Iran jails ex-vice president convicted of spreading propaganda against clerical establishment

Iran jails former vice president, reform activist

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian appeals court has upheld the conviction of a former vice president on a charge of spreading propaganda against the ruling clerical establishment during the postelection turmoil.
The court also confirmed a one-year prison sentence for Hossein Marashi. A close relative said authorities took him into … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iran jails ex-vice president convicted of spreading propaganda against clerical establishment.

First lesbian bishop consecrated with Episcopal Church’s approval

LONDON – In what has been seen as a move likely to worsen divisions over homosexuality, an Anglican church in the US has approved the consecration of its first openly lesbian bishop.

The Episcopal Church of the USA, the most liberal province within the Anglican Communion, had been under pressure not to allow the Rev Mary … Original article on : First lesbian bishop consecrated with Episcopal Church’s approval.

John Edwards’ estranged wife ‘disgusted’ by his mistress’ GQ photoshoot

NEW YORK – John Edwards’ estranged wife Elizabeth was ‘disgusted’ by his mistress’ Rielle Hunter’s racy photos and GQ interview.

“She was disgusted by the photos like everyone. But she moved on pretty quickly,” the New York Daily News quoted a source as telling People.com
Elizabeth’s sister Nancy Anania told the magazine: “She seems to be happy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : John Edwards’ estranged wife ‘disgusted’ by his mistress’ GQ photoshoot.

French MP campaigning to legalise brothels

LONDON – A French lawmaker from President Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP party is raising demands to legalise brothels, more than 60 years after Paris banned them.

Chantal Brunel, MP for the western Paris suburbs and the head of the national watchdog on sexual equality, believes crime rates would dip and sex workers would benefit from “sexual services …. Read the original article  : French MP campaigning to legalise brothels.

India has reduced over 35,000 troops in Kashmir

JAMMU – Without much fanfare, India has withdrawn over 35,000 troops from Jammu and Kashmir. More troops are expected to be withdrawn soon.

Over 35,000 troops have been reduced in Jammu and Kashmir in the past 15 months, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the state legislative assembly. He promised a further decline in the …. Original source  : India has reduced over 35,000 troops in Kashmir.

Top Pak Islamic scholar issues 600-page ‘fatwa’ against terrorism, suicide bombings

ISLAMABAD – Influential Pakistani scholar Dr Tahir ul-Qadri has issued a 600-page ‘fatwa’ against terrorism and suicide bombing.

Speaking to reporters after releasing the ‘fatwa’ here, Qadri said suicide bombers are ‘destined for hell’ and that Islam does not support violence in any form.
“Terrorism is terrorism, violence is violence, and it has no place in Islamic …. Source article  : Top Pak Islamic scholar issues 600-page ‘fatwa’ against terrorism, suicide bombings.

Musharraf’s new political party closer to reality, but will he return?

ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reportedly accepted former President General Pervez Musharraf’s application to register a new political party named-All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), thus clearing the road for Musharraf to return to the country for another political stint.

Sources privy to the development said Musharraf was trying hard to register the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Musharraf’s new political party closer to reality, but will he return?.

Maharashtra villagers sensitized against bizarre superstitious rituals

SANGLI – Authorities have launched an awareness campaign in Maharashtra’s Sangli district to rid the locals of practising bizarre superstitious rituals.

Villagers in Sangli follow a ritual of lowering the infants into a 50-feet deep well with a belief it would help in increasing the life of the kids.
This ritual is very old and the villagers … Read more : Maharashtra villagers sensitized against bizarre superstitious rituals.

Two arrested militants brought back to Manipur

IMPHAL – Two hardcore activists of the banned KCP-MC militant outfit, who were arrested by a combined police team from Aizawl, have been brought back to Manipur.

Manipur police commandos, the Army, and Mizoram Police arrested the two militants, identified as Laishram Ranjit Singh alias Tamnganba (36) and Naorem Anand Singh alias Pari (28) on March …. Read the original article  : Two arrested militants brought back to Manipur.

Displaced Uttar Pradesh tribals demonstrate against Mayawati government

SONBHADRA – Displaced tribals Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district staged a demonstration on Thursday against the Bahujan Samaj Party-led state government, demanding adequate compensation.

