Breaking News – Weekly Newsletter for February 14-21, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hindus call Pope’s Roma gesture “a step in the right direction”
NEVADA – Hindus have described call of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for solidarity towards Roma (Gypsies) “a step in the right direction”.
In his Sunday appearance in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Benedict reportedly issued an appeal for more solidarity towards Roma people in the presence of parents of Roma children who were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hindus call Pope’s Roma gesture “a step in the right direction”.
Mughal Gardens to be opened to the public from Tuesday
NEW DELHI – The Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be opened for public viewing from February 15 to March 16.
It will remain closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Entry into the Gardens will be open only up to 4 p.m.
The main Mughal Garden is in bloom having annual flowers such as roses, lilies, tulips, double pansy …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Mughal Gardens to be opened to the public from Tuesday.
Government treats militancy with kid gloves: RSS leader
MATHURA – Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) spokesperson Ram Madhav has accused the Central Government of tackling the issue of militants with kid gloves.
Addressing a public meet here on Sunday, Madhav said: “Eliminating terrorism, means eliminating the terrorist physically. You cannot guess who said this. General Musharraf who was a dictator of Pakistan says this. Though … Read more >>>.
Valentine’s Day fever ensures brisk flower business in Varanasi
VARANASI – Valentine’s Day fever has gripped the city of Varanasi again.holesalers of flowers, in particular are doing brisk business.
Ram Prasad, a wholesaler, said “On Valentine’s Day, we see bumper sale as most of our flowers are sold out in the market.”
For several florists, the occasion is an opportunity to make profit. The price of …. Source article : Valentine’s Day fever ensures brisk flower business in Varanasi.
Trapped Chilean miners were denied blow-up sex dolls in case of jealousy
LONDON – The Chilean miners, who were trapped underground for nine weeks, are said to have been provided cannabis and porn, but no blow-up sex dolls – reason being they might cause jealousy.
A new book, called ‘The 33′, claims that in order to keep the spirits of the 33 Chilean miners up, their families would … Original article on : Trapped Chilean miners were denied blow-up sex dolls in case of jealousy.
Fans storm to buy Royal Shakespeare Company costumes
LONDON – Thousands of people queued up for hours to buy the Royal Shakespeare Company costumes, which have been put on sale at its rehearsal rooms in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
The 15,000 items up for grabs from its costume department include outfits and accessories once worn onstage by the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, David Tennant, Charles …. Source : Fans storm to buy Royal Shakespeare Company costumes.
Chinese railway minister sacked over corruption
BEIJING – China’s Railways Minister, Liu Zhijun, has been sacked on charges of corruption, which are being investigated.
Zhijun has been China’s Railways minister since 2003, The Telegraph reports.
Though no details are available on what charges are being probed, the government has replaced Liu with 62-year-old former Customs chief, Sheng Guangzu.
China plans to …. Source article : Chinese railway minister sacked over corruption.
Former Taliban member visits UK for secret insurgency-ending talks
LONDON – A former senior Taliban member who is said to be in close contact with the group’s leader Mullah Omar, is reportedly in Britain for insurgency ending negotiations.
Mullah Abdul Salaam Zaeef, a member of the Taliban Government before the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, has met senior British Government officials amid … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Former Taliban member visits UK for secret insurgency-ending talks.
UK MP’s Russian ’spy’ assistant offered Kremlin TV role
LONDON – Katia Zatuliveter, an assistant to a UK MP and an alleged spy, has now been offered a job at the Kremlin’s English-language TV news propaganda channel.
Zatuliveter, a 25-year-old former parliamentary assistant for Mike Hancock, a Liberal Democrat MP, was arrested in December and ordered deported on MI5’s advice after it was decided that …. Original article on Gaea Times at : UK MP’s Russian ’spy’ assistant offered Kremlin TV role.
How laughter keeps Michelle Obama’s love life alive
LONDON – Ever wondered how US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle keep their relationship fresh even after 19 years of marriage? Here’s the simple answer- they keep each other smiling.
On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Michelle revealed that she and Obama maintain the romance in their marriage with ‘a lot of laughing’ – …. Source article on Gaea Times at : How laughter keeps Michelle Obama’s love life alive.
Now, men are getting broody too!
LONDON – A new study has found that men today are likelier than women to want to settle down and start a family.
The research says men are getting broody too. And single men are more likely to dream of having children than women, reports the Daily Mail.
And the experts believe it’s all down to greater … Read more »»».
Malik asks for details of Pak singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Delhi airport detention
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has reportedly stepped in personally to look into Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s detention at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport over undeclared foreign currency.
According to the Dawn, Malik has spoken to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik, and asked him to monitor the matter closely. …. Source article : Malik asks for details of Pak singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Delhi airport detention.
Over 4 in 10 Republicans want better candidates to choose from
WASHINGTON – Over four in ten supporters of the Republican party (43 percent) have said that they would like to have a better field of potential candidates to choose from for the 2012 presidential elections.
Taking part in the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, barely half the 3742 attendees said they’re “generally … Read : Over 4 in 10 Republicans want better candidates to choose from.
Pak Taliban demands death for Raymond Davis
MIRANSHAH – Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has said that the government should execute double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis, or hand him over to them.
“We demand that the Pakistani government hang Raymond Davis or otherwise hand him over to us. We will decide his fate,” the Daily Times quoted TTP spokesman Azam Tariq, as saying. …. Read the original article : Pak Taliban demands death for Raymond Davis.
Pak politicians criticize Qureshi over his remarks on Raymond Davis
LAHORE – Several Pakistani politicians have criticized former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s stance that the double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis could not be given diplomatic immunity.
Law Minister Babar Awan, in an obvious reference to Quereshi’s statement, said that the government would not allow anybody to become hero by politicizing the issue.
Without naming … Read more : Pak politicians criticize Qureshi over his remarks on Raymond Davis.
Fresh snowfall in Kufri delights tourists
KUFRI – Tourists have expressed delight over the arrival of fresh snow in Kufri.
Shailendra, a tourist, said “I am seeing this kind of snowfall for the first time and it’s overwhelming. I am really feeling good after coming here and we are enjoying,”
The temperature has fallen sharply in the region, after the snowfall.
Vijay Singh, a …. Original article : Fresh snowfall in Kufri delights tourists.
Prince William to sift through 1,000 Valentine’s cards!
LONDON – Prince William will be sifting through a huge pile of Valentine’s cards, sent by children whose parents are in the British Armed Forces, on Monday.
Campaigner Sarah Bennett Thurston and her three sons will deliver around 1,000 cards to the soldier prince and his fiancee Kate Middleton, reports the Daily Star.
They hope it will …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Lady Louise Windsor ’so excited’ to be Kate’s bridesmaid
LONDON – The Queen’s youngest granddaughter Lady Louise Windsor is said to be excited after being asked to accompany Kate Middleton down the aisle as her bridesmaid.
“Louise is thrilled to be chosen. She is absolutely cock-a-hoop and can’t stop chattering about it. She’ll look absolutely radiant on the day. Her mother is so proud,” the …. Original source : Lady Louise Windsor ’so excited’ to be Kate’s bridesmaid.
