12 July 2011 | Tuesday                 

Foreign and Commonwealth Representative for Climate Change and British Deputy High Commissioner Calls on the President.
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with the Foreign and Commonwealth Representative for Climate Change John Ashton and British Deputy High Commissioner Mark Gooding. At the meeting held at the President’s Office, the President briefed on the countries energy policy and the government’s commitment to the carbon neutrality goal. Speaking in this regard, the President informed the Foreign and Commonwealth Representative for Climate Change and British Deputy High Commissioner on new policies proposed by the government to introduce the use of advanced green technologies and environmentally friendly products. The President expressed concern on the challenges of climate change and the predicament of the Maldives, which he stated as acute and immediate.He also stated that the Cabinet had decided to establish Renewable Energy Investment Office to come up with economic solutions to the country’s energy concerns and expedite implementation of these solutions. At the meeting, the Foreign and Commonwealth Representative for Climate Change congratulated the government on its positive efforts to consolidate democracy and entrench pluralism. Additionally, the British Deputy High Commissioner commended government efforts to ascertain a system of good democratic governance. Further, the President and the attendees conversed on holding discussions at this year’s SAARC Summit to seek a legally binding framework on the issue of climate change.

President Appoints Superintendent of Penitentiary
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed First Lieutenant (Retired) Abdulla Munaz as the Superintendent of Penitentiary. He was appointed at the level of Deputy Minister.

President Nasheed accepts Mohamed Rishwan’s resignation from the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police
President Mohamed Nasheed has accepted the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Rishwan. In the letter sent to Mohamed Rishwan accepting his resignation, President Nasheed thanked Mohamed Rishwan for his valuable services during his tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

MNDF will not be given authority to enter the Majlis chamber- Nazim
Deputy Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis, Ahmed Nazim has said that the Speaker Abdullah Shahid and the Deputy Speaker will not grant Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) the authority to enter the chamber of the Majlis.

Moosa Manik considers meeting Gayyoom to know why ZDRP MPs are disrupting Majlis sitting
The Interim Chairperson of the ruling party, Moosa Manik (Reeko) has said that he considers meeting the Honorary Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) to know the motive behind the consecutive disruption of the sitting of the Peoples’ Majlis by the MPs of his faction.

Deen’s Institute trains 136 Councilors
More than 136 Councilors have undergone training on good governance and accountability at Institute of Governance and Development. The Institute spearheaded by the local philanthropist Mohamed Waheedudeen (Deen)’s mission is to promote just and sustainable societies by advancing the understanding, development and implementation of effective, accountable and democratic systems of governance for sustainable development. The councilors have undergone their 3rd round of their training to enhance their participation in decision-making processes.

Maintaining security of state institutions is our legal responsibility- MNDF
MNDF will not do anything to interrupt the works of the Majlis
Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has said that the defense force is legally charged with maintaining security of all state institutions including the Peoples’ Majlis. In a press statement of MNDF, the defense force stated that they are authorized to take action against any person violating the regulations of the Peoples’ Majlis. The statement said that Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel met with the Speaker of the Majlis, Abdullah Shahid and also met with some MPs on July 10, in view of the recent consecutive disruption of the Majlis sittings by the MPs of Z-faction of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP). Clearing some of the doubts raised by the media, MNDF said that they did not give legal counsel to the Speaker but they sought legal counsel before meeting the Speaker and the MPs. MNDF said that they will not do anything to interrupt the works of the Majlis. However said that they have the authority to, if necessary, forcibly remove any members who are overly rowdy or disruptive, since it is their legal duty to keep order in state institutions.

                 11 July 2011 | Monday                 

Hr. Thasmeen says he is ready to compete with Yaameen in a primary
Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and Kendhoo MP, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that he is not hesitant to compete with the leader of Peoples’ Alliance and Mulaku MP, Abdullah Yaameen in a primary to elect the Presidential Candidate of DRP for 2013 Presidential Election.

