Political News – Weekly Newsletter for January 24-31, 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

PM condoles demise of vocalist Bhimsen Joshi

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the demise of legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Dr. Singh in his message said the nation and the music world has lost a towering musical genius and the most famous … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PM condoles demise of vocalist Bhimsen Joshi.

Karnataka crisis: BJP leaders meet President Patil

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation led by senior leader LK Advani met President Pratibha Patil on Monday and sought the removal of Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj.

Beside Advani, leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley led the delegation comprising …. Original article  : Karnataka crisis: BJP leaders meet President Patil.

Bihar politicians pay tributes to Karpoori Thakur

PATNA – Opposition and ruling legislators in Bihar celebrated the 87th birth anniversary of former chief minister Karpoori Thakur Monday, amid intense competition to claim the socialist leader’s legacy.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad are vying with each other for holding functions to … Read more >>>.

Orissa police threaten strike over assault on colleague

BHUBANESWAR – The police association in Orissa Monday threatened to launch a strike to protest an alleged assault on their colleague by a ruling party MP in Cuttack while he was on duty.

“If the government does not take action on the matter within the next 24 hours, we will not do any duty related … Read more : Orissa police threaten strike over assault on colleague.

Telangana activists disrupt government open forum

HYDERABAD – Pro-Telangana activists Monday disrupted the government’s “Racchabanda” (open forum) programme in the region by preventing ministers, members of parliament and other public representatives of the ruling Congress party from participating in it.

The Andhra Pradesh government launched the public interactive programme Monday aiming to take the administration to the people’s doorsteps.
Demanding the …. Source  : Telangana activists disrupt government open forum.

BJP leaders meet president, seek governor’s recall

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders met President Pratibha Patil Monday and sought Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj’s removal, with veteran L.K. Advani calling him biased.

“We have come to knock the doors of the president as his (Bhardwaj’s) way of dealing with things are against the constitution,” Advani said at the presidential palace, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mirchpur violence: Jat protest enters 10th day

JIND – Protests by Jats – over their demand for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into last year’s Mirchpur caste violence – entered the 10th day Monday, with community members blocking rail and road traffic.

Jat protestors have blocked the Delhi-Ferozepur railway line near Jind railway station and all highways and road links leading … Read more >>>.

Berlusconi’s party gaining support despite sex scandals

LONDON – It looks like the latest scandal over Italy’s prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s riotous private life has done nothing to weaken his supporters’ faith in him.

A poll was carried out last week, as controversy raged over the findings of an investigation by prosecutors in Milan, which had been delivered to parliament on 17 December. …. Original source  : Berlusconi’s party gaining support despite sex scandals.

My father has clear conscience: PM’s daughter Daman Singh

JAIPUR – Novelist Daman Singh, the daughter of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, says the three attributes that set her father apart from the rest are his clear conscience, integrity and simplicity. Not interested in his professional life, the author wants to look at her parents just as “human beings” in her biography.

…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Karnataka crisis: BJP leaders to meet President Patil

NEW DELHI – The land scam case in Karnataka has taken a fresh twist with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership advising Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa to tread cautiously in dealing with the matter legally.

Yeddyurappa, who was in Delhi on Sunday for consultations with the party’s national leadership, was advised not to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka crisis: BJP leaders to meet President Patil.

Vladimir Putin’s ‘mistress’ denies she gave birth to his baby

NEW YORK – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s alleged mistress, Alina Kabayeva, has denied she gave birth to his baby son.

The former Olympics rhythmic gymnast has claimed that the child is actually her nephew.

“My sweet little nephew Arsenio has joined my ever-extending family in Moscow. Everyone, of course, thinks that he is my son (laughs),” … Read more »».

BJP march: Kashmir gateway turns into battle zone

LAKHANPUR – Police columns with armoured vehicles were Monday moving around and all incoming buses being checked at Lakhanpur, the gateway to the state, which resembles a battle zone ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) planned march to Srinagar’s Lal Chowk Jan 26 that the government has vowed to prevent.

Most policemen deployed in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tony Blair didn’t have a cell phone during his PM tenure

LONDON – Former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have a less well-known distinction – their attitude towards mobile phones.

While Blair never had one during his tenure in Number 10, Brown never went without one, reports the Scotsman.

Brown became the first Prime Minister to get special permission to make mobile calls without first … Original article on : Tony Blair didn’t have a cell phone during his PM tenure.

Berlusconi ‘paid ???100K to TV weather girl’

LONDON – Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi paid 100,000 pounds to a glamorous TV weather girl after she attended his infamous sex parties, it has emerged.

Prosecutors have discovered bank records, which have shown that he gave Alessandra Sorcinelli money, reports the Daily Mail.

The payments started in 2010 and averaged 8,500 pounds a month.

According to the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Berlusconi ‘paid ???100K to TV weather girl’.

China lauds Indian IT professionals

SHANGHAI – IT professionals from India are welcome to China “because they are very good”, said a Communist Party of China leader during an interaction here with Nitin Gadkari, the first BJP president to visit the country.

Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai, told Gadkari that the … Original article on : China lauds Indian IT professionals.

`Pakistan cabinet overhaul like rearranging Titanic deck chairs’

ISLAMABAD – The overhaul of Pakistan’s federal cabinet “may be akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic”, said a leading Pakistani daily, adding that “the obscene excesses and privileges of power at a time many in the country are struggling to make ends meet demands some serious change”.

An editorial in the Dawn …. Read the original article  : `Pakistan cabinet overhaul like rearranging Titanic deck chairs’.

Better set a precedent than follow, Yeddyurappa learns the hard way (Letter from Bangalore)

BANGALORE – The word precedent and its various forms will resonate across India in the coming days as Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj’s nod to prosecute Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa over corruption charges is hotly contested or defended.

The legality or otherwise of Bhardwaj’s decision may also be decided by courts with unprecedented speed as compared … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Better set a precedent than follow, Yeddyurappa learns the hard way (Letter from Bangalore).