Oz Coalition takes poll-winning lead over ruling Labour Party
SYDNEY – The latest Herald/Nielsen poll shows the opposition Coalition leading the ruling Labor on a two-party preferred basis by 54 per cent to 46 per cent, a swing of four per cent since last August’s election.
On a primary basis, only a third of voters would select Labor as their first choice if an election … Read more : Oz Coalition takes poll-winning lead over ruling Labour Party.
UN envoy says Pak backs reconciliation bid for peace and stability in Afghanistan
NEW YORK – Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Abdullah Hussain Haroon, has said that his country supports an Afghan-led reconciliation process in Afghanistan to pave the way for durable peace and stability in the war-torn country.
“Pakistan wants durable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the Daily Times quoted Haroon, as saying, while participating in a …. Original article on Gaea Times at : UN envoy says Pak backs reconciliation bid for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Oz property listing video featuring scantily clad model goes viral
MELBOURNE – A video for a property listing in Australia has gone viral around the world after it featured a scantily clad model.
Gold Coast real estate agency NEO Property gained much attention after it emailed its newest property listing of a house at Binda Place, Sorrento, to 100 clients.
The video clip comes complete with music, …. Read the original article : Oz property listing video featuring scantily clad model goes viral.
1m kids in UK ’suffer abuse’
LONDON – Almost a million children in UK have suffered abuse or neglect, a survey has revealed.
According to the poll of 2,200-plus children, one in five youngsters aged 11 to 17 have been beaten up, hit with weapons, raped or seriously neglected.
“Physical violence, neglect and forced sex are harming the lives of hundreds of thousands …. Source article : 1m kids in UK ’suffer abuse’.
President, Vice President greet nation on Milad-Un-Nabi
NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari have greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi, which is being observed tomorrow to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammad.
President Patil in her message said: “On the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, I convey … Original article on : President, Vice President greet nation on Milad-Un-Nabi.
Budget Session: Cabinet approves President Patil’s address to Parliament
NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session on February 21.
The cabinet gave its approval at a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, which will outline the United Progressive …. Original article : Budget Session: Cabinet approves President Patil’s address to Parliament.
Kerry on ‘fire-fighting’ trip to Pak to “reaffirm partnership” amid Davis standoff
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has dispatched Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John F. Kerry to Pakistan to try to repair the deteriorating US-Pak relations in the wake of double-murder accused US diplomat Raymond Davis’ detention issue.
The urgently organized trip, which has been confirmed by committee staff and a senior US official, is the latest … Read more >>>.
More than half of Americans consider China as world’s leading economic power
WASHINGTON – A majority of Americans consider China as the world’s leading economic power.
In a recent poll conducted by Gallup, fifty-two percent chose China while 32 percent chose the United States as the world’s top economic power. Seven percent pointed to Japan, while the remaining options, that included Russia and India, were chosen by three … Read more : More than half of Americans consider China as world’s leading economic power.
Income Tax returns: ‘I have nothing to hide’, says former CJI
NEW DELHI – National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson and former Chief Justice of India, K.G. Balakrishnan, reacting to the controversy over his unwillingness to disclose his Income Tax returns has said he has nothing to hide.
“I wrote to authorities not to disclose my I-T returns because it has my PAN number and bank account … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Income Tax returns: ‘I have nothing to hide’, says former CJI.
Seven charged by US for ‘aiding Taliban efforts against America’
WASHINGTON – Seven people including two Americans have been charged by the United States for conspiring to aid the Taliban, ccording to US officials, two Americans, identified as Alwar Pouryan and Oded Orbach were arrested in Romania for conspiring to sell missiles to protect Taliban-run heroin laboratories in Afghanistan.
The other five defendants named as Maroun …. Source article : Seven charged by US for ‘aiding Taliban efforts against America’.
World’s first skyscraper ‘Jericho tower’ built to intimidate masses
ISRAEL – Israeli archaeologists have said that the Jericho tower, which was constructed 11,000-years-ago, was built to promote farming and to entice people to abandon their nomadic ways and to settle down.
Long before its Biblical walls came tumbling down, Jericho’s residents were being enticed to give up hunting and gathering and start farming for …. Read the original article : here.
Displaced persons from India- Bangladesh border stage a protest rally in Agartala
AGARTALA – Hundreds of displaced persons from the India-Bangladesh border region in northeastern state of Tripura staged a rally at Agartala, the capital of Tripura to pressurise the state government to consider and implement their demands for apt rehabilitation.
The people were displaced due to the erection of barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
On death anniversary, Ghalib’s haveli languishes in squalor
NEW DELHI – Mirza Ghalib, the best-known of the Urdu poets of Delhi during last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar’s rule, wrote: “Hum ne mana ke taghaful na karoge lekin/Khak ho jayenge hum tumko khabar hone tak! (You will not be indifferent, I know/ Nevertheless, dust I’ll be by the time you get my news).”
[..] Read the original article: here.
Women fear stereotyping by male service providers
WASHINGTON – Women prefer female service providers in situations where they might fall prey to stereotypes about their math and science abilities.
“One of the most widely held stereotypes in North America is that women’s competence and aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) domains is less than men’s,” a study’s authors wrote. …. Read the original article : here.
Pune farmers protest to lift the ban on onion export
PUNE – Hundreds of farmers of Maharashtra in western India, engaged in cultivating onions, gathered at Pune to stage a protest rally demanding withdrawal of ban on export of their produce.
Farmers said that the government has failed to lift the embargo on export though onion prices have now come down in the domestic market …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Pune farmers protest to lift the ban on onion export.
Pakistani stalker of JFK’s granddaughter wants to go to trial
NEW YORK – The Pakistani man, who has been stalking President John F Kennedy’s granddaughter, wants to take the case to court.
Naeem Ahmed, 41, has told a court appointed psychiatrist that he wants to take his case before a jury, meaning 20-year-old Tatiana Schlossberg would have to testify against him in a Manhattan courtroom.
Ahmed has … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani stalker of JFK’s granddaughter wants to go to trial.
Fritzl’s secret dungeon to be welded shut after becoming teen party venue
LONDON – Josef Fritzl’s underground cellar, where he sexually abused his daughter Elisabeth for 24 years, is to be sealed with a welded steel door by Austrian authorities – because teenagers have been partying in the secret dungeon.
The cellar has been violated in the months before contractors move in to demolish the house, reports the …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Davis affair cost Qureshi his job: Pakistani daily
ISLAMABAD – The refusal of Shah Mahmood Qureshi to “recognise Raymond Davis as a diplomat or accord him immunity ultimately cost him his job” as the foreign minister, a Pakistani daily said Tuesday.
An editorial in the News International Tuesday said: “An incident on a Lahore street in which three people died, two shot and …. Read the original article : here.
UK father raped teenage daughter to have baby for infertile girlfriend
LONDON – An English father, who repeatedly raped his 16-year-old daughter, has said he wanted her to provide a child for his interfile girlfriend.
