President meets with Danish PM

President Mohamed Nasheed has last evening met with Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Both leaders discussed the importance of COP15 and agreed to have more substantive discussions in the sessions. Speaking at the meeting Prime Minister Rasmussen said that already the procedures of the conference have been discussed and the consultations have not been able to go forward as some members continued to obstruct the process with procedural discussions. The PM further said that the world needed a strong voice such as President Nasheed. He added, as the President has conveyed during the working sessions yesterday, that the actual process should go forward and that time was crucial to get an outcome from COP15. President Nasheed reiterated AOSIS member's stance that binds all countries to take steps designed to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees rather than the 2 degrees that has been the stated objective of the larger developed nations. The President further requested Danish government to take ownership of delivery of COP15 and that strong leadership will result in the positive outcome. The President said we needed political leadership to bridge the gap on the outstanding issues on the agreement. He also stressed that US and other major emerging economies' leadership must ensure that the past 14 years' efforts have not been wasted and we take action on climate change. The President also expressed his utmost willingness to assist in the informal consultations at this crucial time.

President Nasheed meets with the First Minister of Scotland
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond. Discussions at the meeting were focussed on close friendly relations that exist between the Maldives and Scotland, and ways of further strengthening these relations. President Nasheed and First Minister Salmond agreed to sign an agreement between the two countries in the areas of education and renewable energy. Also President Mohamed Nasheed has today met President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana. Discussions were focused ways to overcome the challenges towards reaching an agreement at Copenhagen. Both President Nasheed and President Jagdeo noted that although the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's last report says the atmospheric temperature will rise to two degrees Celsius, their next report predicts it to fall by 1.5 degrees. Therefore, the two leaders agreed to further discuss the limit after the IPCC report is issued.

No compromise with Mother Nature: Maldives president
The president of the Maldives on Monday made an impassioned plea for major emission cuts to save his island chain from being engulfed by rising seas. "There are those who tell us that solving climate change is impossible. There are those who tell us taking radical action is too difficult," President Mohamed Nasheed said, in the first public appearance by any of the 120 heads of state due to attend the climate summit in Copenhagen.

Truce allows Copenhagen talks to resume
TENTATIVE truce between rich and poor nations has allowed a resumption of talks at the Copenhagen climate conference after a dramatic intervention by the President of the Maldives. Developing nations had earlier walked out of the formal United Nations talks in protest over the failure of wealthy countries to commit to an extension of the Kyoto Protocol - the current climate change treaty that limits emissions from only the industrialised world

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed is an Eco-Rock Star - Brings Down the House in Copenhagen
Tonight at Klimaforum President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives elevated himself to eco-rock star status. True to that moniker Nasheed arrived fashionable late -- 350.org's Bill McKibben having to speak for a bit longer than I think he intended -- and then proceeded to lay everything out in no uncertain terms. "History shows us the power of peaceful protest," Nasheed said. "From the civil rights movement, to Gandhi's Quit India campaign; non-violent protest can create change. Protest worked in the struggle for democracy in the Maldives." Nasheed is the first democratically elected leader of the Maldives.

The first Holiday Inn resort in the Maldives opens
Malé, the Maldives,15 December – The first Holiday Inn resort in the Maldives opens today in Kandooma Island on the South Malé atoll. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives lies 35 kilometres south of the Malé International Airport, and is a convenient 40 minute speedboat ride away. The 160-room resort features all the new Holiday Inn brand hallmarks such as comfort bedding and showers to the commitment to provide genuine, personalised service from arrival to departure.

A new feature from google maps
What if you Tony Wheeler, co-founder of the Lonely Planet travel guide series, could be your personal tour guide? What if Al Gore could show you his favorite places to enjoy nature? And wouldn't you like to know where Michelin-star-chef Ferran Adria likes to get a bite? Thanks to a feature from Google Maps, you can explore these celebrities', and others', favorite spots around the world--interactively and in 3D. Google asked over a dozen notable individuals, each legends in their fields (be it music, sports, cooking, or politics) to map some of their favorite places to Google Maps, along with a description of why they picked each spot.

Soros Says IMF Should Provide $100B to Mitigate Climate Change Effects
Billionaire George Soros, who personally plans to invest $1 billion in clean technology, says the IMF should provide $100 billion to assist those countries most affected by climate change. Speaking at a press conference during the climate talks in Copenhagen, Soros said the $10 billion promised by the developed world to assist less-developed nations was “not sufficient” and the gap between what was wanted and what was offered “could actually wreck the conference.”

Canaries in the Climate Change Coal Mines?
Like canaries in the coalmines of yore, low-lying islands in the midst of the world's vast oceans face the possibility of extinction. Rising waters from global warming could literally drown many of them in the decades to come. At the climate change conference in Copenhagen, voices from these vulnerable island nations--places like Tuvalu in the Pacific and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean--are singing loudly and persistently to be heard at the 12 day United Nations summit. Their controversial, and emotional, pleas for tougher action will be an underlying source of tension in the final deliberations this week.

Tsunami-hit communities ready for future: Bill Clinton
The former U.S. president told Reuters that quickly rebuilding permanent homes was the biggest challenge after the December 26, 2004 tsunami that killed around 226,000 people, mainly in Indonesia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He recalled visiting an Indonesian camp housing survivors well after the magnitude 9.15 undersea earthquake struck off the coast and triggered the huge tsunami that killed 166,000 people alone in the country's Aceh province.

