ULFA rejects peace initiative, sticks to independence

GUWAHATI – Stating that it would never compromise on its demand for sovereignty or independence, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Monday rejected the peace initiative taken by the newly floated Citizen’s Forum.

“There is no question of compromising on the main demand of sovereignty and we cannot understand how the Citizen’s Forum … Read more »»».

Probe panel to fix responsibility for Maoist massacre: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday said an inquiry committee probing the killing of 76 security personnel by Maoists in Chhattisgarh will fix responsibility at all levels, from the troop commander to the home ministry.

“(E.N.) Rammohan has promised me that he will give the report by the 24th or 25th …. Original article  : Probe panel to fix responsibility for Maoist massacre: Chidambaram.

“Changing” Bihar: 14,000 kidnapped in five years

This is a story about how Bihar has really “changed” under the ruling National Democratic Alliance government headed by chief minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar.

According to a latest police report released here today, a total of around 14,000 incidents of kidnapping, including 701 cases of abduction for ransom, were reported during the last five years … Read more »».

Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Security forces busted a guerrilla hideout and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district Monday, police said.

“Acting on specific information, police launched a search operation in Fresthar (Kreeri) in Baramulla district today (Monday),” a senior police officer told IANS.
“A huge cache of arms and ammunition …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Crusading environmentalist in kingdom of Swaziland wins international prize

Swazi environmentalist wins international prize

KASHOBA, Swaziland – When Thuli Makama set out to help struggling communities in Swaziland, she envisioned mediating agreements allowing people to collect firewood from wildlife parks. Instead, she ended up fighting to save lives.
Makama, head of the Swazi environment group Yonge Nawe, has been investigating allegations of private park rangers killing …. Original source  : Crusading environmentalist in kingdom of Swaziland wins international prize.

Report: Iran sentences 3 activists to six-year prison terms each over post-election turmoil

Iran sentences 3 opposition activists to prison

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s official news agency says a court has sentenced three prominent political activists to six years in prison each for involvement in the country’s post-election turmoil.
Monday’s report by IRNA says the activists – Mohsen Mirdamadi, Mostafa Tajzadeh and Davood Soleimani – were convicted of spreading propaganda … Read more >>.

Asian stock markets fall sharply after Goldman Sachs charged with fraud

Asian stocks fall after Goldman charged with fraud

HONG KONG – Asian stock markets tumbled Monday, following Wall Street’s slide after investment bank Goldman Sachs was charged with fraud.
Major markets fell around 2 percent or more as selling hit a broad range of industries across the region. Oil prices dropped and the dollar gained against the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Asian stock markets fall sharply after Goldman Sachs charged with fraud.

NATO oil tanker blown up in Pakistan

PESHAWAR – A powerful blast hit an oil tanker carrying supplies for NATO forces in Pakistan’s northwestern region bordering Afghanistan Monday, a media report said.

The blast that took place at Pak-Afghan Road near Jamrood Bazaar area in Khyber Agency was caused by a timed device rigged to the oil tanker, Geo News reported.
The tanker …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Once branded a coward, Andrew Pogany seethes _ and fights for PTSD victims

Once branded a coward, he fights for PTSD victims

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – They call him the angry guy now. Even his friends. And at this moment, on a snowy evening when he should be home, putting his son to bed, Andrew Pogany is, in fact, ticked off.
He sits with a soldier in a law office. …. Read the original article  : here.

San Diego police: Man shot at US-Mexico border is 54-year-old believed to be from Colorado

Police: Man shot at border thought from Colorado

SAN DIEGO – San Diego police say a man shot and wounded by federal officers after he allegedly sped from a gate at the nation’s busiest border crossing is a 54-year-old believed to be from Colorado.
Lt. Kevin Rooney said Sunday that Richard Cress remained hospitalized at University of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : San Diego police: Man shot at US-Mexico border is 54-year-old believed to be from Colorado.

Report: Federal grand jury probing Countrywide Financial

Report: Countrywide Financial being probed

NEW YORK – A newspaper is reporting that federal authorities are picking up the pace in a criminal investigation of former mortgage giant Countrywide Financial Corp. and its role in the meltdown in 2007 and 2008 of the U.S. housing and finance industries.
The Wall Street Journal cited anonymous sources in reporting … Read : Report: Federal grand jury probing Countrywide Financial.