Committees works are kept on pause to hinder govt from reducing prices of commodities- Moosa Manik
Interim Chairperson of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Moosa Manik has said that the opposition is trying not to hand over the Parliamentary Committees to MDP even when the party has won the majority in the Peoples’ Majlis because they want to hinder the government from reducing the soaring prices of commodities and services.

MPS signs MoU with Anti-Corruption Commission
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh on behalf of Maldives Police Service and on behalf of Anti-Corruption Commission, President of Anti-Corruption Commission Mr. Hassan Luthfee during the special function held at Shaheed Hussain Adam Building on 27 June 2011. The MoU is aimed at working closely with Anti-Corruption Commission in different areas of cooperation in a professional and formal manner all in line with the Strategic Plan 2011-2013 of Maldives Police Service. The signed understanding is hoped to give both organization the opportunity to nurture their professional relationship and cooperate more closely to stop corruption and white collar crimes in the society by proactively sharing resources and information

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's finance minister on Wednesday urged Muslim countries to adopt suitable economic reform programs and adapt to the changing global economic atmosphere to confront the challenges facing them.

“We should also strengthen our joint efforts to overcome development obstacles,” Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf told the annual conference of the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank. Opening the 36th annual meeting of the bank’s board of governors, the minister underscored IDB’s contributions toward boosting the progress and prosperity of Muslim countries. He underscored the Kingdom’s continued support for the bank.

Saudi Arabia: If Iran builds nukes, so will we
Mideast watchers probably could have seen this coming: A Saudi Arabian official has warned that his country will not tolerate losing a nuclear arms race to Iran. Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, a senior official in Riyadh said: "We cannot live in a situation where Iran has nuclear weapons and we don't. It's as simple as that. If Iran develops a nuclear weapon, that will be unacceptable to us and we will have to follow suit." The official was clarifying remarks made by Prince Turki al-Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to Washington, at a NATO meeting in the U.K. Turki had said, according to a transcript obtained by The Guardian, that if Iran were to build a nuclear weapon, that "would compel Saudi Arabia ... to pursue policies which could lead to untold and possibly dramatic consequences."

Ocean currents speed melting of Antarctic ice
Stronger ocean currents beneath West Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf are eroding the ice from below, speeding the melting of the glacier as a whole, according to a new study in Nature Geoscience. A growing cavity beneath the ice shelf has allowed more warm water to melt the ice, the researchers say-a process that feeds back into the ongoing rise in global sea levels.

Greenland ice melts most in half-century: US
Greenland's ice sheet melted the most it has in over a half century last year, US government scientists said Tuesday in one of a series of "unmistakable" signs of climate change.

                 29 June 2011 | Wednesday                 

Border Control System Issue:
150m Dollars cannot be spent on something that can be done free of charge- Shahid
Controller of Immigration and Emigration, State Minister Abdullah Shahid has said that the Department of Immigration and Emigration will not spend 150 million US Dollars to install the Border Control System when it could be done free of charge.

Disabled children on the rise in the islands- Dr. Aminath Jameel
Minister of the Health and Family, Dr. Aminath Jameel has said that the number of disabled children in the islands have been increasing over the years. Replying a query posed by Thimarafushi MP, Mohamed Mustafa, Dr. Aminath Jameel said that the Ministry noticed the rise in the disabled children with the establishment of the directory for the people with disabilities. Dr. Aminath Jameel said that the main aim “Directory for the People with disabilities” is to facilitate people with disabilities and their families to access the services, and to improve the ability of providers to refer people appropriately to other necessary services. The Minister said that it would allow people with disabilities and their families to better understand which service providers are responsible for which services, how to access them, and empower them to demand improvements and enhancements from the appropriate providers.

Representative of WHO pays farewell call on the President
Representative of the World Health Organization to the Maldives Dr J. M. Luna has paid his farewell call on President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. At the meeting held at The President's Office this morning, the President expressed his gratitude to Dr. Luna for his work as the WHO representative, in the development and expansion of public health services in the Maldives.