The tribals say that they have not yet received the compensation promised by the state government, which took their land for setting up a thermal power plant.
“The government promised us jobs in lieu … Original article on : Displaced Uttar Pradesh tribals demonstrate against Mayawati government.

Singapore President Nathan visits Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala

TIRUPATI – Singapore President Sellapan Rama Nathan, whose is of Indian descent, visited the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala

On his arrival at the Renigunta Airport on Thursday, he was received by Singapore Consulate General, Mohammed Noor Bin Yusuf, District Collector V Seshadri, Superintendent of Police (Admin) Ammi Reddy and other officials.
Nathan was accompanied by his …. Source article  : Singapore President Nathan visits Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala.

Husain’s work fetches over Rs.2 crore

NEW DELHI – An untitled work by eminent painter M.F. Husain sold for over Rs.2 crore at the Saffronart Spring Online Auction 2010.

The art work that crossed the Rs.2 crore mark shows four horses and a female rider and was painted by Husain 1970.
The Saffronart auction Wednesday witnessed a resurgence in demand for works … Read : Husain’s work fetches over Rs.2 crore.

Police presence high in east Jerusalem; West Bank sealed in anticipation of possible unrest

Police presence high in volatile east Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – The Israeli police presence in east Jerusalem is high and Palestinian access to the city’s holiest site is being strictly limited in anticipation of possible unrest Friday.
Israel is also barring nearly all West Bank Palestinians from entering the city.
Friday is the Muslim holy day, and in tense … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police presence high in east Jerusalem; West Bank sealed in anticipation of possible unrest.

For sale: Jaguar Daimler Majestic built specifically for Queen

LONDON – If you’ve always wanted to travel like a king, then here’s your chance – the Queen’s customised Jaguar Daimler Majestic is up for sale.

The 2001 made roadster has clocked 14,000 miles and was used by the British monarch until 2004.
Since it was designed specifically for the Queen, special features include an armrest to …. Original source  : For sale: Jaguar Daimler Majestic built specifically for Queen.

India will have world’s most educated people by 2030: Sibal

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal has said that India will have the most educated people by 2030, thereby stressing on the use of technology to spread education to dispossessed areas of the country.

Sibal said the government is giving weightage to the use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to increase … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India will have world’s most educated people by 2030: Sibal.

Food experts say TV, travel and economy have helped make broad range of cheeses trendy in US

Food experts: TV, travel have made cheese trendy

MADISON, Wis. – Americans who grew up on grilled cheese and macaroni have developed more adventuresome tastes in adulthood, experimenting with a broader range of cheeses and often seeking the sharper flavors that have traditionally been popular in Europe.
Food experts shared their observations on Americans’ evolving palates this …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Food experts say TV, travel and economy have helped make broad range of cheeses trendy in US.

EGoM clears draft Food Security Bill

NEW DELHI – Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) has cleared the draft of the Food Security Bill.

The Bill will enable every person Below the Poverty Line (BPL) to receive 25 kilograms of wheat or rice per month at the rate of Rupees three or 0.065 per kilogram.
“EGoM … Read : EGoM clears draft Food Security Bill.

Leave a lasting impression on Commonwealth Games guests: Sheila Dikshit

NEW DELHI – As New Delhi gears to host the Commonwealth Games (CWG), Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has asked citizens to put their best foot forward and leave a lasting impression on the guests.

Addressing a tourism conclave here on Thursday, Dikshit said: “I can see a lot mannerisms changing, but it is still not enough. …. Source article  : Leave a lasting impression on Commonwealth Games guests: Sheila Dikshit.

Civilians of unit run canteens of defence forces allege mismanagement

NEW DELHI – Civilians of Unit Run Canteens (URCs) functioning under the three wings of India’s defence forces – Army, Navy and Air Force have sought parity in pay and benefits with their parent organisation, the Canteen Stores Department (CSD).

Under the banner of All India Defence Civilian Canteen Employees Union (AIDCCEU), they staged a protest …. Source  : Civilians of unit run canteens of defence forces allege mismanagement.

UK equalities watchdog says ‘Indians only’ advert broke the law

LONDON – Britain’s Equalities and Human Rights Commission has said a job ad for a worker “preferably of Indian origin” broke the law.

Computer firm Torry Harris, which has offices in Bristol and Bangalore in India, posted the advertisement for the 38,000-pound-a-year IT post on a website.
The company said it was looking for someone who “should … Read more »».