Statement by the EU Heads of Mission in Colombo and accredited to the Maldives regarding recent developments in the country
PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT BY EU HEADS OF MISSION IN COLOMBO
European Union Heads of Mission based in Colombo and accredited to the Maldives view with concern recent developments in that country, including the arrest of a criminal court judge by members of the security forces. EU Heads of Mission reiterate their support for the process of democratic transition in the Maldives and note the importance of the principles underlying that transition, including respect for the constitution, due process, independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and freedom of expression are central to this process. EU Heads of Mission call on all parties in the Maldives to act in accordance with these principles and to refrain from inflammatory language or other action which could incite hatred. The Royal Norwegian Ambassador in Colombo, accredited to the Maldives associates herself with this statement by EU Heads of Mission

Maldives arrests dozens of anti-government activists
Dozens of anti-government activists were arrested in the Maldivian capital Male, the opposition said on Saturday as the government accused them of whipping up religious extremism. Opposition parties said police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of activists on Friday night and that dozens were detained, raising to 82 the number of arrests in the past four days. "The police detain people and release them after a few hours," opposition spokesman Mohamed Shareef said adding that a total of 82 had been arrested during the past four days. Maldivian authorities said the protesters had attacked government facilities, including two police vehicles and vandalised the home of a government minister during the protests.

FJ concerned over hostility against media in Maldives
MALE: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed concern over the recent escalation of hostile rhetoric towards media in the Maldives. IFJ joined its affiliate, the Maldives Journalists' Association (MJA), in expressing concern over the recent escalation of hostile rhetoric towards the media in the Republic of Maldives, the IFJ stated on its website asiapacific.ifj.org. "The IFJ calls on President (Mohammed) Nasheed and ministers of the Maldives government to cease the hostile rhetoric and respect the ethical and legal imperatives of media freedom," it added. On Jan 11, Mohamed Zuhair, press secretary to President Nasheed, had warned of criminal action against media that spread allegedly "baseless and demonstrably false" claims about government actions. Following Zuhair's statement, the Maldives Minister for Transport and Communication, Adhil Saleem, publicly declared Jan 20 that broadcast stations suspected of "misleading the public" could have their licences revoked. Contesting the allegations, the Maldives Journalists' Association argued that the media were at liberty to report statements made by responsible opposition politicians, even when time constraints did not permit detailed fact-checking. Under the Maldives law, the grant and renewal of broadcast licences is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, an autonomous and non-partisan body. Licences once granted cannot be revoked except through due process of law. IFJ Asia-Pacific works with national journalists' unions and associations to improve the working conditions of journalists and the quality of journalism through training programmes and advocacy campaigns in defence of media-related rights

Maldives vice president wants release of detained top judge, in sign of discord in government
The Maldives' vice president joined calls Friday for the release of a detained senior judge, in a sign of divisions within the government of President Mohamed Nasheed. Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan criticized the "extrajudicial arrest" this week of Criminal Court Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed after he ordered the release of a detained government critic. Hassan told The Associated Press the detention sets a bad precedent for the country's new democracy.

                 20 January 2012 | Friday                 

President Rebukes Baseless Allegations that Government is Anti-Religious
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has condemned baseless allegations by the opposition parties that the government is acting against religion. President’s remarks come following a smear campaign of whipping up intolerance and hatred by opposition parties on grounds of alleged anti-Islamic policies by the government. He cited Minister Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, a renowned religious scholar, to argue that accusing a person of being un-Islamic was a huge issue. The President said the government was therefore forced to clear itself of such false allegations. In his address, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to establish an independent and a functioning judiciary. The President also spoke on government’s efforts to reduce expenditure on electricity and introduce renewable energy sources. Noting the achievements in this regard, the President said the government would be working with the Danish government to convert two power stations in Laamu atoll to renewable energy.

Chief of Protocol and Deputy Education Minister Appointed

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Ali Faiz as Chief of Protocol and Ms Aminath Ali as Deputy Minister of Education. Mr Faiz previously served as Managing Director of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, and Ms Ali was previously the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports.

President says sewerage systems will cover 80% of the country by 2013

resident Mohamed Nasheed today announced that proper sewerage systems will be provided to 80 per cent of the population by year 2013. He made this statement speaking at a function held today to officially start sewerage system established in Mahibadhoo. The President said when his administration took office in 2008, only 22 per cent of the people had adequate sewerage systems. This figure, he said, has now increased to about 50 per cent within just three years. He said the government believed modern sewage and liquid waste disposal systems were necessary for public health safety. The President visited Mahibadhoo this morning and will return Male later today.

Maldives Vice President Joins Calls to Free Judge
The Maldives' vice president has joined calls for the release of a detained judge, in a sign of divisions within the government of President Mohamed Nasheed. Mohammed Waheed Hassan criticized the "extrajudicial arrest" this week of criminal court judge Abdulla Mohamed after he ordered the release of a detained government critic. Hassan told The Associated Press the detention set a bad precedent. Nasheed's government has been accused of using the military and police to crack down on critics. The judge is being detained by the military despite orders by the country's Supreme Court and prosecutor general for his release.

SAARC Sec.Gen to resign amid political crisis
The Secretary General of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has decided to resign her post after she was accused of siding with anti-government forces in the political crisis engulfing the Maldives. Maldivian media reports said Dhiyana Saeed would hand hover her resignation to Foreign Ministr Ahmed Naseem, who is also the chairman of the SAARC Council of Ministers. The Maldives, Haveeru newspaper said she had come under fire from a sernior government official, following her participation at a news conference convened by lawyers to condemn what they saw as high-handed actions of the government in dealing with political dissent. In recent weeks, the Maldivian security forces arrested the country's Chief Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed and senior opposition leaders. Dhiyana told Haveeru that she had not violated the SAARC charter.

Broadcasting Commission condemns Government for broadcasting warning
The Maldives Broadcasting Commission has condemned the Government for warning the broadcasting systems of the country regarding withholding of the frequencies allotted to them if broadcasters fail to be responsible and balanced. The Commission in a media interview stated that Communication Minister Adil Saleem met them in his Ministry yesterday and conveyed the warning. Chairman of the Commission Badru Naseer said in the interview that the Commission was very concerned about this warning and stated that the Commission is an independent institution established under the law. The Commission is not functioning under the Communication Ministry and the Ministry has no mandate to govern the work of the Commission. Badru said they have circulated their concerns to the media in the Maldives and abroad. The Ministry's warning has come in the wake of the present political upheaval in the country amid growing criticism against the handling of the investigations of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed and Qawmy Party Deputy Dr. Mohamed Jameel. Abdulla and Jameel were arrested against Court orders. Judge Abdulla Mohamed who has been arrested by Defence Forces four days ago has not been released even after the Supreme Court has ordered his release. There is growing concern and criticism from Opposition parties,lawyers and others over the denial of the release of the Judge. The Government defended their position by saying Judge Abdulla was arrested in the interest of national security and for upholding the honour of Judiciary. Government accuses Judge Abdulla as a serious obstruction of delivering justice,.However Lawyers and opposition have vigorously condemned the Government for not obeying the order of the Supreme Court as a fundamental to ensuring the new democratic rule established in the country.

MP Mustafa accuses former AG Azima ruled Judge Abdulla
Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa has accused former Attorney General Azima Shukoor was totally controlling Senior Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed in the decisions of the Criminal Court. The outspoken MP who has become popular for criticising his own party MDP and opposition parties in different issues said so in a party meeting in Haruge Wednesday. Mustafa was speaking to express his support for arrest of Judge Abdulla fourdays ago by the Defence forces against a Court order not to arrest the judge. Mustafa's remarks have come at a time when MDP Government has been voicing their concern about the judiciary especially about the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court. The Government has accused some judges as a threat to enforcing justice. They have said Judge Abdulla was an obstruction to carrying out proper investigation of many serious criminals and lately that of former Justice Minister and Qawmy Party Deputy Leader Dr. Mohamed Jameel and the Party's Council member Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi. The Government has accused Jameel and Ahmed Didi of spreading false information about the Government on the issue of what these two describe as Government's anti Islamic activities. The Government has said spreading such false information is a threat to national security and stability of the country. Against the accusation of Thimarafushi MP Mustafa, Azima Shkoor has denied the story and announced that she will sue MP Mustafa for defamation.

SAARC Secretary General Diyana Saeed resigns after criticising Maldives Government
SAARC Secretary General Diyana Saeed has resigned from her post just three months after her appointment. She resigned after the Government of Maldives accused her of violating SAARC Charter following her criticism of the Government's refusal to obey the order of the Supreme Court to immediately release a senior judge of the Criminal Court who was arrested by the Maldivian Defence Forces four days ago. Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed was arrested and taken to a Military Training Centre in Girifushi island against an order of the High Court not to arrest him.

                 17 January 2012 | Tuesday                 

Government rejects orders of JSC, High Court, PG and Chief Justice to release him

Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdullah Mohamed was arrested by the military last evening. In a joint operation of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service, Judge Abdullah was arrested while he was at his residence with a group of judges.

Chief Justice urges the govt to immediately release Judge Abdullah

Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz has issued an order for the immediate release of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdullah Mohamed who was arrested by the state military.  In the statement issued by the Chief Justice last evening stated that the arrest of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court was conducted unlawfully. He stated that it is a crime punishable by law to cause any undue influence to the judges by way of intimidation or other means. Faiz said that the military and the government violated the rights of the Judges and breached the Judges Act by their arrest of Judge Abdullah. Faiz said that the protection of the rights of the Judges and the courts of law is an obligation upon every authority of the state. He said that all parties of the government should consider this responsibility and give the judges their due rights and respect. The Chief Judge also said that a judge can be arrested on the charges of any felony with a court order of a higher court. He said that this is the procedure followed by all democratic countries in the detainment of judges. “The breach of these regulations will be the instant when the nation will be brought to the brinks of darkness. The obstruction of the judiciary by any person of the society will be the destruction of the very foundation that which the society is established upon,” he said. Moreover, the Chief Justice also expressed concern over the actions of the government to arrest the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court. Meanwhile, the government and the military have so far rejected the calls of the Chief Justice, the Prosecutor General and other authorities for the release of Judge Abdullah.

