Villagers save 15 children from drowning
In community news, Indian children’s lives are saved by local villagers. When a boat transporting 15 Indian youngsters capsized at Behahia Dhala on the Ghaghra River, residents of the village immediately took action and rescued all of them. The boat was returning the children, aged between 4 and 12 years, to their village of Arazi Ajgahra Magrabi. Our heartfelt gratitude, Behahia Dhala heroes, for your life-saving actions. We wish the lovely youngsters a future filled with many safe journeys and much happiness, with God’s blessings.
Emmylou Harris stopped by the Rolling Stone studio
In media news, famous US-based Rolling Stone Magazine features acclaimed American singer-songwriter’s love for canines. On the magazine’s online videos, multiple Grammy-winning Ms. Emmylou Harris performs “Big Black Dog” from her latest album “Hard Bargain.” The song was inspired by her rescue dog Bella and advocates giving shelter canines a chance. She also described, in an accompanying interview, her program named Bonaparte’s Retreat. It saves dogs after their allotted time at a shelter has elapsed and finds foster care for them until they are adopted. Our heartfelt appreciation and Heaven bless you, Emmylou, for your caring devotion to improving the lives of well-wishing canine companions. May all loyal dog friends have the opportunity to share love and joy with a cherished family.
Historical mosque in Bosnian town opens
In cultural news, a historic mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina reopens. The Selimija Mosque is a national monument constructed between 1512 and 1520. It is one of the most ancient and valuable heritages of this Southern European nation. Located in Knežina near Sokolac, it has been restored, with worshipers now welcome, reports Hürriyet Daily News of Turkey. Congratulations, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the rehabilitation of this important cultural and religious site. May it bring many sincere worshippers closer to the Great Allah.
Spain’s Queen Sofia visits Haiti in another sign of growing ties between the countries
FN… Spanish Queen Sofia makes state visit to Haiti. Her Majesty was greeted by Haitian President Michel Martelly and First Lady Sophia Martelly as she arrived on Friday, October 7, to tour several reconstruction projects being funded by the Spanish government and her own charitable organization, the Queen Sofia Foundation. The Queen also shook hands with Spanish nationals working as UN peacekeepers, nuns and other aid workers to convey her appreciation for their efforts to assist in the country. Later addressing Haitian dignitaries, Her Majesty recalled a visit made two years earlier, as she affirmed Spain's continued support and said, “Haiti is a special country for me.”
We are glad for Your Majesty's gracious visit, and Heaven bless you and your nation's kindhearted care. May the people of Haiti and Spain mutually prosper and grow ever closer in shared friendship and peace.
Kenya holds state funeral for Nobel laureate Maathai
FN… Kenyans bid farewell to Wangari Maathai. On Saturday, October 8, thousands attended the state funeral of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, who passed away at the age of 71 on September 25. The ceremony was held at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner in Nairobi, with President Mwai Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, and other dignitaries present, as Dr. Maathai's life of fearless dedication to women’s rights, the environment and love for her country was remembered. Her family also planted an African olive tree to honor her memory. President Kibaki remarked at the occasion, “Besides being a woman of great courage and tenacity, the late Professor Maathai demonstrated, by example, the virtue of selfless service to the nation.”
We, too, join Kenya and the world in tribute to the life of the remarkable Dr. Wangari Maathai. May her soul serenely rest in the eternal light and grace of Heaven.
5.5-magnitude quake hits New Zealand's Christchurch
FN… Quakes jolt New Zealand and Chile. On Sunday morning, October 9, a 5.2-magnitude quake occurred in the Bay of Plenty, just 10 kilometers southwest of Te Kaha, New Zealand. A 5.5-magnitude temblor was then felt later that day as it struck 20 kilometers east of the quake-stricken city of Christchurch, following a series of tremors that had shaken the area the previous day. Also on Sunday, northern Chile was rocked by a quake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale, centered 211 kilometers northeast of Iquique in the Tarapacá Region. Fortunately, there were no reports of significant damage or injury for either of these events.
Thank Heaven for the safety of those in the quake-shaken regions. May our kinder ways as a vegan world foster the restored balance of our ecosphere.
Somalia: ICRC launches new food distributions
The International Committee of the Red Cross partners with the Somali Red Crescent Society in distributing seed and fertilizer to 240,000 farmers throughout the Horn of Africa to help them plant cereal and legume crops that will be ready for harvest in early 2012.
Nissan unveils Leaf-loving home of the future
SAVE OUR PLANET... On October 5, 2011 Japan-based Nissan unveils the "NSH-2012 Smart House of the Future," designed especially for post-disaster situations with a sustainable energy system that can also power the home through a connection to the Leaf electric vehicle in times of emergency.
High rate of deforestation in Ecuador
SAVE OUR PLANET... An October 2011 report by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization states that Ecuador is being deforested more quickly than any other Latin American country, with losses of up to 200,000 hectares per year that are threatening some of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Boys hand in £5,000 left at bus station
Upon finding a briefcase containing £5,000 in cash as well as personal documents at a bus station, 17-year-old British teenagers Will Miles and Ryan McClory promptly took the briefcase to a local police station, where it was returned to its rightful owner.
For their conscientious and considerate deed, Supreme Master Ching Hai is honoring Will Miles and Ryan McClory with the Shining World Honesty Award, along with £500 each for wholesome favorites.
Volvo developing animal crash avoidance system
In an effort to improve safety and save the lives of both humans and animals, Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo is developing a system that can sense animal movement on the road and brake to avoid a collision.
Myanmar censorship chief 'calls for press freedom'
In an interview with Radio Free Asia, Burmese Press Scrutiny and Registration Department Director Tint Swe calls for greater media freedom, saying that this is in accordance with other democratic reforms being initiated by the government at this time.
Foreign Minister’s meeting with chinese ambassador
Along with 7,000 tents, China donates US$5 million for the flood-affected in Pakistan with the gift being presented to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar by Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Liu Jian.
Palestine Leader Arrives in El Salvador on Latin American Tour
The 58-member board of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) grants preliminary approval for Palestine's membership, as President Mahmoud Abbas continues a campaign seeking international support for recognition as a state by the UN Security Council.