Bangladesh Islamist leaders sued for hurting Muslim sentiments

DHAKA – Top leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, have been sued for hurting Muslim sentiments by a comparison with the prophet at a public function, a media report said.

A criminal case was filed at a Dhaka court Sunday against five JeI leaders, including its Ameer (chief) Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami and …. Read the original article  : Bangladesh Islamist leaders sued for hurting Muslim sentiments.

West Nepal shut down by group seeking Hindu state

KATHMANDU – Violence erupted in western Nepal Monday as a Hindu group clamped a shutdown demanding the restoration of a Hindu state ahead of the promulgation of a new constitution in May.

A little-known group calling itself the Vishwa Ekata Parishad set two buses and a motorcycle on fire in Kailali district for venturing out during …. Original article  : West Nepal shut down by group seeking Hindu state.

Muslim law board opposes communal violence bill

LUCKNOW – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed strong opposition to the communal violence bill as well as the growing “bonhomie between India and Israel.”

Declaring this at the conclusion of its three-day annual convention at the Nadwatul Darul Uloom Islamic University here, AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Abdul Rahim Quraishi told a press …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Muslim law board opposes communal violence bill.

Pope urges faithful to be ‘intransigent’ on sin but beg forgiveness for their own failings

Pope does not mention rebuke to Irish bishops

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is urging Catholics to be intransigent toward sin but not to judge the sinner.
The pontiff addressed pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday but didn’t mention his rebuke to Irish bishops a day earlier for their handling of decades of clergy sexual …. Original source  : Pope urges faithful to be ‘intransigent’ on sin but beg forgiveness for their own failings.

Muslim law board enhances its own women quota

LUCKNOW – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) may been silent on the women’s reservation bill. But when it came to reconstituting its executive body, it unanimously increasef the representation of women from one to five.

Announcing this on the last day of the board’s three-day annual convention at the Nadwa Darul-Uloom Islamic university … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslim law board enhances its own women quota.

Goa MP urges politicians to shun ’sadhus’, ‘babas’

PANAJI – Shantaram Naik, Congress MP from Goa, has “appealed to all the political leaders” to refrain from meeting ’sadhus’ and ‘babas’ in the interest of the state and its people.

The Rajya Sabha member said in a statement Sunday: “Several politicians, irrespective of political affiliations, visit such people in the hope of finding … Read more >>>.

Dentist to become 1st Sikh soldier to complete Army officer school in decades

1st Sikh in decades to wrap up Army officer school

SAN ANTONIO – Amid lines of soldiers, one after the other in standard-issue fatigues and combat boots, was one in a turban and full beard on Monday – the first Sikh in a generation allowed to complete U.S. Army officer basic training without sacrificing the articles …. Source  : Dentist to become 1st Sikh soldier to complete Army officer school in decades.

Protesting in verse: A Saudi woman criticizes Muslim clerics’ in a TV poetry contest

Saudi woman blasts clerics in TV contest poem

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – It was a startling voice of protest at a startling venue. Covered head-to-toe in black, a Saudi woman lashed out at hard-line Muslim clerics’ harsh religious edicts in verse on live TV at a popular Arabic version of “American Idol.”
Well, not quite “American …. Read the original article  : here.

Islamic clerics in Yemen declare supporters of child bride ban to be apostates

Top Yemeni clerics oppose ban on child brides

SAN’A, Yemen – Some of Yemen’s most influential Islamic leaders, including one the U.S. says mentored Osama bin Laden, have declared supporters of a ban on child brides to be apostates.
The religious decree, issued Sunday, deeply imperils efforts to salvage legislation that would make it illegal for those …. Original source  : Islamic clerics in Yemen declare supporters of child bride ban to be apostates.

World Expo in Shanghai to showcase China’s rise as modern power, world’s green ambitions

Shanghai World Expo forecasts 70 million visitors

SHANGHAI – Looking for the China of pagodas, farmers in rice paddies and Mao-suited masses pedaling bicycles through grim city streets?
You won’t find such scenes here when Shanghai’s World Expo opens on May 1.
What you will find: A giant octopus, an alpine meadow and an apple-shaped “green city,” among …. Source article  : World Expo in Shanghai to showcase China’s rise as modern power, world’s green ambitions.

West Bengal doubles funds for Muslims, madrasas education

KOLKATA – In an apparent bid to woo the Muslims ahead of next year’s assembly polls, the West Bengal government Monday proposed to more than double the plan outlay for minorities and madrasa education from Rs.121 crore to Rs.300 crore next year.

Presenting the state budget for 2010-11, Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta said special priority has … Read more »».

Religious leaders discuss HIV issues in the Netherlands

AMSTERDAM – Religious leaders and top UN officials began Monday a two-day conference in the Netherlands to debate HIV issues and religions’ response to the illness.

