33rd SAARC Literature Festival March 26-29

NEW DELHI – The impact of environment on literature will be the focus of the 33rd SAARC Festival of Literature at the India International Centre March 26-29.

Writers, academics, artists, folklorists, historians, greens, and peace and gender activists from eight South Asian countries will discuss how nature and environment have been key constituents of literature …. Original source  : 33rd SAARC Literature Festival March 26-29.

Hindus celebrate ‘Ram Navami’

AYODHYA/NEW DELHI – Hindu devotees celebrate the festival of Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama on Wednesday.

The festival marks the end of the nine-day long fasting and Navaratri festival in north India.
At Ayodhya, which is considered to be the birthplace of Rama, hundreds of devotees took holy dip in river Saryu and visited … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hindus celebrate ‘Ram Navami’.

Etawah road accident sparks off agitation

ETAWAH – Etawah locals turned violent on Wednesday following the death of a youth in a head on car-bike collision.

The violent locals damaged public property and pelted stones on police, as they attempted to bring the situation under control.
The authorities reportedly rushed additional policemen when the situation turned out of control. But the move was … Read more : Etawah road accident sparks off agitation.

Art of Living volunteers team up to clean river Yamuna

NEW DELHI – The Art of Living volunteers came together on Wednesday to clean the banks and clear the flow of the water of river Yamuna, claiming to be highly inspired by Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

This cleanliness drive is part of a campaign that was mooted and launched by renowned Sri Sri Ravi …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Art of Living volunteers team up to clean river Yamuna.

Secrets behind sharp memory in ’super-aged’ individuals revealed

WASHINGTON – The secret behind the super-sharp memory in elderly people-the so-called “super-aged” individuals-has now been unveiled.

Dr. Changiz Geula, and colleagues said that the “super-aged” individuals, actually somehow escaped formation of brain “tangles”, which consist of an abnormal form of a protein called “tau” that damages and eventually kills nerve cells.
Named for their snarled, knotted …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Secrets behind sharp memory in ’super-aged’ individuals revealed.

Karunanidhi to remain undisputed DMK leader

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s elder son M K Azhagiri has said that he cannot accept anyone as the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party after his father.

In an interview to a Tamil magazine, Azhagiri, who is the Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister asserted that no one could replace his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Karunanidhi to remain undisputed DMK leader.

The brand and the woman: Crafting a success story in rural India

Come March and 92-year-old Hansiben will be walking the ramp in New Delhi, the Indian capital. It has been an extraordinary 23-year journey to success for this artisan from a little known village in the state of Gujarat, a state known for its intricate handicrafts, and who has a clothing and accessories brand named after …. Source  : The brand and the woman: Crafting a success story in rural India.

Canary Islands’ Police Kill Tigers

MADRID, SPAIN (GaeaTimes.com)- The Canary Islands‘ Cocodrilos Park zoo had to lose three tigers on Tuesday. Three tigers of the zoo who had escaped were gunned down by the Civil Guard Police on Tuesday only. According to reports the officials of the Canary Islands zoo have declared to the media that nobody was …. Source article  : Canary Islands’ Police Kill Tigers.

A new spring in India-Bangladesh ties

In the misty chill of Delhi\’s fierce winter, India and Bangladesh heralded a new spring in their bilateral ties. Taking inspiration from the unity themes in the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, the two iconic poets of the subcontinent, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed on Jan …. Original article  : A new spring in India-Bangladesh ties.

From fiction to fact: India forever in Afghanistan

From the days of the gentle Kabuliwala, the eponymous story about a towering Afghan and his relationship with a young girl, to thousands of Indians busy building roads, bridges and power stations amid the relentless violence in Afghanistan, the saga of Indian-Afghan bonding, despite it not finding favour with some countries, has few parallels …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : From fiction to fact: India forever in Afghanistan.

Sydney serial ‘breast grabber’ strikes again

MELBOURNE – A man suspected of indecently assaulting women in the streets of Sydney has struck for the fourth time.

