) to manage the Herathera Island Resort commencing 1 December 2010. Set on Addu, the southern-most atoll in the Maldives, approximately 480km south of the capital Male, the 273-villa resort features three natural lagoons, a turtle hatchery and a unique 4 km beach, the longest of any resort within the archipelago. Recreational facilities at Herathera Island Resort include three swimming pools, a range of restaurants and bars, a spa and dive centre. It is a 20-minute speedboat ride from Gan International Airport.

Dr. Howard J. Sumka New OneVoice Chief Executive Officer
As we reach out to wish you a happy and peaceful Passover and Easter, OneVoice is delighted to announce that Dr. Howard J. Sumka accepted the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), overseeing the movement’s offices in London, New York, Ramallah, and Tel Aviv.

                 18 April 2011 | Monday                 

Gov’t to set up special fund to establish an US Dollar reserve-Naseem
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Naseem has said that the government prompts to set up a special fund to establish an US Dollar reserve to find a permanent solution for the dollar shortage crisis in the country. In a press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Naseem said that the government is now currently in the administrative phase to set up this fund. He said that once this is done it will be established without delay.

President reconstitutes Commission to investigate missing case files regarding disappearance of Anees
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed new members to the Presidential Commission convened by a Presidential Decree on 5 April 2009 to independently investigate the allegation of police torture and mistreatment of prisoners in custody. Members appointed to the Presidential Commission yesterday were: Amin Faisal; Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad and Mohamed Shafeeq.

Hajj visa to be issued in Maldives
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has agreed to facilitate the issuing of Hajj Visa in the Maldives. Ministry of Islamic Affairs said that this because possible with the joint efforts of the Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Maldivian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said that earlier Hajj visa was issued to Maldivian pilgrims at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Sri Lanka. The Ministry said that this has caused some difficulty and the new system to issue the visa in Maldives itself will help reduce these difficulties and operating costs. The Ministry said that information regarding the visa procedure has been disseminated among the Hajj and Umrah groups yesterday.

Pres. will not influence MDP internal elections - Press Secretary
Press Secretary of the President’s Office, Mohamed Zuhair has said that the President will not use any undue influence on the internal elections of the ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to be held on 30th of this month. Speaking to the press yesterday, Press Secretary Zuhair said that President Mohamed Nasheed does not promote or endorse any candidate running in the MDP elections. Zuhair said that the President wishes well to all the candidates and believes that the final decision is at the hands of the members of the party.

In the past 6 months alone, 490,000 US Dollars was spent to train employees- Andrew
Chief Executive Officer of Indian GMR Infrastructure, Mr. Andrew A. Harrison has said that more than 490,000 US Dollars has been spent on training and familiarization for GMIAL staff. A total of more than 600 staff have been trained in the past 6 months alone, since GMR took over the management of Male’ International Airport.

Trans Maldivian Airways Brand New Aircraft Arrives in the Maldives
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has proudly announced the arrival of its latest addition to the fleet which is a brand new Twin Otter 400 series. According to the TMA press release, this is the fourth aircraft being released from production that is manufactured by Viking Air Limited. This will bring TMA’s total operational fleet to 23 aircraft. TMA has another two new 400 series Twin Otter aircraft arriving in the upcoming months.

Inflation in China Poses Big Threat to Global Trade
As the United States and Europe struggle to get their economies rolling again, China is having the opposite problem: figuring out how to keep its revved-up growth engine from generating runaway inflation. The latest sign that things were moving too fast came on Sunday, when China’s central bank ordered the biggest banks to set aside more cash reserves. The move essentially reduces the amount of money available for loans, and is an attempt to cool down the economy. It follows the government announcement on Friday that China’s economy was growing at an annual rate of 9.7 percent, by far the strongest performance by any of the world’s biggest economies. Because China is now the world’s second largest economy, after the United States, and because the country has been a leading source of global growth during the last two years, money problems here can reverberate from Wal-Mart to Wall Street and the world beyond.