The 46-year-old from Cambridgeshire village groomed and then abused the girl, who has the mental age of a 7-year-old, on a daily basis after his wife left him three years ago, reports … Original source on Gaea Times at : UK father raped teenage daughter to have baby for infertile girlfriend.
Four Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh
BASTAR – Four Maoists have been surrendered before the top brass of the district police at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
Superintendent of Police, Bastar, Sundar Raj P. has stated that the four Maoists Jan Militia members-Sonaram Yadav, Dharma Nage, Massa Netam and Tulsiram Netam residents of village Barda under Badedonger police station area of Bastar …. Original source : Four Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh.
After Valentine’s Day mush celebrate Singles Awareness Day today
WELLINGTON – Right after Valentine’s Day, comes Singles Awareness Day, when people celebrate their freedom and possibilities.
Wellington accountant Hilary Combes, the founder of SaRC – Singles are Really Cool – says Wellington is a hive of activity for single people.
“We have more than 560 people on our mailing list, and about 100 in our social …. Original article : After Valentine’s Day mush celebrate Singles Awareness Day today.
Why do people pay so much for celebrity items?
WASHINGTON – Why would someone pay a fortune for an item that had belonged to Jackie Kennedy or for a celebrity’s footstool?
Study authors from Yale and Bar-llan Universities, seeking to find an explanation, researched the concept of “contagion” — the belief that a person’s essence can be transferred onto an object through contact.
…. Read the original article : here.
India’a Dornier aircraft in Seychelles for anti-piracy operations
NEW DELHI – India has given to Seychelles a Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft for surveillance and anti-piracy missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)that is plagued by piracy threats in and around the Gulf of Aden.
The fixed-wing aircraft will start its surveillance operation in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Seychelles from this week, … Read more : India’a Dornier aircraft in Seychelles for anti-piracy operations.
Obama proposes 3.1-bn-dollar US aid to Pak in fiscal year 2012
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has proposed a staggering amount of 3.1-billion-dollars, as financial assistance to Pakistan in the 2012 budget, despite its standoff with the Asian nation on double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis’ detention issue.
The administration’s assistance for Pakistan is broken up into two parts, the “enduring core part”- meaning long-term assistance programs- …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Obama proposes 3.1-bn-dollar US aid to Pak in fiscal year 2012.
Kerry hints at possibility of bill being moved in Senate ‘against US aid to Pak’
LAHORE – US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John F. Kerry has hinted at the possibility of some senators moving a bill for cutting off aid to Pakistan in case both countries did not act sensibly on the issue of double-murder accused US diplomat Raymond Davis.
Talking to media persons at the residence of the US … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kerry hints at possibility of bill being moved in Senate ‘against US aid to Pak’.
Anonymous hackers release ‘decrypted version of Stuxnet worm’ online: Security experts
WASHINGTON – US security experts have claimed that the computer hackers’ collective Anonymous has released a decrypted version of the Stuxnet worm that had affected Iran’s nuclear power program in December last year, online.
The ones and zeroes that make up the code called the Stuxnet worm, described as the most sophisticated cyberweapon ever created, were … Read : Anonymous hackers release ‘decrypted version of Stuxnet worm’ online: Security experts.
US “top lawyer of last resort” joins Assange to “protect new electronic media vigorously”
LONDON – Alan Dershowitz, America’s “top lawyer of last resort”, has said that he has joined Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s legal team to “protect new electronic media vigorously.”
The US is trying to build a conspiracy case against Assange for masterminding the release of hundreds of secret US diplomatic cables that led to controversies across the …. Original source : US “top lawyer of last resort” joins Assange to “protect new electronic media vigorously”.
Egypt’s new military leader feared political reform could ‘erode central govt. power’: Wikileaks
CAIRO – Field Marshal Mohamad Tantawi, the head of the Higher Military Council that took control of Egypt last week, had opposed political reform because he believed that it ‘eroded central government power,’ the whistleblower Wikileaks has revealed.
The Telegraph quoted the secret US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks as saying that the military leader …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Egypt’s new military leader feared political reform could ‘erode central govt. power’: Wikileaks.
Iraqi defector admits lying about Iraq WMD to get rid of Saddam Hussein regime
WASHINGTON – An Iraqi defector whose claims that the Saddam Hussein regime possessed biological weapons of mass destruction had persuaded the US to invade the oil rich country in 2003, has admitted for the first time he had “fabricated” some facts to get rid of the autocratic regime.
Rafid Ahmed al-Janabi’s claims had convinced former … Read : Iraqi defector admits lying about Iraq WMD to get rid of Saddam Hussein regime.
China’s ‘naked officials’ to be subjected to more scrutiny
NEW DELHI – A senior discipline official in China has revealed that “naked officials”, the name given to public servants whose wives have taken residence abroad and who are suspected to be more prone to corruption, will soon be subjected to more scrutiny.
Zhang Xiaoying, head of the Party discipline inspection commission of the Beijing Municipal …. Original source : China’s ‘naked officials’ to be subjected to more scrutiny.
Egyptian govt. exploited national infrastructure to cripple Internet: Experts
CAIRO – Interviews with many Egyptian engineers, as well as an examination of data collected around the world during the five-day Internet blackout in the country during the anti-government protests, indicate that the Hosni Mubarak government had exploited a devastating combination of vulnerabilities in the national infrastructure.ccording to the New York Times, the government’s attack … Read : Egyptian govt. exploited national infrastructure to cripple Internet: Experts.
India not unduly worried over China’s military modernisation: Antony
NEW DELHI – India Wednesday said it was “not unduly worried” over China’s military modernisation, though the neighbour’s defence budget was a matter of concern.
“Modernisation of China’s armed forces and its ever increasing military spending is a matter of serious concern. But we are not unduly worried because what we need to do …. Read the original article : here.
Over 100 Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO – : More than 100 Indian fishermen have been detained in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for allegedly straying into the Lankan waters.
The Indian fishermen were intercepted by the Sri Lankan fishermen off the coast of Point pedro and later they were handed over to the Sri Lankan police.
The fishermen will be …. Original source : Over 100 Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka.
3 out of 4 Brits are gambling addicts
LONDON – A survey has found that the number of gamblers in Britain has risen, with three out of four being gambling addicts.
The survey by the Gambling Commission found 73 percent of the adult population have gambled in the past year compared with 68 percent in 2007.
As the Gambling Act came into force, the number …. Original source : 3 out of 4 Brits are gambling addicts.
US no-fly list leaves British Muslim stranded in Canada
TORONTO – Probably in the first such case in international travel, the US no-fly list has left a British man stranded in Canada.
Dawood Hepplewhite, who is a convert to Islam, turned up at Toronto’s Pearson Airport Sunday only to be told that he couldn’t board an Air Transat flight to Britain.
The 30-year-old British …. Read the original article : US no-fly list leaves British Muslim stranded in Canada.