Condemning the breach of the Consitution and Rule of Law by the Government of Mohamed Nasheed

The Supreme Court of the Maldives has today ordered (with Order Ref: 2012/SC-SJ01) the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to immediately release Justice Abdulla Mohamed, the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court of the Maldives, whom the MNDF illegally arrested last night, whilst peacefully residing at his residence in Male’, in front of his children and ill parents. However, the Government of Maldives has defied this order and are continuing to imprison him at an undisclosed location, thought to be a military base away from Male’, the capital city of Maldives. The Supreme Court’s Order was issued after the Government defied orders from the Criminal Court and the Prosecutor General last night, to release the Judge.

Judge Abdullah was arrested to uphold law: Zuhair

President’s Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has said that the military arrested Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed to uphold the law. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Press Secretary Zuhair claimed that Judge Abdullah is charged with ethical misconduct. He said that he was arrested because the Judicial Service Commission has been procrastinating the investigation regarding these charges and has failed to take action against him.Zuhair claimed that upholding the constitution is a responsibility of the President and the armed forces. “In this regard the armed forces last evening decided to detain Judge Abdullah to conduct an investigation,” he said.

Official campaign of Feb 24 mass symposium to be launched soon
23 December Coalition has announced that the official campaign of the 24 February mass symposium will be launched on 24th of this month. Spokesperson of the 23 December coalition, Abdullah Mohamed informed the media that “the coalition decided to kick start the campaign on 24 th of this month because the day being the national day of the country holds great significance since this symposium will be more of a national struggle against oppression of all forms.”

Democracy Hijacked: Real Face of President Nasheed
As I write this article former amnesty prisoner of conscience and journalist Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi is lying on a hospital bed recovering from injuries inflicted by thugs from Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), President Nasheed's political party. MDP thugs including MDP Male' city councillor Afrah assaulted the frail Ahmed Didi severely beating him on the face and burning his neck with cigarettes. The night started with the illegal detention of deputy leader of Dhivehi Qaumee party and former Communications minister in President Nasheed's government Dr. Jameel. Dr. Jameel had also been arrested last night without any clear charges and the criminal court had ruled that such arrests violated the Constitution of the Maldives.

                 16 January 2012 | Monday                 

Court orders Dr. Jameel’s release from Dhoonidhoo detention center

The Criminal Court ordered the release of the Deputy Leader of opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Dr. Mohamed Jameel after being arrested and kept in the notorious Dhoonidhoo detention center on the claims of disseminating unauthenticated and spurious information regarding the government to the media. Criminal Court Judge Abdullah Ghazi said that Dr. Jameel was arrested unlawfully. During the hearing, the representative from the Police said that Dr. Jameel was arrested to safe guard the society from his unfounded and deliberate false allegations against the government. The Police Officer said to the Judge that Dr. Jameel was arrested at the order of senior Police Official, Riyaz.  Dr. Jameel who was summoned to Maldives Police Service for the third time consecutively was arrested and taken to Dhoonidhoo detention center last evening at 20:30. Dr. Jameel was brought to Court at 10:50 at the appeal of the President of DQP, Dr. Hassan Saeed to court. During his arrest, Dr. Jameel told the public gathered near Police Head Quarters that this is the beginning of the end of the Presidency of President Mohamed Nasheed. He said that the government will witness this in the near future.

Opposition fails to prove their allegations against Government: Afeef
Home Minister Hassan Afeef has said that the opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Deputy President Dr. Mohamed Jamel and Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi failed to prove their allegations against the government and President Mohamed Nasheed that the government was working with Jews and Christians to weaken the Islamic Unity of Maldives. At a press briefing held yesterday at Maldives Police Headquarters, Minister Afeef said that former Justice Minister Dr. Jameel confessed to the Police that his allegations were merely based on rumours and that he could not substantiate these allegations.

Those who cannot bear criticism should stay at home: Sheikh Imran

President of the opposition Adhaalath Party (Justice Party), Sheikh Imran Abdullah has said that those officials in the government who cannot bear objective criticism and freedom of speech should resign and stay in their homes.

World Bank publishes the report on higher education study in the Maldives
A research was done on Maldives higher education by the World Bank, and the report was published at a ceremony held on January 9, 2011, Monday, at Traders Hotel, at 12:00 p.m. The chief guest of the ceremony, Minister of Finance and Treasury Mohamed Shihaab did the honor of releasing the report to the public. This project was started in 2010, and the report was put together by a team of consultants from the World Bank. The major indications of the report are the development of the community in line of modern democracy, the hard work from the government of Maldives to expand a rapid economic growth, and the increment from 6% to 21% of the number of candidates who participated in higher education during the past 10 years.

Take a walk on the wild side of the Maldives
The Maldives: a honeymoon paradise where people take sunset strolls and spell out proposals of marriage in shells on powdery white beaches; where time slows down and life swims at the pace of the giant green turtles trawling the reefs. But there is another side to paradise – a side where the world’s top surfers gather to cut through gigantic curling waves; where catamarans slice through the crystal clear seas and scuba-divers explore the depths of submerged reefs. Last autumn, six former world champion surfers descended on the islands for its inaugural surfing competition. While the Maldives doesn’t quite measure up to Australia’s Gold Coast of South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, waves averaging three to eight feet, and reaching well over 12 feet on a good day, are more than enough for most would-be surfers.

President Congratulates New Guatemala President
President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated the new President of Guatemala Otto Perez Molina on his success in Guatemala’s election. President Nasheed’s message to President Molina reads as follows: “As you assume office as the President of Guatemala, the government and the people of the Maldives join me in conveying our heartfelt congratulations. Guatemala and the Maldives have enjoyed friendly relations through the years, and I look forward to further strengthening these ties in the years ahead. Please accept my best wishes for your good health and well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Guatemala.”

Toned, tanned and tattooed: Bikini babe Tamara Ecclestone puts her body art on show during beach holiday
She's rumoured to be in talks to star in a second series of her reality show Billion $$ Girl. And Tamara Ecclestone appears to doing her very best to live up to that name. In newly-released pictures from her recent holiday in the Maldives, the 27-year-old heiress is seen enjoying her the sun and sea at her luxury resort.

Maldives magic: Sharks and spas (one more elusive than the other) in holiday heaven
The 'screamer' was my girlfriend, Isabelle, and we were in a group of eight people signed up for an open-water snorkelling excursion, two miles off the small island of Moofushi where we were staying. Constance Moofushi resort's dhoni had dropped us along a steep-sided, mile-long reef, widely considered to be one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world. Marine life is guaranteed but the big prize sightings – giant turtles, manta ray and sharks – are elusive. For 20 minutes we followed the current along the reef, marvelling at the coral cliff and endless schools of fish that darted about, changing direction and shade with the exotic grace and unison of perfectly choreographed dancers.

President visits Gulhi Falhu
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday afternoon visited Gulhi Fallhu. Gulhi Falhu is a reclaimed land being developed into an industrial and residential area by Global Projects Development Company. During the visit, the President observed the progress of the residential flats, the mosque and pre-school to be built in Gulhi Falhu. He also met with the local media, and answered questions posed to him regarding the Gulhi Falhu development project.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Huraa Reviewed
Diamonds thrown across sculpted folds of azure velvet, the Maldives, off India’s southwest coast, have enchanted visitors since the days of Sinbad. A delicate chain of 1,190 coral atolls fringed with dazzlingly white sand, time passes by tide and swell here. It is a fool’s game to choose the best or the brightest of them all, but Kuda Huraa – site of one of the most exclusive Four Seasons resorts on the planet – is a safe bet.

                 14 January 2012 | Saturday                 

Government is Obliged to Defend Itself against Allegations of Trying to Introduce Other Faiths into the Country – President Nasheed
Government to Cover Treatment of All Thalassaemic Patients within New Universal Health Insurance Programme “Aa Sandha”.

Speaking in his weekly radio address President Mohamed Nasheed has reaffirmed the government’s stance on those who make false and baseless allegations against the government and impressed upon the public, that measures would be reciprocated against them.

PNB identifies five countries for possible foray
Banking major Punjab National Bank (PNB) is looking to further expand its overseas presence and has identified at least five countries for possible entry in the coming days. Maldives, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa and Bangladesh are the five countries that the bank has identified for overseas foray, Mr K. R. Kamath, Chairman and Managing Director, PNB, told Business Line here. “Our board has cleared the bank's entry into Maldives. We are also looking at Singapore and Bangladesh. Surveys have also been done for countries like South Africa and Brazil,” Mr Kamath said. He also said that the bank would be interested in converting its representative office in Sydney into a branch or a subsidiary. PNB had in September last opened a representative office in Sydney, which was the tenth overseas destination for the bank. PNB has already received regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India for opening a subsidiary in Canada. It is still awaiting the nod of Canadian regulatory authorities for opening a subsidiary in that country. The bank has subsidiaries in London and Bhutan, besides many branches in Dubai, Hong Kong and Kabul. It also has a joint venture in Nepal

Lanka cracks down on porn, anti-govt websites
Following a Supreme Court order to register all websites in Sri Lanka, the government banned 30 websites and registered 45 of the total websites that sought approval. The controversial website registration and banning issue erupted late last year with media movements, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) and the United States condemning the move. However, the government has defended its stance in banning all pornographic sites and sites that carry inflammatory anti-government sentiments. Websites without a clear “contact details” espousing anti government sentiments are especially suspect, said sources.