Several dozen Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh leaders were taking part in the conference taking place in Den Dolder near Utrecht in the central Netherlands through Tuesday. … Read more : Religious leaders discuss HIV issues in the Netherlands.

BJP leader calls for Hindu state again in Nepal

KATHMANDU – A little-known Hindu organisation’s call for reinstatement of a Hindu state in Nepal received an unexpected support here from a visiting top leader of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

Former BJP president Rajnath Singh, who had arrived in Nepal Sunday to attend the last rites of former Nepali prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who was … Read more »».

Bareilly’s Hindus, Muslims rebuild shrines and peace

BAREILLY – If the recent riots made Bareilly cry for peace, the trouble-torn district in western Uttar Pradesh is now witnessing a rare show of communal harmony now — Muslims taking up the construction of a damaged temple and Hindus joining hands to restore a mazar (mausoleum).

The Hanuman temple, popularly known as the Bajrangi … Read : Bareilly’s Hindus, Muslims rebuild shrines and peace.

Germany’s Regensburg diocese says 6 people accused of abuse, asks for forgiveness

German diocese say 6 accused over abuse
REGENSBURG, Germany – The Regensburg diocese in the pope’s native Bavaria says six people there face sexual abuse allegations, many of them dating back decades.

Diocese spokesman Clemens Neck said Monday that church officials “regret deeply” what employees did to children and “we ask for forgiveness.”
Neck says seven people have …. Original source  : Germany’s Regensburg diocese says 6 people accused of abuse, asks for forgiveness.

Haryana temple gets foreign currency

CHANDIGARH – A Hindu temple in Haryana has got a Navratras bonanza: donations in US, Australian and New Zealand dollars as well as British pounds.

The Mata Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula town, 10 km from here, attracted over 600,000 people during the nine-day festival.
Temple officials said that while devotees continued to offer Indian currency …. Source article  : Haryana temple gets foreign currency.

Delhi celebrates Ram Navami

NEW DELHI – Delhiites Wednesday celebrated Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama, with ritualistic fasting and special prayers at noon when the Hindu god is believed to have been born.

The festival is celebrated on the last day of the nine-day long Navaratri festivities.
“On each day of Navaratri, we observe fasts and there are … Read more »».

Swami Nithyananda Scandal: The Real Story and Tragedy

Kolkata (Gaea Times) – Swami Nithyananda’s intimate video is common knowledge in most of India today and among his devotees worldwide. There has been repeated and continuous airing his videos in Telegu news channels, videos involving his intimacy with Tamil actresses like Ranjitha. As most of you realize that intimacy of two adult human beings … Read more »».

CatholicTV introduces 3-D programs in move to attract youth, make faith message more vivid

CatholicTV rolls out shows in 3-D to attract youth

BOSTON – Avatars and Mad Hatters are already performing before American audiences in 3-D, and Shrek is coming soon. Now, a national Catholic television network is throwing priests into the mix.
CatholicTV debuted 3-D programs Tuesday in an effort to reach younger people and to make the faith …. Read the original article  : here.

Religions from around the world pledge to end stigmatization of AIDS, HIV sufferers

Religious groups pledge to end AIDS stigma

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Religious groups from around the globe pledged Tuesday to prevent the stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS, in a joint statement welcomed by a senior U.N. official as a sea change in attitudes.
Representatives of some 40 religions and faith groups including Christianity, Judaism, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sri Lanka denies visa to US hip-hop star

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has denied visa to US hip-hop singer Akon in the wake of protest over his controversial video album featuring scantily-clam women dancing around a statue of Lord Buddha.

Akon was to perform in Sri Lanka next month and a major tourism drive was also launched to attract fans from Asia and other [..] Read the original article: here.

Resolve issue of damaged Muslim shrines: court to Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday directed the state government to amicably resolve with the Islamic Relief Committee of Gujarat (IRCG) the issue of restoring religious places that were damaged or destroyed during the 2002 riots.

The IRCG had filed a petition before the high court seeking directions to the government to restore and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Resolve issue of damaged Muslim shrines: court to Gujarat.

Religions from around the world discuss how to end stigmatization of AIDS, HIV sufferers

Religious groups discuss ending AIDS stigma

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Religious groups from around the globe discussed Tuesday how to help the global fight against AIDS by preventing victims becoming outcasts from society.
Canon Gideon Byamugisha, an Anglican priest from Uganda, said the way his church treated him after he discovered he had HIV should set an …. Original article  : Religions from around the world discuss how to end stigmatization of AIDS, HIV sufferers.

St. Louis museum to be only Midwestern stop for colelction of art from Vatican

St. Louis museum to host Vatican collection

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis will be the only Midwestern stop in a traveling exhibition of rarely seen art and artifacts from the Vatican.
“Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art” opens May 15. Officials from the museum, the Archdiocese of St. Louis and …. Read the original article  : St. Louis museum to be only Midwestern stop for colelction of art from Vatican.