Witness claims recordings implicate Syrians in Hariri killing

BEIRUT – Mohammed Zuheir al-Siddiq, a Syrian who used to work for Syrian intelligence in Lebanon, said Sunday that he has recordings that implicate some Syrian officers in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese former prime minister Rafik Hariri.

In a telephone call from an unknown location, Siddiq called Lebanese television New TV, which has close …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Witness claims recordings implicate Syrians in Hariri killing.

‘Russians want Lenin removed from Moscow mausoleum’

Moscow, Jan 24 (IANS/RIA Novosti) More than two-thirds of Russians want revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin to be removed from his mausoleum in Moscow and be buried, a poll has suggested.

In an online poll launched by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, a total of 200,000 people have taken part so far. About 70 percent …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Russians want Lenin removed from Moscow mausoleum’.

Condemn Trinamool-Maoist nexus, CPI-M urges people

KOLKATA – In the wake of the recent killings of the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) supporters in West Bengal’s Maoist-infested districts, the party’s state secretary Biman Bose Sunday called on the people to condemn the Trinamool Congress-Maoist nexus.

“Three CPI-M supporters were killed and one was injured after an attack perpetuated by Maoist- … Read more »».

Dhaka may clip anti-graft body’s wings

DHAKA – Bangladesh may clip the wings of its anti-graft body by amending the law.

The cabinet Monday approved proposals for amendments to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) law, curbing its authority to file graft cases against government officials amid growing fear that the anti-corruption watchdog is losing its bite and independence, The Daily … Read more : Dhaka may clip anti-graft body’s wings.

Disclose names of those with money stashed abroad: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday demanded that the government disclose the names of people who hold accounts in foreign banks and face criminal and tax cases in India.

“The people of India expect that at least the names of those facing criminal cases or tax litigation be disclosed,” BJP general secretary …. Original article  : Disclose names of those with money stashed abroad: BJP.

Rahm Emanuel Ruled Out From Elections

ILLINOIS (GaeaTimes.com)- Rahm Emanuel on Monday was barred by an Illinois appellate court to contest for the elections for the mayor of Chicago. The panel of judges has prohibited Rahm Emanuel from contesting in the elections of the mayor saying that he does not fulfill the criteria for the residency requirements that the office of … Read more >>.

Tension on Kashmir-Punjab border as BJP rally marches on (Afternoon Lead)

MADHOPUR/JAMMU/SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI – Tension escalated along the Jammu and Kashmir-Punjab border Tuesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began a rally at the Madhopur bridge separating the two states, ignoring a call by Home Minister P. Chidambaram to abandon the march to Srinagar to hoist the national flag on Republic Day.

Among those expected to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tension on Kashmir-Punjab border as BJP rally marches on (Afternoon Lead).

Mayawati looks for new chief secretary

LUCKNOW – With state elections in sight and to focus on providing good governance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has sought repatriation of state cadre IAS officer Desh Deepak Verma from the centre to assume charge as the state’s new chief secretary, official sources said.

An officer of the 1978 batch, Verma is currently holding … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mayawati looks for new chief secretary.

Ethnic Indians among candidates for Malaysian poll

KUALA LUMPUR – Several ethnic Indians figure among the candidates nominated by the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) for the 13th general election.

Among them is Sreekant Pillai, noted human rights lawyer and son of well-known journalist M.G.G. Pillai.
The parliamentary poll is actually due in 2013. But Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said last … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ethnic Indians among candidates for Malaysian poll.

Book row: Malaysian government to talk to MIC leaders

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government will talk to Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) leaders this week to resolve the controversy over a school text book that has references to the caste system among the Hindus, a minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Monday that he has a formula to resolve the issue and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Book row: Malaysian government to talk to MIC leaders.

Gadkari shown how China manages its party cadres

GUANGZHOU – Nitin Gadkari, the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president to visit China, evinced keen interest Tuesday in how the all-powerful Communist Party of China (CPC) strengthened management of its party cadres.

The CPC has set up 24 party member-management centres in different parts of the country to promote cadre building work, improve internal …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Return to Delhi, Chidambaram tells Sushma,Jaitley

NEW DELHI – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday asked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley to respect the orders of the Jammu and Kashmir government and call off their planned flag-hoisting in Srinagar by giving up the “path of confrontation”.

“I would request the two leaders of the opposition and … Read more >>.

Rajnath Singh on hunger strike in Delhi over ‘Tiranga Yatra’

NEW DELHI – A day after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj were forcibly escorted out of Jammu, former BJP President Rajnath Singh went on a hunger strike to protest against the Central and Jammu and Kashmir Governments’ decision to prevent the party from hoisting the Tricolour at Srinagar’s Lal … Read : Rajnath Singh on hunger strike in Delhi over ‘Tiranga Yatra’.

CPI stages state-wide protest over Telangana statehood issue

HYDERABAD – Demanding the introduction of a Bill for the creation of Telangana in the budget session of Parliament, activists of the Communist Party of India has picketed the Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy district Collectorates.

Raising slogans against the Centre for “resorting to delaying tactics” after the submission of the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee report, … Original article on : CPI stages state-wide protest over Telangana statehood issue.

Chidambaram asks BJP to respect orders passed by J-K government

NEW DELHI – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday said that the orders passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Government regarding Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ‘Tiranga Yatra’ should be respected.

In a statement, Chidambaram said: “Yesterday, I spoke to Arun Jaitley and Omar Abdullah. I told Jaitley that he and his colleagues had made their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chidambaram asks BJP to respect orders passed by J-K government.

Omar happy with centre’s backing on BJP march

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is elated with the central government’s unqualified support in stopping the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) march to Srinagar and the treatment meted out to three top party leaders, sources say.

“The chief minister is happy with the centre’s support. Almost every one is speaking in his … Original source on Gaea Times at : Omar happy with centre’s backing on BJP march.

Preventing hoisting of national flag undemocratic: BJP

NEW DELHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh Tuesday termed as “undemocratic” the government efforts to stop the party’s youth wing from hoisting the national flag in Srinagar on Republic Day, saying it was their fundamental right.