Building a modern justice system that is right for the Maldives
As we see in the stories carried daily in this newspaper, Maldives is deep into the difficult business of building a strong and democratic society. There is often an understandable impatience about the time it takes to see the fruits of democracy, but when you compare to other countries that have had to do the same thing, you realise that the Maldives is trying to achieve in a few years what others have taken decades or centuries to do. This is possible, but the key to success continues to be mobilising everybody around issues that are in the national interest. This is particularly true in the area of justice, which is the foundation of all democratic societies and the development of any nation. Developing a strong and independent justice system needs a concerted effort from all three branches of government, and civil society.

Maldivians of Indian origin and their children can get OCI card
Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, High Commissioner of India, Republic of Maldives handed over, on 16th June 2011, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card to Mrs. Mumthaz Syed Ahmed and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card to her husband Mr Hassan Maniku, Managing Director, Alcyon Bakery.

Escape Winter with TV chef/restaurateur Peter Evans in Maldives @ Six senses newest Resort Laamu
Peter Evans, Channel Seven’s “My Restaurant Rules’ adored co - presenter, renowned chef and restaurateur is cooking at the new Maldivian Six Senses Laamu from 13-15 July this year. If you surf, another attraction! Laamu has its own revered break just off the beach. Plus exotic bars, dining under the stars and a superb spa.
Escape winter - head to this stunning resort while Pete is in residence as guest chef.
His program:

- 13 July - A five course degustation dinner featuring several of his signature dishes at LEAF organic restaurant for up to 30 guests

- 14 July - A four course seafood dinner the following evening, at Deck a dance with its sunken tables, inspired by the catch of the day - for up to 20 guests.

- 15 July - Conducting an intimate cooking class for up to a dozen guests. Cooking Class (1 starter/1 main course/1 dessert) in LEAF kitchen at 11am followed by lunch.

From Pete - “I’m really excited and honoured to be invited to the Six Senses Laamu, can’t wait to get my hands on some of the local produce and especially the seafood, might event catch a wave if I’m lucky, see you there ! "

In keeping with Six Senses' SLOW LIFE philosophy the popular Australian will be using as much local produce as possible, including herbs and vegetables from the island's own organic garden, as well as the freshest local fish straight from the Indian Ocean. Six Senses Laamu is a short plane ride south west of Male, the Maldivian capital.

                 28 June 2011 | Tuesday                 

Dollar shortage crisis cannot be solved overnight- Inaz
Minister of Finance, Ahmed Inaz has said that the dollar shortage crisis is not a trivial issue that can be solved overnight. Minister Inaz said this replying to the query posed by Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed regarding the work of the Ministry of Finance to solve the dollar shortage crisis so far.

An interim congress will produce the same results as the ACC report: Rozaina
Thulusdhoo MP, Rozaina Adam has said that even if an interim congress of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) is held as requested by the DRP Honorary Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, it will produce the same results as the report of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

MDP warns of taking action if the problem of Parliamentary Committees is not solved
The ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warned of taking action if the problem of the Parliamentary Committees is not solved. MDP said that they might have to consider taking action if the works of the committees are kept on pause.

Maldivians of Indian origin and their children can get OCI card
Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, High Commissioner of India, Republic of Maldives handed over, on 16th June 2011, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card to Mrs. Mumthaz Syed Ahmed and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card to her husband Mr Hassan Maniku, Managing Director, Alcyon Bakery.

Kenya Shilling Slips for 2nd Day as Businesses Settle Month-End Expenses
Kenya’s shilling weakened for a second day against the dollar as businesses bought the U.S. currency to settle month-end costs. The currency of East Africa’s biggest economy depreciated as much as 0.4 percent to 90.80 per dollar and traded 0.1 percent down at 90.60 by 2:31 p.m. in the capital, Nairobi. The currency is 1.45 shillings stronger than a 17-year low of 92.05 per dollar reached on June 22.