Malaysia officially invites President Nasheed to attend the 6th World Islamic Economic Forum

The Secretary General of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIFE), Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak called on the High Commissioner for Malaysia, Mohamad Zaki to personally hand over the invitation for President Mohamed Nasheed to attend the 6th World Islamic Economic Forum. The 6th World Islamic Economic Forum is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 18 - 20 May 2010. The invitation to the President is to deliver a keynote address for the special session on Climate Change. The Forum will be opened by the Dato' Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Patron of WIFE Foundation. The High Commissioner thanked the Secretary General for the invitation and expressed hope that the President would be able to attend the important event.

The Copenhagen conference means life or death for the Maldives
Limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C is still just about possible, but it's a target unlikely to survive the week. If you live in the Maldives, "1.5 to stay alive" is more than just a catchy slogan. The reality is that temperature rises above 1.5C will destroy this island nation from all sides: rising sea levels will swamp the tiny atolls, warmer water will kill its beautiful coral reefs, and an acidic ocean will literally dissolve the islands one by one.

Copenhagen police release hundreds of detained activists.

Only 13 protesters remain in custody after nearly 1,000 arrests during demonstrations at climate change summit. Danish police have released hundreds of activists who were detained during a mass rally to demand a global climate pact, as police were accused of overreacting to sporadic street violence.
Only 13 of the 968 people detained during the demonstration in Copenhagen remain in custody today, according to police. Of those, two Danes and a Frenchman are set to appear in court on preliminary charges of fighting with police.

Agoda.com and Bangkok Airways Make Paradise More Accessible
Agoda.com announced a strategic partnership with Bangkok Airways that gives independent travelers more freedom when booking a trip to the Maldives. Agoda.com, a leading Asian hotel booking site and a part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN), today announced a strategic partnership with Bangkok Airways that gives independent travelers more freedom when booking a trip to the Maldives.

President departs for Copenhagen

President Nasheed has this morning departed to Copenhagen to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Speaking to the media, before his departure, the President said that as low-lying island countries were most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, it was important that the world listen to countries like the Maldives. He further said that as world leaders meet in Copenhagen to seek an agreement on Climate Change, he believed that the Maldives will have a bigger role in this. The President said that at the conference, the Maldives will propose a survival kit for the world. The President will address the Joint High-level segment of COP 15 and Fifth Session of the Conference of the Parties on 16 December, Wednesday. On the same day, the President will also address at the Inter-Parliamentary Union. On 15 December, Tuesday, the President will speak at the high level roundtable on “Meeting the needs for information and knowledge for climate change response” jointly organized by UNEP, UNFCCC, and WMO. In addition, on Monday, he will chair the side event at UNFCCC COP15, “Advancing work on adaptation to climate change: A United Nations system perspective”. During his visit to Copenhagen, President Nasheed is also scheduled to meet senior government officials and climate experts, participating in the COP15, including Danish Prime Minister, Prime Minister of Australia, and Former US Vice President Al Gore. The President will also give media interviews to some of the prominent news channels. The President was accompanied by the Special Envoy of the President, Mr Ibrahim Hussain Zaki; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Shaheed; Member of the People’s Majlis, Eva Abdulla; Member of the People’s Majlis, Visam Ali; Minister of State of Housing, Transport and Environment, Adam Maniku; Minister of State for Health and Family, Abdul Bari Abdulla; Envoy for Science and Technology, Ahmed Shafeeg Ibrahim Moosa; and, Executive Service Secretary, Mohamed Ziyad.

Maldives Airports Company supports the government’s environmental initiatives

Maldives Airports Company has declared its support for the government’s environmental initiatives, and congratulated the government for its efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. Speaking with President Mohamed Nasheed, in a meeting held at Male’ International Airport before his departure to Copenhagen, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Company Mr Mohamed Ibrahim said the Company has decided to actively contribute to government’s plan to make the Maldives carbon neutral. During the meeting, the CEO presented a letter to the President detailing the measures the Maldives Airports Company is taking to make its operations sustainable and environmentally friendly. The letter also outlines the programme the Company is aiming to introduce concurrently with the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen.

Maldives Financial System Grows to become an adult.
Maldives has become the 9th , the newest member if Asaian Clearing Union so we may now feel that Maldives Financial System is growing enough to become an adult. Last 30 Years entire Maldivian economy and financial system has remained as a slave of Former President Dictator Gayyoom. So he has never thought of following international system to rule the financial system of the country.