“It is the fundamental right given to the people of India to hoist the (national) …. Source article  : Preventing hoisting of national flag undemocratic: BJP.

Berlusconi’s conduct ’sowing the seeds of an ‘anthropological disaster’

LONDON – The Catholic Church has slammed Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and warned that his scandalous private life may turn Italy into a moral vacuum.

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the country’s most senior bishop, said Berlusconi’s conduct was sowing the seeds of an “anthropological disaster”, where young Italians would eschew abiding by the law and working … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Berlusconi’s conduct ’sowing the seeds of an ‘anthropological disaster’.

Nepal mulls options as government formation deadline looms

KATHMANDU – As a presidential deadline for the formation of a new government loomed closer, Nepal’s warring parties failed to reach an agreement and began seeking options for the election of a new prime minister, after 16 bouts of futile voting.

On Wednesday, the deadline given by the President Ram Baran Yadav for the formation … Original article on : Nepal mulls options as government formation deadline looms.

BJP plans to hold rally near Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border

MADHOPUR – As security personnel swarmed the area, top BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Ananth Kumar were Tuesday planning to hold a rally near the bridge separating the state from Jammu and Kashmir to signal their determination to go ahead with the plan to unfurl the national flag at Srinagar.

The three Bharatiya … Read more »»».

Kolkata college readies red carpet for old boy – Nepal’s president

KATHMANDU – On Friday, when Calcutta Medical College celebrates its 177th Foundation Day, the festivities will include laying out the red carpet for an old boy who rose to international fame: the first president of Nepal, Dr Ram Baran Yadav.

It is the first college of European medicine in Asia.
Still popularly known as … Read more : Kolkata college readies red carpet for old boy – Nepal’s president.

Public faith in governance in Italy hits all-time low: survey

Rome, Jan 25 (IANS/AKI) Italian confidence in public institutions – especially the government – has hit an all-time low, according to a survey by a research agency.

The survey by the Eurispes research agency reveals that 68.5 percent of Italians have little, or no faith at all in their government. The figures are up from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Public faith in governance in Italy hits all-time low: survey.

Respect orders of Kashmir government, Chidambaram tells BJP

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday asked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to respect the orders of the Jammu and Kashmir government and call off their planned flag hoisting in Srinagar.

“The order of the Jammu and Kashmir government should be respected,” Chidambaram said in a statement, adding that there was no justification … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Respect orders of Kashmir government, Chidambaram tells BJP.

Pageantry, national spirit mark R-Day fete in Karnataka

BANGALORE – Pomp, pageantry and national spirit marked the 62nd Republic Day celebrations Wednesday in Karnataka as Governor H.R. Bhardwaj hoisted the tricolour and inspected the guard of honour at a ceremonial parade here.

Amid tight security on a sunny day with cool breeze wafting over Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground, the governor unfurled the …. Read the original article  : Pageantry, national spirit mark R-Day fete in Karnataka.

India celebrates 62nd R’Day, military might on show (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – India celebrated its 62nd Republic Day with a grand parade of its military might and cultural diversity in the heart of the capital, with big and small events also held across the length and breadth of the world’s largest democracy.

From Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala and from Gujarat to Assam, … Read more »».

BJP activists, separatists held on peaceful R-Day in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Three Kashmiri separatist leaders and some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists were arrested Wednesday when they tried to take out their separate marches to Lal Chowk here in defiance of security restrictions on Republic Day that passed off peacefully.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front’s (JKLF) Yasin Malik, moderate Hurriyat Conference leaders Bilal Lone …. Source  : BJP activists, separatists held on peaceful R-Day in Kashmir.

March was to defy anti-India elements: Gadkari

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nitin Gadkari Wednesday denied that his party was trying to derive political mileage from the flag-hoisting march to Srinagar as it was a rally to “defy anti-India elements in Kashmir”.

“Some people say there is politics in hoisting the national flag at Lal Chowk (in Srinagar). What …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : March was to defy anti-India elements: Gadkari.

No dearth of talent in northeast India: Tripura governor

AGARTALA/AIZAWL – The success of tennis player Somdev Devvarman, who won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, shows that “there is no dearth of talent in northeast India”, said Tripura Governor D.Y. Patil Wednesday.

“Somdev has become an immense source of motivation for all the sportspersons in India as well as Tripura. The people … Read more >>.

Bengal governor unfurls tricolour at colourful parade

KOLKATA – West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan unfurled the national flag and took the salute at a colourful parade as the state joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 62nd Republic Day Wednesday.

Military parades, march pasts, cultural programmes and blood donation camps marked the day which was celebrated in cities, towns and …. Source  : Bengal governor unfurls tricolour at colourful parade.

Gadkari accuses Centre, J-K Govt. of playing politics over tricolour row

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday accused the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir Government of playing politics over the flag hoisting row, and terming the detention of senior party leaders as unfortunate alleged that they were bowing to pressure from separatists.

Gadkari slammed the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gadkari accuses Centre, J-K Govt. of playing politics over tricolour row.

Afghan parliament to be inaugurated amid tight security

KABUL – President Hamid Karzai was expected Wednesday to open Afghanistan’s second post-Taliban parliament amid tight security and in the wake of political wrangling between the president and lawmakers that plunged the country deeper into crisis.

Extra police were deployed around the parliament building in western Kabul while more checkpoints were seen throughout the city. …. Read the original article  : Afghan parliament to be inaugurated amid tight security.

Chandigarh celebrates 62nd Republic Day

CHANDIGARH – Chandigarh celebrated Indias 62nd Republic Day Wednesday with enthusiasm and patriotic zeal.

Pardeep Mehra, adviser to the administrator, hoisted the national flag and took the salute at a parade in Sector 17.
The colourful celebrations included a march past, a guard of honour and cultural programmes. They were watched by hundreds, including politicians …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chandigarh celebrates 62nd Republic Day.

Unite to face challenges, says governor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai Wednesday urged the people to be united for the sake of the state.