India-Sri Lanka trade set to touch $4 b
Indo-Sri Lanka bi-lateral trade is likely to cross $4 billion in 2011, up from $ 3 billion in 2010, according to Mr Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. Addressing a networking session on the last day of the three-day CII Partnership Summit 2012 on Friday, he said there were lot of opportunities for the two countries to partner for economic growth. “The Indo-Lanka Free Trade agreement had helped Sri Lanka to diversify its portfolio of exports to India,” he pointed out. He said Sri Lanka has come out with a string of incentives to overseas investors in strategic sector such as a 25-year tax holiday. He pointed out that this incentive was extended to NTPC, which is setting up a 500 mw power unit in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's import-export ratio is at present at 8:1. “But there is lot of untapped potential to reduce this mismatch,” the Minister said

Island magic
The Maldives are magical below the water – where you can swim with fish on coral reefs – and above it, writes GARY QUINN. I’M DROPPING HOOKS deep into the Indian Ocean, pulling fish out by hand. No rod or reel. They don’t even need bait: just the silver glint of the hook is enough to trap them. The smell of a newly caught fish is universal, the scales that cling to your hand a scattering of magic. Suddenly that magic pushes me through time and space and I’m a boy again on a riverbank in Donegal and my uncle is by my side, teaching me how to hold a fish firmly in my hand as I slip the hook from its lip and crack its skull with the back of a knife. I learned patience on that river bank and a 100 other lessons that have cast me up tonight on a yacht in the Maldives. My colleagues shout my name and suddenly my uncle is gone and I’m back floating under the stars, with champagne and warm night air the only distraction.

                 13 January 2012 | Friday                 

Supreme Court rejects AG’s request for the court’s opinion over the trade of alcohol

The Supreme Court has yesterday rejected the request of Attorney General’s Office for the opinion of the Supreme Court over the legality of importing alcohol and pork and selling them to tourists in the luxury resorts of Maldives. In yesterday’s hearing, Chief Justice Usthaz Ahmed Faiz Hussein said that the seven judges of the Supreme Court bench unanimously decided to reject the case filed by the Attorney General on the grounds that the case does not need a verdict at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice noted that alcohol and pork are imported to Maldives legally under a regulation that exempts it from the list of products that are illegal to be imported to Maldives. Faiz said that so far there is no law that annuls this provision of the Contraband Act. Representative of the Attorney General’s Office said that many investors have been expressing their concern over the controversy raised in the country regarding the legality of the trade of alcohol and pork and also the legality of spas in the resorts. Meanwhile, the Attorney General Muizz earlier said that the recent unrest caused by fringe groups calling to implement strict measures and banning some vital services of the tourism industry is driving away the many foreign investors. With the current clash of different ideologies, it is imperative that the Supreme Court settles the differences by ruling on the legality of alcohol and pork trade, said Muizz.

We welcome the admission that the previous regime was an immature one by the Gayoom's Spokesman: Zuhair

Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has said that he welcomes the admission that the previous regime was an immature one by Mohamed Hussein Shareef (Mundhu), the translator of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Zuhair said that it took some years for the light of Islam to conquer the darkness of the age of Jaahiliyyah. He said that it might be that history is repeating itself. “Today people are learning to accept the importance of the role of the media. Even those people who kept the media in chains have now realized this. This is the change we wanted. This is the change we worked for,” he said. “Last evening Mohamed Hussein Shareef said that only immature governments will not accept others to criticize their faults and mistakes. This shows that he has accepted the fact that Gayoom’s regime was immature. Gayoom suppressed the media by arresting and punishing anyone that even speaks a single word against his government. This is well know,” he said. Zuhair said that it is not possible for anyone to deny this reality. He added that he commends this statement of the translator of the Former President.

Government intimidating media is a setback for democracy: DRP
Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has questioned the Government's honesty about controlling dissemination of clearly unauthenticated and spurious information' as justification to obstruct the freedom of speech and urges the government to stop its intimidation against the media. The DRP in a press release said the recent warning of Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhar to the media is simply an attempt to silence media. DRP said that the attempts by the government to interfere in the broadcasting and publication of information on the opposition criticism of the government raise serious concerns regarding freedom of the media. The main opposition party said that the government have failed to fulfill their own vows to the people and should expect the criticism from the opposition. DRP said that the current regime deserves all the criticism raised by the opposition. DRP noted that the government has been challenging the Islamic unity of Maldives and the constitution up until the day they came to power.

Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is paradise in the Maldives
Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is situated on the private island of Bodu Hithi in the North Male’ Atoll, approximately 40 minutes luxury speedboat ride from Male’ International Airport. One of the many atoll islands dispersed in the Indian Ocean, the island is rich in vegetation with naturally designed sandy walkways and coconut trees, edged with white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and isolated sand banks. The ambience of the island is enchanting for even the most discerning of guests.

REFILE-Indian shares post highest weekly close in five weeks
Banks were among the gainers, with the country's top lender State Bank of India and rival ICICI Bank rising 0.66 percent and 1.03 percent respectively, on expectations of an easing interest rate cycle. The banking index rose 0.5 percent. The main 30-share BSE index ended up 0.73 percent, or 117.11 points, at 16,154.62, with 20 of its components in the green. The benchmark was one of the world's worst performers in 2011, falling almost a quarter.

Maldives Winters Specials from World Surfaris USA
With winter in full swing and cold water at most beaches, now is the time to plan your next trip to tropical warm water perfection. We are pleased to announce our Maldives Winter Specials on all our Maldives resort and charter packages. Whether you are looking for un-crowded charters in the Outer Atolls and Central Atolls, or one of our charters or resorts in the Male area, we have the right options to fit your group and waves you are looking for. As an added bonus, we are also offering two trips in the Outer Atolls on the Handhu Fahli with a professional photographer onboard (see below details).

Six die in Indian Kashmir freeze

Six people have died during a cold snap in Indian Kashmir, including a pregnant woman who was unable to reach hospital after heavy snowfall blocked local roads, officials said Wednesday. Snow and freezing temperatures have severed road links, downed electricity and telephone lines, and led to widespread power cuts and water shortages in the restive region of more than 10 million people. Police said a total of six people had perished in the weather, the coldest in the past two decades according to the local weather office. Khati Begam, a pregnant woman in the southern village of Narastan, developed abdominal pains on Monday but relatives were unable to take her to hospital because the local roads were all closed. Her husband, Bashir Gujjar, told AFP he and others eventually carried her on a bed to a neighbouring town eight kilometres (five miles) away but she died before they reached the hospital on Tuesday. After heavy snowfall on Saturday, local officials say electricity has been restored in most parts of the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley and the main highway connecting the region with the rest of India has been re-opened.

                 12 January 2012 | Thursday                 

Zuhair calls on the media to refrain from dissemination of false news in breach of journalism ethics

The Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has called on national mass media to strictly refrain from the broadcasting and dissemination of clearly unauthenticated and spurious information in breach of journalism ethics.  Zuhair made this statement while speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the President’s Office. The Press Secretary also added that the propagation of unauthenticated information amounts to impermissible religious innovation and maybe considered as a criminal offence in many instances. Zuhair warned the media that necessary steps will be taken against all media outlets that spread false information regarding the government. He said that to make false claims against the government to instigate the masses against the government is a criminal offence. In addition to this, Zuhair denied the accusations of the government being run by the influence of foreign Christian missionaries. He said dismissed the claims as a shameless lie which was reiterated by the opposition since the Presidential Elections of 2008.

Nasheed is a threat to investors: Zuhair
Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has accused Kulhudhufushi MP Mohamed Nasheed of being a threat and a danger to foreign investors. Speaking to the media in a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, Press Secretary Zuhair said that MP Nasheed has caused a loss of more than 400 million US dollars. He said that Nasheed does not consider this great loss to that state and he disregards the many expenses of the government for the development of Kulhudhufushi constituency. Zuhair made this remark in view of MP Nasheed’s recent contest of the government’s decision to deduct the revenue of US$25 million from GMR’s concession fee claiming that the government is circumventing the Civil Court’s ruling against a US$25 Airport Development Charge (ADC). MP Nasheed debated that no agreement between the government and GMR can undo the Civil Court’s ruling against the ADC. He said that the verdict of the Civil Court cannot be overturned since it was not nullified by any Superior Court so far.

National Drug Control Council inaugurated
Following establishment of the “National Drug Control Council” in accordance with Law No 17/ 2011 of the Drugs Act, President Mohamed Nasheed has inaugurated the National Drugs Control Council today. The National Drug Control Council is a government body that will advise the President on the prevention of illegal drug use and drug trafficking in the Maldives, and administer the establishment of rehabilitation programmes in the country. The members of the National Drug Control Council are Vice President, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health and Family, the Minister of Human Resources Youth and Sports, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, the Attorney General, the Commissioner General of Customs, the Controller of Immigration and Emigration, the Chief of Defence Force, the Commissioner of Police and the Prosecutor General. The President of the National Drug Control Council is Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. Following establishment of the National Drug Control Council, the Narcotics Control Council has been abolished.