Pakistan should explore Maldives for exports: Maldives HC
Maldives meets most of its needs through imports and this situation offers Pakistani businessmen a good opportunity of enhancing exports by increasing contacts with their Maldivian counterparts. This was said by Miss Aishath Shehnaz Adam, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives during her visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce. She said Maldives economy is regarded exemplary in the region as it has shown growth at an average of over 10 percent during the past two decades, which should be a source of encouragement for investors. She said Maldives always welcomes foreign investment andPakistan investors should accelerate efforts to explore Maldives for investment opportunities. She said tourism is the main industry of Maldives’s economy as about 700,000 visitors annually visit this country of islands and added that both countries could reap benefits by increasing bilateral cooperation in this area. Aishath Shehnaz said 100 percent of population of Maldives is Muslims which provides an additional advantage to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Maldives. Speaking on the occasion, Zahid Maqbool, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said bilateral trade between Pakistan and Maldives is not worth mentioning and added that the only way to improve two-way trade is encouraging frequent exchange of trade delegations. He said Pakistan has the potential to meet all import needs of Maldives at very competitive prices because Pakistani products are cheaper for Maldives as compared to European and other countries. He said both countries should work on the possibilities of establishing direct flights and shortest land trade routes to improve bilateral trade. He said Maldives should hold single country exhibitions which will enable Pakistani exporters to get better penetration in Maldivian markets. He termed agriculture, pharmaceutical, telecommunication, IT, education, health & tourism as potential areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries. Zahid Maqbool said Pakistan provides quality education at very low cost than Western & European countries and desired that Maldivian students should come to Pakistan for higher studies, which will bring both countries further closer in different spheres of life.

A political agreement to prevent climate change
The world is five days into one of the most important global conferences of our time: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen (COP15). Negotiators currently getting down to work are tasked with coming up with a replacement to the Kyoto Protocol that will prevent the nightmare scenarios that many climate scientists have predicted becoming a reality. A formidable challenge. Overwhelming scientific evidence – endorsed by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - shows that human activity is the primary force driving climate change. The UK recognises that the developed world has historic responsibility for climate change and must make ambitious commitments to tackle its effects, including through making funds available to developing countries.

Sunderbans ‘summit’

Taking its cue from what the governments of Maldives and Nepal did to highlight their climatic concerns — Maldives had its meeting underwater while Nepal ministers sat at the base camp of Mount Everest — the Bengal cabinet almost held a meeting in a remote island in the Sunderbans. An invisible observer from Metro delivers a blow-by-blow account of the meeting that did NOT take place.

Redress for any human rights violation must be possible – President Nasheed
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said that if any person believes his or her rights or freedoms have been violated by the government during its past one year, he or she has the opportunity to seek redress. He said that human rights violations in the Maldives in the past were the main obstacles that hampered development. The President said suppressing criticism against a government would lead to its corruption. He added protecting human rights was vital to a just polity. Continuing further, the President said all human beings were free and equal and that no person should be subjected to any form of inhuman and degrading treatment.

Maldives Monetary Authority included in ACU
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) informed the head, principal offices of all authorised dealers in foreign exchange Tuesday said that in the 38th meeting of the ACU Board of Directors in Colombo, the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) was admitted to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) as member which will commence ACU operations from January 1, 2010. Accordingly, authorized dealers may establish ACU dollar and ACU euro accounts with their correspondents for MMA and open their correspondents’ accounts with them. staff report

Copenhagen: Soros Proposes $100B Climate Fund
COPENHAGEN — George Soros, the billionaire investor and philanthropist who plans to invest more than $1 billion of his own money into clean energy technology, has an idea about how to solve the financing gap between what poor nations say they urgently need to adapt to climate change, and the $10 billion per year that developing countries seem willing to pony up: get it from the International Monetary Fund. During a press conference at the Copenhagen climate talks, Soros said that the current $10 billion proposal from the developed world is “not sufficient” and that the gap between what developing countries want and developed nations are likely to give “could actually wreck the conference.” His idea is to move $100 billion from the IMF, which is being used for financial systems that have been hit by the economic downturn, to help countries mitigate and adapt to climate change

Live From Copenhagen: Maldives Will Bid for 2024 Olympics
Mohamed Nasheed, the outspoken President of the soon-to-be-submerged Maldives, announced in Copenhagen that his country will bid for the Summer Olympics of 2024. By then most of his island nation will be under water due to climate change. The announcement set off immediate speculation that the IOC may in fact select the Maldives to show their support for climate change action and not to be outcrazied by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee

Germany wants to sell spare swine flu vaccines: minister

Germany wants to sell to other countries millions of spare swine flu vaccines because of fewer people than expected coming forward to be injected, the country's health minister said on Monday. Philipp Roesler said that Germany's 16 states had requested the federal government to open talks with other countries about a sale of 2.2 million doses of the A(H1N1) influenza vaccine.

Seychelles on alert as pirates eye turf
With 115 islands scattered over an area three times the size of France, an armed force numbering about 500 and a population that would fit in Wembley stadium with room to spare, the Seychelles is often considered indefensible. On Monday, one of the Seychelles’ two coastguard vessels seized 11 suspected Somali pirates following a brief exchange of fire. In 2008, pirates captured dozens of ships off Somalia’s coastline - the longest in Africa - wreaking havoc on some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

India, Russia sign deals on nuclear energy, defence
India and Russia signed deals on nuclear energy and arms sales on Monday as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks in the Kremlin with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. "We welcome Russia's participation in the broadening of our nuclear energy programme," Singh told reporters after the talks, according to remarks translated into Russian. "The successful end of the negotiations on the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy is a major step forward," he added. "We are both of the opinion that our relations have very much potential," Medvedev said.

Earth More Sensitive To CO2 Than Previously Thought

In the long term, the Earth's temperature may be 30-50% more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than has previously been estimated, reports a new study published in Nature Geoscience this week. The results show that components of the Earth's climate system that vary over long timescales - such as land-ice and vegetation - have an important effect on this temperature sensitivity, but these factors are often neglected in current climate models.