Austria: Priest resigns after admitting abuse; 2 others suspended

Austria: Priest resigns after admitting abuse

VIENNA – An Austrian diocese says a priest has resigned after admitting he abused a 17-year-old boy.
The Graz-Seckau diocese says the priest stepped down of his own accord and that the abuse happened more than 20 years ago on a vacation.
Spokesman Georg Plank says two other priests have been suspended …. Original article  : Austria: Priest resigns after admitting abuse; 2 others suspended.

Muslim prisoners fast and pray during Navratri

BARABANKI – They are Muslim prisoners but they have been fasting, singing hymns and performing ‘yagnas’ at a jail here, hoping their prayers will be heard during Navratri. Never mind if it is a Hindu festival.

Nearly 30 Muslim prisoners of the district jail in Barabanki, about 35 km from Lucknow, are taking part in prayers …. Read the original article  : Muslim prisoners fast and pray during Navratri.

Security in and around Delhi temples beefed up

NEW DELHI – Barricades, door-frame metal detectors have been set up and a large posse of policemen has been positioned in and around temples in the national capital on the eve of Ram Navami Thursday.

“We have taken adequate measures to prevent any untoward incident in the capital. At various places, closed circuit television cameras …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Head of Vancouver Olympics, other sports dignitaries pay tribute to Georgian luger

Sports dignitaries pay tribute to Georgian luger

BAKURIANI, Georgia – The head of the Vancouver Olympics, an Olympic gold medalist and other dignitaries attended a ceremony Tuesday at the grave of the Georgian luger who died during a practice run at the games.
Vancouver organizing committee president John Furlong, luge gold medalist Felix Loch, International Luge Federation [..] Read the original article: here.

President, PM greet nation on Ram Navami

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday greeted the nation on the eve of Ram Navami.

Patil said in her message: “May this day inspire us to spread Lord Ram’s message of righteous conduct and selfless service and strengthen our resolve to strive for justice and human …. Original article  : President, PM greet nation on Ram Navami.

Sri Rama Navami 2010: Dr. Manmohan Singh Wishes All

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has offered his best wishes to the countrymen on the eve of Sri Rama Navami 2010. The Prime Minister on Tuesday said that he hopes that Sri Ram Navami 2010 ushers in happiness for all countrymen and all be blessed with Lord Rama’s blessings. Dr. …. Read the original article  : Sri Rama Navami 2010: Dr. Manmohan Singh Wishes All.

Krishna jazz from faraway Congo

NEW DELHI – The tall dark African servitor from Congo spreads the gospel of Hindu god Krishna on the east coast of Africa with a saxophone, guitar and jazz.

\”Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, Rama Rama, Hare Hare…\”, his gentle baritone fills the air as he plucks a plaintive riff — in the American bluegrass tradition … Read more : Krishna jazz from faraway Congo.

PM greets nation on Ram Navami

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday greeted the nation on Ram Navami, the birthday of the Hindu god Ram, which will be celebrated Wednesday.

Praying that the festival would bring “joy and happiness for all”, Manmohan Singh said in his message: “The life of lord Ram inspires us to follow the path of righteousness … Read more >>>.

Muslim prisoners fast during Navratri to atone for sins

BARABANKI – They wake up early, keep fast, undertake Hindu rituals, sing hymns and eat a special diet like their Hindu brethren during the ongoing Navratri festival. These Muslim inmates of a Barabanki jail believe this will help them seek pardon from the almighty for their crimes and sins.

Nearly 30 Muslim prisoners of the district … Read : Muslim prisoners fast during Navratri to atone for sins.

Niqab becoming a flash point in Canada

TORONTO – The niqab worn by Muslim women has become a flash point in Canada, with most people seeking ban on the veil in public. But liberals and the media are comparing the ban demand to a Taliban dress code.

Canada has about one million Muslims in its population of 34 million, and their population is … Read more »»».

US Army gets its first Sikh graduate in 25 years

WASHINGTON – Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a 31-year-old dentist, has become the first Sikh in over 25 years to be allowed to complete US Army officer basic training without giving up his turban or shaving his full beard.

Rattan graduated Monday at Fort Sam Houston after the army made an exemption to a uniform policy that … Original source on Gaea Times at : US Army gets its first Sikh graduate in 25 years.

Pope accepts bishop’s resignation over sex scandal

Vatican City, March 25 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of an Irish bishop who was found to have not handled properly allegations of clerical sex abuse in his diocese.

The pope accepted Bishop John Magee’s resignation Wednesday, a year after he quit as bishop of Cloyne in southern Ireland. Magee stepped aside in …. Read the original article  : Pope accepts bishop’s resignation over sex scandal.