                 27 June 2011 | Monday                 

Accepting religious prohibitions as prohibitions is the only solution to the drug problem- Sh. Ilyas
Sheikh Ilyas Hussein has said that the only solution to the prevalent drug problem in the country is to accept haraam (religious prohibitions) as prohibitions.

Government would stop at nothing to prosecute drug traffickers even if they be from the Majlis- Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government would stop at nothing to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers even if they be from the Peoples’ Majli,s. As the Maldives marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, President Nasheed yesterday inaugurated the National Drug Abuse Helpline.

President visits Department of Immigration
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday visited the Department of Immigration and Emigration and met the senior officials of the department. The President’s visit comes as the Maldives Police Services launched an investigation into any possible unlawful activity within the Department in handling expatriate arrivals in the country. Subsequently, immigration officials have been replaced Maldives National Defence Force officials at immigration counters. Meeting the senior officials of the department, the President said the investigation, that would take about two weeks, would be conducted in a way that would not implicate a single person and called for everyone’s cooperation with the investigation. He also said that all immigration officials would be able to return to work in two weeks with a new system in operation.

Government targets to train 150 Ship Officers over the next 2 years
Speaking at the function organized by the Maldives Seafarers and Labour Union, held to mark the Day of the Seafarer, President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that the government targeted to train 150 additional ship officers over the next two years.

Minister Ahmed Naseem departs to Kazakhstan
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Nassem has departed to Kazakhstan to attend the 38th Session of Council of Organization of the Islamic Conference. The Conference is to be held in Astana from 28 - 30 June 2011.

More Reseach and Funding Needed to Fight Diseases Affecting Global Poor
Despite significant advancements in increasing distribution and development of vaccines against childhood killer diseases - including pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and Haemophilus influenzae Type B - global efforts to reduce the burden of infection from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has greatly lagged, argues Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) President Dr. Peter Hotez in an article for the June edition of Health Affairs.

                 26 June 2011 | Sunday                 

Dictator Gayyoom’s action are only bringing harm to DRP- Thasmeen
Cutting Own legs with own Axe
The leader of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that the actions of the former President Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom are only brining harm to the party.

Developing the seafaring industry is a government’s priority- Adhil Saleem
Minister of Transport and Communications, Mohamed Adhil Saleem has said that the developing of the maritime and seafaring industry of the Maldives is a top government priority.

Z-Faction is replicating the actions of the gov’t- Azim
Medhu Henveiru MP, Ali Azim has said that the faction of the Honorary Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, also known as Z-Faction, is only replication the actions of the current government in rejecting the decisions of the independent bodies.

President vows action against human trafficking
Underlining the growing problem of illegal expatriates in the Maldives in this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has vowed to fight human trafficking in the Maldives. Promising concrete action to address increasing numbers of illegal foreign labour, the President assured the Maldivians and the international community that the government “will not allow the Maldives to be a nest of human trafficking.”

'Maldives an ideal destination for investment'
ISLAMABAD: First Vice President, Maldives Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ismail Asif, has said that large business groups across the world are enhancing trade relation with Maldives. Investors from America, Europe, India and Sri Lanka are investing in the tourism industry of Maldives.

                 25 June 2011 | Saturday                 

I don’t know if Shahid and Thasmeen took bribes from GMR or not- Biggest Liar Dictator Gayyoom
In light of the assessment of Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) on the allegations of Umar Naseer that the leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis Abdullah Shahid took bribes from Indian GMR Infrastructure, the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom said that he does not know if Shahid and Thasmeen took bribes from GMR or not.

Maldives Among Six Pilot Countries to Receive CIF´s Funding for Renewable Energy Investments
The Madives has been selected as one of six pilot countries to receive funding for financing renewable energy investments in the country under the Climate Investment Funds´ Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP). In June 2010, the SREP sub- committee agreed on an indicative allocation of up to $30 million for Maldives, which are expected to leverage, additional resources on a scale of 1:4 (or approximately US$120 million). The additional funds would expectedly be mobilized by multilateral development banks, bilateral donors and more notably the private sector. The Maldives is also eligible to potentially access additional (up to US$ 60 million) SREP resources which are available in reserve. However, the reserve fund can be accessed by each of the six pilot countries based on defined criteria which will be developed by the SREP sub-committee.