Nazi 3D ‘dancing girls and sausages’ films are of ‘excellent quality’
MELBOURNE – Aussie director Philippe Mora has uncovered 3D films shot by Nazis that feature dancing girls and sausages.
Mora stumbled upon the films while searching through Germany’s Federal Archives.
The two black-and-white movies were made in 1936 and referred to as ‘raum film’ or ’space film’.
“The films are shot on 35mm – apparently with a prism … Original article on : Nazi 3D ‘dancing girls and sausages’ films are of ‘excellent quality’.
US Embassy denies reports about Davis’ rude behaviour, special treatment in jail
ISLAMABAD – The US Consul General in Lahore has dismissed media reports that double-murder accused US diplomat Raymond Davis and the US officials who visited him in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail had acted inappropriately.
Consul General Carmela Conroy “strongly refuted reports in some Pakistani newspapers suggesting that Davis and US officials visiting him in prison have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US Embassy denies reports about Davis’ rude behaviour, special treatment in jail.
I’ll probably be an unbearable grandmother, says Hillary Clinton
LONDON – Hillary Clinton has admitted that she would probably make an ‘unbearable’ grandmother, but she would love it if her newly-married daughter Chelsea were to have children.
The US Secretary of State sat down with Harper’s Bazaar’s March issue to talk Chelsea, grandchildren and handbags.
“Probably an unbearable one – the kind who is saying, ‘Oh, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I’ll probably be an unbearable grandmother, says Hillary Clinton.
Princess Diana’s bro set to tie the knot
WASHINGTON – Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has announced that he is engaged to Canadian philanthropist Karen Gordon.
Spencer will be tying the knot at his ancestral home in Althorp, in central England, less than two months after his nephew Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, reports CBS News.
“Charles, the ninth … Original article on : Princess Diana’s bro set to tie the knot.
‘German Fritzl’ accused of fathering 7 kids with stepdaughter
LONDON – A man labelled the ‘German Josef Fritzl’ has been accused of fathering seven children with his stepdaughter.
The 48-year-old German, identified only as Detlef S., sat stone-faced at the state court in Koblenz as Judge read aloud a letter written by his daughter, now 18, reports the Daily Mail.
“You made my life a living … Read : ‘German Fritzl’ accused of fathering 7 kids with stepdaughter.
Defence Ministry taking action in gun procurement leak: Antony
NEW DELHI – Defence Minister A K Antony has said that his ministry is taking proper corrective and preventive action in the recent leak of a top classified report on procurement of guns from the USA and a high level inquiry has been ordered to probe into the matter.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of …. Read the original article : here.
London 7/7 bomber’s secret girlfriend was ‘clueless’ of his ‘radicalization’
LONDON – A secret girlfriend of Shehzad Tanweer, one of the July 7, 2005, London suicide bombers, has told the inquest into the attack that she had no idea about his radicalization.
According to the Daily Mail, the woman, identified as witness A, described how she believed Tanweer had been in love with her.
Tanweer was one …. Source article on Gaea Times at : London 7/7 bomber’s secret girlfriend was ‘clueless’ of his ‘radicalization’.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan appears before DRI officials
NEW DELHI – Two days after his release, Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan appeared before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials here on Thursday.
The DRI on Monday released Rahat, a day after he was detained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for possessing illegal foreign currency.
Rahat, however, cannot leave India, as his passport …. Source article : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan appears before DRI officials.
“Jihadist nuclear-armed Pak worst nightmare for India, US, world”: Riedel
WASHINGTON – A jihadist takeover in Pakistan- which is a “real possibility today”- would have devastating consequences not only for the country but the entire world, and particularly for India, says Bruce Riedel in his new book.
“A jihadist Pakistan would emerge through some combination of violence and intimidation. The simplest way would be another military … Original source on Gaea Times at : “Jihadist nuclear-armed Pak worst nightmare for India, US, world”: Riedel.
Naveen Patnaik urges Maoists to release abducted collector
BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Maoists to release abducted Malkangiri district collector R Vineel Krishna.
“I appeal for early release of the young and energetic officer who is known for his hard work among the poor and tribals,” Patnaik told reporters.
The government is evaluating all options and monitoring the situation … Read : Naveen Patnaik urges Maoists to release abducted collector.
Six-storey building collapses in Gurgaon
GURGAON – : A six-storey building under construction collapsed in Gurgaon, in New Delhi on Thursday.
Two people were trapped in the debris.
Police and fire brigades were rushed to the spot for rescue operations and relief work.
“We had received a call from a police station around 7.20 in the morning that a building …. Original article : Six-storey building collapses in Gurgaon.
Wills-Kate choose the same photog for big day as Charles and Camilla
LONDON – Prince William and Kate Middleton have chosen Prince Charles and Camilla’s favourite society photographer Hugo Burnand to take the official pictures of their big day, it has emerged.
Burnand, who took the iconic 60th birthday portrait of Charles and was the official photographer at his marriage to Camilla, was selected to document the royal … Original article on : Wills-Kate choose the same photog for big day as Charles and Camilla.
Antony to visit North-East to review security situation, infrastructure development
NEW DELHI – Concerned over the rapid growth of Chinese infrastructure in the region, Defence Minister AK Antony will be on a two-day visit to the North-East to review the security situation there and the progress of infrastructure development, beginning Friday.
India and China had an accord to reduce tensions along their border to respect …. Source : Gaea News Network.
PML-N firm that Davis case ‘must be dealt in accordance with law of the land’
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif has said that his party’s stance on the case of double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis is very clear- that the country’s independent judiciary will decide his fate.
Nawaz made these comments while addressing a news conference at the Punjab House after holding a meeting with US Senate … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PML-N firm that Davis case ‘must be dealt in accordance with law of the land’.
US concerned for Aung San Suu Kyi’s safety after state media’s “tragic end” threat
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is concerned about the safety of Burmese opposition politician Aung San Suu Kyi after what it called a “veiled threat” against her in a state-run newspaper article.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said that the article suggested that if Suu Kyi proceeds with plans to reconstitute her National League for … Original source on Gaea Times at : US concerned for Aung San Suu Kyi’s safety after state media’s “tragic end” threat.
On bookshelf: History, movies, and a window to India (IANS Books This Week)
NEW DELHI – The book shelf this week is a peppy combination of facts, fictions and human triumph.
1. Book: India: A Traveller’s Literary Companion; Written by Chandrahas Choudhury; Published by Harper Collins; Priced at Rs.399.
What might it be like to encounter a country and its landscape not through a travel guide, or …. Read the original article : here.
Rajasthan NGO gets special status from UN body
JAIPUR – A Rajasthan NGO, Vaagdhara, which works for the empowerment of impoverished and vulnerable groups in the state, is among 17 from across the world to be granted special consultative status by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Banswara-based Vaagdhara, established in 1986-87, is one of three from India to be given [..] Read the original article: here.
Abramovich symbolizes ‘rich debauchery’ which has plagued Russia, says Gorbachev
LONDON – Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, saying that he is a symbol of Russia’s ‘rich debauchery’.
Gorbachev also accused the ruling class in Russia of showing indifference to its people.