President Mohamed Nasheed amongst the Key Spaeakers among the GMM Conference

Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Nirmal Verma Calls on the President

Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Nirmal Verma has paid a courtesy call on the President. The call was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. The admiral and the President discussed the historic close friendly relations existing between the Maldives and India, and ways to enhance these relations by strengthening shared national concerns in the areas of maritime security and coordinating surveillance efforts in this area. The admiral said that it was a great pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet with the President and congratulated him for his efforts in consolidating democracy. At the meeting the President noted the importance of security for the development of the Maldives and stressed that the assistance of the Indian Navy in this regard was much appreciated. The admiral assured the Indian Navy would continue to work together to ensure enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

Celebrate in the Maldives
Those wanting to head to a holiday hotspot for 2012, should choose the Maldives – as its celebrating 40 years of tourism this year! This string of picture-perfect private islands has gone up in the world since its barefoot simplicity in the seventies, with resorts such as Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort offering a wealth of luxurious facilities including an over-water à la carte restaurant, infinity pool, gym and a Sun Spa. Located in the South Nilandhe Atoll, this beautiful resort is surrounded by lush green vegetation, tall coconut palms and white sandy beaches, with a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other - ideal for snorkelling and diving

Foreign Ministry Response to Amnesty International
Foreign Ministry of the Republic of the Maldives yesterday issued the following response to recent press releases from Amnesty International regarding the arrest, detention and release of Mr. Ismail Khilath Rasheed: “Mr. Ismail Khilath Rasheed, a Maldivian national, was released from police custody on January 6th 2012. He had been held in police custody since December 14th 2011 following his arrest for his involvement in an unlawful assembly held on December 10th in the capital, Male’.

TUI reports weaker UK bookings
TUI has reported an 11% drop in bookings in the UK for summer 2012 compared to last year. In its annual report released to shareholders on Friday, the travel giant said the drop was partly down to a 9% reduction in UK capacity. It has currently sold 19% of the programme in the UK market. But TUI said average selling price is up 9%, partly reflecting cost inflation of approximately 5% and the higher proportion of differentiated products sold, which currently account for 65% of sales, up eight percentage points on last year. Meanwhile, for winter 2011/2012 UK volumes sold since TUI’s previous update are down 12%. TUI said this highlights the later booking profile compared with last year. "This slow down is being driven by the continuing issues in North Africa and a weaker consumer environment," it said. UK winter capacity has also been reduced by 9%, mostly coming out of Egypt and Tunisia. Booked load factor remains broadly in line with prior year at 48%. Looking forward, TUI’s report said: "We remain cautious about 2012, given the continued economic uncertainty in Europe, a slow recovery of demand to North African destinations and increased volatility in fuel prices and currency exchange rates," said the report. "There is, however, every reason to believe that the demand for leisure travel will continue to experience robust growth in the long term. TUI Travel has already proved resilient in a challenging market environment and, with a heritage in leisure travel and a diverse range of experiences on offer, the company is well placed."

Firms make 10 bids for huge French wind farm project: source
French and Spanish companies have put in 10 bids to build hundreds of wind turbines off France's Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, a source close to the project said on Wednesday. The bids come from consortiums put together by French energy giants EDF and GDF and Spanish utility Iberdrola, the source told AFP.

                 11 January 2012 | Wednesday                 

President requests Police to probe into those relentlessly spreading lies about the government

President Mohamed Nasheed has requested Maldives Police Service to investigate the issue of two individuals and a TV Station for relentlessly spreading lies about the government. Ibrahim Rasheed from the President’s Office informed the media that the two people and the TV Station who distort the image of the government in the media as claimed by the President are Maafannu Karishma Villa Ahmed Ibrahim Didi, Fuvalmulah Eastlight Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and DhiTV respectively. Ibrahim Rasheed said that they have been deliberately spreading blatant lies about the current regime accusing the government of plotting against the Islamic Scholars in Maldives at the orders of Zionists and Christian missionaries. According to Ibrahim Rasheed, the President yesterday sent a letter to Maldives Police Service addressed to Commissioner of Police Service Ahmed Faseeh requesting to probe into the matter. Ibrahim Rasheed said that the President is obligated to look into the matter when the opposition are taking the religion of Islam as a political tool to achieve their personal agendas.

“I don’t Know in which country I am living” says Dr. Jameel
Dr. Mohamed Jameel has said that President Mohamed Nasheed is now contradicting each and every one of his own statements that he made in the 2008 Presidential Elections. Former Attorney General said that the President earlier claimed that the “Green constitution” will be a constitution that will give the freedom of speech to the people of Maldives after its implementation in the 2008 but however the President is calling to arrest opposition politicians and close down of some media outlets.

Differing dangers at sea
The probability of being killed at work is 25 times higher for a coastal fisherman than for an offshore worker, according to a study from the UiS. Seafarers also run a high risk of accidents. Fifteen people died on vessels registered in Norway during 2010, figures from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD) show. Eight of these were fishermen. Although these statistics show that the number of work accidents went down in 2009-10, the total has remained at a high and stable level for many decades. The number of accidents in maritime transport has moreover increased since 2000, with a growing number of vessels sinking, going aground or being involved in collisions.

Can’t move forward without a economic solution: Adheeb

Chair of Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) has said that even if a new administration comes, they will have to bear the brunt of the current economic crisis and that the nation cannot move forward without an economic recovery. Speaking at a programme telecasted by VTV, Adheeb said that if the government expenditure is more than its revenue than the government will have to take loans upon loans. He added that this will have a even worse impact on the economy of Maldives. Adheeb strongly criticized the government for always proposing a deficit state budget. He explained how government debt levels relate to economic growth and inflation. Adheeb said that the high levels of government debt will have a substantial economic cost.

President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association of India Calls on First Lady

President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association of India, Mrs Madhulika Verma has paid a courtesy call on the First Lady Madam Laila Ali. The call was held yesterday evening at Muleeaage.

One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Partners with Institut Esthederm Paris in First for The Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah has opened an exclusive Sun Spa partnering with innovative French skincare brand, Institut Esthederm Paris. Sun Spa Esthederm at One&Only Reethi Rah is the only Sun Spa in The Maldives: providing tailored sun care and tanning programmes for guests. The Sun Spa Esthederm is a unique service which will identify each guest's individual skin sun potential and advise them on the best skin care to maximise their full tanning potential. Institut Esthederm has developed more than 28 different sun care products, which allow all skin types to get the benefits of the sun safely. They also allow users to get the desired results under any kind of sunlight intensity

Climate change is altering mountain vegetation at large scale
Climate change is having a more profound effect on alpine vegetation than at first anticipated, according to a study carried out by an international group of researchers and published in Nature Climate Change. The first ever pan-European study of changing mountain vegetation has found that some alpine meadows could disappear within the next few decades.

Scientists Refute Greenpeace Claims About GM Corn
An article in the forthcoming issue of the Journal of Integrated Pest Management (JIPM) refutes claims by Greenpeace Germany that the western bean cutworm (WBC), Striacosta albicosta (Smith), is "a new plant pest" that was "caused by genetically engineered corn."

                 10 January 2012 | Tuesday                 

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that during the regime of the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the results of the elections were marred by rigging the votes after taking the ballot boxes to different places. “In the elections that I contested for the Male’ seat, the elections result was announced after keeping the ballot boxes in Aarah for three days,” he said.

People of Maldives are now the victims of the lies of Nasheed to the international media: DQP

Opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) has said that the President Mohamed Nasheed is victimizing the people of Maldives and the nation in his lies and deceit to the international media. DQP, the political party spear headed by former Attorney General of the current administration Dr. Hassan Saeed, stated in a press release issued yesterday that President Nasheed does not consider the harm he is causing to the people and the nation by distorting the reality of the current situation of Maldives to the international media.

Maldives lacks no people to defend Islam and the nation: Sheikh Imran

President of the opposition Adhaalath Party, Sheikh Imran Abdullah has said that there will never be a shortage in the people to defend Islam and the nation even if the current administration tries to intimidate them by arresting them one by one. Sheikh Imran noted that the government is now trying to blackmail religious scholars by plotting wicked schemes out of desperation. He said that the 23 December coalition is a coalition that will never be intimidated by the cheap attempts and will always remain steadfast to protect the Islamic unity of Maldives.

Authorities allow to deduct ADC from fee: GMR

Maldives authorities have allowed Male International Airport operator GMR Infrastructureto collect airport development and insurance charges from passengers, nearly a month after a local court barred the Bangalore-based company from doing so. In December, a Male civil court had stopped GMR from collecting airport development charge (ADC), saying it was identical to existing airport service charges being collected from passengers.

India Club Maldives organised a sports meet

India Club Maldives has organised a sports meet on January 6. The meet was inaugurated by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports Shareef who also extolled the importance of sports in not only for fitness but also for community bonding. Eight Cricket teams took part in the event. Royal team was the winner and Youngsters were the runner up. The Executive Members of India Club further informed that they are organised next part of Sports Meet on January 13 in Iskandhar school Playgrounds.

President Seeks To Slash Holiday Prices Up To 30%
Maldives consists of some 1,200 widely dispersed islands that are spread over 820 kilometers from North to South. Boasting resources that many tourists find impossible to resist; coral reefs, warm climate and the uncluttered sandy beaches, The Maldives has in the past been swamped with tourists. This was problematic due to the sheer fact that most of the land mass is four to five feet above sea level and no more. The threat of climate change and rising sea levels could potentially plunge The Maldives under sea level by the end of the century.

                 9 January 2012 | Monday                 

Who is responsible for the Huge loss for the Tourism Industry in Maldives ?
When people of Maldives say they will remain as Sunni Muslims ,which is stated in the Maldivian constitution anti islam agents are telling International media, Big Think Magazine, that Maldivians are becoming Taliban. I feel strongly that Talibans are people who talk about such Taliban.