India lose to Maldives, face Bangaldesh in SAFF Cup semis

A 10-man India under-23 side Wednesday lost their last group match against holders Maldives here 0-2 and will now face hosts Bangladesh in the semi-final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup. Goals from Ahmed Thoriq (15th) and Fazeel Ibrahim (83rd) at the Bangabandhu Stadium helped the Maldives finish the group as toppers and they will take on Sri Lanka in the other semi-final. India rested some of their key players, including goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya and skipper Sushil Singh. The Maldives were undoubtedly the better team and took the lead in the 15th minute as the Indian defence was caught off-guard. Thoriq slammed in a clever pass from Ali Ashfaq, who did much of the leg-work by cutting past defenders Ravinder Singh and Ravanan to set-up Thoriq. India were reduced to 10 men at the hour mark when striker Balwant Singh was given marching orders after being booked for the second time due to an awkward dive. The Maldives stepped on the gas in the last 10 minutes and doubled the lead through Ibrahim with seven minutes left from the final whistle. Ibrahim slotted in from an excellent flag-kick by Ashfaq as the Indian defence was caught napping once again.

President Nasheed meets with the people of Maarandhoo
As part of his tour to North Thiladhunmathi atoll, President Mohamed Nasheed has this afternoon visited Maarandhoo and met with the people. Addressing the people of Maarandhoo, the President spoke on the importance of easy transport links between the islands in the area, for the development of the island. Continuing in this regard, the President said islands of North Thiladhunmathi would be linked by the transport network within the next two months. President Nasheed further said the government was aiming for self-sufficiency, increasing people’s disposable income and maintaining price stability.

New paper on green economy reinforces Commonwealth people’s call for comprehensive deal in Copenhagen

Road to recovery: mapping a sustainable economy is the result of a consultation with leading Commonwealth civil society figures in environment, development and finance. Commissioned by the Foundation and compiled by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) the paper challenges conventional thinking around consumption and development, and calls for moral and practical leadership from within the Commonwealth to accelerate the transition to sustainability.

President Nasheed inaugurates Mandhu College

President Mohamed Nasheed has last evening inaugurated Mandhu College. Speaking at the inauguration function held at Mandhu College, the President stressed the role of education in the development of a society. He said that for a country to develop, it was important for its people’s thinking to develop too. The President said that the government’s education policies were centred on higher education institutes. He further said that the government could not do everything by itself and stressed the importance of increased participation of private sector in implementing government’s developmental programs. Speaking in this regard, the President said that with the turn of the century, the country has reached the crossroads, and that the country’s development has come to a halt. In his speech, the President also spoke on role of Mandhu Learning Centre in capacity building. Mandhu College was first established in 1988 as Mandhu Learning Centre.

Climate conundrum
Politics is indeed the art of the possible, but less considered are the elements needed to underpin political action. Public opinion, even in democracies, is not always pivotal. Tony Blair took Britain to war in Iraq alongside the United States despite massive voter protest beforehand. Yet sometimes politicians can imagine that they are surfing on top of a mighty wave of public opinion. The Copenhagen climate summit which opened yesterday appears such a case.

Cracks appear in G-77 bloc on Day One

COPENHAGEN: The opening day of the meeting of 193 countries on climate change at Copenhagen was meant to be an occasion for reinforcing political rhetoric and niceties. But even before the meeting began, dark news of cracks within the biggest bloc of developing countries -- G-77 plus China -- started showing up.

2009 SAFF Cup: Defending Champions Maldives Come From Behind To Beat Afghansitan
The holders needed three second half goals to defeat Afghanistan...

Holders Maldives bounced back from their surprising 1-1 draw in the first game against Nepal, by beating Afghanistan 3-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka in a Group A match of the 2009 SAFF Cup on Monday afternoon to register their first win of the competition. The Afghans took a shock lead through Hashmatullah Barkezai in the first half but Ahmed Toriq equalised for the champions seven minutes into the second period and then a brace from Ali Ashfaq gave Maldives a much needed victory. Next Maldives has to fight against India..

India demolish Sri Lanka to become number 1 Test team
It took 35 minutes on Sunday morning, but India’s journey to the top of the Test world has been decades in the making. Anyone who followed Indian cricket through the 1990s, the decade of home dominance and defeat away, or the early 2000s, sporadic successes dotted by embarrassing debacles, will savour the sweet taste of a team coming together and rising to the top of the charts.

Predictions for climate change this century
Following is a summary of expert opinion of potential impacts from climate change by the end of the century.
The source is the Fourth Assessment Report, published in 2007 by the UN's Nobel-winning scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The magnitude of impacts will mainly depend on the level of warming, which the panel predicted would be in a range of 1.8-4.0 C (3.2-7.2 F) by 2100, a figure that two recent studies have said could be under-estimated by up to 2.4 C (4.3 F).

President Nasheed confers Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen to His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin AbdulAziz Alsaud

President Mohamed Nasheed has today, conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen to His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin AbdulAziz Alsaud of Saudi Arabia. The Medal was awarded to Prince Alwaleed in accordance with Article 115 (r) of the Constitution, in recognition of his important contributions to the development of the Maldives and his distinguished services globally to promote the ideals of Islam, democracy and understanding.