“They (the ruling classes) are rich and debauched. Their ideal is to be something …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Abramovich symbolizes ‘rich debauchery’ which has plagued Russia, says Gorbachev.
24 more Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO – : Twenty four more Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Police, taking the total number of arrested Indian fishermen to 136 in the past two days.
The fishermen were apprehended along with their boats on Wednesday by a group of local Sri Lankan fishermen and were later handed over to …. Source article : 24 more Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka.
TRS MLAs create ruckus in Andhra Assembly
HYDERABAD – Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLAs created ruckus in the Assembly today as they allegedly manhandled an MLA of the Loksatta party, Jayaprakash Narayan, for not supporting statehood for Telangana.
Earlier, TRS and TDP MLAs disrupted Governor ESL Narasimhan’s speech on the opening day of the Budget Session. They tried to tear his speech copy …. Original article on Gaea Times at : TRS MLAs create ruckus in Andhra Assembly.
School van falls into canal in Kerala, five dead
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – At least four kindergarten children and a woman attender of a private school were killed after their van fell into a canal at Chakkai area in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.
The children and the woman were taken out from the Parvathi Puthanar canal by local rescuers and rushed to a hospital, where they were …. Source : School van falls into canal in Kerala, five dead.
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown was sexually abused at 10
NEW YORK – Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown has revealed that he was repeatedly sexually abused at age 10 by a male camp counselor.
He said he never told anyone out of shame and fear, and even his mother and wife would be hearing about the molestation for the first time, reports the New York Daily News.
“He …. Read the original article : here.
Pic of Heinrich Himmler moments after suicide to go under the hammer
LONDON – A previously unseen photograph of Heinrich Himmler, taken minutes after he committed suicide, is all set to go under the hammer next month.
The picture, captured by Lance Corporal Guy Adderley of British Intelligence in May 1945, shows the Nazi second-in-command lying dead after biting a cyanide pill, still wearing his trademark round glasses.
After … Read more : Pic of Heinrich Himmler moments after suicide to go under the hammer.
BA worker plotted ‘to blow up jet’ in ‘John Le Carre moment’ at Heathrow
LONDON – Rajib Karim, 30, charged with terror offences held a secret meeting with an extremist at Heathrow airport in a ‘John Le Carre moment’ to plot blowing up a jet, a court in London has heard.
Karim, who worked with British Airways and an associate carried out the secret operation via encrypted and coded e-mails,The …. Original article : BA worker plotted ‘to blow up jet’ in ‘John Le Carre moment’ at Heathrow.
Obama calls CBS correspondent Lara Logan after sexual assault
NEW YORK – US President Barack Obama on Wednesday called CBS News correspondent Lara Logan, who was sexually assaulted in Cairo last week while covering Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, to express his concern for her condition.
“The president called her late this morning and expressed concern for her condition,” a family friend told The New …. Source article : Obama calls CBS correspondent Lara Logan after sexual assault.
No comments on clean chit to Karmapa Lama: Himachal Chief Minister
DHARAMSALA – : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has said that he has nothing to comment on 17th Karmapa Lama, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, obtaining a clean chit from the Central government agencies vis-???-vis the seizure of huge amount of foreign currency from his monastery.
Interacting with media persons at Dharamsala on Wednesday, he … Read more »».
‘Friends of Grameen Bank’ defend Nobel laureate Yunus from aggressive govt attacks
LONDON – A group of charities led by former Irish President Mary Robinson has come to the defence of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after the Bangladeshi government asked the Grameen Bank chief to retire as he has reached the normal retirement age for executives at private banks.
The Friends of Grameen group alleges that he has …. Source article on Gaea Times at : ‘Friends of Grameen Bank’ defend Nobel laureate Yunus from aggressive govt attacks.
Uproar in Orissa assembly over Collector’s abduction
BHUBANESWAR – The Opposition parties disrupted proceedings in the rissa Assembly for the second consecutive day on Friday over abduction of Malkangiri District Collector R Vineel Krishna.
As Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat asked ministers to reply to questions put by treasury bench members, Oppsition MLAs rushed towards his podium shouting slogans at the top of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Uproar in Orissa assembly over Collector’s abduction.
3-yr-old Oz girl blessed by Pope miraculously survives death
SYDNEY – A three-year-old Australian girl, who was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI when he was in Sydney recently, escaped from death in a miraculous incident.
Tuesday afternoon Peter Hill rolled his 22-seater bus on top of his daughter Claire in a queue for petrol on the South Coast.
Lodged under the dual rear wheels of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at : 3-yr-old Oz girl blessed by Pope miraculously survives death.
US army’s pocket-sized spy drone disguised as hummingbird unveiled
LONDON – The US army has unveiled a pocket-sized spy drone disguised as a hummingbird – it measures just 16 centimetres and weighs less than an AA battery.
The mini spy plane can fly up to 11 miles an hour and took five years to develop at a cost of four million dollars.
Army chiefs hope to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US army’s pocket-sized spy drone disguised as hummingbird unveiled.
Is Royal wedding making you squeamish? Buy a souvenir sick bag!
LONDON – As the Royal Wedding day approaches closer, various kinds of memorabilia are being flouted here and there, but this one surely takes the cake.
Graphic designer Lydia Leith has screen-printed souvenir ‘Throne Up’ sick bags that are selling for just 3 pounds.
Each bag has an illustration of William and Kate in the outfits … Original source on Gaea Times at : Is Royal wedding making you squeamish? Buy a souvenir sick bag!.
Irish female rapist told to get help for ’sexual aggression’
BRISBANE – An Irish nurse jailed for raping a mother of two in a Brisbane pub toilet has been asked to get help for her ’sexual aggression.’
Anne Marie O’Loughlin has been sentenced her two and half years’ jail, with a recommendation she be released on parole on March 3, 2012, reports Brisbane Times.
Dublin-born 25-year-old, who … Read more : Irish female rapist told to get help for ’sexual aggression’.
US court sentences Defreitas for life over plotting to blow up NY JFK Airport
NEW YORK – A US court has handed down a ‘life term’ sentence to Russell Defreitas, the man convicted of potting to blow up fuel tanks at New York’s JFK Airport.
In December last year, Defreitas’ co-defendant Abdul Kadir, a former member of Guyana’s parliament, was given the same sentence after the pair was convicted …. Source article : US court sentences Defreitas for life over plotting to blow up NY JFK Airport.
China says US using Internet freedom pitch as pretext for interfering in others’ internal affairs
BEIJING – China has warned the United States not to intrude into other countries’ affairs after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had urged the world community to allow online freedom, and adopt common standards for internet use.
The BBC quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu as saying that Internet users in his country enjoy freedom …. Original article : China says US using Internet freedom pitch as pretext for interfering in others’ internal affairs.
Singh apologises to Oz family for helping killer driver flee to India
MELBOURNE – Sukhcharanjit Singh, who has been charged for allegedly helping a killer driver flee Australia on a false passport, has apologised to the family of the man the fugitive killed.
