Lok Sabha adjourned over Mayawati’s lavish rally

NEW DELHI – Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned till 1 p.m. on Tuesday after the Congress and the Samajwadi Party called for an inquiry over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s lavish celebrations on Monday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

The giant garland, used to honour Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lok Sabha adjourned over Mayawati’s lavish rally.

Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court-martial after losing presidential election

Sri Lanka’s hero general faces court-martial

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The general who led the army to victory in Sri Lanka’s civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid for the presidency faced a court-martial Tuesday on allegations of sedition.
The military proceeding against former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been condemned by the opposition … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court-martial after losing presidential election.

When the going gets tough, Obama focuses on the long view, not the daily ups and downs

Obama takes the long view in times of crisis
WASHINGTON – Just back from a recent day trip to Georgia, President Barack Obama walked into the Oval Office and told his senior staff to get a grip.
“We all rise and fall together,” he declared that afternoon, as Washington neared fever pitch over tensions on … Read more : When the going gets tough, Obama focuses on the long view, not the daily ups and downs.

Gadkari to announce new BJP team of office-bearers

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari is expected to announce the party’s new team of office bearers on Tuesday, thereby ending a three-month long suspense.

Gadkari soon after being elevated to the post of BJP President had said … Read more : Gadkari to announce new BJP team of office-bearers.

Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court martial after losing presidential election

Sri Lanka’s hero general faces court martial

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lankan general who led the army to victory in the civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid to win the presidency faced a court martial Tuesday on allegations of sedition.
The military proceeding against former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sri Lanka’s former army commander faces court martial after losing presidential election.

Thai protesters give own blood to pour in Bangkok to pressure government to hold elections

Thai protesters give blood to pour on streets

BANGKOK – Anti-government protesters started donating their own blood Tuesday as part of a plan to splatter the Thai government headquarters in a symbolic sacrifice to press their demands for new elections.
Hundreds of red-shirted demonstrators formed long lines to have their blood drawn by nurses, a day after … Read more >>>.

McCain to campaign with ex-running mate Sarah Palin for 1st time since presidential election

McCain, Palin to campaign together in Arizona
PHOENIX – John McCain and Sarah Palin are scheduled to campaign together in Arizona next week for the first time since they conceded the presidential election in Phoenix in 2008.
Palin and McCain will be at a rally and picnic in Tucson on March 26, followed the next … Read : McCain to campaign with ex-running mate Sarah Palin for 1st time since presidential election.

Justice John Paul Stevens says he will decide soon whether to retire now or later from Court

Stevens considers retiring from Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – Justice John Paul Stevens, at 89 the Supreme Court’s oldest member, says he will decide in the next month or so whether this term will be his last.
Stevens tells The New Yorker magazine that he definitely will retire in the next three years. His comments suggest … Read more : Justice John Paul Stevens says he will decide soon whether to retire now or later from Court.

Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby by attacking Israeli housing plan

US Israel criticism ignites firestorm in Congress

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America’s top Mideast ally was misplaced.
Since the controversy erupted, a bipartisan parade of influential lawmakers and interest groups has taken aim … Read more >>.

Press Briefing on the President’s Upcoming Trip to Guam, Indonesia and Australia by Denis Mcdonough, NSC Chief of Staff, Jeff Bader, NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications

Via Conference Call
2:20 P.M. EDT
MR. RHODES:  Thanks, everybody, for joining today.  With me is Jeff Bader, Senior Director for Asia here at the NSC, who you know well; and Denis McDonough, Chief of Staff for the NSC, as well.

I’ll just give a kind of brief outline of the trip and walk you through the schedule … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Press Briefing on the President’s Upcoming Trip to Guam, Indonesia and Australia by Denis Mcdonough, NSC Chief of Staff, Jeff Bader, NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Presidential Proclamation – National Poison Prevention Week

A PROCLAMATION
Since 1962, during National Poison Prevention Week we alert American families about the dangers of accidental poisonings and provide information on safety measures that can prevent senseless injuries and deaths. With nearly two million poison exposures reported each year, we must take every precaution to guard against these preventable tragedies.