“I suggest that all of you bury your difference of opinion and stand together to face the challenges,” Gavai said after unfurling the national flag here on the Republic Day.
Lauding the efforts of the government, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Unite to face challenges, says governor.

Andhra governor asks people to act maturely

HYDERABAD – Amid the movement for statehood to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan Wednesday used the 62nd Republic Day to urge people to act with maturity and maintain peace.

At a time when protagonists of separate Telangana state are disrupting “Racchaband” – a public interaction programme launched by the government – and preventing ministers … Read more »».

BJP rejects Omar’s invitation to attend Republic Day celebrations

JAMMU – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday turned down Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s invitation to attend the Republic Day celebrations.

Abdullah spoke to senior BJP leader Arun Jailtey last night and invited him along with Sushma Swaraj, Ananth Kumar and other party workers to attend the Republic Day celebrations in Jammu … Read more »»».

Maharashtra celebrates 62nd Republic Day

MUMBAI – Maharashtra celebrated the 62nd Republic Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm Wednesday with Governor K. Sankaranarayanan unfurling the national flag at Shivaji Park here.

Sankaranarayanan took salute from the security forces at an impressive parade in Dadar in central Mumbai, which also saw participation of more than 200 school children.
Schools, colleges … Original article on : Maharashtra celebrates 62nd Republic Day.

Uttar Pradesh celebrates R-Day with patriotic zeal

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Wednesday celebrated the nation’s 62nd Republic Day with patriotic fervour as the unfurling of the tricolour, cultural programmes and march pasts marked the celebrations in this state capital.

The main function was organised here at the Vidhan Sabha Marg which was attended by Governor B.L. Joshi and Chief Minister Mayawati. Joshi …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mirchpur incident: Jats to call off protest

CHANDIGARH – Jats demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into last year’s Mirchpur caste violence are expected to end their 11-day-old agitation Wednesday, an official said.

Jat representatives spoke about ending the stir after they met state Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at Kaithal town late Tuesday.
Two rounds of discussions between Jat representatives …. Source  : Mirchpur incident: Jats to call off protest.

Delhi turns into fortress for R’Day

NEW DELHI – The Indian capital turned into a fortress on Republic Day Wednesday with thousands of armed personnel keeping vigil in the city and unmanned aerial vehicles watching from the sky.

On high alert for days, thousands of police and paramilitary personnel as well as National Security Guards (NSG) were spread across Delhi.
…. Read the original article  : Delhi turns into fortress for R’Day.

Defeat fundamentalists, Kashmir says on R’Day

JAMMU – On India’s Republic Day Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday called for the defeat of “fundamentalist and anti-peace approaches”.

Advertisements in newspapers read: Celebrating six decades of sovereign pride, Jammu and Kashmir greets the nation on its 62nd Republic Day.
It added: Let us defeat together all kinds of fundamentalist and anti-peace … Read more >>.

India showcases military might at 62nd R’Day parade

NEW DELHI – The 62nd Republic Day celebrations saw a spectacular showcase of India’s military might here, witnessed by millions on a cold but sunny Wednesday morning, to mark the day when the country’s constitution came into force.

Watching the parade at Rajpath, the grand boulevard in the heart of Delhi, was Indonesian President Susilo …. Original source  : India showcases military might at 62nd R’Day parade.

Republic Day celebrated in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI – The 62nd Republic Day was celebrated across Tamil Nadu Wednesday with patriotic fervour, with Governor Surjit Singh Barnala unfurling the national flag at the Marina beach here.

Barnala also took the salute from the three wings of the armed forces and other security agencies.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, ministers and people appeared to …. Read the original article  : here.

India’s 62nd Republic Day parade begins

NEW DELHI – India’s 62nd Republic Day parade began in the heart of the capital Wednesday, marking the day when the country’s constitution came into force.

The parade at Rajpath, a grand celebration of India’s cultural and military might, had Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as chief guest.
He is the second Indonesian chief … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India’s 62nd Republic Day parade begins.

Palestinian negotiators criticize ex-UK PM Blair for ‘Israeli bias’

LONDON – Palestinian officials have criticized former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as being too paternalistic and of having a bias towards Israel’s security needs over Palestinian economic needs.

They accused Blair, envoy of the Middle East quartet, as seeming “to advocate an apartheid-like approach to dealing with the occupied West Bank”.

“The overall tone, without making … Read more >>>.

Nepal to hold fresh PM election Feb 3

KATHMANDU – Unable to elect a new prime minister even after 16 rounds of vote held throughout last year and failing two deadlines set this month for an all-party government, Nepal’s warring parties will now slug it out again next month during a fresh round of prime ministerial election Feb 3.

The Business Advisory Committee … Read more »»».

Cricket tourney in Israel to mark India R’Day

TEL AVIV – A cricket tournament for people of Indian origin was launched in Israel to mark India’s 62nd Republic Day.

The Republic Day was celebrated at the India House in Herzliya Pituah Jan 26.
After unfurling the national flag and singing of the national anthem, Ambassador Navtej Sarna read out excerpts from Indian … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cricket tourney in Israel to mark India R’Day.

Indians in Australia waiting eagerly for PM Manmohan Singh’s visit

NEW DELHI – Indians living in Australia are waiting eagerly for the visit of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Singh likely to visit Australia in October this year to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth.

There has been no prime ministerial visit from India since former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Day after tension, Lal Chowk back to business

SRINAGAR – A day after curfew-like restrictions, life in Srinagar and other towns of Kashmir Valley bounced back to normal Thursday. City centre Lal Chowk, which had been tense over plans to unfurl the national flag there, was its bustling self.

Markets opened early despite the morning winter chill as transport plied normally to ferry …. Original source  : Day after tension, Lal Chowk back to business.

Shahnawaz Hussain supports Vastanvi

NEW DELHI – Reacting on the resignation of Vice-Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband University Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shahnawaz Hussain has said the Central government or the people who do not believe in the fact that Gujarat is peaceful should prove it.

Slamming the Central Government on the issue, Hussain said if the … Read more : Shahnawaz Hussain supports Vastanvi.