Maldives: A Moderate Islamic State or a Taliban State?
The dramatic decision by the Maldives Government to close down tourist hotel health spas – following recent noisy protests that claimed they were ‘un Islamic’ - provoked fairly predictable headlines in some of the Western media. Best was the tongue in cheek concern in the London Evening Standard that multi millionaire British heiress, Tamara Ecclestone, might have to alter her travel plans, having trilled on at length in glossy magazines about her planned holiday massages in Maldivian tourist resorts. Unsurprisingly perhaps, there was rather more to the spa banning story than the flurry of excitable newspaper headlines might have suggested. For no sooner had the order to close the spas been made, it was then rescinded by the Government. The ultimate decision was then passed on to the Supreme Court for final adjudication. The Maldivian tourism industry heaved a collective sigh of relief, and the Maldives President, Mohammed Nasheed, closed his office door for the evening, quietly confident that he might just have won an almighty PR victory over some of his conservative opponents. Next year, 2013, is election year and barring economic calamity over the next few months, opponents of the President appeared to have played most of their big cards.

23 December coalition to hold a mass symposium

Civil Society Coalition and the opposition political parties has announced to hold another mass gathering on February 24 as a retaliation at the failure of the government to succumb to the five demands of the “Maldivians In Defence of Islam” December 23 mass demonstration.

President calls MDP members to work collectively to gain popularity

President Mohamed Nasheed has urged the members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to work collectively to promote the current administration. Speaking at the rally held to celebrate the victory of the ruling party in the by-elections, Nasheed said that MDP came to power with the consent of 55 percent of the people and the party has increased its popularity winning a comfortable majority. The President said that his administration is gaining popularity among the people because of the quality services that the government is providing for the people. Nasheed said that MDP does not believe in “bribing” the people by submitting to the needs of the people only when an election is near. He added that his government will remain in the service of the people at all times. Also during his speech, the President claimed that two TV stations and two or three newspapers are constantly criticising the government by going beyond bounds in their criticism.

Possibility of demonstration going out of hand and ending up like Egypt and Syria is imminent: DRP
The main opposition party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has warned the government that the possibility of opposition demonstrations going out of hand and ending up like Egypt and Syria is imminent if the government continues to devour the wealth of the people and damage the economy. In a press conference held at DRP office, Deputy Leader of the party Ibrahim Shareef said that the people will not tolerate the injustices and oppression of the MDP government any more. Shareef said that the country is in the brink social and economical turmoil with the reckless and irresponsible actions of the government. He underscored the importance of a joint effort by the government and the Peoples’ Majlis to solve the socio economic issues of the country before things go out of hand. Furthermore, Shareef also said that price of commodities and services are going uphill despite the lies of the President to cover up the reality. Shareef said that DRP will do whatever it can in the Majlis to bring down President Nasheed. He said that the people have given enough time and opportunity for the President to set things right.

Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, calls on the President
Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation & Nuclear Safety Katherina Reiche has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday. At meeting held at the President’s Office, President Nasheed and the Parliamentary State Secretary exchanged views on domestic and international political situations and ways to resolve the current political environment. Additionally, the President updated the Parliamentary State Secretary on the government’s economic reform programme. Speaking in this regard, the President exchanged views with the Parliamentary State Secretary on the new tax regime adopted by the government to increase government income and build sustainable revenue streams for the State. The President indicated that these reforms allow the government to improve the economical status of the country. Further, President Nasheed enlightened the Parliamentary State Secretary on the government’s progress towards mitigating the consequences of climate change in the Maldives, and spoke on adopting economic solutions to the country’s energy concerns and lobbying for carbon neutrality.

Application to Chevening Scholarship Scheme closes on Jan 15
British High Commission has announced that the application deadline for the Chevening Scholarship Scheme and the Chevening Cambridge Scholarship for the academic year 2012/2013 in Sri Lanka and the Maldives closes on 15th January 2012. As only one week to go to the closure of application, yesterday the High Commission released a video of two past Chevening scholars from Sri Lanka talking about the importance of the Chevening scholarship programme. In this video two past scholars Hejaaz Hizbulla, an attorney-at-Law and Kanchana Ambagahawita an Economist, talk about the experience they gained through the Chevening Scholarship.

                 8 January 2012 | Sunday                 

Aa Sandha will ease the financial burden of average families: Nasheed

Speaking in his weekly radio address following the Government’s declaration of a ‘Duty Free Year’ and the successful initiation of “Aa Sandha”, President Mohamed Nasheed has said this year is emerging as a potentially promising year for the entire population of the country.

Claim that prayer was performed in a “jihadi spirit” is saddening: Sheikh Imran

President of the opposition Adhaalath Party, Sheikh Imran Abdullah has said that the claim that the participants of the 23 December “Maldivians in Defence of Islam” mass demonstration are Taliban and that they performed their prayer during the demonstration in “jihadi spirit” is absurd and saddening.

Tussle over treasure island
It was a decisive moment for India in Male way back in November 1988. Dozens of oppositionbacked mercenaries had descended on the Maldives capital and attacked president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's palace to overthrow his government . A handful of guards engaged the attackers, allowing Gayoom to seek New Delhi's help. Within hours, India obliged and flew in 1,600 paratroopers to frustrate the coup.  India's timely help - considering Maldives had no army or navy - underscored its influence in a region which straddles the major sea lanes of the Indian Ocean. But more than two decades later, experts blame India for frittering away its advantage as China jockeys with it for influence in the region. "India has, as usual, been very late in realizing China's seriousness about Maldives. Like all its neighbours ( Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka), New Delhi continued to believe Maldives will remain in its pocket,'' says Harsh V Pant, a lecturer at King's College Defence Studies, warning of "real difficulty" for India if Maldives becomes another "pearl in China's string of facilities around its periphery''.

EC to probe in to accusations made against the commission by Gayoom

Elections Commission have announced to probe in to the accusations thrown at the integrity and reliability of the commission to conduct credible, free and fair elections by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In view of the recent comment of former President Gayoom that the elections results announced by the commission are false and does not represent the actual votes, Chair of the Elections Commission, Fuwad Thaufeeg said that the commission always ensures free and fair transparent elections. Fuwad said that this statement of Gayoom should be investigated. He said that the commission that Gayoom and all relevant persons will be questioned to determine the basis of this accusation. Fuwad said that this accusation against the integrity of the Elections Commission by the former President Gayoom is demeans his honour and stature in the public.

Academic year begins with the hope of achieving 42% pass percentage: Nasheed

As the new academic year begins on Sunday, 8th of January, the President extended a warm welcome to all entities involved in the education sector expressing hopes that this year with the new curriculum model will help achieve at least 42% as pass percentage. The President noted that 121 schools will operate as single session schools by the beginning of this year. The President further added that the number is expected to increase under government plans to convert all schools to single session schools. The President said that a collective total of 6 schools encompassed in Male’ City, Addu City and Kulhudhuffushi were prepared to adopt a new academic curriculum for the new year, and expressed his sanguine hopes for implementing the latest academic model next year. The President further spoke on criminal offences committed against expatriate teachers. Speaking on the severity of the situation, President Nasheed stated that all teachers need to be given their due respect regardless of whether they are of local or foreign origin.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches a new community development initiative
Currently more than 55% of the resort’s employees are Maldivian and despite most coming from the nearby islands, the remote location of Hadahaa means nearly all staff live on the island. With this in mind, Park Hyatt has begun to develop a symbiotic relationship with the neighbouring islands and has formed a committee of elected ‘Ambassadors’ to represent the different communities. Through better connectivity, shared knowledge, development of business skills, and encouragement and participation from both sides, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa hopes to create a mutually beneficial programme that inspires sustainable development projects, allows the resort to gather supplies and recruits from nearby islands, and ensures the local communities develop and prosper.

Aid to fragile states must be tied to reforms, say MPs
MPs have backed the government’s plan to increase aid to conflict-affected countries, but want funding to be dependent on transparency and accountability. Under the Department for International Development’s spending plans, funding to fragile states will rise to more than £3.4bn by 2014/15, compared with £1.8bn in 2010/11.

Indian banks withstood 2008 global crisis well, says Sinha
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor, Anand Sinha, said that Indian commercial banks fared well during the 2008 global financial crisis as they had diligently followed the regulatory mechanisms laid down by the RBI. Sinha was delivering the inaugural address at the one-day seminar on ‘Basel III: Implementation and challenges in banks’, organised by the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) at their headquarters in the city on Friday. Sinha, who is the incharge of regulation of commercial banks, non-banking financial companies and urban cooperative banks in the Reserve Bank of India, said that banks globally were facing more challenges now and macro sustainability was a necessity. “Putting regulations in place and implementing the same were equally important for achieving growth and sustainability,” he said. Sinha, who made a presentation on the genesis of the 2008 economic crisis, its causes and the regulatory reforms following the crisis, stressed the need for banks to adapt to the latest Basel III norms.

                 7 January 2012 | Saturday                 

President Nasheed Sends Sympathy to the President of Philippines and Brazil
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of sympathy to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III of Philippines, following the loss of lives and devastation caused by heavy flooding and landslides in Philippines.

Mohamed Ahmed appointed as Financial Controller
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mohamed Ahmed, H. Iruvai as the Financial Controller. The presentation of letter of appointment to Mohamed Ahmed was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. The Appointment was made at the level of State Minister. Mohamed Ahmed previously held the post of Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury.

