Pakistan edges closer to banning domestic violence, even as Islamists warn of ‘chaos’

Pakistan edges closer to banning domestic violence

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan – For seven years, her husband taunted, threatened and thrashed her, she says. After she filed for divorce, he struck again, throwing enough acid on her face to destroy her left eye.
Why didn’t she leave sooner? Or turn to the police for help? Zakia Perveen’s scarred lips …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan edges closer to banning domestic violence, even as Islamists warn of ‘chaos’.

Protesters prepare for mass rally, defy state of emergency decree in Bangkok

Protesters defy state of emergency in Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thailand’s beleaguered government moved to shut down media outlets of anti-government demonstrators Thursday after declaring a state of emergency, while the activists vowed to escalate their protests if an information blackout is enforced.
The defiant “Red Shirts” have controlled areas of the Thai capital for nearly a month … Read more »»».

Congress calls for shutdown following Maoist massacre in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – A day-long shutdown was called in Chhattisgarh by the opposition Congress Party on Thursday to protest against Tuesday’s Maoist massacre that killed 76 CRPF personnel.

As per initial reports, schools were closed and public transport was hit … Read more »»».

Lawmakers want State Department to rethink Cuba aid program’s shift to private contractors

US funding of Cuba democracy work draws scrutiny
MIAMI – Lawmakers in Washington are pushing the White House to take another look at a Bush-era shift in U.S. aid for Cuba to private contractors instead of nonprofit groups.
Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Rep. Howard Berman of California temporarily blocked the renewal of about … Read more »».

Key opposition party in northern Sudan to boycott this week’s parliamentary, local elections

Key opposition party in north boycotts Sudan vote

KHARTOUM, Sudan – A key Sudanese opposition party in the country’s north says it will boycott this week’s local and parliamentary elections.
The pullout by the Umma Party is another blow to the first multiparty elections in more than two decades in Sudan.
The main southern party, the Sudanese People’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Key opposition party in northern Sudan to boycott this week’s parliamentary, local elections.

Germany to host international conference on financial market regulation on May 20

Germany to host financial regulation summit May 20

BERLIN – Germany says it will host an international conference on May 20 to discuss regulatory and supervisory reform of financial markets.
The Finance Ministry said Thursday that participants will include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde and OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria.
The ministry said “high-level participation” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Germany to host international conference on financial market regulation on May 20.

Highest risks cited by Census Bureau that could derail the 2010 population count

High risks that threaten to derail 2010 census

The highest risks identified by the Census Bureau that could derail the 2010 population count, as of early April. The risks are listed in order of threat level, with the red category posing the largest potential of harm in driving up costs, creating inaccuracies and causing delays. Risk … Read more : Highest risks cited by Census Bureau that could derail the 2010 population count.

With US census under way, are lawsuits, identity theft and sampling to come? Gov’t gets ready

US census on track but toughest part yet to come

WASHINGTON – The Census Bureau is preparing for a slew of possible debacles that could derail its $15 billion head count as it nears its final stages.
The Associated Press has obtained Census Bureau documents that underscore the highly fragile nature of the high-stakes population count.
The concerns …. Read the original article  : With US census under way, are lawsuits, identity theft and sampling to come? Gov’t gets ready.

Manmohan Singh to preside over price rise meeting

NEW DELHI – The first meeting of the high-powered committee on price rise, constituted by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, will convene its first meeting today.
The committee, comprising Chief Ministers of ten states, was constituted on February 6 after a day-long deliberation on the …. Source  : Manmohan Singh to preside over price rise meeting.

Kyrgyzstan’s opposition proclaims interim government, calls on president to resign

Kyrgyz opposition forms interim government

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – An opposition coalition in Kyrgyzstan proclaimed an interim government Thursday in the wake of clashes that left dozens dead nationwide, and said it would rule for six months before calling new elections.
Opposition leader Roza Otunbayeva said she would head the interim government, and that the parliament was dissolved. …. Source article  : Kyrgyzstan’s opposition proclaims interim government, calls on president to resign.