Vice President meets with the visiting Thai business delegation

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed met with the visiting delegation of Thailand’s business delegation this morning. Speaking at the meeting held at the President’s Office, the Vice President said the relationship between the Maldives and Thailand were flourishing. Dr Waheed spoke on the importance of expanding the economic relations between the Maldives and Thailand, and noted scope of business opportunities available in the Maldives. Members of the Thai business delegation expressed interest in exploring the investment opportunities available in the Maldives.

Director General of Indian Coast Guard calls on the President

The Director General of Indian Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed this morning. The Director General is on a visit to inspect the proceedings of the annual Maldives-India Coast Guard Exercise named "Dosti" which will be held from 1 – 4 of this month. During the call the President said that the joint training exercises were highly useful to the Maldives and expressed his appreciation to the Indian Government and the Indian Coast Guard for conducting these exercises with the Maldivian Coast Guard. The President and the Director General also discussed the threat of pirates in the Indian Ocean. The Director General said that the joint training programmes would help enhance the close bilateral relations that exist between the Maldives and India. He also inquired about the outcome of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in last November. He further spoke on the importance of reaching an agreement at the Copenhagen Summit which will be held this month.

President Nasheed to attend Copenhagen Climate Conference
President Nasheed will attend the COP 15 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December. The President had earlier ruled out his participation in the conference, citing domestic budgetary constraints. However, assistance from the COP 15 process, the United Nations and the European Union means the President will now attend the summit. Since assuming office last year, Nasheed has made tackling climate change a key foreign policy goal. In March, he announced plans to make the Maldives the world’s first carbon neutral country in ten years. The carbon neutral plan will see the Maldives’ electricity production shift from diesel to 100% renewable energy. Last month, Nasheed chaired an underwater cabinet meeting, to highlight the risks of rising sea levels associated with global warming on his low-lying island nation.

How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim

Description: The steps a person needs to take to accept Islam as his/her religion, enter its fold, and become a Muslim.

By IslamReligion.com
Do you not know that accepting Islam destroys all sins which come before it?” (Saheeh Muslim). When one accepts Islam, they in essence repent from the ways and beliefs of their previous life. One need not be overburdened by sins committed before their acceptance. The person’s record is clean, and it is as if he was just born from his mother’s womb. One should try as much as possible to keep his records clean and strive to do as many good deeds as possible. The Holy Quran and Hadeeth (prophetic sayings) both stress the importance of following Islam. God states:

Climate change special: Twelve days to save the world
We face a threat as terrible as that posed by Hitler, says Johann Hari. Now we must rise to the challenge. Mohammed Nasheed knows what global warming means, because he sees it every day. He survived years of imprisonment and torture to lead his country – the Maldives – to democracy. But now, as its President, he is being forced to watch as his homeland is wiped from the map. With each year that passes, the rising sea claims more land, and at the current rate it will claim everything.

595 fresh HIV positive cases recorded every month in Bihar in 2009
Patna: About 595 fresh HIV positive cases are recorded every month in Bihar in 2009 as against zero in the state before 2001, according to the figures of NACO's Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC). With 6550 fresh cases detected in the current year so far, the total number of HIV-infected now stands at 24,835 which is, however, far less than the estimated 82,000, the ICTC report said. The rise in the positive cases has been registered despite crores of rupees being spent under the HIV Prevention and Treatment Programme. On an average National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) spends about Rs22 crore every month in Bihar to contain the spread of the dreaded disease, NACO sources said. It is really hard and difficult to find out how many are infected in Mumbai, Madras Hyderabad etc…daily. All the infected are all over in India, acting as agents spreading the deadly disease.. The only solution to the deadly disease is not to have sex unless married. Now India is spending more money for the deadly diseased victims than the poor poor people of the nation. Is it fair???

2009 SAFF Cup Special: Know Your Opponents - Team Maldives
Continuing with our SAFF Cup special series, in which we profile each of the other seven teams in the competition, Goal.com's Amoy Ghoshal looks at holders Maldives...

The President returns to Malé

President Mohamed Nasheed has this afternoon returned to Malé after attending the Commonwealth Heads Government Meeting (CHOGM). This year’s CHOGM was held in Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad and Tobago from 27 to 29 November. Speaking at the special session on climate change, the President called for concrete action from the Commonwealth to produce an important result in Copenhagen. He also thanked Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India for their support and assistance to the Maldives to realise its plan to become carbon neutral.

Nearly half of Venice underwater
Much of the historic Italian city of Venice, including St. Mark's Square, was underwater Monday following a meteorological depression combined with natural tide waters, officials said. The tide monitoring centre said 45 percent of the Renaissance city was swamped when the lagoon rose 131 centimetres (more than four feet). Venice was flooded 50 times between 1993 and 2002, with the worst 'acqua alta' on November 4, 1966, when the city was submerged by 1.94 metres of water amid catastrophic flooding throughout the country. In February 1986, levels reached 1.58 metres above normal, and in December 2008 waters surged 1.56 metres. The city has for years been wrestling with the problems posed by the threat of rising sea levels. Last year local authorities confirmed they were looking at a scheme to raise the city's buildings to meet the problem. Under Operation "Rialto", local officials and engineers were looking at using piston-supported-poles placed at the bottom of each structure to lift buildings by up to a metre. In April 2007, the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO warned that Venice was one of its designated World Heritage sites that was threatened by climate change.