Child sacrificed, liver offered to gods
A seven-year-old Indian girl was murdered in a tribal sacrifice and her liver offered to the gods to improve crop growth, police in the central state of Chhattisgarh said yesterday. The body of Lalita Tati was found in October one week after her family reported her missing. “A seven-year-old girl was sacrificed by two persons superstitiously believing that the act would give a better harvest,” Narayan Das, the police chief of Bijapur district, told AFP by telephone. The two men was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of killing the girl and offering her liver to the gods in a grisly tribal ceremony. Police said the men had confessed to the crime. The girl was murdered in a jungle district of Chhattisgarh that is a stronghold of rebel Maoists who have tapped into disaffection among local tribal groups. Human sacrifices occasionally make headlines in deeply religious and superstitious India, and usually occur in poor areas where some people revere practitioners of black magic. Two suspected child sacrifices were reported in Chhattisgarh in 2010, while in the same year the decapitated body of a factory worker was found in a temple in the eastern state of West Bengal. The victims are often ritually killed by witchdoctors to appease gods, spirits or deities. —AFP

Maldives lifts spa ban
A ban on spas in the Maldives was lifted yesterday afternoon by the government while it waits for a court to decide whether they are legal under the country's constitution. Speaking at a press conference held at Kurumba Maldives resort - the first to open in the archipelago in 1972 - the President said spas could continue to operate until the Supreme Court comes to a decision. The President ordered all spas to close following a rally on December 23 by opposition parties, during which extreme Islamists had claimed the islands' massage and liquor parlours were a front for prostitution. In an attempt to call their bluff, the President impose a ban which included hotel spas, some of which are owned by leaders of the opposition. The move threatened to damage the Maldives' £1bn a year tourism industry. During the press conference, the President said he was confident all the institutions of state would realise the importance of placing national development first and would not act in a way that would damage the tourism industry.

Air fares predicted to go up in 2012 but how much?
Everyone in the prediction business sees higher airline fares this year, mainly due to greater demand and fewer seats. But how much more? The numbers predicted are all across the board but one indicator should be how much oil prices go up. An increase in oil prices in early 2011 helped push fares up 8.5 percent during the second quarter of last year, accoring to figures from the US Department of Transportaion. Some experts say fares will only “inch up.” But they could go climb much faster, 10 to 20 percent, predicts others such as Anne Banas, executive editor of Smarter Travel. Major reasons include more regulation and mergers that have cut back on competition that in the past kept fares down. Carlson Wagonlit Travel forecasts airline pricing to increase from 3.5 to 4.1 percent in 2012 in North America. “This is primarily due to rapidly increasing demand and limited supply in the region,” the site says. American Express predicts prices in North America will increase up to five percent for economy and up to seven percent in business class. These increases should stick even if some Americans opt to stay home amid fears of another recession, as airlines target travelers that are willing to pay more, the forecast said. “Things look more bleak for Eruopean travel,” writes dealnews.com. A new “green tax” implemented by the European Union aimed at reducing emissions will levy a fee of aboaut $15 per passenger, each way, for flights to the US. US fees on shorter fights within the EU will be taxed somewhat less.

Drought shrinks China's largest freshwater lake
China's largest freshwater lake has shrunk to its smallest size in years due to drought, state media and officials said Thursday, endangering the ecology in the area and fishermen's livelihoods. After a dry spell of more than a decade, Poyang Lake in east China's Jiangxi province is drying up fast as scant rainfall has sent water levels in the Gan River -- which feeds the lake -- to record lows, the Xinhua news agency said.

To Speed People Up, Human Leg Muscle Slows Down
Other than Olympic race walkers, people generally find it more comfortable to run than walk when they start moving at around 2 meters per second - about 4.5 miles per hour. North Carolina State University biomedical engineers Dr. Gregory Sawicki and Dr. Dominic Farris have discovered why: At 2 meters per second, running makes better use of an important calf muscle than walking, and therefore is a much more efficient use of the muscle's - and the body's - energy.

A new theory emerges for where some fish became four-limbed creatures
A small fish crawling on stumpy limbs from a shrinking desert pond is an icon of can-do spirit, emblematic of a leading theory for the evolutionary transition between fish andamphibians. This theorized image of such a drastic adaptation to changing environmental conditions, however, may, itself, be evolving into a new picture.

                 6 January 2012 | Friday                 

2012 Is A Potentially Promising Year for the Whole Nation – Says President Nasheed in his first Radio Address of the Year
Speaking in his weekly radio address following the Government’s declaration of a ‘Duty Free Year’ and the successful initiation of “Aa Sandha”, President Mohamed Nasheed has said this year is emerging as a potentially promising year for the entire population of the country. In his radio address, the President said that the central aim of "Aa Sandha" was not only improving the nation-wide affordability of healthcare to the general population, but also enhancing the quality of service offered to them. While discussing certain key components of “Aa Sandha”, President Nasheed said that the cumulative benefit of this recent scheme would augment the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), along with easing the financial burden of the average Maldivian family and allowing the interaction of a host of positive socio-economic changes to culminate in higher standards of living.

President Appoints an Ambassador to UAE

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Ahmed Rasheed as the Ambassador of the Maldives to UAE. The presentation of letter of appointment to Mr Ahmed Rasheed was held this morning at the President’s Office. Mr. Ahmed Rasheed previously held the post of Chief of Protocol.

China plans Tibetan plateau exploration
China says it will send researchers to a large stretch of uninhabited land on the Tibetan plateau to study a range of issues in the so-called no man's land. Scientists will study a number of issues, from the impact of global warming to the condition of the infrastructure built in and across the region, China's official Xinhua news agency reported Saturday. The expedition is the biggest since 60 scientists first traveled to the region in 1990, Hu Dongsheng, a natural resources and environment professor with Hunan Normal University, said. Hoh Xil, occupying 91,000 square miles of the plateau land in western Qinghai province -- and the natural habitat of Tibetan antelopes and wild horses -- is considered by scientists to be one of the world's most sensitive areas to global climate change. Research will be conducted in the field of geology, climate, ecology, environment, and archaeology, Hu said, to learn about the changes that have taken place in the region during the past two decades. "We would like to learn about what is affecting the ecology in Hoh Xil. And, what are the safety risks facing the railways and roads that cross the region," Hu said, noting the expedition intends to set out this summer.

CC files corruption case against 7 employees of Home Ministry
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a corruption case at the Prosecutor General’s Office against seven employees of the Tender Evaluation Board of Ministry of Home Affairs. In a statement of ACC, the commission said that the seven members of the Tender Evaluation Board of the Ministry engaged in unlawful activities during the evaluation of bids to set up partitions at the office of Home Affairs, which is located on the tenth floor of Velaanage. ACC alleged that during the evaluation of the bids the seven members of the Tender Board of the Ministry allocated marks to the bidders opposing the criteria stated in the information leaflets for setting up partitions. The seven members accused of the corruption case are State Minister for Home Affairs Mahir Easa, Maimoona Ahmed of Henveiru Mahaasa, Hamid Yousuf of Zeelithan/Raa atoll Hulhudhuffaru, Ahmed Shareef Nafees of Dhaftharu 1119, Ahmed Ishaq of Galolhu Cherry, Hussein Rasheed Yousuf of Dhaftharu 2065 and Mohamed Adam of Machangoalhi Maanika.

Hong Kong probes deadly bug at government offices

In a major embarrassment to the city's government, ten water samples taken from various places at the harbourfront complex have been tested positive for Legionella, which causes Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia.

Maldives Government and the Tourism Industry sees eye to eye on this matter – Naseem

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Naseem, yesterday said that the Government’s decision to reopen the spas operating in the country, as announced by President Mohamed Nasheed, reflect the emerging national consensus that the Maldives should continue to follow the “moderate” and “tolerant” religious path it has pursued ever since the introduction of Islam 800 years ago.

IFM donates vital food aid to drought-stricken Somalia

Islamic Foundation of the Maldives (IFM) has donated vital food aid to over 80,000 victims of famine in the drought-stricken Somalia. In a press statement released today, the religious NGO claimed that the food aid which included rice, flour, sugar, dates and cooking oil was handed over to 84,040 Somalis. Most recipients were women, children and the elderly. According to IFM, food items worth $23,683 were equally distributed among 10,050 households belonging to the four worst hit areas of Bay, Bakool, Lower Shabelle and Banadir. The statement noted that during the last quarter of 2011, an IFM official went to Somalia and dispersed the aid with the help of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW). In mid last year, the UN has officially declared six parts of Somalia to be suffering from famine amid the worst drought in east Africa for 60 years. The drought in East Africa has put an estimated 11 million people at risk, with Somalia being the worst-hit country in the region.

                 5 January 2012 | Thursday                 

Government Lifts Ban on Spas in Tourist Resorts and Hotels

The government yesterday lifted the nationwide ban on spas and massage parlors, revoking a circular sent by the Tourism Ministry last week which ordered spas to cease operations. Speaking to reporters this afternoon during a press conference held at Kurumba Maldives resort - the country's first resort, which began operations in 1972 - the President said that the government has requested the Supreme Court to advise whether spas are legal under the Maldives constitution.

President has made very dangerous statements: Sheikh Imran

Sheikh Imran Abdullah, President of the opposition Adhaalath Party has said that President Mohamed Nasheed has made very dangerous statements in a press conference held at Kurumba Maldives resort yesterday.

Government did not ban trade of alcohol because of it will affect the whole economy: Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that although the government ordered the temporary shut down of spas, the government did not ban the trade of alcohol in the tourist resorts because the government believes that it will not only affect the tourism industry but will affect the entire economy of Maldives. The President said he was confident all the institutions of state will realise the importance of placing national development first and will not act in a way that would damage the tourism industry. “We stepped back from banning alcohol trade because our lives, our richness is based on the trade of alcoholic beverages to non-Muslims,” he said. The President reasserted his view that the vast majority of Maldivians reject religious extremism and want to continue the moderate form of Islam the Maldives has followed for the past 800 years.