Sadly, more than half of …. Source article  : Presidential Proclamation — National Poison Prevention Week.

Parents take Mexico off options for spring break spots in wake of border violence, warnings

Mexico violence factors in spring break plans

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Marquette University senior Kelly Magennis wasn’t even up prepping for the start of the biggest spring break week on Texas’ South Padre Island when the first text message arrived from her mom forbidding her from crossing into Mexico.
“I said, ‘don’t worry, I didn’t even … Read more »»».

Details on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, a key player in the national broadband plan

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at a glance

NAME: Julius Genachowski
BORN: Aug. 19, 1962
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, 1985. Graduated from Harvard Law School in 1991; served on Harvard Law Review with Barack Obama.
EXPERIENCE: Between 1985 and 1988, served as a staff member to then-Rep. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and as a staffer for the joint select … Read more : Details on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, a key player in the national broadband plan.

Bipartisan jobs bill clears GOP filibuster; final congressional approval perhaps Tuesday

Bipartisan jobs bill advances past GOP filibuster
WASHINGTON – A bill that would provide tax credits to companies that hire unemployed workers has cleared a Republican filibuster in the Senate, opening the way for final congressional approval.
The Senate voted 61 to 30 on Monday to end debate on the bill. The Senate is expected … Read : Bipartisan jobs bill clears GOP filibuster; final congressional approval perhaps Tuesday.

Obama on health care: ‘We’re going to make this happen’

Obama expects passage of health care bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says he expects to get the votes for his health care overhaul, telling ABC News “we’re going to make this happen.”
In an interview Monday, the president said Democrats are working to get a bill ready for a vote later this week.
He said: …. Read the original article  : Obama on health care: ‘We’re going to make this happen’.

Witness to history: Noted photographer of civil rights movement, Charles Moore dies at 79

Civil rights era photographer Charles Moore dies

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The world saw glimpses of the civil rights movement through Charles Moore’s eyes: In black-and-white photographs, he captured arresting images of the integration riots at Ole Miss in 1962, the fire hoses in Birmingham in ‘63, a Ku Klux Klan rally in North Carolina in ‘65.
The … Read more >>.

Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby with by attacking Israeli housing plan

US criticism of Israel ignites firestorm
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s fierce denunciation of Israel last week has ignited a firestorm in Congress and among powerful pro-Israel interest groups who say the criticism of America’s top Mideast ally was misplaced.

Since the controversy erupted, a bipartisan parade of influential lawmakers and interest groups has taken aim at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama administration riles Congress, pro-Israel lobby with by attacking Israeli housing plan.

Restoring US influence in Asia is a goal for Obama’s visit to Indonesia and Australia

Obama’s Asia trip more about influence than policy
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s second trip to Asia since taking office is unlikely to result in tangible accomplishments, but the two-country sojourn could be an important step in restoring U.S. influence in the region.
The economy, terrorism and climate change all figure to play prominently in …. Source article  : Restoring US influence in Asia is a goal for Obama’s visit to Indonesia and Australia.

Netanyahu defends Jerusalem building despite controversy

TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Monday plans for further housing construction in Jerusalem despite sharp international criticism and what was called the worst crisis in Israel’s ties with the US in 35 years.

Amid further repercussions from last week’s announcement by Israel of new construction in East Jerusalem, US diplomats said that …. Original source  : Netanyahu defends Jerusalem building despite controversy.

More than a dozen House members to be targeted in ads supporting health care overhaul

Lawmakers targeted in pro-health care overhaul ads
WASHINGTON – A new $1.3 million ad campaign will target 17 House Democrats this week urging them to support President Barack Obama’s health care plan.
The ads are funded by labor unions and other groups backing health care reform.
At least seven of the lawmakers – including Rep. Brad …. Read the original article  : More than a dozen House members to be targeted in ads supporting health care overhaul.