President's Weekly Radio Address: President Vows Action Against Human Trafficking
Underlining the growing problem of illegal expatriates in the Maldives in this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has vowed to fight human trafficking in the Maldives. Promising concrete action to address increasing numbers of illegal foreign labour, the President assured the Maldivians and the international community that the government “will not allow the Maldives to be a nest of human trafficking.”

Maldives Challenge a confidence booster: Sindhu
The young trainees at the UP Badminton Academy (UPBA) are desperately waiting for the arrival of young and talented India shuttler PV Sindhu. Ever since she triumphed at Maldives International Badminton Challenge earlier this month, Sindhu has become a source of inspiration for many of them. The moment you talk about the players who have arrived for the Indian team probables camp for the Badminton Asia Youth Under-19 Championships (to be held here from July 2 to 9), people even involved with the arrangements tell you that Sindhu would be arriving within a day or two. Sindhu, the current junior national champion, too is very happy with her performance in the event and confides that the her maiden international title in the women’s section has given her confidence for the tournaments ahead. Talking to The Indian Express, Sindhu said, “It was a great experience. I did not expect that I will go on to win the Maldives International Badminton Challenge. I just gave it my best. It is my first international title at the senior level and playing and winning against strong opponents has boosted my confidence for the tournaments ahead. It improved my world ranking in the women’s section from 203 to 145.”

Kenya’s Shilling Snaps Two-Day Advance as Importers Buy Dollars For Bills
Kenya’s shilling weakened for the first day in three as oil and corn importers bought dollars to pay for goods. The currency of East Africa’s biggest economy depreciated as much as 1.3 percent to 91.25 per dollar and was trading 0.7 percent down at 90.65 by 2 p.m. in the capital, Nairobi, from yesterday’s close of 90.05. “The weakening is due to persisting high dollar demand by oil and corn importers,” Julius Kiriinya, a dealer at Nairobi- based African Banking Corp., said in a phone interview.

                 24 June 2011 | Friday                 

Those who encouraged the spreading of false information should take responsibility- Thasmeen
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Leader of the main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the people who encouraged those who spread the false information to the media alleging that Thasmeen and the Peoples’ Majlis Speaker Abdullah Shahid took bribes from GMR Infrastructure should take the full responsibility of the damage they have caused.

Police arrests high profile drug lord
Maldives Police Service has arrested a high-profile drug lord at an apartment in the residence of Eydafushi MP Ahmed Saleem (Red Wave Saleem). Head of Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Superintendent of Police Mohamed Jinah said that the drug lord was arrested in an apartment he has rented in the residence of MP Ahmed Saleem. Jinah said that the alleged kingpin was arrested with some other men while they were packing a drug shipment which the police believe was airfreighted to Maldives yesterday morning. Superintendent of Police Jinah said that the 2 sons of the MP, 18-year-old Ibrahim Nafiu and 17-year-old Ali Naail were arrested during the raid for preventing the police from carrying out their duties. However, he said that the two were not believed to be involved in the case.

Some MPs out of despair present resolutions to reduce wages of political appointees: Sameer
Dhihdhoo MP, Ahmed Sameer has said that when people are filled in with despair they tend to do many odd things. He said that it is for the same reason that Vilufushi MP, Riyaz Rasheed presented the resolution to reduce wages of political appointees and regarding fishermen subsidies. The Deputy President of the Parliamentary Group of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Sameer said that it is not possible to bring changes to the wages of any person by presenting resolutions in the Peoples’ Majlis. Sameer said that these resolutions are presented for publicity and fame by taking advantage of those who seek subsidies and other grants. Furthermore, Sameer said that Riyaz Rasheed had a motive behind this and that he was not sincere in his presentation of the resolution.