Saudi king orders inquiry into deadly Jeddah flood

Saudi King Abdullah on Monday ordered an inquiry into the catastrophic flash flood in Jeddah last week that killed at least 106 people and sparked a rare burst of public outrage. The SPA state news agency said he also ordered that one million riyals (267,000 dollars) in compensation be paid to each family of the victims, many of whom drowned or were crushed in cars by what witnesses called "a tsunami." Prince Khalid bin Faisal, governor of the Mecca region which includes Jeddah, will head the inquiry, assess personal and property losses and establish if anyone bears any responsibility.

Air India losses double to Rs.5,000 cr
Cash-strapped national carrier Air India's losses for last fiscal are expected to more than double to Rs.5,000 crore owing to the economic meltdown and low yields, Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Tuesday. Air India had incurred a loss of Rs.2,226.16 crore during 2007-08, Patel told the Rajya Sabha. The flag carrier of the country is making losses since 2004-05. Patel also said National Aviation Co of India Ltd (NACIL), which operates Air India, has taken several initiatives to turn around the performance of the company by focusing on cost reduction and revenue enhancement. The government has assured support to the national carrier in the form of equity infusion and the first instalment of Rs.400 crore is expected by January 2010. However, it also asked Air India to reduce costs by at least Rs.2,000 crore by the end of the current fiscal. Meanwhile, the Committee of Secretaries has taken note of the proposals for restructuring Air India. The government will take a decision on the committee's proposals later

COCO PALM BODU HITHI CLAIMS THE BEST LUXURY HOTEL AWARD 2009

Coco Collection is proud to announce that Coco Palm Bodu Hithi managed by Coco Collection, Maldives has been awarded the ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009.The winners of the World Luxury Hotel Awards were announced at a special ceremony held at the Lebua at The State Tower, Bangkok, on 27th November 2009. The World Luxury Hotel Awards were established to honor the ultimate achievement of world-class service and facilities amongst the luxury hotels and resorts around the world. This globally sought award is presented to the rare few who accomplish the epitome of excellence in the hospitality industry.

Suadi King Meets Leaders of Hajj Groups.
The King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, has met with Leaders of Hajj Groups from all over the World including Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baaree. . Minister Baaree is currently in Saudi Arabia as the head of the Maldives Hajj pilgrims. In this meeting, Minister Baaree had extended Eid greetings to King Abdullah on behalf of President Mohamed Nasheed and the people of Maldives. According to reports, all the Hajj pilgrims from Maldives are in good condition. All the pilgrims are currently in Mina. The next ritual would be throwing stones at Jamrah and after this some pilgrims will return to Mecca. Dr Baaree had said that all the Hajj arrangements by Saudi officials were done very well this year and added that no pilgrim from Maldives faced any health problems which obstructed them in going to Arafat. Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baari, Minister for Islamic Affairs in Maldives is student of Medina Univeristy. He has done his higher education including Ph.D in the university on quran Thafseer. During the long stay at Medina University he has helped and guided Maldivians who went Hajj and Umrah .He helped them in guiding the right way to perform Hajj and Umrah as a volunteer.. Allah is so great and Kind , this year he is blessed as the Head of Maldivian Pilgrim who went Mecca to perform FaruL Hajj. Pilgrims are expected to begin returning to Maldives next week.

Davydenko hoping for a glimpse of the limelight

"I will spend a lot of money in Maldives. But I'll still keep money because I want to buy an apartment still. I didn't buy an apartment in Moscow, it's so expensive.” Russia's Nikolay Davydenko hopes his dazzling displays to win the ATP World Tour Finals title will finally allow him to step out of the shadow of compatriot Marat Safin who retired this month. The slender 28-year-old could probably walk around the streets of Moscow or London unnoticed, even with the $1.5 million cheque from Sunday's 6-3 6-4 victory against Juan Martin del Potro burning a hole in his pocket.

Barefoot in the palace

Caroline Gladstone discovers a cruise to make anyone feel like royalty - if only for three days. There's a speck in the Indian Ocean called Tasty Sand Island. I can't quite believe I'm lying on its savoury white stuff, listening to the rhythmic lapping of the sea and the swaying of coconut palms. My dream-like state has me imagining I'm on the set of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. My sister and I almost have the island to ourselves, save for our personal attendant, Raj, and a glamorous young couple frolicking at the water's edge.

Swine Fule: Athreat to the Globe
France calls in army to meet demand for swine flu jab

Virus mutation spreads as swine flu deaths leap

WHO says probing reports of mutating swine flu virus

French swine flu 'accelerating', 22 dead in a week

Jeddah flood toll rises to 83: reports

More bodies have been recovered in the western Saudi city of Jeddah, gateway for Muslim pilgrims headed to Mecca, pushing the death toll from Wednesday's flash flood to 83, reports said on Friday. The Al-Watan and Okaz newspapers said the toll had risen to 83, nearly all of them in Jeddah, after the Red Sea port was hit by a torrential downpour that sparked what observers said looked like a tidal wave when it struck the city. Al-Hayat said 84 had died. Officials said none of the dead were pilgrims for the hajj, which was underway in Mecca 80 kilometres (50 miles) away. Receding waters yesterday revealed crumbled bridges and torn up roads, with crumpled vehicles piled up in areas like driftwood. Citizens worried that a huge sewage reservoir outside the city would burst its banks. Jeddah municipality spokesman Ahmad al-Ghamdi said that the reservoir was safe and not in danger of being overwhelmed by floodwaters, the reports said

