Army to play proactive role in thwarting Geelani’s ‘Quit Kashmir’ protests

SRINAGAR – The Omar Abdullah-led Government in Jammu and Kashmir has reportedly decided to use the Army proactively to prevent separatist hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani from going ahead with his plan of organizing mass demonstrations and shutdowns across the Kashmir valley on September 21.

Geelani’s ‘Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement’ move has shaken the …. Read the original article  : Army to play proactive role in thwarting Geelani’s ‘Quit Kashmir’ protests.

China delivers third F-22P frigate to Pak Navy

ISLAMABAD – In yet another landmark achievement in the expansion of the unwavering bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, Beijing on Wednesday delivered the third of the four F-22P frigates PNS Saif to the Pakistan Navy.

The newly built warship of the sword class series constructed by Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard Shanghai was delivered in a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China delivers third F-22P frigate to Pak Navy.

Southend babes are UK’s sexiest

LONDON – Essex girls can feel proud, for Southend-on-Sea has been named the sexiest town in the UK.

The gorgeous babes from the seaside resort overshadowed the lovely lasses from other parts of the country, including Weymouth, Southport, Blackpool and Barry Island.

Southend already has an elongated list of producing beauties, which includes actresses Kara and Hannah …. Source  : Southend babes are UK’s sexiest.

ADB 170 million dollar facility to help Bihar, Maharashtra modernize horticulture systems

MANILA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending a 170 million dollars multi-tranche financing facility to help the Indian states of Bihar and Maharashtra modernize their horticulture industries, boosting the incomes of farmers and other vulnerable rural groups.

ADB’s Board of Directors today approved the facility for the Agribusiness Infrastructure Development Investment Program, which … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ADB 170 million dollar facility to help Bihar, Maharashtra modernize horticulture systems.

Historic Mela Patt fair celebrated in Bhaderwah

BHADERWAH – Colorful folk dances marked the annual three-day fair ‘Mela Patt’ celebrations in Bhaderwah sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.

The festival, which concluded Wednesday, is celebrated every year after it was started by Raja Nagpal, the 16th century ruler of the then small principality of Bhaderkashi, now known as Bhaderwah.

The festival begins on … Read more >>.

Envoy says US to continue dual approach of dialogue, sanctions toward North Korea

US envoy says pursing talks, sanctions on NKorea

BEIJING – The United States will continue a dual strategy of seeking talks with North Korea while pursing sanctions over its nuclear programs, the chief U.S. envoy on dealings with the North said Thursday.
Ambassador Stephen Bosworth, in Beijing for two days of meetings with Chinese officials, said there …. Original source  : Envoy says US to continue dual approach of dialogue, sanctions toward North Korea.

ADB provides 300 million dollars to Bihar to improve roads, boost growth

MANILA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to extend 300 million dollar grant to Bihar for road improvements that will help spur new livelihood opportunities and boost sustainable growth.

ADB’s Board of Directors today approved the loan for … Original article on : ADB provides 300 million dollars to Bihar to improve roads, boost growth.

Traditional welcome given to President Patil in Siem Reap

SIEM REAP – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrived in Siem Reap on Thursday, where the world famous heritage temples of Angkor Vat are located.

The trip has been undertaken in order to strengthen historical and cultural ties which have existed for more than 2000 years.

President Patil was given … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Traditional welcome given to President Patil in Siem Reap.

Republican Senate chances dealt a fatal blow by Tea Party

LONDON – The Boston-based Tea Party has dealt a potentially fatal blow to the Republicans hopes of recapturing the Senate in the mid-term elections, senior Republicans have warned.

The Republicans have got the biggest shock of five senate primary victories in recent months … Read more : Republican Senate chances dealt a fatal blow by Tea Party.

Sufism, America, Nano, poetry to tease the intellect (IANS Books This Week)

NEW DELHI – The bookcase is exciting, funny and offbeat this weekend.

