Saudi Arabia to launch official TV, radio for fatwa

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia is mulling the idea of setting up an official television channel and radio station for accredited Muslim scholars to issue fatwas, or religious edicts, reports said Saturday.

Omar assures all protection to Kashmiri Sikhs

SRINAGAR - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday assured a delegation of Sikhs, who met him over the threats to community members in the Valley, that the government will take all steps necessary to protect their lives and properties.

NGO to hold hearing on anti-Christian violence in Orissa

NEW DELHI - Forty-three heinous cases related to the 2008 violence in Orissa’s Kandhamal district will be heard here in a three-day session of a tribunal, comprising retired judges and social activists, starting Sunday.

Right to productive living denied in Goa: Church

PANAJI - The Church in Goa Saturday said rights of residents to carve out a productive living was being forcibly denied in the state, where nearly 26 percent of the population is Roman Catholic.

Muslim merchant finds Ganesha shaped rough diamond

MUMBAI - A Muslim diamond merchant has found a “unique and auspicious” gem — a rough diamond in the shape of Lord Ganesha, and has vowed never to sell the “good omen” to anyone.

Muslim or Christian? Religion row dogs Obama

WASHINGTON - A day after controversial evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham said Barack Obama was born a Muslim because of his father’s religious beliefs, the White House again asserted that the president is a “committed Christian” and prays daily.

Nothing unusual in Dalai Lama’s meeting with PM, says aide

NEW DELHI - The Dalai Lama’s top aide, Tempa Tsering, Saturday said the Tibetan spiritual leader made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week to thank him for the hospitality shown in the last five decades. He added that there was nothing unusual about the meeting.

Muslim-born Miss USA opposes Ground Zero mosque

WASHINGTON - The reigning Miss USA has come out against the Ground Zero mosque, saying “it shouldn’t be so close” to the site of the Sep 11, 2001 terror attacks in New york.