Hospital investigated 1996 complaint against Del. pediatrician accused of molesting patients

Del. pediatrician was subject of 1996 complaint

LEWES, Del. – A Delaware hospital has revealed that it investigated a 1996 complaint against a pediatrician now accused of molesting more than 100 patients, but the doctor was cleared of any wrongdoing.
A nurse reported in 1996 that Dr. Earl Bradley may have inappropriately touched young girls in his …. Source  : Hospital investigated 1996 complaint against Del. pediatrician accused of molesting patients.

SEC fraud case damages Goldman’s reputation, could undercut dominance

Fraud charge deals big blow to Goldman’s image

NEW YORK – While Goldman Sachs contends with the government’s civil fraud charges, an equally serious problem looms: a damaged reputation that may cost it clients.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s bombshell civil fraud charge against Goldman has tarnished the Wall Street bank’s already bruised image, analysts say. It … Read more »»».

UK’s Gordon Brown lashes out at Goldman Sachs, calls for inquiry

Goldman Sachs faces questions in Europe
LONDON – Goldman Sachs is facing a potential backlash in Europe over the fraud case brought against it in the United States, with Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for authorities there to investigate and accusing the investment bank of “moral bankruptcy.”

Germany also said it would ask for detailed information … Original source on Gaea Times at : UK’s Gordon Brown lashes out at Goldman Sachs, calls for inquiry.

Steelers’ Roethlisberger expected at practice, but numerous questions remain

Steelers’ Roethlisberger back _ but for how long?

PITTSBURGH – Ben Roethlisberger will line up under center, take the snap and throw his first pass to a teammate since the Steelers ended the season Jan. 3.
There won’t be any applause.
There likely won’t be much reaction from his teammates, who have seen the highest-paid player in franchise … Original article on : Steelers’ Roethlisberger expected at practice, but numerous questions remain.

Browns RB Chris Jennings accused of punching bouncer outside nightclub, no charges filed

Browns RB Jennings accused of punching bouncer

CLEVELAND – Browns running back Chris Jennings has been released from jail while authorities determine whether to file charges over allegations he hit a bouncer outside a Cleveland nightclub.
Jennings was arrested early Saturday morning.
John O’Brien, a spokesman with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, says Jennings is accused of punching … Read more : Browns RB Chris Jennings accused of punching bouncer outside nightclub, no charges filed.

Obscure crime lab now at forefront of major legal scandal in San Francisco

SF crime lab at center of growing scandal
SAN FRANCISCO – The tape recorder started rolling as two police investigators sat in their car in a hospital parking lot with Deborah Madden on Feb. 26. “You’re causing a huge nightmare for the city,” said one officer.

Now the 60-year-old technician and the obscure police crime lab where … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obscure crime lab now at forefront of major legal scandal in San Francisco.

Venezuelan police say former boxing champ Valero detained on suspicion of killing wife

Police: Boxer Valero suspected of killing wife

CARACAS, Venezuela – Former lightweight champion Edwin Valero was detained Sunday on suspicion of killing his wife, the gravest in a string of problems that have threatened to derail his career. Prosecutors say they will charge Valero in the killing “in the coming hours.”
Venezuelan Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores …. Source article  : Venezuelan police say former boxing champ Valero detained on suspicion of killing wife.

‘Bodyguards and Assassins’ dominates Hong Kong awards, wins best film, best director

‘Bodyguards and Assassins’ dominates HK awards

HONG KONG – An action thriller about a group of volunteers who protect modern China’s founding father from imperial assassins dominated the Hong Kong Film Awards, winning best film and seven other awards.
“Bodyguards and Assassins” also clinched best director for Hong Kong filmmaker Teddy Chen.
“Echoes of the Rainbow,” a nostalgic … Read more »»».

Venezuelan police say suspended boxing champ Valero detained on suspicion of killing wife

Police: Boxer Valero suspected of killing wife

CARACAS, Venezuela – Suspended WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero was detained on suspicion of killing his wife on Sunday, police said.
Venezuelan Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores said Valero was arrested after police found the body of his wife in a hotel in the city of Valencia.
Flores said Valero left …. Read the original article  : Venezuelan police say suspended boxing champ Valero detained on suspicion of killing wife.