New combat aircraft will turn India into global giant: US expert

WASHINGTON – India’s acquisition of 126 new medium multi-role combat aircraft will play an essential role in India’s transformation from a regional power to a global giant, according to a South Asia expert.

Eight countries and six companies eagerly await the Indian Air Force’s selection of a new medium multi-role combat aircraft.
The winner …. Source  : New combat aircraft will turn India into global giant: US expert.

Shot US Congresswoman Giffords moved to rehab center in ‘good’ condition

Tucson (Arizona, US), – Democratic Party Representative Gabrielle Giffords has been moved from a Houston hospital to a nearby rehabilitation center after doctors upgraded her condition from “serious” to “good.ccording to the Washington Post, the Arizona Democrat had been in the neuro-intensive care unit at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center since arriving in Houston on … Read more : Shot US Congresswoman Giffords moved to rehab center in ‘good’ condition.

Clinton to visit India in April

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said she looks forward to visiting India in April to advance the two nations’ efforts to forge an even stronger strategic partnership to promote a secure and stable world.

“I look forward to my visit to India in April to advance our efforts during the next …. Original article  : Clinton to visit India in April.

Berlusconi ‘has made Italians a laughing stock around the world’

LONDON – Italy’s bestselling Catholic publication has said that the sex scandal swirling around Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has made Italians a laughing stock around the world.

“Our young people abroad are called ‘bunga bunga’ Italians and that is not a flattering definition,” the Telegraph quoted the Famiglia Cristiana (Christian Family) magazine as saying in an … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Berlusconi ‘has made Italians a laughing stock around the world’.

Obama to travel to Brazil, Chile, El Salvador

Washington, Jan 27 (IANS/EFE) President Barack Obama took a moment during his State of the Union address to the US Congress to announce a tour of Latin American nations.

“This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge new alliances across the Americas,” the president said Tuesday night.
It will be …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rahul Gandhi begins three-day Maharashtra visit

NAGPUR – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi arrived here Thursday on a three-day whirlwind tour of Maharashtra to boost the party’s membership drive among backward castes, minorities and women.

After landing in Nagpur, Gandhi proceeded by helicopter to attend a Scheduled Tribes convention in Gadchiroli. He will also attend an Other Backward Castes (OBC) convention … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rahul Gandhi begins three-day Maharashtra visit.

International ties may improve due to Wikileaks: Medvedev

Davos, Jan 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Revelations of secret US diplomatic cables by whistle-blower website WikiLeaks may have a positive influence on international relations, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said.

“I believe that the Wikileaks affair should improve the international climate although a number of countries may consider these activities illegal,” Medvedev said Wednesday at the … Original article on : International ties may improve due to Wikileaks: Medvedev.

Egypt blocks Twitter

SAN FRANCISCO – Micro-blogging site Twitter confirmed Wednesday that its service had been blocked in Egypt, indicating a probable government crackdown on technology that could disseminate information about the widening anti-government demonstrations.

“We can confirm that Twitter was blocked in Egypt around 8 a.m. (Pacific Time, 1600 GMT) today,” Twitter confirmed on the @twitterglobalpr feed. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Egypt blocks Twitter.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

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NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Henry F. Floyd, of South Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice Karen J. Williams, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

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NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Katharine G. Abraham, of Iowa, to be a Member of the Council of Economic Advisers, vice Christina Duckworth Romer, resigned.
David …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

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Judith A. Ansley, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for the remainder …. Source article  : Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate.

Message from the President regarding the annual renewal of the Cote d’Ivoire emergency

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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
  Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a … Read : Message from the President regarding the annual renewal of the Cote d’Ivoire emergency.

Notice from the President regarding the annual renewal of the Cote d’Ivoire emergency

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CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO THE SITUATION IN OR IN RELATION TO CÔTE D'IVOIRE

  On February 7, 2006, by Executive Order …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Notice from the President regarding the annual renewal of the Cote d’Ivoire emergency.

Readout of the meeting of the National Security Advisor with the Delegation from the Economic Community of West African States

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National Security Advisor Tom Donilon welcomed a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the White House today to discuss … Original source on Gaea Times at : Readout of the meeting of the National Security Advisor with the Delegation from the Economic Community of West African States.

Manmohan Singh says strength of NCC will be increased from 13 to 15 lakhs

NEW DELHI – Commending the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for their praiseworthy role in grooming the country’s youth, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Friday said that the NCC is a proud symbol of national integration and of the values of …. Original article  : Manmohan Singh says strength of NCC will be increased from 13 to 15 lakhs.

Jay Carney To Be White House’s Press Secretary

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- In a rather unusual step by the Obama administration, former Time Magazine reporter Jay Carney is gearing up to replace Robert Gibbs and succeed him as the next Press Secretary of the White House. Senior administration officials have revealed that the former journalist would be officially announced as the new Press Secretary …. Source  : Jay Carney To Be White House’s Press Secretary.

Country will come out of political crisis: Nepal president

KOLKATA – An ongoing political crisis in his country notwithstanding, Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav Friday expressed confidence that the Himalayan country would emerge successfully out of it.

“Everything is going on well. We are in the peace process. If there is a problem, we will come out of the problem,” Yadav told media persons … Original article on : Country will come out of political crisis: Nepal president.

Omar pledges to keep Kashmir trouble-free this summer

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has made two resolutions for 2011: not to allow trouble-makers to spoil the valley’s summer and to launch an onslaught against corruption in the state.

“All efforts of my government are directed in ensuring that peace stays on in Kashmir,” Abdullah told officers here Thursday after … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Omar pledges to keep Kashmir trouble-free this summer.

Half-Brit woman at centre of Berlusconi scandal brands him a ‘piece of s***’

LONDON – The sex-crime accusations surrounding Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi are mounting.

Now, a half-British woman, who is under investigation for allegedly recruiting girls for the ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex parties, has branded him ‘a piece of s***’ who is out to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Half-Brit woman at centre of Berlusconi scandal brands him a ‘piece of s***’.