If compelled I am even ready to investigate human rights situation in Maldives: Dr. Shaheed
Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran has said if compelled he is even ready to investigate the human rights situation in Maldives. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Dr. Shaheed said that the investigations of Human Rights Rapporteur are not limited to only one country or place.

ICCI for enhancing cooperation with Maldives in tourism, food,construction Sectors
As a part of an initiative to encourage bilateral dialogues between Pakistan and Maldives, a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by Mohammad Tauseef Zaman, Vice President ICCI visited Maldives. Mr. Tauseef Zaman said that Pakistan was keen to set up joint ventures with Maldives as mutual trade relation between two countries would bring a positive aspect on the region’s trade.

Stiff sediments made 2004 Sumatra earthquake deadliest in history
An international team of geoscientists has discovered an unusual geological formation that helps explain how an undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004 spawned the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

Japan cleaning radioactive water, says PM aide
Despite technical glitches, Japan is confident it can decontaminate vast amounts of radioactive water at its stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, Tokyo's point man on the accident said Thursday.

Discards ban 'will boost fisheries'
Banning fisheries discards in the North Sea will promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research by scientists at the University of York.

                 23 June 2011 | Thursday                 

President Inaugurates Bus Service in Male’
President Mohamed Nasheed has today inaugurated the bus service in Male’ City. To inaugurate the service, the President took bus to Male’ Southwest Harbour and back, after the inauguration ceremony held this morning at Boduthakurufaanu Magu, in front of Alimas Ufaa Carnival. The President was joined on the bus by Male’ City Mayor and other members of the Male’ City Council. While visiting Southwest Harbour, the President, joined by other officials, enjoyed a local breakfast at one of the cafés in the harbour area. Bus service, launched today by Male’ City Council as a trial, will be operated by MVK Maldives. Service is provided free of charge today, and from tomorrow, each passenger will be charged a fare of Rf5.

Only solution is to defeat the government in the 2013 election: Thasmeen
Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that the only solution for the people to save the country from the current situation is by defeating the present government in the 2013 presidential election.

Killing babies is inhuman and a grave crime- Adhaalath Party
Adhaalath Party has said that the killing of new born babies is inhuman and a grave crime.
In light of the recent many incidences of new born babies being killed and discarded inhumanely, Adhaalath Party said that this is the result of the spread of immorality and adultery in the society. Adhaalath said that the level to which the social conscious of the country has fallen is of great concern. They said that the reasons behind this downturn are the lack of proper Islamic upbringing and the spread of brothels in the guise of massage parlours. Adhaalath party said that said that the people should be made aware of the bad effects that result from the spread of immorality, which threatens the stability of families and societies, such as the spread of all kinds of crimes, the prevalence of illegitimate children, disintegration of the family, children not being cared for properly and having a bad upbringing.
The party also urged the authorities to give the perpetrators these inhuman deeds what they deserve in the Islamic Shariah. They stated that the death is the punishment for the inhuman killing of newborns.

Border control agreement was signed despite objection of ACC
The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that the Border control agreement with Malaysia-based Nexbis was signed while the ACC raised objections on the 500 million Ruffiya project. The president of ACC, Hassan Luthfy said that the Commission’s ordered Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim to cease the project being carried out by the Department of Immigration and Emigration with Nexbis of Malaysia to install a new border control system. However, he stated that Ilyas challenged the order of ACC and signed the agreement. Despite the objections of ACC, the Cabinet decided to move ahead with the agreement between the Department of Immigration and Emigration and Nexbis of Malaysia to install a new border control system in the Maldives.

Indian Women Divided Over ‘Slut Walk’
A Canadian police officer’s remark in January that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized” spawned a series of protests, known as “Slut Walks,” first in Toronto, then in other cities, and now slated to come to the Indian capital in July. But Indian women seem to be divided about the wisdom of calling oneself a “slut,” or of dressing skimpily in public—which is generally frowned upon here—as a form of protest.

