Makkah to be turned into smart city, Current affairs, NewAgeISlam.com

Current affairs

Makkah to be turned into smart city

P.K. Abdul Ghafour I Arab News\

Friday 19 September 2008 (19 Ramadan 1429)

“This conference is an initiative to apply smart city technologies in the Kingdom and transform it into a knowledge-based society and a digital economy,” the mayor pointed out. The presence of intelligent city facilities will speed up communication with the outside world and boost cultural, economic and commercial development, Al-Bar said, adding that the conference would discuss successful experiments in the field at national and international levels.

The transformation of Makkah into a world-class intelligent city will help address the needs of pilgrims from around the world, said Mohammed Maqazi, head of the conference’s scientific committee.

“The pilgrims need accommodations, meals, information and communication channels, and various modes of transportation. A combination of the latest technologies that integrate fixed and wireless broadband networks, fixed and mobile GIS and GPS applications, and user-friendly information and communications points can greatly enhance the visitors experience, and the city's objective of quality services to the visitors of the holy sites,” he explained.

http://newageislam.com/makkah-to-be-turned-into-smart-city-/current-affairs/d/756

A catalyst for Muslim renaissance, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

A catalyst for Muslim renaissance

P.K. Abdul Ghafour | Arab News

Instead of relying on a single variable, Ibn Khaldun used a multidimensional analysis incorporating a number of variables including the moral, social, political, economic, demographic and historical. This makes it a powerful model capable of answering the questions raised above. Since Ibn Khaldun’s model is 600 years old, Chapra has introduced a number of changes into it, taking into account the changed realities around the world.

The most important factor in the rise or fall of a civilization, Chapra says, is the human being himself. The Qur’an clearly states: “God does not change the condition of a people until they change their own inner selves” (13:11). Human beings are themselves the architects of their fate. They are not only the end but also the means of their development. Unless they possess the right kind of moral and mental qualities, it will be difficult for any country to accelerate development. Toynbee was presenting the same idea when he said that, “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.”

Human beings do not, however, operate in a vacuum. There are a number of factors that influence them and affect their performance. The most important of them is their own motivation and ability, Chapra explains. According to him, justice plays a big role in motivating people while their moral strength along with their proper upbringing, education, health, training, socio-economic and political environment, and access to finance improve their performance. Islam has laid maximum stress on these requisites to bring about a revolutionary change in society.

http://newageislam.com/a-catalyst-for-muslim-renaissance/islamic-ideology/d/362

OIC to Revamp Islamic News Agency,

Islam and the Media

OIC to Revamp Islamic News Agency

P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News

The new IINA chief intends to expand cooperation with news agencies in OIC member states. “We will provide a common platform for these agencies to work together to protect the interests of Muslim countries,” he said, adding that IINA will recruit qualified journalists as part of the restructuring plan.

Kok said his agency would focus more on analytical reports and feature stories rather than breaking news. “We’ll prepare analytical reports on various events in the Muslim world and supply them to news agencies in OIC countries,” he said.

At present IINA distributes news and reports in Arabic, English and French to newspapers, radios and televisions in different parts of the world. The Qatar News Agency carries IINA news to at least 700 subscribers in the Arab world, Europe and America. IINA also sends its news bulletins by email to news agencies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia and the Central Asian countries.

http://newageislam.com/oic-to-revamp-islamic-news-agency/islam-and-the-media/d/72