Maldives is a heaven for Spa service: President

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the spa services of the luxury tourist resorts in the Maldives are renowned for being one of the best spa services in the world. Additionally he said that Maldives is a heaven for those who seek to sooth their bodies and relieve their mind. President underscored the importance of continuing to retain this standard and trust in the spas. He said that this can be fulfilled by removing all doubts raised against this service. President Nasheed said that the government recently temporarily shut down all spa services in the country to ensure that no illegal and indecent activity is carried out in Maldivian spas. He said that the government cleared this doubt by the decision. Meanwhile, the President yesterday ordered the resorts to reopen their spas just days after they were shut following Islamic protests.

The Latest Hotels, Kitzbühel, Tuscany & Hanoi
Whilst many a luxury hotel opened in 2011, it was one particular brand that felt particularly active and ambitious in the market. The Jumeirah Group, owned by the Dubai Holdings investment vehicle of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, opened no less than six properties in 2011 – significant when one considers the group operated just five properties in 2002. And they didn’t just open a string of 50-room boutique hotels. The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, for example, comprises no less than five towers – three residential, one commercial, and one for the hotel – comprising 382 rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences and a host of conference and leisure facilities. The group also opened in 2011 in Dubai, Shanghai and Frankfurt, as well as two resorts in the Maldives.

Maldives reverses spa ban
The government of the Maldives has reversed a ban on the sale of spa treatments, alcohol and pork, the country's president told CNN Wednesday. The country's Supreme Court is expected to rule similarly in favor of reversing the ban Wednesday, President Mohamed Nasheed said. The court originally was to rule whether the ban was constitutional. The court's involvement stems from an acrimonious showdown between the government and opposition parties over Islam's role in the governing of the nation, an archipelago of almost 1,200 coral islands south-southwest of India.

Maldives lifts spa ban
The government in the Maldives is to allow luxury resorts in the country to resume spa operations, according to local media reports. President Mohamed Nasheed made the announcement during a press conference held at Kurumba Maldives resort. The government ordered all the resorts in Maldives to shut down their spas following demands made at a protest organised by religious organisations and opposition parties. Conservative Islamic religious groups claimed the spas were being run as brotherls, claims strenuously denied by luxury resort operators. Interestingly, the official Maldives tourism website has continued to promote spas during the recent controversy.

                 4 January 2012 | Wednesday                 

Law should be passed to ban businessmen from criticizing govt policies: Adheeb
In view of the current political situation of the Maldives, law should be passed to ban businessmen from criticizing the policies of the government, says economic consultant Ahmed Adheeb. Chair of Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) Adheeb said that the current policies of the government to destroy the tourism industry which is the main source of economy of Maldives can never be accepted. “The norm of the government now is to stop all individuals who take part in running a business and economy. Things have escalated so much that now it is imperative to pass a law that prohibits from mixing these two,” he said. Adheeb said that everyday foreign investors have been contacting MNCCI and expressing their concern. “Therefore, we urged the government to stop these lame and irresponsible actions,” he said. The Chair of MNCCI said that the organization strongly condemns the decision of the government to close down all spas in the tourist resorts on the claims that these spas are front for prostitution and sex trade. He said that the government took this decision without even a shred of evidence to prove their claims.

President Launches Home Visiting Programme of Decentralised Primary Health Care
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday launched the home visiting programme in Macchangolhi of Male’ City, as part of the decentralisation of primary health care to City Councils and Island Councils. The President officially started the programme by filling out the primary healthcare form on the children under the age of five, at Ma. Vinares household. According to the Mayor of Male’ City, Maizan Ali Manik as the first phase of the program a survey will be conducted to determine the total number of children below five years of age living in capital Male’.

Maldives to become Member of UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime
Maldives will take part in the “United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime”, according to the cabinet decision made yesterday. The decision was made, following deliberations on a paper presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at yesterday’s meeting. The crimes classified as transnational crimes in the convention include, terrorism, illegal migration, drug-related crimes, money-laundering, corruption and human trafficking. The Convention states that “Each State Party shall Endeavour to ensure that any discretionary legal powers under its domestic law, relating to the prosecution of persons for offences covered by this Convention are exercised to maximise the effectiveness of law enforcement measures in respect of those offences and with due regard to the need to deter the commission of such offences.” The “United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime” was enforced on 29 September 2003.

Police confiscate speakers from Jaffa mosque.
Border Guards and police raid house after Israeli foreign minister’s mother’s neighbor complains about noise coming from Muezzin calls. Border Guard and police forces on Tuesday raided the complex of the Abu Sayaf family in Jaffa and confiscated speakers that were used to play Muezzin calls in a mosque situated on the premises. Around 9:20 am, dozens of Yassam and Border Guard officers arrived at the scene and raided the complex. Several minutes later they left with the speakers.

Maldives spa ban slammed by £1billion tourism industry
Exclusive resorts in the Maldives - a favourite with honeymooners - are fighting a ban on their luxury spas after the government shut them down in an apparent bid to appease 'Islamist campaigners'. The president of the Indian Ocean archipelago announced over the weekend that all spas and massage parlours should be closed as Islamist opposition parties believe they are a front for prostitution. However, the country's tourism association has declared that the decision threatens the Maldives' lucrative tourism industry, which sees celebrities and honeymooners flock to its many atolls.

Surfers and Ocean Conservationists Gather in Maldives
A fast-moving rainstorm blew over the small atoll late in the afternoon, briefly cooling a typically humid day just 100 miles north of the equator. But within 20 minutes the sun was back, hot and bright, the air even thicker. Aaaaaah, paradise. I was desperate for some cooling off, having spent the morning wrestling with something I thought I’d mastered long ago: how to breathe. The lessons had taken place in a pool behind one of the guesthouses at the new Six Senses Laamu resort, where I’d joined a dozen superstar water athletes from around the world—surfers, kite boarders and windsurfers—for a unique conference of ocean doers and thinkers, dubbed WaterWoMen.

Business as usual in Maldives despite government ban
Hotel spas and wellness centres across the Maldives are operating as usual despite government orders to shut all facilities offering health and beauty treatments. The crackdown followed protests by an opposition political party that claimed they were a front for prostitution. That order has since been suspended by civil courts following cases filed by members of the tourism industry. Agents and operators have been taking calls from concerned holidaymakers. James Weaver, managing director of luxury tour operator Lusso, said: “To suggest they are glorified brothels is absurd.The tourism authority is strongly appealing against the ban.

Cable laying operation underway in the Maldives
Deployment has begun on a fibre optic submarine cable network system in the Maldives. Dhiraagu, the Maldives business of Cable & Wireless Communications, has commenced laying the network, which will run from the north to the south of the island nation. The Dhiraagu Domestic Submarine Cable Network (DDSCN) is a 1253 km length fibre optic submarine cable which first came ashore on the island of Kulhudhuffushi, capital of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll in the north of the Maldives. The DDSCN project will give customers access to high quality, high-speed broadband internet and facilitate services such as e-health, telemedicine, e-government and other online services in the Maldives. The DDSCN Submarine Cable laying operation was inaugurated by the President of the Maldives, His Excellency President Mohamed Nasheed who participated in the landing of the cable at the first landing station in the North. The network, which is being constructed under contract by the NEC Corporation, will become operational during 2012.

                 3 January 2012 | Tuesday                 

Luxury spas get caught in Maldives' political crossfire
Honeymooners and international hotel owners are at the center of an acrimonious showdown over religion between the government and opposition parties in the popular luxury tourist destination of the Maldives. The Tourism Ministry last week banned the use of spas across the country, sparking a fiery debate over Islam's role in the governing of the island nation. The nation's pristine beaches and rich marine wildlife drew nearly 800,000 tourists in 2010. The move has prompted confusion, legal action and civil disobedience in the Indian Ocean nation, which has a population of about 350,000.

Spa' ban threatens Maldives' tourism
Exclusive resorts in the Maldives are fighting a ban on their luxury spas and health centres after the government shut them down. The president of the Indian Ocean archipelago issued the decree on Saturday after Islamic opposition parties argued the spas were a front for prostitution. 'The government has decided to close massage parlors and spas in the Maldives, following an opposition-led religious protest last week calling for their closure,' President Mohamed Nasheed's office said in a statement

Nargis Fakhri SIZZLES in the Maldives
While some are talking about Maldives and radical Islam.. How far do you know the truth.. Maldives isreally the right heaven for all tourists… The Rockstar actress has been making waves since the release of her debut movie. Harper's Bazaar flew the model-turned-actress to the Maldives for a sexy photo shoot and got her to bare her soul. The gritty New Yorker with a yen for travel returns to her roots and reveals her idea of a perfect date, her fondness for 'Hinglish', doing an action film, and kicking some serious butt in Harper's Bazaar January 2012 issue! Nargis, of the never-ending legs, is just one movie old. Yet she combines the zest of a teenager with the wisdom of a sage. Here, in the sunny, paradaisical, and dramatic setting of the Maldives, she's a water-baby, or perhaps a sea nymph. It all depends on how you approach her. This native New Yorker is gregarious, and talks a mile-a-minute, yet her street smarts have stood her in good stead. Behind the affable, smiling exterior, lie nerves of steel, and a sense of adventure. "At 13, I had this map and I'd wonder, 'wow look at this place, New Zealand, it's so far away! What's over there?'" she says. That curiosity stuck inside her. So she figured that the best way a person could travel and make money was as a model.