Indian-origin economist hailed as messiah

LONDON – A British economist of Indian origin has been left perplexed after being hailed by a cult as its “chosen one” who it believes was hiding in the Himalayas for 2,000 years.

“I’m not the messiah… I’m just an economics expert,” an exasperated Raj Patel has been saying after being bombarded with email messages from …. Source article  : Indian-origin economist hailed as messiah.

Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys

Times: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis.

NEW YORK – Documents obtained by The New York Times show Milwaukee’s Roman Catholic archbishop warned a top Vatican office led by future Pope Benedict XVI about a priest who may have molested as many as 200 deaf boys.
The documents were provided by two lawyers who have filed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys.

A temple where upper castes bow to Dalits

LUCKNOW – Stories of socially marginalised people not being allowed into places of worship are common in India. In such a scenario, a Dalit family presiding over an Uttar Pradesh temple for ages is nothing short of exemplary.

It’s only Dalits who have been priests of the Kali Mata temple, dedicated to goddess Durga, in Lakhna …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Niqab for Muslim women banned in Canadian province

TORONTO – After France, Muslim women have been banned from wearing niqab in Canada’s French-speaking Quebec province.

A bill tabled Wednesday will not allow government services to women wearing the niqab.
The bill comes after protests triggered by an Egyptian immigrant’s refusal to remove her niqab in her French languages classes in Montreal, forcing the school …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

In post-election talks in Iraq, Shiite rivals inch closer to prime minister’s coalition

Shiite rivals inch closer to Iraqi premier’s group

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi prime minister’s efforts to forge a governing Shiite alliance inched closer Wednesday after he met for the first time with members of a party led by an influential anti-American cleric who’s been one of the prime minister’s staunchest critics.
The State of Law coalition led …. Read the original article  : In post-election talks in Iraq, Shiite rivals inch closer to prime minister’s coalition.

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate finds fake Passover matzah, warns people to be on lookout

Israeli rabbis warn about fake Passover matzah

JERUSALEM – Israel’s Chief Rabbinate is warning Israeli citizens to be on the lookout for pirate matzah and Jews are worried, a merchant said Wednesday.
A week before the start of the holiday of Passover, Israeli police raided a warehouse containing a 7-ton stockpile of matzah with fake kosher certificates, … Read more : Israel’s Chief Rabbinate finds fake Passover matzah, warns people to be on lookout.

Akon postpones concert in Sri Lanka after protests over Buddha statue in music video

Akon postpones Sri Lanka tour after Buddha uproar

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – R&B star Akon has postponed a planned concert in Sri Lanka following angry protests over a music video he is in where scantily clad women dance in front of a Buddha statue.
Akon, who expressed regret and said he was not previously aware of the … Read more »»».

Sri Lanka plans to bar R&B singer Akon after uproar over Buddha statue in his video

Sri Lanka plans to bar entry to R&B singer Akon

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka says it won’t issue a visa for R&B singer Akon for a planned concert next month, following outrage over his video showing scantily clad women near a Buddha statue.
The government made the decision because the video “triggered a lot of … Read : Sri Lanka plans to bar R&B singer Akon after uproar over Buddha statue in his video.

Opponent turned peacebroker, Northern Ireland firebrand Ian Paisley makes Parliament exit

Northern Ireland firebrand makes Parliament exit

LONDON – Protestant firebrand Ian Paisley – the Northern Ireland naysayer turned peacebroker – made a final appearance Wednesday in Parliament, capping a 40-year career by lauding a peace process that he long opposed.
Speaking in the showpiece weekly questions session with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the 83-year-old evangelist called on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Opponent turned peacebroker, Northern Ireland firebrand Ian Paisley makes Parliament exit.

Indonesian police order cancellation of regional gay activists’ conference

Indonesian police ban regional gay conference

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesian police ordered the cancellation Wednesday of a conference of Asian gay activists, saying it could prompt violent protests by conservative Muslim groups.
The conference, organized by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, or ILGA, was due to take place this weekend with participants from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian police order cancellation of regional gay activists’ conference.

Bhadrachalam Celebrates Ram Navami

BHADRACHALAM, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The temple town of Bhadrachalam conducted the Elysian wedding between Lord Rama and Mata Sita that was held in between 10:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m today on Mar 24 at the Mithila Stadium. This ritual happens to be an usual one which is repeated each and every year on the felicitous eve …. Source  : Bhadrachalam Celebrates Ram Navami.

Pope accepts resignation of Irish Bishop John Magee in sex abuse scandal

Pope accepts resignation of Irish bishop
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Irish Bishop John Magee in the country’s sex abuse scandal.

The 73-year-old Magee has been accused of mishandling complaints against priests in his diocese of Cloyne. The Vatican said without elaboration that the pope had accepted his resignation.
Before being …. Original article  : Pope accepts resignation of Irish Bishop John Magee in sex abuse scandal.