Big scare on Denver-bound flight may have resulted from man trying to sneak a smoke

AP source: Man on flight trying to sneak smoke
DENVER – A Mideast diplomat who grabbed a surreptitious smoke in a jetliner’s bathroom sparked a bomb scare and widespread alert that sent jet fighters scrambling to intercept the Denver-bound flight, officials said.
But no explosives were found and authorities speaking on …. Original source  : Big scare on Denver-bound flight may have resulted from man trying to sneak a smoke.

AP source: Man who caused scare by trying to sneak smoke on flight will not be charged

AP source: Man on flight will not be charged
DENVER – A law enforcement official says there will be no criminal charges against a Qatari diplomat who sparked a bomb scare Wednesday night by trying to sneak a smoke in a bathroom on a commercial flight from Washington to Denver.
The official wasn’t authorized to … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP source: Man who caused scare by trying to sneak smoke on flight will not be charged.

First talks on new Iran sanctions resolution to be held Thursday after China agrees

First talks on new Iran sanctions resolution
UNITED NATIONS – After months of diplomatic dancing, China has agreed to sit down with five major powers Thursday to discuss possible new sanctions against Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment and start talks on its suspect nuclear program.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told … Read : First talks on new Iran sanctions resolution to be held Thursday after China agrees.

Kyrgyzstan’s opposition controls government headquarters, death toll rises to 68

Kyrgyz opposition controls government building

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – The opposition seized Kyrgyzstan’s government headquarters Thursday following clashes between protesters and security forces that have left 68 people dead nationwide, and appeared to control this Central Asian country that houses a key U.S. air base.
No police guarded the government headquarters, and hundreds of jubilant but calm residents … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kyrgyzstan’s opposition controls government headquarters, death toll rises to 68.

Big scare on Denver-bound airliner may have resulted from man trying to sneak a smoke

AP source: Man on flight trying to sneak smoke
DENVER – A Qatari diplomat trying to sneak a smoke in an airplane bathroom sparked a bomb scare Wednesday night on a flight from Washington to Denver, with fighter jets scrambled and law enforcement put on high alert, officials said.
No explosives were found on the … Read more : Big scare on Denver-bound airliner may have resulted from man trying to sneak a smoke.

No Op Green Hunt in Bihar, says DGP

A day after a deadly attack by the Maoist insurgents killed 76 police in Chhatisgarh, Bihar has ruled out launching operation against the left wing extremists.

“The Operation Green Hunt is a hundred percent Centre sponsored campaign against the Maoist guerrillas and unless the former gives such proposals to the state government, nothing can be said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Air marshal subdues man on DC-Denver flight, may have tried to ignite his shoes

Air marshal subdues man on DC-Denver flight

WASHINGTON – The FBI is probing whether a man tried to ignite his shoes on a DC to Denver flight Wednesday, according to law enforcement officials, who say the man is a Qatari diplomat.
An official said an air marshal on the flight apparently restrained them. The official spoke on …. Original source  : Air marshal subdues man on DC-Denver flight, may have tried to ignite his shoes.

Gates says national security strategy report should be out “within the next few weeks”

Gates: national security report nearly done
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday a comprehensive national security strategy report that is months overdue should be finished in the next few weeks.
President Barack Obama is required by law to submit the report within 150 days of taking office.
“We are, I think, within a …. Original source  : Gates says national security strategy report should be out “within the next few weeks”.

Sri Lankans vote for new Parliament as their leader looks to consolidate power

Sri Lankans vote in parliamentary elections

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lankans faced a clear choice in Thursday’s parliamentary elections between further strengthening the president’s hand in deciding the nation’s postwar fate or trying to check his power.
Few voters were seen at the polls in Colombo in the morning, possibly from voter fatigue just three months …. Source article  : Sri Lankans vote for new Parliament as their leader looks to consolidate power.

AP Sources: Top House Dems concerned Mich.’s Stupak may retire, urge him to seek re-election

AP Sources: Dems urge Stupak to seek re-election
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – The two top-ranking Democrats in the U.S. House fear Rep. Bart Stupak may retire after drawing fierce criticism during the health care debate and have urged him to seek re-election, congressional aides told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and …. Source  : AP Sources: Top House Dems concerned Mich.’s Stupak may retire, urge him to seek re-election.