Copenhagen conference: The countries to watch
America and China are the big hitters, but other nations also punch above their weight

[Read More]

The Maldives included in the newly reconstituted CMAG
The Maldives is included in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government in November 1995 to uphold the Harare Declaration. The Harare Declaration lays down the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values and sets the basic membership criteria for the organization. CMAG deals with serious or persistent violations of the Declaration. CMAG is convened by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth with Foreign Ministers from nine member countries. Other countries included in this latest reconstitution of CMAG are Bangladesh, Ghana, Namibia, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Composition of the Group and its terms of reference and operations are reviewed every two years. CMAG was last reconstituted by the CHOGM 2007 held at Kampala, Uganda. The first meeting of the newly reconstituted CMAG will be held today. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009 concludes today.

Romancing the waves

Back as a child, the book The Coral Islandspun a fascinating story of an isolated island of coral reef on which three young boys learned to survive. Last week, I visited similar coral islands whose beauty is hard to describe, and a sheer delight to experience. The Maldives is an island-country nestled in the Indian Ocean, about 600 km southwest of Sri Lanka.

Obama must take leaf out of Nasheed's book
True he is doing a lot to curb global warming, but melting Arctic ice is still unimpressed. Here's a story of two presidents, Barack Obama of the United States and Mohammad Nasheed of the Maldives. Both are young and charismatic. Both were elected last fall to replace discredited incumbents (Nasheed's predecessor ruled the island nation for three decades and kept him in a political prison for years). Both have troublesome legislatures (the opposition party controls the chamber in the Maldives).

Commonwealth backs $10 billion climate adaptation fund
PORT OF SPAIN (Reuters) - Commonwealth leaders will lobby for an international climate deal that includes $10 billion for next year to help poor and vulnerable states fight the effects of global warming, the Maldives president said on Saturday. Mohamed Nasheed, whose small Indian Ocean state risks being swamped by rising sea levels caused by climate change, said the proposal for such funding was part of a draft climate statement to be issued on Saturday by Commonwealth leaders meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.

Play cricket, enjoy spa on cruise off Kerala coast
Play cricket, rejuvenate in a Swedish spa and go shopping -- all this on the high seas! Aquamarine, a luxury cruise ship, offers these and many more holiday pleasures off the Kerala coast from December while sailing to Colombo or the Maldives.

Vice President Dr Waheed begins a tour of Thiladhummathi Atoll
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has, this morning, begun a tour of Thiladhummathi Atoll. During his visit to the islands of Thiladhummathi Atoll, the Vice President will meet with the people and enquire about their well-being, and exchange the greetings of Eid-ul-Adha. He will also participate in the Eid celebrations in the islands. As the first leg of his tour, the Vice President visited Hanimaadhoo. Following the Friday prayers in the island, Dr Waheed met with the people of the island and exchanged the greetings of Eid. The Vice President is currently in Kulhudhuffushi. On his arrival in the island, this afternoon, he met and exchanged the good wishes of Eid with the people who gathered to welcome him. As part of his tour, the Vice President is also scheduled to visit some other islands of both South and North Thiladhummathi Atolls. Vice President Dr Waheed also extended the greeting to the people of the Maldives on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

Chairman of CHOGM 2009 praises President Nasheed
Chairman of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Honourable Patrick Manning has praised President Mohamed Nasheed, in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the CHOGM 2009. In his remarks, Prime Minister Manning said in his meeting with President Nasheed, during UN General Assembly in September, he recognised President Nasheed as a very talented man with great attributes. He acknolwdged President Nasheed’s efforts to bring environmental prospects the Maldives and the world faced to the attention of the world, and especially noted the underwater cabinet meeting held on October 17. CHOGM 2009 officially began yesterday in Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting was declared open by the Head of the Commonwealth Queen Elizabeth II. Other heads of the governments attending CHOGM 2009 include Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia and the President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. Heads of non-Commonwealth leaders attend the CHOGM this year for the first time in history. Non-Commonwealth leaders attending the Meeting are President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, and Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen of Denmark. The Secretary-General of United Nations is also attending the CHOGM 2009, for the first time in history.

President Nasheed calls for concrete action to produce an important result in Copenhagen
President Mohamed Nasheed has called for concrete action to produce an important result in the United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen in December. He made the intervention at the special session on climate change at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009, at a special opportunity granted to the President by Chairman Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. President Nasheed thanked Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India for their support and assistance to the Maldives to realise its plan to become carbon neutral. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen of Denmark and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also spoke at the session. President Nasheed attended the official dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in the honour of leaders attending CHOGM 2009.

Dead dolphins washed ashore in Addu

Two dead dolphins were found on the beach at Addu Hithadhoo on Thursday, reports Voice of Maldives. According to the atoll office, the dolphins were nine feet in length and three feet in width. Army officers, police and the public works have since buried the dolphins.

Afternoon tea with the FT: Mohamed Nasheed

I look out on the light turquoise circles of water where coral beds break up the indigo blue of the Indian Ocean. More than a thousand tiny islands strung across the water, most of which are uninhabited, the Maldives were described by the 14th-century traveller Ibn Battutah as one of the wonders of the world, and so it seems that afternoon. But, as we prepare to land at Malé airport, I begin to imagine a picture quite different from that enjoyed by honeymooners and tourists to this much-loved holiday destination. Many scientific estimates predict that by the end of this century a large number of the low-lying islands that make up this country could be submerged by rising sea levels brought about by global warming.