Uprisings not hostile to Israel
Countries such as Egypt and Iran have tremendous poverty. Younger generation in many countries is responding to problems in their own way, using technology .... They are reacting to the ugly side of the system.... A comparison with India and the Middle East is interesting. Gandhi told his people that he may not address their material needs, but could address their spiritual needs. Nehru planned the economic growth. India today is a miracle. The visions of Nehru and Gandhi changed India - without changing the spiritual foundation.... Egypt and India are both ancient civilizations. India addressed the development goals ... in a democratic set-up.

Royal wedding: Further details announced
Kate Middleton and her immediate family will spend the night before the wedding at the five-star Goring Hotel in Belgravia, central London. Clarence House also revealed the exact timings of the big day, and the route of the carriage procession. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has joined Miss Middleton for a wedding rehearsal at Westminster Abbey, where she will marry Prince William on 29 April.

                 17 April 2011 | Sunday                 

Escalation of gang violence linked to drugs- Gasim
Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP), Gasim Ibrahim has said that recent escalation of assault using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime are linked to the alarming rate of drug abuse spilling across the nation. Gasim said that according to authorities, street gangs, violent crime and drugs go hand-in-hand. He said that a concerted effort among police, courts and all related parties is critical in effectively dealing with the problem.

Rallies held in the guise of DRP Gayyoom’s faction are held by PA to gain popularity-DRP
The main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the rallies held in the guise of the Gayyoom’s faction of the party are held to gain popularity to Peoples Alliance (PA) of Gayyoom’s half brother, Abdullah Yaameen. A close official of DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, who is a counsel member of the party said that PA leader Abdullah Yaameen is behind the factionalism within DRP and that they are trying to take advantage of some members of DRP to gain popularity of their party.

Bengali New Year 1418 celebrated by Bangladesh High Commission
Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives celebrated the first day of Bengali New Year 1418 (Pohela Baishakh) on 14 April 2011. Bengali New Year celebration function was hosted at Dharubaaruge by the Bangladesh Commissioner to the Maldives Rear Admiral A S M A Awal.

Marijuana isn't 'green?'
A new study claims that growing pot uses a whopping 1 percent of America's electricity, and pollutes the air with massive amounts of greenhouse gas. Hippies ruin everything: Mills may have "a puritanical streak," but it's hard to deny his conclusion, says Andrew Orlowski in The Register. "Stoners are helping destroy the planet." Clearly, there's a reason household energy use jumped 50 percent in California's Humboldt County after medical pot was legalized in 1996: Grow lights, climate control, and other special indoor-growing equipment uses a lot of juice. "Stoners are destroying the planet" This study is complete hokum: This "latest anti-cannabis propaganda" is pure "nonsense," says Nick Rosen at Off-Grid. Mills seems to rely on "ill-informed speculation" in coming up with his highly speculative figures, ignoring that while pot growing does use electricity, it doesn't necessarily use fossil fuels. In fact, California's pot growers were "the first major market for solar power," in the 1980s, and still "rely heavily on solar and wind power."

Russia will not lift polar bear hunting ban: government
Russia will not allow any polar bear hunting in its far north, despite agreeing a quota of 29 bears with the United States, the government said in a statement posted Thursday on its website. "A decision has been taken on the government level that Russia will not be using its quota," said the statement on the personal website of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who has taken the polar bear under his personal protection.

Pakistan flood recovery sees $600 mln shortfall
Pakistan is short of $600 million needed to help millions of families rebuild their lives nine months after the country suffered nationwide floods in its worst ever natural disaster, the UN said Wednesday. The international community was slow to come to Pakistan's aid in the immediate aftermath of last year's monsoon-triggered floods, which affected up to 21 million people, amid allegations of official mismanagement of funds.

Japan can pay for rebuild: central bank governor
Japan's economy suffered a big blow in the triple earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, but the country should have no problem financing reconstruction, the central bank chief said Thursday. Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa conceded problems in the economic supply chain, power generation, tourism and other important sectors.