Dealtalk: Private funds search for merit in Indian education
Reuters) - Indians' obsession with schooling combined with woeful public education and rising incomes has private equity firms on the hunt for scarce opportunities in the country's booming but fragmented for-profit education sector. Deals tend to be small in the highly regulated industry. The Indian education sector saw 11 private equity investments worth a combined $130 million in the first four months of 2011, putting it on track to surpass last year's $261 million raised from 25 deals, according to a report by Kaizen Private Equity.

Dubai Exports fosters Islamic Finance exports globally
Seeking to tackle challenges, explore business prospects and export opportunities in various key markets in the Islamic Finance Sector, Dubai Exports, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, has hosted the Islamic Finance Forum.

                 22 June 2011 | Wednesday                 

No harm can be done to Dictator Gayyoom even if all his allowances are cut- Mahloof
Galolhu Dhekunu MP, Ahmed Mahloof has said that no harm can be done to Former President Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom even if the government cuts all of his allowances. This clearly proves that Dictator Gayoom has stolen well enough wealth from Public Funds during his 30 yrs of Dictatorship rule in the ountry. And also he is using these stolen public funds to activate public to safe guard all his illegal activities.

Fastest Sea-Level Rise in Two Millennia Linked to Increasing Global Temperatures
The rate of sea level rise along the U.S. Atlantic coast is greater now than at any time in the past 2,000 years--and has shown a consistent link between changes in global mean surface temperature and sea level.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide buildup unlikely to spark abrupt climate change
There have been instances in Earth history when average temperatures have changed rapidly, as much as 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) over a few decades, and some have speculated the same could happen again as the atmosphere becomes overloaded with carbon dioxide.

Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu appointed as Minister of Defence
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday appointed Mr Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu as the Minister of Defence and National Security. Speaking after the presentation of the Letter of Appointment to Mr Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu, the President said Mr Kaleyfaanu was the most appropriate and qualified person for the post of the Minister of Defence and National Security.

SAARC ferry service will benefit inter Maldives transportation: Adhil Saleem
Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Adhil Saleem has said that the SAARC ferry services will also benefit the inter Maldives transportations. Minister Adhil said that the earlier it was planned that the ferry services will be to Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. However he said that in the first phase the ferry services will only be available to India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Government to introduce new measures to consolidate expatriate record keeping
The Cabinet has yesterday finalized a range of measures to consolidate and efficiently organize records on expatriate workers in the Maldives. These measures include building a new expatriate information system, and developing new infrastructure for the information system to be used in the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports and the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Gasim Ibrahim sworn in as a member of JSC
Gasim Ibrahim, member of the People’s Majlis appointed to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) by the Majlis, has sworn in as a member of the JSC. President Mohamed Nasheed presented the Letter of Appointment as a member of JSC to Gasim Ibrahim today at a ceremony held at the President’s Office. Prior to the presentation of the Letter of Appointment, he took the oath of office as a member of JSC before Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef.

                 19 June 2011 | Sunday                 

Dr. Shaheed appointed UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran
The United Nations Human Rights Council, the world's preeminent institution mandated to promote and protect human rights around the world, yesterday appointed Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran.

Committees from both factions of DRP hold talks
Dictator Gayyoom wants to hold a congress-DRP
Committees allocated to resolve the fuming internal crisis within the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has held talks yesterday. The committee from the faction of Former President Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom met with the committee representing DRP leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali. The representatives of Thasmeen told Miadhu Daily that the talks were held with the initiatives of some Island Councilors of the party.

Landhoo Press Release is an irresponsible and exaggerated press release: Province Office
Press Release of Landhoo Council alleging that President Mohamed Nasheed refused to help a critically ill emergency patient during his official visit to Noonu Landhoo by saying that he is not the head of the Launch section is a very irresponsible and exaggerated press release says North Province Office.

Moosa Manik appointed as the interim Chairperson of MDP
National Council cannot appoint the interim Chairperson- Didi
President of the Parliamentary Group of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Moosa Manik (Reeko) has been appointed as the interim Chairperson of the party. Moosa Manik was appointed as the interim Chairperson in the 91st meeting of the National Council of the party at Bandos Island Resort yesterday.