As Washington and Beijing stall, poor folk take the lead.
Of all the mistakes the world has made in trying to tackle climate change, perhaps the greatest will be seen as the obsession with equity. For nearly 20 years, rich and poor countries have been at loggerheads, the poor arguing that the rich have caused the problem and must move first, the rich resisting until developing nations make parallel cuts. In 1997, the US Senate voted unanimously against the newly minted Kyoto Protocol, insisting that Washington would not sign up to any deal unless rapidly growing countries such as China did likewise. This was monstrously unfair: with Chinese per capita emissions less than a quarter of America's, how could the US demand that China take an equal hit?

Climate Change and the Copenhagen Summit:
Talk of the Universe

Climate change: Fight for survival
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=115677

The compulsions of Copenhagen
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/The-compulsions-of-Copenhagen/546834

Copenhagen, Success or a Death Sentence for Humanity
http://www.mauritiustimes.com/271109jugessur.htm

Commonwealth Leaders Debate Climate Change
http://www.euronews.net/2009/11/27/commonwealth-leaders-debate-climate-change/

Harper could learn from the Commonwealth small fry
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/harper-could-learn-from-the-commonwealth-small-fry/article1379218/
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Shri. Vayalar Ravi inaugurates 4th Annual Conference of Head of Missions
Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs inaugurated the 4th Annual Conference of Head of Missions of GCC Countries, Libya, Malaysia, Yemen and Maldives here today. Addressing the conference, he said that this conference has emerged as an important platform to understand and find solutions to the problems faced by overseas Indian workers and it reinforces our commitment to strive for their better protection and welfare. He said our workers in the Gulf are temporary, contractual workers and they spend several years in harsh living and working conditions, remit most of their savings back home and often return in poor health and with no savings. This is the frightening prospect that thousands of workers returning from the Gulf. He further said it is necessary that we structure an appropriate programme to ensure a reasonable level of financial security on return and to inculcate the practice of thrift for a secure retirement. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is working towards establishing a Return and Resettlement Fund that will provide for a contribution based scheme to incentivize the return and resettlement of the overseas worker.

New Immigration laws says Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs
The existing immigration laws would be replaced by a totally new set of laws, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi announced. ‘The Emigration Management Bill, 2009, will shortly be placed before the Cabinet, seeking approval for introducing the Bill in Parliament,’ he said inaugurating the fourth annual conference of Head of Missions of GCC Countries, Libya, Malaysia, Yemen and the Maldives here.

President wishes Maldivian pilgrims a blessed Hajj
President Mohamed Nasheed has wished Maldivian pilgrims a blessed Hajj. The President conveyed his sincere well wishes and greetings of Hajj to all Maldivian pilgrims, through Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, who is in Mecca as the Head of Maldivian pilgrims this year. The President also conveyed to them, sincere greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

Vice President meets Maldivian students participating in the Children’s Climate Forum Copenhagen 2009

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has met with Maldivian students participating in Children’s Climate Forum Copenhagen 2009. The Forum, hosted by City of Copenhagen and UNICEF, to be held in Denmark from 28 November to 4 December is an international climate forum for children and young people aimed at giving them a voice in the climate debate. Speaking at the meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, the Vice President said the young people could contribute most to address the issue of climate change.

My first time as a guest of God
Ever since reading, at the age of 13, Malcolm X's account of haj, I've wanted to go says Fatima Barkatulla
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik! Here I am O God, here I am at Your service! Here I am, You have no partners, here I am!” millions chant in unison. As we taxi down the long, winding highways that meet at the foot of the Sacred Mosque, we crane our necks to catch a glimpse of the Kaaba. It slides into view and our eyes stream with tears. We have come home. Somehow our natural human instincts are bound to this once barren plot of earth an ocean away, where Abraham built the Kaaba — the first place built for the worship of the Creator alone.

Crescent International’s Managing Editor, Zafar Bangash, recently visited the Maldives Islands; this report is based on his observations.

Visitors arriving in the Indian Ocean Island State of Maldives are handed a Customs and Immigration declaration form. In addition to seeking the visitor’s personal details, there is also a list of banned items printed on the back of the form, among them pornographic material, alcohol and drugs. To emphasize the seriousness of drugs, there is a further warning that drug carriers will face severe punishment.

Failure To Focus On Farming Could Lead To Increased Hunger.
Alarmed by a substantial oversight in the global climate talks leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen next month, more than 60 of the world's most prominent agricultural scientists and leaders underscored how the almost total absence of agriculture in the agreement could lead to widespread famine and food shortages in the years ahead.

Death toll rises in political massacre.

The death toll has risen to 43 including women and journalists in what appears to be a politically motivated massacre near a Philippines elections office. The military confirmed the dead include a politician about to file her and her brother's certificates of candidacy as well as journalists covering the event as the group made its way to the local Commission on Elections office.

Picnic for eight:
Octomom Nadya Suleman takes her babies on trip to park

She has made few public appearances with her huge brood. But earlier this week Nadya Suleman - otherwise known as Octomom - made a visit to the park with all eight of her babies. The children, born after their mother used a sperm donor, were pushed along in double strollers and then laid out on a blanket on the grass.