Tourism ministry to help illuminate 20 Delhi monuments during Games

NEW DELHI – The tourism ministry would finance the illumination of 20 centrally protected monuments in the national capital in time for the October Commonwealth Games.

“With financial support from the ministry of tourism, 20 centrally protected monuments in Delhi have been identified for illumination for the Commonwealth Games 2010,” said a statement issued by the …. Original article  : Tourism ministry to help illuminate 20 Delhi monuments during Games.

Witnesses, official say Pakistani jets killed up to 71 civilians close to Afghan border

Pakistani villagers claim many civilians slain

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Survivors and a government official say up to 71 civilians were killed in a weekend air raid by Pakistani jets close to the Afghan border.
The army is denying any civilians were killed, saying militants were gathering in the village.
Two survivors interviewed Tuesday said the victims of the …. Source  : Witnesses, official say Pakistani jets killed up to 71 civilians close to Afghan border.

China pledges to work with United States on Iran sanctions

WASHINGTON – Chinese President Hu Jintao has promised U.S. President Barack Obama that he will join in negotiations for a new package of sanctions against Iran, officials here said.

However, Jintao made no specific commitment on backing measures that the U.S. considers are severe enough to force a change in direction in Iran’s nuclear program.
During a …. Read the original article  : China pledges to work with United States on Iran sanctions.

Brit milkman blames Google Maps Street View for garage break-in!

LONDON – A milkman reckons his garage was burgled after crooks spotted expensive contents on the Google Maps Street View website.

Gordon Rayner, 54, of Thackley, Bradford, West Yorks, said: “The garage door was left open, you can clearly see everything in there.
“They should have blacked that out. It is just an invitation for any criminal [..] Read the original article: here.

India’s growth to accelerate in 2010: ADB

HONG KONG – India’s rebound from the global crisis is set to accelerate in 2010, with estimated growth of 8.2 percent, although rising price pressures present a challenge to policy makers as they steer the economy’s recovery, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in a new major report.

The Asian Development Outlook 2010 (ADO 2010), ADB’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : India’s growth to accelerate in 2010: ADB.

Devotees visit Amritsar’s Golden Temple on Baisakhi

AMRITSAR – Thousands of devotees from across the country visited the Golden Temple at Amritasar, as festivities began for the harvest festival of Baisakhi. hey waited patiently to pay their respects at the shrine, while some took a dig in holy pond to purify themselves.

“Devotees celebrate this festival with great fervor. They come to Harvinder …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Devotees visit Amritsar’s Golden Temple on Baisakhi.

Developing Asia’s recovery from crisis taking firm hold, says ADB

HONG KONG – Developing Asia’s strong recovery from the effects of the global economic crisis is expected to continue through the next two years, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in a new major report.

ADB’s annual flagship economic publication, Asian Development Outlook 2010 (ADO 2010), released today, forecasts robust growth of 7.5 percent in 2010, …. Original source  : Developing Asia’s recovery from crisis taking firm hold, says ADB.

Uttarakhand villages facing acute water shortage

NAINITAL – Residents of several villages near the tourist town of Nainital are facing an acute water shortage, and are travelling to travel about two kilometres to fetch drinking water.

According to them, water at home is only available for an hour.
“We are facing many problems because of water shortage. We are not getting water at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Uttarakhand villages facing acute water shortage.

Asia needs to restore fiscal, monetary prudence: ADB Report

HONG KONG – As the global crisis recedes, developing Asia should exit expansionary monetary and fiscal policies appropriately and reaffirm its commitment to the sound and responsible policies that have fostered macroeconomic stability and sustained growth.

The Asian Development Outlook 2010 (ADO 2010), released today, notes that Asia’s decisive fiscal and monetary response to the crisis …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kashmir observes shutdown in protest against conviction of six Kashmiris

SRINAGAR – The hardliner faction of the Hurriyat Conference which is led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani spearheaded a shutdown in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday in protest against the conviction of six Kashmiris, including a woman, Farida Behanji, for their alleged involvement in the Lajpat Nagar bomb blast case in New Delhi.

The Patiala House … Read more »»».

Vice President greets nation ahead of Baisakhi

NEW DELHI – Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari today greeted the people for the harvest festival of Baisakhi.

In his message he said that the rituals and the colourful festivities associated with this festival to transcend all socio-economic barriers and unite one and all.
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our …. Source article  : Vice President greets nation ahead of Baisakhi.

Tata Steel calls for social infrastructure development in Maoist infested areas

KOLKATA – Expressing concern over the increasing Maoist activities, Hemant M Nerurkar, Managing Director of the Indian steel giant, Tata Steel, said that social infrastructure and allied development in Maoists infested areas of tribal and backward regions are needed to tackle the rebels.

Addressing the …. Source article  : Tata Steel calls for social infrastructure development in Maoist infested areas.

Wine festival in Bangalore draws wine lovers in large numbers

BANGALORE – Enthusiasts recently turned up in large numbers to get a taste of exclusive varieties of wines during the two-day long wine festival held here.

The festival was held at the White Petals, Palace Grounds, Bangalore.
Organised by the Karnataka Wine Board, …. Original article  : Wine festival in Bangalore draws wine lovers in large numbers.

Tharoor denies pressurising Modi over Kochi IPL franchisee

NEW DELHI – Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi spat escalated further with Tharoor denying the allegation made by Modi.

Modi in his email to BCCI chief Shashank Manohar had stated it was Tharoor who called him and … Read more : Tharoor denies pressurising Modi over Kochi IPL franchisee.

Pre-monsoon rains bring down temperature in Himachal Pradesh

DHARAMSALA – Pre-monsoon rains on Monday not only brought down the temperature, but also ushered smiles on the faces of locals and tourists in Dharamsala.

Apart from Dharamsala, several other places in this hills state experienced welcome showers that brought down the level of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pre-monsoon rains bring down temperature in Himachal Pradesh.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon compliments Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who is here to attend the Nuclear Security Summit has complimented Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her work, especially for the Asian people.

After interaction with Hillary Clinton, Ban Ki-Moon said: “I particularly appreciate your leadership in …. Source  : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon compliments Hillary Clinton.

Dominatrix hires village hall in UK for bondage sessions with ’slaves’!

LONDON – A dominatrix has hired a village hall in the UK for kinky bondage sessions with her “slaves”.

The hall in Waters Upton, Shropshire is normally used for genteel whist drives and art classes.
The dominatrix who styles herself as “Mistress Tia” rented it out for photo and video bondage sessions with her “slaves”.
And she …. Source article  : Dominatrix hires village hall in UK for bondage sessions with ’slaves’!.

Croatian teen wakes from coma, starts speaking fluent German!

LONDON – A 13-year-old Croatian girl shocked her doctors and parents when she woke up from coma speaking fluent German.

The girl, from the southern town of Knin, had just started studying German at school and had been reading German books and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Croatian teen wakes from coma, starts speaking fluent German!.

Kazak President lauds India’s role in building Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev lauded India’s role in building Afghanistan.

During a 45-minute meeting with visiting Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit here on Monday, President Nazarbayev appreciated India’s ole in … Read more »»».

Gita Sahgal leaves job over Amnesty-’pro-jihadi’ links scandal

LONDON – A senior Indian official at Amnesty International, Gita Sahgal, who was suspended after she complained that the human rights organization was closely linked to a “pro-jihadi group” has left her job.

Sahgal came under wide public attention … Read more >>.