World No Tobacco Day 2012
Theme: Tobacco industry interference
The World Health Organization (WHO) selects "tobacco industry interference" as the theme of the next World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on Thursday, 31 May 2012. The campaign will focus on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry's brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) because of the serious danger they pose to public health.

AG requests Supreme Court for opinion regarding legality selling of alcohol and pork in resorts

The Attorney General (AG) Abdullah Muizz has requested the legal opinion of the Supreme Court regarding the legality of trade of alcoholic beverages and pork in tourist resorts in the Maldives.  Speaking to the media, AG Muizz said that questions have been raised regarding the legality of selling alcohol and pork in tourist resorts because of the recent decision of the government to close down spas and the government’s consideration to ban the trade of alcohol and pork, nationwide. AG Muizz said that the decision of the highest court in Maldives, the Supreme Court is required. He said that the trade of alcohol and pork and also the operation of Spas are permitted in tourist resorts under certain laws. He said that it is now imperative to know the legality of this action. AG Muizz said that the Supreme Court should deliver a verdict clarifying whether the Import of alcohol and pork to the Maldives comes under the section of Prohibited Goods.

Three Years after Israeli War Crimes in Gaza.
"We live in an Orwellian world where humanitarian activists are persecuted and war criminals get wined and dined in five star hotels." Three years ago between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 Israel unleashed its latest carnage on the starving Palestinians in Gaza. Gaza is a small beach side strip of around 365 sq miles by the Mediterranean Sea. Sandwiched between Egypt and Israel this territory of about 1.6 million Palestinians is one of the most densely populated in the world. Most of the inhabitants are refugees who were chased out at gun point by Jewish terror gangs, such as Irgun and Hagana and their lands grabbed to set up the Jewish state of Israel in 1948. During the June 1967 Israeli war of aggression Gaza was brought under Israeli occupation. Since then the people there were subjected to untold oppressions, cruelties and miseries besides daily killings, arbitrary arrest and torture.

Private clinics to be given opportunity to serve under “Aa Sandha” scheme

President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday said that private clinics that comply with the rules and regulations of the “Aa Sandha” health scheme will be given the opportunity to serve under it. President made this remark in his visit to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital to meet with the senior officials of the hospital and senior officials of the Male’ Health Service Corporation. The President’s visit to the hospital comes subsequent to the introduction of the government’s new universal health insurance scheme “Aa Sandha”, to observe the implementation of the service at the hospital. Health coverage under “Aa Sandha”began yesterday, 1 January 2012. At the meeting with the senior officials of IGMH and Male’ Health Service Corporation, discussions were held on the changes to be brought to hospital fees, following the execution of “Aa Sandha”. The President and the senior officials also discussed means of upgrading healthcare services, as well as expanding the scope of services provided at the hospital. During his visit to IGMH, President Nasheed met with the local media, and answered some questions posed to him regarding the new health insurance scheme. “Aa Sandha” is the universal health insurance programme of the government, under which, healthcare costs up to 100,000 rufiyaa will be covered by the government, per capita per year.

Need for action on health in the aftermath of war
Countries recovering from war are at risk of being left to their own devices in tackling non communicable diseases, leaving an "open door" for exploitation by alcohol, tobacco and food companies, health experts warn. Writing in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Bayard Roberts and Martin McKee, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Preeti Patel, of King's College London, argue that the post-conflict environment risks increases of mental health problems and other NCDs, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.

DQP calls Police to take action against President and Minister Zulfa for closing down spas

Opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) has called on Maldives Police Service to take immediate action against President Mohamed Nasheed and Minister of Tourism Mariyam Zulfa for closing down health spas at luxury holiday resorts. In a letter addressed to Maldives Police Service, DQP said that President Nasheed and Minister Zulfa are trying to lower the popularity of Maldives by taking illegal measures to close down all spas operated in the tourist resorts. The party said that this irresponsible action of the government has caught the attention of the outside world and is making headlines in the international media. DQP claimed that President Nasheed and Minister have committed a crime, which should not be overlooked, by trying to destroy the tourism industry of Maldives. Meanwhile, Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industries (MATI), Mohamed Umar Manik urged the government to reconsider the decision of the government to shut down all the Spas in the Maldivian resorts. In view of the decision of the government, the Vice President of MATI and the Chairman of Champa Brothers, Champa Hussein Afeef said that shutting down all spas will affect the tourism industry of Maldives which is the main source of economy for the country.

Sheikh Ilyas elected as new chair of Adhaalath’s religious council

Sheikh Ilyas Hussein has been elected as the new chair of the council of religious scholars of the opposition Adhaalath Party. Former Vice Chair of the council of scholars, Sheikh Ilyas was elected as the Chair of the council following the resignation of the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari from the post recently. Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed Iyaz was elected as the Vice Chair while Sheikh Izzudeen Adnan was appointed as the secretary of the council.

India Club holds Interaction Camp

India Club Maldives along with with High Commission of India organised an Interaction Camp at Sultan Park on December 30. They interacted with Indian Expatriates, provided them information and noted their problems for resolution. About 200 expatriates interacted with them and appreciated their initiative. ICM Executive Club members informed that they plan to hold such camps regularly in view of the excellent response received from the Expatriates. They also thanked authorities for supporting their initiatives.

Who are the real extremists?
Extremism is the deviation of any ideology beyond the perceived ideological centre of a society; a violation of common moral or political standards. Moderation is the opposite. In the recent history of the Maldives we have known ‘extremists’ as defined by Western stereotypes and agendas onto religious group of people, a slur often hurled at individuals dedicated to adhering to the fundamentals of the Islamic faith.

                 1 January 2012 | Sunday                 

“Aa Sandha” universal health insurance programme initiated
“Aa Sandha”, the universal health insurance programme of the government, under which, healthcare costs up to 100,000 rufiyaa will be covered by the government, per capita per year, has been initiated yesterday. President Mohamed Nasheed has also appointed members representing the government, to the Board of Directors for Aa Sandha Private Limited, the joint venture company established to execute the government’s new Universal Health Insurance Programme. Ali Arif was appointed as the Chairman of the Board. Mohamed Shifaz, representing Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives Pvt. Ltd., is the Managing Director of Aa Sandha Pvt. Ltd. The government stated that the new national health insurance programme, which will cover the costs of healthcare for the whole populace of the country on a sustainable basis. Meanwhile, the President recently noted that providing affordable healthcare was one of the key pledges in the MDP manifesto, and said that the first step to establish a sustainable health insurance programme was to reform the country's financial system. Speaking in this regard, President Nasheed said that the execution of the government's economic agenda had already begun, in order to provide social security to the people, through minimising the state's expenses and introducing Good and Services Tax, Income Tax, and Corporate Tax to be major contributors to the state income. The President also stressed that "Aa Sandha" will not only bring to the people affordable healthcare, but also create a positive competitive environment among the service providers, which will bringing to the people good quality service.

People base their votes on many factors: Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the people base their votes on many factors. He made this remark speaking at the ceremony held at the strong-house of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to celebrate the victory of the party in council by-elections. President Nasheed said that the people expect and hope for many things from the candidate. He said that if the people do not get what they expected and hoped then they would not give their votes. Candidates of the ruling party won the two vacant seats of the Shaviyani atoll council and one seat of the Alif Alif Mathiveri island council. Elections Commission revealed in their provisional results thatthe two MDP candidates Abdulla Athif and Firaq Ibrahim won the two atoll council seats of Shaviyani Atoll Milandhoo with 1,038 votes and 977 votes respectively, while the MDP candidate Ismail Athif won Alif Alif Mathiveri, council seat with 253 votes.

President Ratifies Three Bills Passed by the People’s Majlis
President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified three bills passed by the People’s Majlis. The three bills ratified by the President are, Partnership Bill and the First Amendment Bill to Tax Administration Act (Act number 3/2010) passed during the Parliament’s sitting on 19 December 2011, and National Health Insurance Scheme Bill passed during its sitting on 21 December 2011. Following ratification, the three Acts have been published in the government Gazette. Partnership Act states the guidelines for the formation, registration and operation of partnerships in the Maldives. A partnership is the business association of two or more persons in which each agrees to furnish a part of the capital and labor for a business enterprise, and bearing separate names. Under this act, partnership is categorised into General Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership. The National Health Insurance Scheme Act states the principles for the facilitation of a sustainable system of affordable and quality primary healthcare on a national level, for the people of the Maldives.

Second campaign to say “No” to plastic bags initiated
In collaboration with State Trading Organization (STO), Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and Bright Brothers (AGORA), Ministry of Housing and Environment is organizing a second phase of ‘No to Plastic Bags Campaign’ to be initiated today. This campaign is a continuation of the ‘No to Plastic Bags Campaign’ held earlier this year to mark the World’s Environment Day. The objective of the campaign is to raise public awareness regarding the negative impacts plastic bags cause to the environment, with a broader view to slowly phase out plastic bags in the country and consequently increase the popularity of non-biodegradable plastic bags. In this campaign 4500 non woven bags will be distributed to various customers shopping from STO, MIFCO and AGORA with a discount system planned for those customers utilizing these bags.

STO is organizing 2 events; event concept and cloth bag campaign. Both events will be continued for 6 months.
STO Home Improvement has listed out several products that use eco-friendly technology which will be selling with a 2% discount. The products are- HITACHI: Refrigerator, Washing Machines, LED TV, Inverter Air Conditioners, PHILIPS: LED TV, NIPPON: INTERIOR PAINTS: Nippon Odor-less Premium all-in-1, Nippon Paint Easy Wash with Teflon, Nippon Paint 3-in-1 Medifresh, Nippon Paint Vinilex 5000 Low Odor and NIPPON: EXTERIOR PAINTS: Nippon Weather bond.