Puneet Puneet remains at large after fleeing Australia in June 2009 while awaiting a pre-sentence hearing over a fatal crash in Melbourne in October 2008.
After …. Original article : Singh apologises to Oz family for helping killer driver flee to India.
Stallion semen at Kiwi Wildfoods festival will leave one ‘raring to go’
MELBOURNE – A food festival in New Zealand is offering visitors shots of stallion semen, which is said will leave the drinker with as much zest as the animal for a week.
The semen will be served at New Zealand’s famed Hokitika Wildfoods festival next month, and racehorse owner Lindsay Kerslake says it is a “delicacy” … Read more >>.
Karl Rove urges US Republicans to stop falling into Obama ‘birther’ trap
WASHINGTON – Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff to former US President George W. Bush, has urged Republican Party politicians to avoid falling into the “birther” movement trap, and to stop fueling rumors that President Barack Obama was not born in the US.
“Within our party, we’ve got to be very careful about allowing these …. Original article : Karl Rove urges US Republicans to stop falling into Obama ‘birther’ trap.
Sexually assaulted CBS reporter Lara Logan could become target for copycat attacks: Ex boss
NEW YORK – Lara Logan’s former boss has said that the sexual assault and brutal beating of the CBS foreign correspondent could “turn her into a target” should she return to war reporting.
Janet Leissner, who ran the CBS Washington bureau for eight years until 2009, said that Logan may risk copycat attacks now that she’s …. Source article : Sexually assaulted CBS reporter Lara Logan could become target for copycat attacks: Ex boss.
CWG scam: CBI raids five Organising Committee officials
NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted raids at the premises of five Commonwealth Games Organising Committee officials.
Raids were conducted at the premises of AK Saxena, Nikesh Jain, RP Gupta, KUK Reddy and Sujith Lal. An FIR was also filed against these officials in the CWG overlays scam.
Overlays … Read more >>.
Malkangiri Collector kidnapping: Talks on with Maoists
BHUBANESWAR – After halting anti-Maoist operations, Orissa Government began back channel discussions with the rebels as the 48-hour deadline given by them for the release of Malkangiri District Collector R Vineel Krishna, neared.
State Home Secretary UN Behera said that he had spoken to social activist Swami Agnivesh and some backdoor dialogue was on for … Read more »»».
India-Japan global partnership to give new direction to way world looks today: Upadhyay
TOKYO – The upcoming India-Japan Global Partnership Summit 2011, which marks ten years of the announcement of the partnership, will initiate a new framework of working together between the two nations and give a new direction to the way the world looks like today.
The India-Japan Global Partnership Summit 2011 will be held in Tokyo [..] Read the original article: here.
US admits Davis case has made bilateral relationship with Pakistan “more difficult”
WASHINGTON – The United States has acknowledged that the ‘illegal’ detention issue of double murder-accused American official Raymond Davis has made its bilateral relationship with Pakistan “more difficult”.
“Has this case made that ongoing bilateral relationship more difficult? Probably yes. But we continue to work through this. And we continue to call on his immediate release …. Read the original article : here.
Obama accepts Queen’s invitation to visit UK in May
LONDON – US President Barack Obama has reportedly accepted Queen Elizabeth’s invitation to visit Britain in May this year, ahead of his expected visit to the G8 summit in France.
Obama would reportedly be accompanied by his wife Michelle for the three-day trip, The Telegraph reports.
The announcement of the visit, from May 24 to … Read more »».
World’s hottest chilli grown in UK can leave one ’shaking uncontrollably’
LONDON – The record for the world’s hottest chilli has been broken by one grown in a greenhouse in UK, and it is so potent that it can reduce grown men to tears and leave one “shaking uncontrollably”.
The Infinity chilli, which has just been officially recognised as the hottest in the world by the Guinness …. Source article on Gaea Times at : World’s hottest chilli grown in UK can leave one ’shaking uncontrollably’.
51pc of Brit women would sacrifice a year of sex if it meant they could be skinny
LONDON – In a new survey, over half of British women have admitted that they would sacrifice a year of making love if it meant they could be skinny.
51 per cent of women would choose the body of their dreams over a year of lovemaking, according to the survey.
The rest of the 2,400 U.S. women … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 51pc of Brit women would sacrifice a year of sex if it meant they could be skinny.
Charlie Chaplin ‘was born in a Gypsy Queen’s caravan’
LONDON – A set of letters discovered recently has suggested that Charlie Chaplin may have been born into a Gypsy community in the West Midlands.
A friendly note from an octogenarian called Jack Hill, who wrote to Chaplin from Tamworth in the 1970s informed him that he was not one of south London’s most celebrated … Read more >>>.
US disappointed over Pak Govt’s failure to certify Davis’ diplomatic immunity status
ISLAMABAD – The United States is disappointed that the Pakistan Government did not certify during the court hearing in Lahore that double murder-accused American official Raymond Davis possessed diplomatic immunity, US Ambassador to Islamabad Cameron Munter has said.
In his reaction to Thursday’s court hearings in Lahore, Munter added that the US “has made its position …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US disappointed over Pak Govt’s failure to certify Davis’ diplomatic immunity status.
French journalist found guilty of passing racial comments
PARIS – Eric Zemmour, a well-known commentator and coloumnist for Le Figaro, a French daily newspaper, has been found guilty of inciting racial hatred after passing comments that were hurtful for certain ethnic communities.
The French journalist appeared on a chat show last year and when the question of the French police’s excessive use of stop … Original source on Gaea Times at : French journalist found guilty of passing racial comments.
Hillary Clinton warns Taliban to cut ties with Al-Qaeda
WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned the Taliban to cut ties with al-Qaeda or face increased military pressure from the United States and its allies.
In a speech given in New York, Clinton said, “They cannot defeat us. And they cannot escape this choice.”
Currently the US has 78,000 troops in Afghanistan … Read : Hillary Clinton warns Taliban to cut ties with Al-Qaeda.
6???8??? model Amazon Eve hopes to win Guinness world record
NEW YORK – Amazon Eve, named the world’s tallest model by the Federation of World Records, has now set her sights on winning the Guinness world record.
At 6 feet 8 inches, the model is set to take her career to new heights, reports the New York Daily News.
Next month, she’ll go before Guinness World Records … Original source on Gaea Times at : 6′8″ model Amazon Eve hopes to win Guinness world record.
BBC’s busty weather girl told to cover up?
LONDON – A busty BBC weather girl has sparked rumours that she was told to cover up, after she appeared for a later broadcast wearing a jacket.
Rachel Mackley had appeared on the BBC News channel’s early-morning bulletin in a skin-tight top with her assets clearly outlined, but when she appeared at 8am she was wearing … Read more : BBC’s busty weather girl told to cover up?.
Uproar over village pub sign showing Queen in muscle-vest, ‘Phil’ tattoo
LONDON – A sign on the door of Queen’s Arms Hotel in Acomb, Northumberland, which shows the Queen in a black muscle-vest with a tattoo bearing the name ‘Phil’ on her huge forearms, has caused outrage amongst villagers.