Sarkozy vows to ban the burqa

PARIS – French President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed Wednesday to introduce a law to ban the burqa in France, saying that the all-body Islamic veil was an insult to women.

The declaration was part of a major policy speech intended as a response to his party’s defeat in Sunday’s regional elections, which has shaken his position and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sarkozy vows to ban the burqa.

Maharashtra celebrates Ram Navami

MUMBAI – Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Ram, was celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra Wednesday.

One of the main functions in Mumbai was held at the famous International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, where celebrities, film stars and others gathered for the colourful morning ‘abhishek’ (ceremonial …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maharashtra celebrates Ram Navami.

Lawsuit seeks reforms in Puri temple practices

BHUBANESWAR – Cuttack based NGO Utkal Vidyarthi Abhijan Friday filed a public interest lawsuit (PIL) in the Orissa High Court seeking reforms in the functioning of the Puri temple.

“We have demanded that the misbehaviour of the priests with visiting pilgrims be stopped. It earns a bad name for the state,” the NGO’s general secretary … Read : Lawsuit seeks reforms in Puri temple practices.

Islam, Christianity alien, so cannot get quota: BJP

NEW DELHI – “Islam and Christianity are alien” to India and, therefore, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) feels people from the minority groups, even if their socio-economic condition is low, should not be given the privilege of quota in jobs, legislative bodies and education, a party official said Friday.

At a press conference here, BJP’s newly-appointed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Islam, Christianity alien, so cannot get quota: BJP.

Taslima finds her voice again – on twitter

NEW DELHI – Controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has found a new outlet for her opinions – on the social networking web tool, Twitter.

She had opened her account in January, but had so far made only three tweets in the last three months. But, after the National Commission for Minorities chairman Mohd Shafi Qureshi had … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Taslima finds her voice again – on twitter.

Bihar welcomes Muslim reservation in Andhra Pradesh

PATNA – Muslims in Bihar welcomed the Supreme Court decision to uphold the validity of four percent reservation for backward members of the Muslim community in Andhra Pradesh.

“It is a historical decision,” chief of a Patna based influential Muslim body Imarat Shariah Maulana Syed Nizamuddin said.
The Supreme Court’s order will have …. Read the original article  : Bihar welcomes Muslim reservation in Andhra Pradesh.

Supreme Court order on Muslim quota a relief for students

HYDERABAD – The Supreme Court order restoring four percent quota for backward Muslims in government jobs and education in Andhra Pradesh has come as a big relief for students aspiring for admission into professional courses in the next academic year.

The students, who were afraid of losing a year due to last months Andhra Pradesh High … Read more »»».

Hare Krishna soliciting at airport barred; court upholds ban

WASHINGTON – The California Supreme Court has upheld a Los Angeles International Airport ordinance barring Hare Krishnas from soliciting donations inside airport terminals.

“Soliciting the immediate receipt of funds at a busy international airport like Los Angeles is particularly problematic,” the court said Thursday in a ruling written by Justice Carlos Moreno.
“The problems posed by …. Source  : Hare Krishna soliciting at airport barred; court upholds ban.

NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life _ like other ‘charity’ hospitals across America

NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life

NEW YORK – St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village has fought to save lives for more than 160 years, treating everyone from survivors of the Titanic in 1912 to New Yorkers fleeing the terror attack on the World Trade Center.
The hospital founded by four Roman Catholic nuns in a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life _ like other ‘charity’ hospitals across America.

Qatar forces out moderates from IslamOnline, plans more conservative approach

Moderates forced out of top Islam Web site

CAIRO – The Qatari government has forced out the moderate leadership of a popular Islamic Web site and plans to reshape it into a more religiously conservative outlet, former employees of the site said Thursday.
Sheik Youssef al-Qaradawi, the widely respected cleric who co-founded IslamOnline and is known as …. Read the original article  : Qatar forces out moderates from IslamOnline, plans more conservative approach.

End of an Irish Catholic era: Limerick pubs to open Good Friday, defy nation’s ‘dry’ holy day

Irish pubs to open on Good Friday for first time

DUBLIN – As long as Ireland has had pubs, Good Friday has been off-limits as a “dry” holy day – until now.
A Limerick judge ruled Thursday that the city’s 110 pubs can open April 2 because the city is hosting a major Irish rugby match attracting [..] Read the original article: here.

Gujarat’s Parsi woman seeks court help to worship

GANDHINAGAR – A Parsi woman married to a non-Parsi has sought the Gujarat High Court’s intervention to avail the fundamental right to worship and to access the religious places of Parsis she was denied by her community after her marriage.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), perhaps the first of its kind, was admitted in Ahmedabad Thursday. …. Source article  : Gujarat’s Parsi woman seeks court help to worship.