Menon meets Clinton to prepare for strategic dialogue

WASHINGTON – National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon is here to review implementation of initiatives launched during President Barack Obama’s visit to India and prepare the ground for the India-US Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi in April.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who would lead a high level US team to the dialogue co-chaired by Indian … Read more >>>.

Tunisia’s interim government reshuffled

TUNIS – Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced the make-up of a new interim government in an effort to quell the protests against his cabinet which included allies of the ousted president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Prime Minister Ghannouchi announced the reshuffle on Tunisian television Thursday, Xinhua reported.
The caretaker government was formed after … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tunisia’s interim government reshuffled.

Statement by the President on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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I join people here at home, in Israel, and around the world in commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as we mark one of the …. Original article  : Statement by the President on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Statement by the President on NASA Day of Remembrance

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Fifty years ago, a young President facing mounting pressure at home propelled a fledgling space agency on a bold, new course that would push …. Source  : Statement by the President on NASA Day of Remembrance.

Statement by the President on the Killing of David Kato

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I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato.  In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate.  He … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Statement by the President on the Killing of David Kato.

First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Fort Jackson, SC, to Highlight Intersection of Childhood Obesity and Military Readiness

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First Lady Michelle Obama traveled to Fort Jackson in South Carolina today to be briefed by Army leadership on the consequences of childhood obesity, … Read : First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Fort Jackson, SC, to Highlight Intersection of Childhood Obesity and Military Readiness.

Remarks by the First Lady at Basic Training Graduation Ceremony

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Hilton Field …. Original source  : Remarks by the First Lady at Basic Training Graduation Ceremony.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 1/27/2011

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James S. Brady Press …. Read the original article  : Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 1/27/2011.

El Baradie joins anti-government protest in Egypt

CAIRO – Former chief of UN nuclear watchdog agency and Egypt’s reformist leader Mohamed El Baradie arrived in Cairo to join the ongoing protests against the country’s 30-year rule of President Hosni Mubarak.

The anti-government activists have planed a massive rally in the capital Friday.
The protesters want the government to end its 30-year …. Source  : El Baradie joins anti-government protest in Egypt.

CVC appointment: Moily meets PM, Swaraj to file affidavit in apex court (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday evening, fuelling speculation that P.J. Thomas may be asked to step down as Central Vigilance Commissioner following the apex court asking if the correct procedure was followed in his selection and the BJP’s Sushma Swaraj planning to file an … Read more : CVC appointment: Moily meets PM, Swaraj to file affidavit in apex court (Intro Roundup).

Need for re-look at poll expense limit: CPI-M

KOLKATA – Citing the devaluation of money since 2006, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Thursday said the Election Commission needs to take a re-look at the expenditure limit of Rs.10 lakh fixed for each assembly poll candidate.

Rabin Deb, senior CPI-M leader who was leading the party’s delegation at an all party meet convened …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Need for re-look at poll expense limit: CPI-M.

Pranab calls all-party meet Feb 8

NEW DELHI – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has convened a meeting of leaders of political parties Feb 8 ahead of the budget session in an effort to find a way out of the parliament stalemate over the opposition demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into 2G spectrum.

The meeting has been convened ahead of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Voices of Health Reform: Kayla’s Story

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This installment of Voices of Health Reform can be found online HERE (www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/27/voices-health-reform-kaylas-story) .

Voices of Health Reform: Kayla's Story
Posted by Stephanie Cutter on January … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Voices of Health Reform: Kayla’s Story.

BJP to move court on ‘illegal actions’ against Ekta Yatra

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Thursday it was planning to move court against the “illegal actions” taken by the Jammu and Kashmir and central governments to thwart the party’s Ekta Yatra.

A senior BJP leader said here the party paid the railways Rs.64 lakh by cheque for the rail …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BJP to move court on ‘illegal actions’ against Ekta Yatra.

Nepal President to meet PM next week

NEW DELHI – India and Nepal will hold wide-ranging talks next week on the eve of a fresh round of prime ministerial elections in Nepal when President Ram Baran Yadav will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his senior cabinet colleagues here.

Yadav begins his 10-day visit to India from Kolkata Thursday evening.
It will be … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal President to meet PM next week.

Protests continue in central Cairo

CAIRO – Protest demonstrations continued Saturday in central Cairo after the government-ordered overnight curfew expired, with the military taking charge of security after Friday’s violence.

While the atmosphere was still described as tense, the streets were calm as the Egyptian military were seen taking a non-aggressive posture as they kept watch, eyewitnesses said.
The riot … Read more >>>.

Mamata Banerjee will become first woman CM of Bengal, says survey by politicsparty.com

NEW DELHI – Mamata Banerjee will become the first woman chief minister of West Bengal with her party the Trinamool Congress (TMC) winning the 2011 assembly elections convincingly, according to politicsparty.com.

Politicsparty.com, which conducted a voters’ attitude poll, in all the 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to understand …. Original article  : Mamata Banerjee will become first woman CM of Bengal, says survey by politicsparty.com.

Unrest continues in Cairo, say eyewitnesses

CAIRO/ISTANBUL – Unrest continued in parts of Cairo early Saturday morning despite the government-ordered curfew and military patrolling streets, eyewitness reports said.

The eyewitness accounts told of plundering of shops going on, while in two districts of Cairo, police stations were stormed by protesters, freeing the inmates.
According to an Al Jazeera television report, there … Original source on Gaea Times at : Unrest continues in Cairo, say eyewitnesses.

Indian parliamentary delegation calls off Egypt visit

NEW DELHI – A parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has postponed its five-day visit to Egypt beginning Saturday, owing to the trouble and protests in the north African country, an official said.

“Our embassy and the Ministry of External have advised us not to proceed with the visit due to … Read : Indian parliamentary delegation calls off Egypt visit.

Need to cleanse political system: Rahul Gandhi (Second Lead)

AURANGABAD – Expressing shock at a Maharashtra official being burnt alive by the oil mafia, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday said there was a need to “cleanse the political system” and urged the youth to join politics to bring about change.

“I am shocked at the Sonawane case. I do not want it to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Need to cleanse political system: Rahul Gandhi (Second Lead).