Some have branded it ‘distasteful’ and ’sad’, while others have said it amounts to treason.
“I have to say …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Uproar over village pub sign showing Queen in muscle-vest, ‘Phil’ tattoo.
Why you shouldn’t trust someone who scratches his or her nose!
LONDON – Body gestures say a lot about a person – whether they look up or scratch their nose, or even tilt their head.
Now, body language expert Peter Collett, author of the ‘Book Of Tells’ talks about the different gestures people make and what they mean.
SCRATCHING NOSE: When you’re not telling the truth, you instinctively …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Why you shouldn’t trust someone who scratches his or her nose!.
Ferguson eyeing Rooney ‘burst’ ahead of important Premier League games
LONDON – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has urged striker Wayne Rooney to use his ’scissor-kick’ goal, an overhead kick he hit in the derby against Manchester City last week, as his Premier League season’s launchpad.
Rooney has been plagued by a bout of indifferent form this season, and has just six goals to his …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Each district to have a womens’ police station in Kashmir
SRINAGAR – Many aspects of normal civilian life are compromised in Kashmir, as in any area of conflict. But in Kashmir, there is an overlay of this reality with another one; of women being treated with insensitivity, and in extreme cases- violence.There is an inherited tapestry of Kashmir’s societal norms which are discriminatory, that …. Original source : Each district to have a womens’ police station in Kashmir.
50-plus Brit women cry discrimination against potential employers
LONDON – A new study has revealed that 80 percent of 50-plus British women believe their age has prevented them finding work.
The study by isme.com has revealed that mature Brit women feel they had been overlooked in job interviews or felt they would be unlikely to win new positions.
The study found that women over 50 …. Original article on Gaea Times at : 50-plus Brit women cry discrimination against potential employers.
Distrust between Pakistan, Afghanistan “major cause of regional instability”: Clinton
WASHINGTON – The historic distrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains a ‘major cause of instability’ in the region, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pointed out.
“As we have underscored from the beginning, Pakistan plays a pivotal role. It is a nuclear-armed nation of nearly 170 million people with deep ties and strong interests in …. Source article : Distrust between Pakistan, Afghanistan “major cause of regional instability”: Clinton.
Americans rate Ronald Reagan as best-ever US President
WASHINGTON – A new poll has found that more Americans identify Ronald Reagan as the best-ever US President than Abraham Lincoln or Franklin Roosevelt.
According to a Gallup poll, when asked to name the president they regard as the greatest in history, Reagan finished first with 19 percent votes.
Reagan had served as the 40th US …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Americans rate Ronald Reagan as best-ever US President.
Sarah Palin’s breastfeeding joke backfires
WASHINGTON – Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s joke about breastfeeding seems to have backfired, especially since it is a universally agreed-upon problem.
Palin, 47, had while speaking at the Long Island Association, a business group in New York, weighed in on the debate over President Barack Obama’s citizenship, reportedly saying it is “distracting”.
“It gets annoying. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sarah Palin’s breastfeeding joke backfires.
US Navy’s new record setting laser can down cruise missiles in seconds
WASHINGTON – The US Navy has set a new world record, by coming up with a new type of laser that can shoot cruise missiles from the sky in seconds, with greater accuracy.
In co- ordination with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the scientists injected a sustained 500 kilovolts (kV) of juice into a … Original article on : US Navy’s new record setting laser can down cruise missiles in seconds.
Two Maoists arrested by Police in West Midnapore
WEST MIDNAPORE – West Bengal Police has taken into its custody two Maoists and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
After the arrest of the two Maoists on Friday, the police said most of the arms and ammunitions they seized were looted from camps of the joint forces.
“The operation was mainly conducted in and …. Source article : Two Maoists arrested by Police in West Midnapore.
Man kills daughter’s lover for family honour in Bijnor
BIJNOR – In yet another case of honour killing, the family members of an upper-caste girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor District killed a boy of a Dalit family, with whom she was in a relationship.
The body of the boy named Atul Kumar was discovered in a field in Bijnor on Thursday.
Atul’s father Mahendra Singh alleged …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Man kills daughter’s lover for family honour in Bijnor.
Malkangiri Collector kidnapping: Maoists extend deadline
BHUBANESWAR – Maoists have extended the two-day deadline indefinitely for the Orissa Government to meet their demands in return for the release of Malkangiri District Collector R V Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi.
The ultras extended the deadline on Friday night following an appeal from the state government even as they exploded a landmine on …. Source : Gaea News Network.
‘Hard working’ shot US Congresswoman Giffords tells husband her condition is “better”
WASHINGTON – Gabrielle Giffords, the US Democratic Representative who was shot while meeting with her constituents in Tucson, Arizona, is working hard to “speak more and improve,” with reports saying that she had even uttered the word “better” on being asked recently by her husband how she was doing.
“There’s lots of excitement as …. Source : ‘Hard working’ shot US Congresswoman Giffords tells husband her condition is “better”.
Thousands flock to join Indian Army in Kashmir
SRINAGAR – More than 8,000 Kashmiri young men Saturday thronged a recruitment rally in Kashmir Valley’s Ganderbal district to join the Indian Army.
Braving rain and sleet, the youths reached the Manasbal Sainik School in north Kashmir early morning hoping to join the million-strong army.
The recruitment is being held to recruit soldiers from Srinagar … Read more : Thousands flock to join Indian Army in Kashmir.
Kerala’s Attukala Pongala festival sees 3.5 mn women
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Over 3.5 million women, dressed in brand new clothes and carrying cooking implements, Saturday assembled at this Kerala capital to prepare the offering as part of the famed Attukal Bhagavathi temple’s Pongala festival.
The event takes place on the penultimate day of the 10-day Attukal Pongala festival, which is often referred to as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kerala’s Attukala Pongala festival sees 3.5 mn women.
Ponting, Watson carry Aussie hopes of fourth consecutive World Cup win: Clark
SYDNEY – Former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark reckons that the key to success in the World Cup will the ability of captain Ricky Ponting and all-rounder Shane Watson to stand up when the heat is on.Ponting is Australia’s most experienced player and the most adept at handling sub-continental conditions. Many wonder whether age is … Original article on : Ponting, Watson carry Aussie hopes of fourth consecutive World Cup win: Clark.
Michelle Obama, with daughters, skiing in Colorado
WASHINGTON – US First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Malia and Sasha, are on a private family trip to Colorado.
They left the White House on Friday evening for the weekend ski trip to Vail, Colo.
According to White House aides, President Obama, who spent Thursday and Friday meeting with technology executives on the West Coast, …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Military rulers demand apology from Suu Kyi’s party for supporting western sanctions
MYANMAR – Burma’s military rulers have demanded an apology from pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party for backing western sanctions, which it said were restricting development in the country.
They said: “The National League for Democracy party (NLD) have to mend their ways, begging public pardon for the acts they have breached in their interests, … Read more »»».