Wis. man says abuse by priest, cover-up caused nightmares, ruined his faith in Catholic church

Wis. man: Abuse by priest ruined faith in church

MILWAUKEE – A Wisconsin man says he lost all faith in the Catholic church after being abused by a priest who’s at the center of a scandal about the way the Vatican has handled reports of abuse by clergy.
Donald Marshall says he was 13 or 14 when … Read more : Wis. man says abuse by priest, cover-up caused nightmares, ruined his faith in Catholic church.

Iraqi minister walks out of meeting in Libya to protest Gadhafi’s support for Saddam loyalists

Iraqi foreign minister walks out of Libya meeting

SIRITE, Libya – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari briefly walked out Thursday of an Arab League ministerial meeting held in Libya to protest against Moammar Gadhafi’s declared support for Saddam Hussein loyalists, delegates said.
They said Zebari stormed out after he told his Arab peers that his government was …. Read the original article  : Iraqi minister walks out of meeting in Libya to protest Gadhafi’s support for Saddam loyalists.

Andhra Pradesh Muslim quota gets apex court nod

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday temporarily allowed job quota for backward Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, but left a final decision on the matter to a constitution bench.

With this, the Andhra Pradesh government is likely to go ahead with its proposal of reserving four percent of government jobs for Muslims.
A bench of Chief …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

RAW officer to depose in Babri case Friday

LUCKNOW – Anju Gupta, a police officer who had told investigators that senior BJP leaders, including L.K. Advani, were euphoric after the 1992 Babri Masjid razing, will depose Friday before a special court hearing the 18-year-old demolition case.

Gupta, a deputy inspector general of police (DIG), is currently attached to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) …. Original article  : RAW officer to depose in Babri case Friday.

Bangladeshis widening communal divide in Assam: experts

NEW DELHI – In the otherwise communally harmonious Assam, there is a growing divide between communities because Indian Muslims are often clubbed with the migrants from Bangladesh and are eyed with suspicion by others, experts said at a seminar in the capital Thursday.

Former union tourism secretary M.P. Bezbaruah, who hails from Assam, said: “The tradition …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bangladeshis widening communal divide in Assam: experts.

Pope accepts bishop’s resignation over sex scandal

Vatican City, March 25 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of an Irish bishop who was found to have not handled properly allegations of clerical sex abuse in his diocese.

The pope accepted Bishop John Magee’s resignation Wednesday, a year after he quit as bishop of Cloyne in southern Ireland. Magee stepped aside in …. Read the original article  : Pope accepts bishop’s resignation over sex scandal.

Indian-origin economist hailed as messiah

LONDON – A British economist of Indian origin has been left perplexed after being hailed by a cult as its “chosen one” who it believes was hiding in the Himalayas for 2,000 years.

“I’m not the messiah… I’m just an economics expert,” an exasperated Raj Patel has been saying after being bombarded with email messages from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian-origin economist hailed as messiah.

Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys

Times: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis.

NEW YORK – Documents obtained by The New York Times show Milwaukee’s Roman Catholic archbishop warned a top Vatican office led by future Pope Benedict XVI about a priest who may have molested as many as 200 deaf boys.
The documents were provided by two lawyers who have filed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys.

A temple where upper castes bow to Dalits

LUCKNOW – Stories of socially marginalised people not being allowed into places of worship are common in India. In such a scenario, a Dalit family presiding over an Uttar Pradesh temple for ages is nothing short of exemplary.

It’s only Dalits who have been priests of the Kali Mata temple, dedicated to goddess Durga, in Lakhna … Read this article on Gaea Times at : A temple where upper castes bow to Dalits.

Niqab for Muslim women banned in Canadian province

TORONTO – After France, Muslim women have been banned from wearing niqab in Canada’s French-speaking Quebec province.

A bill tabled Wednesday will not allow government services to women wearing the niqab.
The bill comes after protests triggered by an Egyptian immigrant’s refusal to remove her niqab in her French languages classes in Montreal, forcing the school …. Read the original article  : here.

Madhya Pradesh Church battles property control

BHOPAL – Catholics in Madhya Pradesh have launched a campaign to garner public support against a proposed legislation that aims to bring Church property under government control.

The Madhya Pradesh Minorities Commission has recommended that a law be enacted to set up a board to manage Church property, including cemeteries, similar to the Wakf Board that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

President, PM greet nation on Mahavir Jayanti

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, saying his teachings inspire people to live in peace and harmony.

Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated in the country Sunday.
On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I convey … Read more »».

PM greets nation on Mahavir Jayanti

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, saying his teachings help us live a “life of happiness and contentment”.

Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated in the country Sunday.
Lord Mahavir’s life and teachings inspire us to be compassionate and simple. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Alliance led by ex-Iraqi PM wins parliamentary elections; al-Maliki vows to challenge results

Alliance led by ex-Iraqi PM wins election narrowly

BAGHDAD – Former U.S.-backed prime minister Ayad Allawi and his secular, anti-Iranian coalition narrowly won Iraq’s parliamentary elections in final returns Friday, edging out the bloc of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who angrily vowed to challenge the results.
If Allawi’s coalition remains on top, it will get the first … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Alliance led by ex-Iraqi PM wins parliamentary elections; al-Maliki vows to challenge results.

Secular challenger claims victory in Iraq election; Allawi to try to form new government

Secular challenger claims victory in Iraq election

BAGHDAD – A jubilant Ayad Allawi claimed victory for his secular, anti-Iranian coalition as final parliamentary returns Friday showed him edging out the bloc of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who angrily vowed to fight the results.
The results, if they stand, will give Allawi the first opportunity to form a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Secular challenger claims victory in Iraq election; Allawi to try to form new government.

Secular challenger’s bloc wins most seats in Iraqi elections

Secular challenger’s bloc wins most seats in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A secular challenger’s bloc edged out the prime minister’s in parliamentary elections, according to full vote returns Friday – a significant setback for Nouri al-Maliki, who has been the U.S. partner in Iraq for the past four years.
Al-Maliki vowed to challenge the results, which gave his …. Read the original article  : Secular challenger’s bloc wins most seats in Iraqi elections.

Lawsuit seeks reforms in Puri temple practices

BHUBANESWAR – Cuttack based NGO Utkal Vidyarthi Abhijan Friday filed a public interest lawsuit (PIL) in the Orissa High Court seeking reforms in the functioning of the Puri temple.

“We have demanded that the misbehaviour of the priests with visiting pilgrims be stopped. It earns a bad name for the state,” the NGO’s general secretary … Read more : Lawsuit seeks reforms in Puri temple practices.

Islam, Christianity alien, so cannot get quota: BJP

NEW DELHI – “Islam and Christianity are alien” to India and, therefore, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) feels people from the minority groups, even if their socio-economic condition is low, should not be given the privilege of quota in jobs, legislative bodies and education, a party official said Friday.

At a press conference here, BJP’s newly-appointed … Read more : Islam, Christianity alien, so cannot get quota: BJP.

Taslima finds her voice again – on twitter

NEW DELHI – Controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has found a new outlet for her opinions – on the social networking web tool, Twitter.

She had opened her account in January, but had so far made only three tweets in the last three months. But, after the National Commission for Minorities chairman Mohd Shafi Qureshi had … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Taslima finds her voice again – on twitter.

Bihar welcomes Muslim reservation in Andhra Pradesh

PATNA – Muslims in Bihar welcomed the Supreme Court decision to uphold the validity of four percent reservation for backward members of the Muslim community in Andhra Pradesh.

“It is a historical decision,” chief of a Patna based influential Muslim body Imarat Shariah Maulana Syed Nizamuddin said.
The Supreme Court’s order will have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court order on Muslim quota a relief for students

HYDERABAD – The Supreme Court order restoring four percent quota for backward Muslims in government jobs and education in Andhra Pradesh has come as a big relief for students aspiring for admission into professional courses in the next academic year.

The students, who were afraid of losing a year due to last months Andhra Pradesh High … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court order on Muslim quota a relief for students.

Hare Krishna soliciting at airport barred; court upholds ban

WASHINGTON – The California Supreme Court has upheld a Los Angeles International Airport ordinance barring Hare Krishnas from soliciting donations inside airport terminals.

“Soliciting the immediate receipt of funds at a busy international airport like Los Angeles is particularly problematic,” the court said Thursday in a ruling written by Justice Carlos Moreno.
“The problems posed by … Read more : Hare Krishna soliciting at airport barred; court upholds ban.

NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life _ like other ‘charity’ hospitals across America

NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life

NEW YORK – St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village has fought to save lives for more than 160 years, treating everyone from survivors of the Titanic in 1912 to New Yorkers fleeing the terror attack on the World Trade Center.
The hospital founded by four Roman Catholic nuns in a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NYC’s St. Vincent’s Hospital fights for life _ like other ‘charity’ hospitals across America.

Qatar forces out moderates from IslamOnline, plans more conservative approach

Moderates forced out of top Islam Web site

CAIRO – The Qatari government has forced out the moderate leadership of a popular Islamic Web site and plans to reshape it into a more religiously conservative outlet, former employees of the site said Thursday.
Sheik Youssef al-Qaradawi, the widely respected cleric who co-founded IslamOnline and is known as …. Original article  : Qatar forces out moderates from IslamOnline, plans more conservative approach.