The suspected serial breast grabber was said to have attacked a 19-year-old woman walking on Crawley Street, Merrylands before fleeing to a nearby street.
The latest incident comes after three other similar indecent assaults were reported in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sydney serial ‘breast grabber’ strikes again.

Michelle Obama meets The Simpsons

LONDON – Michelle Obama has become the latest high profiler to feature in the hit animated series The Simpsons.

The US First Lady was shown wrapped in purple and pearls as she jetted into Springfield for an inspirational visit to the local school children.
The Stealing First Base” episode shows the mum-of-two defending Lisa over teasing at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Michelle Obama meets The Simpsons.

Biden drops the F-bomb after Obama signs historic health reforms

LONDON – US Vice President Joe Biden let out an over zealous reaction as President Barack Obama signed historic health reform into law.

The gaffe-prone vice president was said to have remarked aside to his boss, “This is a big f—— deal,” meant for Obama’s ears only.
But the expletive was picked up on television microphones and …. Read the original article  : here.

Strategic dialogue: Pak looking to take maximum advantage of their moment in the sun

WASHINGTON – The United States and Pakistan have had a history of “trust deficit”. However, in the recent past things have improved considerably with President Obama offering huge monetary and military assistance to Islamabad. It is this change that Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his team of officials would like to exploit during …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Strategic dialogue: Pak looking to take maximum advantage of their moment in the sun.

Jammu and Kashmir ready for ensuing civic polls

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the State is ready for civic polls, to be conducted in April.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Abdullah said: “”The electoral rolls and other preparations have to be done. We will also ensure that the conditions are conducive for those who want to … Read : Jammu and Kashmir ready for ensuing civic polls.

James Bond fan builds fiery scooter

LONDON – Colin Furze drew inspiration from James Bond to design and install a rear facing flamethrower on his sports scooter – because he was sick and tired of drivers cutting him up.

The 30-year-old Furze from Stamford, Lincolnshire, took a month and three attempts to convert his 60mph sccoter into a complete road-rage revenge vehicle.
The … Original article on : James Bond fan builds fiery scooter.

Gujjars seek Sonia Gandhi’s intervention against anti-tribal Bill

JAMMU – Seeking immediate intervention of Congress President Sonia Gandhi against anti-reservation policies, the All India Gujjar Mahasabha has strongly opposed the controversial Bill move by the government to ban inter-district recruitment in the State and said the Bill is anti tribal.

In a statement issued by State President of Mahasabha, Eshfaq-ur- Rehman Poswal said the …. Read the original article  : Gujjars seek Sonia Gandhi’s intervention against anti-tribal Bill.

‘Bounty put on women sailors’ on board HMAS Success

MELBOURNE – It has emerged that along with the predatory behaviour, intimidation, bullying and abuse of female sailors on board the HMAS Success, bounties were also placed on their heads.

An independent inquiry was previously told by Commanding Officer Simon Brown that female officers had “bounties” placed on their heads by males competing to have sex …. Read the original article  : ‘Bounty put on women sailors’ on board HMAS Success.

CAPITAL CULTURE: Forget about the Obama boys club; women’s club takes hold at White House

CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama tackles boys club image
WASHINGTON – The highest-ranking women on President Barack Obama’s staff have created a sort of informal women’s club.
Women fill several top jobs in the White House. Senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend of the president, is considered one of his closest aides. Melody Barnes oversees Obama’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : CAPITAL CULTURE: Forget about the Obama boys club; women’s club takes hold at White House.

Colleagues: Boston man held in North Korea is devout Christian who rallied against Pyongyang

US man held in NKorea rallied against Pyongyang
SEOUL, South Korea – A Boston man detained in North Korea is a quiet, devout Christian so concerned about an American missionary held in Pyongyang that he was moved to tears at rallies protesting the communist regime, fellow activists said Wednesday.
North Korea announced Monday that … Read more >>.