1. Book: “Looking for America”; Written by Avirook Sen; Published by Harper Collins-India; Priced at Rs.299
Armed with only an outsider’s insight, a sense of humour and sturdy shoes, journalist-writer Avirook Sen sets out on a journey across America. It … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sufism, America, Nano, poetry to tease the intellect (IANS Books This Week).

Yasin Malik’s cousin 90th victim in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik’s cousin, injured in police firing here, has become the 90th victim of the ongoing Kashmir violence.

Yaseer Hameed Sheikh, shot in Maisuma locality Aug 30 while playing carom on the road with friends, succumbed to his injuries in a New Delhi hospital Wednesday night. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Yasin Malik’s cousin 90th victim in Kashmir.

Owner lay dead as buyers were shown around house

LONDON – Prospective buyers were shown around a house in Britain by an estate agent while the owner lay dead on her sofa.

Estate agent Samuel Allfort said he assumed the 55-year-old woman was sleeping and continued with the visit that had been pre-arranged, Westminster Coroner’s Court heard Thursday.
After the buyers left, Allfort returned to …. Source article  : Owner lay dead as buyers were shown around house.

Omar Abdullah thanks Rahul Gandhi for support

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi for backing him.

‘I am grateful to Rahul Gandhi for his support. I will thank him personally,’ Abdullah said.

Earlier addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Rahul Gandhi said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Omar Abdullah thanks Rahul Gandhi for support.

Both Republicans, Democrats are evenly placed for mid-term polls

NEW YORK – The latest New York Times/CBS News poll has found that while voters rate the performance of Democrats negatively, they view Republicans as even worse, providing a potential opening for Democrats to make a last-ditch case for keeping their hold …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Both Republicans, Democrats are evenly placed for mid-term polls.

World’s smallest cow enters Guinness Book of World Records

LONDON – A Dexter cow from Cheshire has entered the 2011 Guinness Book of World Records for being the smallest in the world.

Swallow, an 11-year-old cow, who is currently pregnant, stands 33.5in (0.8m) tall from hind to foot, which is shorter than most sheep.

Owner Caroline Ryder has described Swallow, … Original source on Gaea Times at : World’s smallest cow enters Guinness Book of World Records.

Jet Li’s ‘ nascent’ One Foundation charity faces closure in China

BEIJING – Actor-turned-philanthropist Jet Li has described his charity One Foundation as ‘a kid without an identity’ as its contract with official Red Cross Society of China is about to end this year, without which the … Original article on : Jet Li’s ‘ nascent’ One Foundation charity faces closure in China.

America ‘under attack’ by non violent ’stealth jihad’, warns Security Report

LONDON – Security analysts have warned in a new report that America is ‘under attack’ by a non-violent ’stealth jihad’, with fundamentalists attempting to bring Islamic law known as ‘Shariah’ to the United States.

The report, sponsored by the Center for Security … Read more : America ‘under attack’ by non violent ’stealth jihad’, warns Security Report.

Internet founder calls for free access worldwide

LONDON – The inventor of the Internet has called for everyone to have access to his creation for free.

Tim Berners-Lee said that he would like to see everybody given a low-bandwidth connection “by default”.

He said the web could be instrumental in giving people access to critical services such as healthcare.

Currently, he said, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Internet founder calls for free access worldwide.

Rahul Gandhi says political connectivity a must to bring Naxals into mainstream

KOLKATA – Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that political connectivity should be ensured to bring Naxals into the mainstream.

“If we give them (Naxalites) political connectivity, they will be able to join the mainstream,” Gandhi told a press conference here today.

” We have to ensure political connectivity so that the …. Source  : Rahul Gandhi says political connectivity a must to bring Naxals into mainstream.

Ex-Tiger Daya Master says Lanka civil war a waste of people’s lives

COLOMBO – Former Tamil Tiger media spokesman Daya Master, who now manages a TV channel in Jaffna, has said the decades-long war between the LTTE and government troops was a waste of people’s lives.

Daya Master said he was glad that the country was now …. Original source  : Ex-Tiger Daya Master says Lanka civil war a waste of people’s lives.