Government determined to reduce the gap between rich and poor
Highlighting the findings of Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009-2010 released by the Department of National Planning last week, in Friday's weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said the government was determined to bridge the gap between rich and poor.

Secures New UN Child Rights Treaty
The Maldives, Slovakia, Slovenia, Chile, Uruguay and Thailand yesterday secured the adoption, by the UN, of a new international treaty to strengthen the protection of the rights of children. The new Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes a global communications procedure under which children or their representatives can report human rights violations to the UN and seek international intervention.

Maldives secures adoption of UN Resolution on Human Rights in Libya
The Maldives, Qatar, Jordan and UK yesterday secured the adoption, by consensus, of a strong new UN resolution on the human rights situation in Libya. The resolution, adopted at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, condemns the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Libya, including ongoing gross and systematic human rights violations, and also expresses concern at armed attacks against civilians.

Deportation of illegal Bangladeshi workers
The tiny South Asian island state of Maldives, according to a FE report, plans to deport Bangladeshis working or staying there illegally. The deportation decision has, reportedly, come following continuous entry of illegal Bangladeshi workers to that country, having a population of only 400,000. According to the Maldivian foreign minister, the number of Bangladeshis in his country is around 50,000 now and one-third of them are either working or staying there illegally. The minister has urged Dhaka to take appropriate steps to stop illegal migration to the Maldives, which, he said has become a thriving business for unscrupulous manpower recruiting agencies.

Online visa system from September
Sri Lanka’s online visa system will become operational before the onset of the European winter in September, the Immigration chief said yesterday. Nearly 70 percent of the project has already been completed and now we are working on the technical modalities, Immigration and Emigration chief Chulananda Perera told the Sunday Times. He said that starting next week an awareness programme on the issue would be held for officials in the travel trade and hotel sectors and the media. Mr. Perera said a decision has yet to be taken on the fee for the visa, but added that it would be a flat rate, , irrespective of the country. “Free visas on arrival in Colombo will be provided only to persons from countries that provide the same facility to Sri Lankans. At present only Singapore and the Maldives provide this facility to Sri Lankans and therefore the two countries will be exempted from visa requirement,” Mr. Perera said. The online visa machinery would be operated round the clock at an office in Colombo and it would include officials from the Emigration and Immigration Department, the Defence Ministry and other relevant departments, Mr. Perera said. People could download their Sri Lankan visa form from their personal computers while staying at home instead of going to the embassy, Mr. Perera said. “This is an efficient system that has already been adopted by many countries and Sri Lanka needs to move into that era. Moreover, the system offers a better security screening of certain individuals,” he said.

Saudi Arabian Women Defy Ban on Female Drivers, Launch Protest for Their Right to Drive
Some women in Saudi Arabia were seen Friday, openly driving cars in defiance of the ban on female drivers in the kingdom known for its strict restrictions on the rights of women. In a move similar to the pro-democracy movement sweeping across the Arab world, the protest is largely being organized on social networks. Some women have been posting videos of themselves on various social networks as they operated automobiles to press for the “right of Saudi women 2 drive protest." Many Saudi women have reportedly signed up on social media sites to take part in the protest.

Lanka seeks dialogue with UN rapporteur on Channel 4 allegations
Sri Lanka has accused Britain’s Channel 4 Television of not providing the government with a copy of the video titled ‘Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields’ but assured that it is ready “to constructively engage” with the UN Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions. The offer to engage with Rapporteur Christof Heyns was made when Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, who led Sri Lanka’s delegation to the UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, tabled the Government’s response to the Channel 4 video at the sessions last week. The 17th sessions concluded last Friday and the next is in September this year. The Channel 4 video was first screened at the UN complex in Geneva when the UNHRC sessions were underway and was arranged both by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Mr. Heyns told the media thereafter that the footage was evidence of “definitive war crimes”.

                 18 June 2011 | Saturday