End of an Irish Catholic era: Limerick pubs to open Good Friday, defy nation’s ‘dry’ holy day

Irish pubs to open on Good Friday for first time

DUBLIN – As long as Ireland has had pubs, Good Friday has been off-limits as a “dry” holy day – until now.
A Limerick judge ruled Thursday that the city’s 110 pubs can open April 2 because the city is hosting a major Irish rugby match attracting …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : End of an Irish Catholic era: Limerick pubs to open Good Friday, defy nation’s ‘dry’ holy day.

Gujarat’s Parsi woman seeks court help to worship

GANDHINAGAR – A Parsi woman married to a non-Parsi has sought the Gujarat High Court’s intervention to avail the fundamental right to worship and to access the religious places of Parsis she was denied by her community after her marriage.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), perhaps the first of its kind, was admitted in Ahmedabad Thursday. …. Read the original article  : Gujarat’s Parsi woman seeks court help to worship.

Wis. man says abuse by priest, cover-up caused nightmares, ruined his faith in Catholic church

Wis. man: Abuse by priest ruined faith in church

MILWAUKEE – A Wisconsin man says he lost all faith in the Catholic church after being abused by a priest who’s at the center of a scandal about the way the Vatican has handled reports of abuse by clergy.
Donald Marshall says he was 13 or 14 when …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wis. man says abuse by priest, cover-up caused nightmares, ruined his faith in Catholic church.

Iraqi minister walks out of meeting in Libya to protest Gadhafi’s support for Saddam loyalists

Iraqi foreign minister walks out of Libya meeting

SIRITE, Libya – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari briefly walked out Thursday of an Arab League ministerial meeting held in Libya to protest against Moammar Gadhafi’s declared support for Saddam Hussein loyalists, delegates said.
They said Zebari stormed out after he told his Arab peers that his government was …. Original article  : Iraqi minister walks out of meeting in Libya to protest Gadhafi’s support for Saddam loyalists.

Andhra Pradesh Muslim quota gets apex court nod

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday temporarily allowed job quota for backward Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, but left a final decision on the matter to a constitution bench.

With this, the Andhra Pradesh government is likely to go ahead with its proposal of reserving four percent of government jobs for Muslims.
A bench of Chief …. Source article  : Andhra Pradesh Muslim quota gets apex court nod.

RAW officer to depose in Babri case Friday

LUCKNOW – Anju Gupta, a police officer who had told investigators that senior BJP leaders, including L.K. Advani, were euphoric after the 1992 Babri Masjid razing, will depose Friday before a special court hearing the 18-year-old demolition case.

Gupta, a deputy inspector general of police (DIG), is currently attached to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) … Read more >>.

Chhattisgarh legislators take dip at Kumbh mela

RAIPUR – As many as 60 Chhattisgarh legislators, including Chief Minister Raman Singh, and their spouses took the holy dip in the Ganga Sunday in Haridwar, where they flew down in a private jet Saturday to attend the Kumbh mela.

“We took a dip in the Ganga and prayed for the prosperity of Chhattisgarh and its … Read : Chhattisgarh legislators take dip at Kumbh mela.

Mahavir Jayanti SMS And Celebrations

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Today, the Mahavir Jayanti is being celebrated in various parts of India by the followers of the founder of Jain religion, Lord Mahavir. The followers of the Lord are also exchanging devotional SMSes between themselves. President Pratibha Patil and the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh has wished the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Niqab ban gets unanimous support in Canada

TORONTO – Canadians have unanimously supported the niqab ban announced by French-speaking Quebec province this week. After France, the Canadian province is the first in North America to ban the niqab, a top-to-toe dress worn by Muslim women.

The ban, triggered by an Egyptian immigrant woman’s refusal to remove her niqab in her French classes in …. Source  : Niqab ban gets unanimous support in Canada.

AP Top News at 6:42 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:42 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 6:42 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 6:35 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:35 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The [..] Read the original article: here.

AP Top News at 6:28 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:28 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. …. Original article  : AP Top News at 6:28 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 6:24 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:24 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The …. Original source  : AP Top News at 6:24 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 6:21 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:21 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The …. Original source  : AP Top News at 6:21 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 6:14 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:14 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut up
SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The …. Read the original article  : here.

AP Top News at 6:07 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 6:07 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The … Read : AP Top News at 6:07 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:56 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:56 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut upSEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 5:56 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:53 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:53 p.m. EDT
Palin to tea party rally: Don’t sit down, shut up
SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. – Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 5:42 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:42 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths … Original article on : AP Top News at 5:42 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:28 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:28 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Original article  : AP Top News at 5:28 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:21 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:21 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 5:21 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:20 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:20 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths … Read more >>.

AP Top News at 5:14 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:14 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths … Read : AP Top News at 5:14 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:12 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:12 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Read the original article  : AP Top News at 5:12 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 5:07 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 5:07 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Source article  : AP Top News at 5:07 p.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 4:56 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 4:56 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Source article  : AP Top News at 4:56 p.m. EDT.