‘Blair did no trust cabinet on ‘Iraq war discussions, feared leaks

LONDON – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair did not trust his own cabinet and was “reluctant” to hold discussions with it on a proposal to go to war against Iraq fearing that details would be leaked, the UK’s top civil servant told the Chilcot Inquiry.

Though Blair has insisted that his cabinet was briefed throughout … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Blair did no trust cabinet on ‘Iraq war discussions, feared leaks.

What Is Happening In Egypt: Asks Stunned World!

CAIRO, EGYPT (GaeaTimes.com)- The unexpected and unprecedented crackdown on Internet services in trouble torn Egypt has taken the world by storm and technology community as well as political leaders are worried about long term implications of the blackout. The Internet outage has crossed 24 hours by now and mobile services in the country has … Read more »».

BJP accuses UP Govt. of failing to maintain law and order

AGRA – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Government in Uttar Pradesh of failing miserably in maintaining law and order.

BJP workers said the State Government is working against the interest of farmers.

“Mayawati Government is against the interest of farmers and businessmen. The whole state is caught in a … Read more >>.

Berlusconi urges Italians not to pay TV licence after being slammed on shows

LONDON – Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has urged millions of Italians not to pay their TV license after being slammed on a series of shows.

Berlusconi made his request after watching a TV show on Italian state TV broadcaster RAI called Annozero, with which he has clashed repeatedly, reports the Daily Mail.

Bizarrely, even before the … Read : Berlusconi urges Italians not to pay TV licence after being slammed on shows.

Give 10 years to politics to change system: Rahul to youth

AURANGABAD – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday said political parties lacked democracy and appealed to the youth to give 10 years of their life to politics to change the system.

“I assure you, after 10 years, you will be proud of your decision, and the country’s politics will take a new direction,” Gandhi said, …. Source  : Give 10 years to politics to change system: Rahul to youth.

Corruption serious, need to cleanse system: Rahul

AURANGABAD – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday expressed shock at Maharashtra official Yeshwant Sonawane being burnt alive by the oil mafia and said there was a need to act against corruption and “cleanse the political system”.

“I am shocked at the Sonawane case. I do not want it to be repeated,” Gandhi told reporters …. Read the original article  : Corruption serious, need to cleanse system: Rahul.

Political parties lack democracy: Rahul Gandhi

AURANGABAD – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday said that political parties lack democracy but urged the youth to join politics through the Congress.

“Political parties lack democracy, their doors are closed,” Gandhi said while appealing to young men and women to join his party.
Gandhi was addressing the media on the final day …. Source article  : Political parties lack democracy: Rahul Gandhi.

Give 10 years to politics, Rahul urges youth

AURANGABAD – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday appealed to the youth to give 10 years of their life to politics if they want to see change in the country.

“I assure you, after 10 years, you will be proud of your decision, and the country’s politics will take a new direction,” Gandhi said, urging … Read more : Give 10 years to politics, Rahul urges youth.

BJP’s Kashmir yatra: provocative, self-defeating adventurism (Comment)

It is difficult to understand why the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should have suddenly adopted a combative patriotic posture on Kashmir in the midst of its fairly successful campaign against the Congress on the corruption issue.

Prima facie, it is a self-defeating move. It has been criticised not only by its political opponents and …. Read the original article  : BJP’s Kashmir yatra: provocative, self-defeating adventurism (Comment).

Mubarak fires ministers, vows to stay, appeals for calm

CAIRO – Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak refused calls to step down, instead calling late Friday for his cabinet to resign amid nationwide protests.

Thousands of demonstrators, who were in the streets all day and remained past midnight in central Cairo, demanded that Mubarak step down.
“I have asked the government to resign,” Mubarak said in …. Original source  : Mubarak fires ministers, vows to stay, appeals for calm.

Remarks by the President on the Situation in Egypt

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State Dining Room … Read : Remarks by the President on the Situation in Egypt.

Mubarak fires ministers, appeals for calm

CAIRO – Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak in the early hours of Saturday ordered the existing government and ministers to step down and promised a new leadership.

Mubarak was making his first address to his nation since anti-government protests erupted this week, appealing for calm and promising reform. But protests continued in the country even as … Read more »».

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 1/28/2011

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James S. Brady Press … Original article on : Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 1/28/2011.

Egypt under curfew as protests continue

CAIRO – Egypt was under curfew Friday night as the government sought to put an end to nearly a week of demonstrations designed to unseat it.

Thousands of protesters ignored the order, running rampant through the street, clashing with security forces and attacking government buildings. The curfew – initially upon the cities of Cairo, Suez …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with the Colombian Vice President

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Vice President Biden and Colombian Vice President Garzón met earlier today, and discussed a range of issues in U.S.-Colombia relations, which both countries are … Read more >>>.

Southern Sudan independence gets nearly 99 per cent vote

NAIROBI – Just short of 99 percent of southern Sudanese have voted to secede from the north and form an independent state, according to preliminary results released Sunday.

The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission said on its website that with all the votes counted, some 98.83 percent of almost four million voters had opted for independence.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Southern Sudan independence gets nearly 99 per cent vote.

Malaysian Indian lawmaker quits party, alliance

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Indian lawmaker N. Gobalakrishnan has resigned from the membership of People’s Justice Party (PKR) and the opposition alliance People’s Alliance (PR) after falling out with its leadership.

The first-timer from Padang Serai constituency in Kedah state said Saturday that he plans to stay as an independent.
Gobalakrishnan’s action to …. Original article  : Malaysian Indian lawmaker quits party, alliance.

Egyptian protesters find support among Yemenis

Sanaa, Jan 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Dozens of people took to the streets in Yemen in support of the Egyptians’ protest against their President Hosni Mubarak and also raised slogans against their country’s president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The demonstrators, including opposition politicians and journalists, marched towards the Egyptian embassy in Sanaa Saturday, RIA Novosti quoted media …. Source  : Egyptian protesters find support among Yemenis.