Cathay Pacific accused of racism after refusing job to Muslim worker
LONDON – Algerian born Salim Zakhrouf (38), a Muslim airport worker, has accused Cathay Pacific airline of racism, after he was denied an interview, only to be offered one two days later when he applied again, using a fake British sounding name.
Zakhrouf had applied to Cathay Pacific for a job as a passenger services officer … Read more >>.
Islamic fundamentalists burn brothels in Tunisia
TUNIS – In an attempt to show force, Islamic fundamentalists burnt down a street of brothels in Tunis.
At least three people were injured, when security forces fired in the air on Friday, to disperse a huge crowd of Islamists protesting against a brothel in the capital.
A large number of Islamists had rallied outside the … Original article on : Islamic fundamentalists burn brothels in Tunisia.
Rapists, killers challenge UK govt. over right to benefits
LONDON – The detained rapists and killers in psychiatric hospitals are challenging the British Government in a test case at the European Court of Human Right, demanding for State benefits.
The case will intensify pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron, after he pledged to review Strasbourg’s influence on British law following the row over whether …. Original article : Rapists, killers challenge UK govt. over right to benefits.
Chinese consumer products popular in Jharkhand
RANCHI – Political issues or the trade imbalance with China notwithstanding, there is a serious ‘Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai’ bonhomie happening in Jharkhand, a region which falls under the V Schedule of the Constitution as having a large tribal (ST) community.|
Politics makes strange bedfellows but trade and commercial interests also are great levelers of intellectual, ideological, …. Original article : Chinese consumer products popular in Jharkhand.
Gordon Brown was billed for 200 breakfasts when he left No 10
LONDON – When the Browns were packing up to leave Downing Street, they were presented with a bill for 200 breakfasts.
In what became famous as the ‘Battle of the Breakfasts’ a refusal by Sarah Brown to bring her husband Gordon Brown morning snacks when he was in his Downing Street study left the couple with …. Original source : Gordon Brown was billed for 200 breakfasts when he left No 10.
First ever Indian comic-book convention in Delhi
NEW DELHI – India’s first comic book convention has opened in New Delhi, with organisers expecting thousands of fans to prove that the art form is still thriving in the Internet age
The convention aims to bring new talents forward in the comic industry and hopes to attract producers for animation films and television serials based … Read this article on Gaea Times at : First ever Indian comic-book convention in Delhi.
Pakistani singer Rahat Ali Khan, manager fined Rs. 15 lakh
NEW DELHI – Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his manager Maroof have been fine Rs. 15 lakh in connection with the recovery of undeclared foreign currency from them at the airport in Delhi on February 13.
Earlier, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials questioned the singer extensively to find out where the money came … Read more »»».
“CIA spy” Davis was giving nuclear bomb material to Al-Qaeda, says report
LONDON – Double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis has been found in possession of top-secret CIA documents, which point to him or the feared American Task Force 373 (TF373) operating in the region, providing Al-Qaeda terrorists with “nuclear fissile material” and “biological agents,” according to a report.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) is warning that the …. Source article : “CIA spy” Davis was giving nuclear bomb material to Al-Qaeda, says report.
SA Prosecutor calls Brit-Indian honeymooner ‘guilty fugitive’ over wife’s murder
CAPE TOWN – A South African Director of public prosecutions has claimed that Shrien Dewani, the Brit-Indian millionaire accused of masterminding his wife’s murder during their honeymoon in Cape Town last year, is a “fugitive” and guilty of “committing a heinous crime”.’
The Independent quoted Menzi Simelane as saying that Dewani had “murdered his wife when …. Original article : SA Prosecutor calls Brit-Indian honeymooner ‘guilty fugitive’ over wife’s murder.
Malaysian men getting hitched to foreign women for a price
KUALA LUMPUR – Some Malaysian men are being paid to marry women from China, Vietnam and other neighbouring countries so that these women can obtain visas to stay longer in the country.
The payment involving a larger sum is made in installments and the marriage contract usually lasts for two years, it has been found. Arrangements …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian men getting hitched to foreign women for a price.
US, Pak working on ‘out of the box’ solution to Davis detention standoff
ISLAMABAD – The United States has revived its high-level engagement with Pakistan after keeping it suspended for almost a fortnight over the diplomatic immunity issue of double murder-accused American official Raymond Davis.
Observers have interpreted the resumption of contacts as an attempt by the US to tone down the rhetoric, so that prospects for a settlement … Original article on : US, Pak working on ‘out of the box’ solution to Davis detention standoff.
Brit-Indian bride was ’sexually assaulted before being gunned down’ in Cape Town
CAPE TOWN – New evidences in the murder case of Anni Dewani, the Indian-origin bride who was killed during her honeymoon in Cape Town last year, has indicated that the victim was sexually assaulted before being gunned down by the abductors.
The Telegraph quoted a witness who had seen Dewani’s body lying on the back … Read more »».
UK to let in 20,000 skilled Indians yearly bypassing government’s new immigration caps
LONDON – Britain would reportedly allow thousands of Indians to enter the country every year under a European Union (EU) trade deal.
The multibillion-pound EU India Free Trade Agreement, which was initiated by former Trade Commissioner Lord Mandelson in 2007, and is expected to be signed by the end of June, will allow Indian workers, …. Original article : UK to let in 20,000 skilled Indians yearly bypassing government’s new immigration caps.
Speaker to hold all party meet ahead of Budget session
NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will hold an all-party meet today, a day before the commencement of the Budget session of Parliament.
According to reports, the leaders will discuss the constitution of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
The speaker will also hold a customary luncheon meeting here with the leaders of various … Read more »»».
ISI declares war on CIA following Davis double murder incident
LAHORE – Pakistan’s premier spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has hardened its stance against US’ Central Intelligence Agency following the Raymond Davis incident in Lahore on January 27.
While the US official confessed to shooting dead two men in Lahore, allegedly in self-defence, a third Pakistani was struck and killed by another vehicle that was reportedly … Read more »»».
No shifts in J.K chief ministerships: Farooq Abdullah
SRINAGAR – Union Cbinet Minister and National conference leader, Farooq Abdullah, has said that there will be no change of chief ministership in Jammu and Kashmir for next three years.
“There have been lots of vibrations that have been going on at various times that there is going to be a change in the governance of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No shifts in J.K chief ministerships: Farooq Abdullah.
Wills-Kate invite 1,900 guests to their royal wedding
LONDON – Around 1,900 guests will witness Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange wedding vows on April 29.
More than half are family and friends of the royal couple, according to St James Palace.
Their names have not been released but the Westminster Abbey service is expected to feature leading UK politicians, foreign dignitaries, charity workers … Original article on : Wills-Kate invite 1,900 guests to their royal wedding.
Qureshi’s diatribe against US policy, Pak leadership following ouster as Foreign Minister
MULTAN – Having nothing to lose after having already been ousted as Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi has lambasted the United States over a number of matters, and also revealed that he was asked to keep silent on the Raymond Davis issue.
US national Davis was arrested last month for shooting two men on … Read : Qureshi’s diatribe against US policy, Pak leadership following ouster as Foreign Minister.