India, Australia to discuss racist attacks, Games security

NEW DELHI – Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith arrived here Tuesday on a three-day trip that aims at assuring India about steps taken by Canberra to ensure the security of Indians in his country. Security for the Commonwealth Games, trade and hockey diplomacy are also on the agenda.

The visit starts amid a fresh assault … Read more : India, Australia to discuss racist attacks, Games security.

Jerry Brown expected to enter Calif. governor’s race, 27 years after he last had the job

Democrat Brown expected to enter Calif. gov’s race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After months of waiting for a candidate of their own, California Democrats were anticipating an announcement Tuesday from state Attorney General Jerry Brown, who is expected to enter the race for governor.
Brown’s campaign issued a news release saying he planned to make a “major campaign … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jerry Brown expected to enter Calif. governor’s race, 27 years after he last had the job.

‘Cooperate more, contain less, in Sino-US ties’

BEIJING – There should be more cooperation and less “containment” in Sino-US relations, an official said here Tuesday.

“The Americans need to understand that the China-US relation is like a car that has two drivers instead of one. The Chinese and Americans both have wheels and brakes, so they have to discuss with each other to … Read more : ‘Cooperate more, contain less, in Sino-US ties’.

Manmohan Singh touched by Saudi gestures

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is deeply “touched and humbled” by the gestures extended to him during his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, which concluded with the signing of more than 10 agreements and the inking of the historic Riyadh Declaration.
The Saudi kingdom made a point … Original article on : Manmohan Singh touched by Saudi gestures.

Taslima Nasreen: Can She Return To Bangladesh Again

KARNATAKA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that in the case of firebrand and radical writer Taslima Nasreen, there is no country for women. The writer who is known for her brave and straight forward mindset on religion and life has earned the wrath of extremist Muslim leaders who want to ensure that she does … Read : Taslima Nasreen: Can She Return To Bangladesh Again.

Gubernatorial hopefuls sweep through Texas, voters finally get a say in long, rough primary

Voters finally get a say in rough Texas primary

AUSTIN, Texas – Voters are finally getting their chance to weigh in on Texas’ long, rough gubernatorial primary.
Republican Gov. Rick Perry and rival Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison plan to make a last round of public appearances in Dallas on Tuesday morning. Hutchison will stop at a polling … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gubernatorial hopefuls sweep through Texas, voters finally get a say in long, rough primary.

India, Australia to discuss student attacks, trade, terror

NEW DELHI – Against the backdrop of continuing concerns in India over targeting of Indians in his country, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith arrives here later Tuesday on a three-day trip that will also have counter-terrorism and friendly hockey diplomacy on the agenda.

Smith’s visit to India starts with a meeting with Commerce Minister Anand …. Source  : India, Australia to discuss student attacks, trade, terror.

‘Edgy’ Pak concerned over Dr. Singh’s ’successful’ Saudi trip

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia is being seen by the Pakistani media as a deliberate attempt by New Delhi to elbow Islamabad’s relationship with its long time ally Riyadh.
An editorial in one of Pakistan’s leading English dailies said that Singh’s visit has brought to light the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Edgy’ Pak concerned over Dr. Singh’s ’successful’ Saudi trip.

Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in indoor public places ahead of World Expo

Shanghai declares indoor smoking ban ahead of Expo

SHANGHAI – Restaurants and office buildings in China’s commercial capital Shanghai are scrambling to set up nonsmoking areas as the city bans lighting up in indoor public spaces ahead of the World Expo.
There is rising awareness of the health risks of smoking in China, by far the world’s …. Source  : Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in indoor public places ahead of World Expo.

Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in public places ahead of World Expo

Shanghai declares smoking ban ahead of World Expo

SHANGHAI – Restaurants and office buildings in China’s commercial capital Shanghai are scrambling to set up nonsmoking areas as it bans lighting up in indoor public spaces ahead of the World Expo.
There is rising awareness of the health risks of smoking in China, by far the world’s biggest …. Original source  : Shanghai scrambles to implement ban on smoking in public places ahead of World Expo.

Russia close to arms reductions deal with US: Medvedev

Paris, March 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that his country and the US are close to completing negotiations on a new treaty on strategic arms cuts, and expressed the hope that the document could be signed soon.
“In my opinion, the situation is not bad. We are close to reaching … Read : Russia close to arms reductions deal with US: Medvedev.

Out of White House, Obama aide denies role in gatecrash

WASHINGTON – Days after quitting, White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers has claimed her office followed protocol the night an uninvited couple gatecrashed President Barack Obama’s state dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Rogers also denied reports that her staff wasn’t present at the main gate when the wannabe reality TV stars Tareq and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Out of White House, Obama aide denies role in gatecrash.

Swraj Paul dragged into British party funding row

LONDON – Indian-born steel magnate and Labour Party supporter Lord Swraj Paul has found himself dragged into a controversy on who is allowed to fund political parties in Britain after a leading opposition contributor and strategist admitted his tax status is that of a non-domicile.

Lord Michael Ashcroft, who is estimated to be worth some one … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Swraj Paul dragged into British party funding row.

2 killed as Muslims clash with police in India during protest over criticism of face veils

Protests by Muslims leave 2 dead in southern India

NEW DELHI – Thousands of Muslims protesting a newspaper article they say was critical of Islam clashed with police in southern India, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured, police said Tuesday.
One person was killed by police gunfire and another succumbed to injuries caused by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 killed as Muslims clash with police in India during protest over criticism of face veils.

United Kashmir can link India and Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

BHANDERWAH – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has said that India and Pakistan can use the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a bridge to promote friendship.

Addressing media on the sidelines of a workers rally at Bhaderwah in Doda district, Mehbooba said: “We are not asking to change the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fuel, food price hikes likely to ignite parliament

NEW DELHI – Opposition MPs are planning to raise a storm over petrol and diesel price hikes when parliament reconvenes Wednesday after a four-day break.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist parties have convened separate meetings Wednesday morning to decide their strategy in the two houses of parliament. Their leaders said they …. Read the original article  : Fuel, food price hikes likely to ignite parliament.

US envoys’ Beijing visit aims to heal ties rocked by disputes over trade, Taiwan, Tibet

US envoys’ Beijing visit aims to heal ties
BEIJING – Top U.S. envoys were due in Beijing on Tuesday on a mission to patch up ties rocked by a flurry of disputes over trade, Taiwan and other sensitive issues.
Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Senior White House Asia adviser Jeffrey …. Read the original article  : here.

North Korea vows to bolster nuclear deterrent and its means of delivery

NKorea vows to bolster nuclear deterrent
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea vowed Tuesday to strengthen its nuclear deterrent and its means of delivery – an apparent reference to missiles – days after threatening rival South Korea and U.S. forces with attack if they conduct military exercises as planned next week.

The threat comes as the U.S. … Read more >>.

Former guerrilla takes oath as Uruguay’s new president

Montevideo, March 2 (IANS/EFE) The new president of Uruguay, one-time guerrilla fighter Jose Mujica, said upon assuming office that his aim at the country’s helm will be to seek consensus with the opposition, businessmen, unions and other social sectors.
In an address lasting more than an hour and which he ended with the words …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former guerrilla takes oath as Uruguay’s new president.

Border troubles remain as India, Bangladesh reach out

SHILLONG/AGARTALA – All is not quiet on the India-Bangladesh border even as the two countries strive to improve relations. While border guards from the neighbouring country have reportedly been resorting to unprovoked firing in Meghalaya, there is tension in Tripura following ethnic violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
India’s Border Security Force (BSF) …. Read the original article  : Border troubles remain as India, Bangladesh reach out.