10 killed as protesters storm Cairo building

Cairo, Jan 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Over 10 protesters were killed in clashes with police near the Egyptian Interior Ministry building in Cairo in the early hours of Sunday, RIA Novosti said quoting Al Jazeera.

The protestors’ crowd was trying to storm the building, located in the centre of the Egyptian capital, forcing police … Original source on Gaea Times at : 10 killed as protesters storm Cairo building.

Obstruction of Parliament not undemocratic: Arun Jaitley

RANCHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley has said that obstruction of Parliament is not undemocratic.

“Parliament’s job is to conduct discussions. But many a times Parliament is used to ignore issues and in such situations obstruction of Parliament is in the favour of Democracy. Therefore, Parliamentary obstruction is not undemocratic,” Jaitley, here …. Source article  : Obstruction of Parliament not undemocratic: Arun Jaitley.

Is India-Pakistan back channel still working? (Capital Buzz)

NEW DELHI – Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Pakistan’s foreign minister during the five years when the two countries came closest to a settlement of its outstanding disputes, particularly on Jammu and Kashmir, surprised a packed audience at Sapru House last week when he said the backchannel talks between Indian and Pakistani interlocutors had almost produced a …. Source  : Is India-Pakistan back channel still working? (Capital Buzz).

Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs’ Day

NEW DELHI – India Sunday paid homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi with prayer meetings and floral tributes on his 63rd death anniversary observed as Martyrs’ Day.

It was on Jan 30, 1948 that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated here.
The day commenced with 2-minute’s silence at 11 a.m., followed by prayer meetings … Read more >>>.

Egypt Crisis Reaches A Crescendo

CAIRO, EGYPT (GaeaTimes.com)- The political crisis in Egypt is reaching a new level as it seems from the development. The effort of the Hosni Mubarak government to thwart the protesters from communicating by blacking out web services and mobile telephony has not succeeded much. The army has been deployed in many sensitive areas … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Egypt Crisis Reaches A Crescendo.

Obama appeals against violence in Egypt

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has reiterated his appeal to the protesters on Egyptian streets to restrain from violence in the mass protests being staged to demand stepping down of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

“He reiterated our focus on opposing violence and calling for restraint, supporting universal rights, and supporting concrete steps that … Read more >>.

Jordanians stage protest to support Egyptians

AMMAN – A number of Jordanian activists staged protests in front of the Egyptian embassy in Amman to express their support for the Egyptians who have taken to the streets demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak since the last few days.

Dozens of demonstrators Saturday, including trade unionists, Islamists and members of political parties, …. Original source  : Jordanians stage protest to support Egyptians.

Irish Prime Minister Cowen to dissolve parliament Tuesday

DUBLIN – The Irish Senate has passed a finance legislation that enacts six billion euros ($8.2 bn) in tax hikes and budget cutbacks, agreed as part of December’s EU-IMF bailout for Ireland. This enables Prime Minister Brian Cowen to dissolve parliament Tuesday.

The passage of the finance measure Saturday after two days of Senate debate …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama committed ‘true global, strategic partnership’ with India

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his commitment to building a “true global, strategic partnership” with India at a meeting with National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon.

Obama dropped in as Menon was meeting with his American counterpart Tom Donilon at the White House Friday and stayed on for about 15 minutes reflecting his …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama committed ‘true global, strategic partnership’ with India.

Firing cabinet not enough, Mubarak must go: El Baradie

CAIRO – Protests in Egypt continued unabated as the pro-democracy leader Mohamed El Baradie stuck on the demand of President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation and said the appointment of a new vice president and a prime minister was not enough.

The comment by the Nobel laureate came after Mubarak Saturday swore in intelligence chief Omar Suleiman … Original article on : Firing cabinet not enough, Mubarak must go: El Baradie.

Compare CPI-M, Trinamool’s development record: Mamata

COOCH BEHAR/SILIGURI – Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Saturday said West Bengal’s ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) should compare what they had done for implementation of railway projects in West Bengal during UPA-I government with what has been done by her party during UPA-II.

“The CPI-M) can only criticise and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Compare CPI-M, Trinamool’s development record: Mamata.

Official delaying file for CBI probe in mafia nexus: Goa minister

PANAJI – Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik Saturday claimed that Chief Secretary Sanjiv Srivastava was sitting on a crucial file recommending a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the state’s police-politician-drug mafia nexus for nearly two months.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference here, Naik said that the home ministry had cleared … Read more : Official delaying file for CBI probe in mafia nexus: Goa minister.

Decks cleared for panchayat polls in Kashmir: Minister

JAMMU – The Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday said decks have been cleared for holding panchayat elections in the state.

The announcement came after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee, headed by Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, tasked to sort out the issue of holding panchayat polls in the state.
“The committee held a detailed …. Read the original article  : Decks cleared for panchayat polls in Kashmir: Minister.

Accept JPC demand for smooth parliament session: Jaitley

RANCHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley Saturday said the union government should accept the demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum scam for the smooth running of parliament’s budget session beginning Feb 21.

“The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government should begin the exercise to create an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Accept JPC demand for smooth parliament session: Jaitley.

UPA is looting the country: Gadkari

CHENNAI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari Saturday said the 2G spectrum scam will bring down the United Progressive Alliance government and added that former communications minister A. Raja could not have done the “misdeed” on his own.

He also accused the Congress and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu of looting the … Read : UPA is looting the country: Gadkari.

CPI-M has done nothing for north Bengal: Mamata

COOCH BEHAR/SILIGURI – Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Saturday said the CPI-M should compare what they had done for implementation of railway projects in West Bengal during UPA-I with what has been done by her party during UPA-II.

The CPI-M can only criticise and sabotage railway projects. Before criticising our projects, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CPI-M has done nothing for north Bengal: Mamata.

Thatcher held secret meetings with Indian guru

LONDON – Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher met controversial Indian guru Chandraswami at the House of Commons in 1975, after he was recommended to her by then deputy high commissioner to Britain, Natwar Singh.

Details of the meetings have been revealed by Singh, who was present when they took place, according to the Daily … Read more >>.

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