Fake encounter in Kashmir: Imperatives for a thorough investigation

NEW DELHI – The Union Government, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Army are seized with the investigations into the alleged fake encounter by some Army personnel.

It is alleged that the Army had, on April 30, declared the elimination of three unidentified infiltrators in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fake encounter in Kashmir: Imperatives for a thorough investigation.

Female ghost in Malaysian police lock-up giving cops nightmares

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian cops have reported that a ghostly apparition of a woman with long hair in a white dress has been haunting their police lock-up.

According to the Harian Metro, the ghost has apparently been disturbing officers on night duty at the Betong district police headquarters … Read more : Female ghost in Malaysian police lock-up giving cops nightmares.

Jacob Zuma to become dad for the 21st time?

JOHANNESBURG – South African President Jacob Zuma is apparently set to become a father for the 21st time.

He is said to be expecting the new baby with his second wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli (better known as MaNtuli), amid rumours that their relationship is on the rocks.

Officials in … Read more : Jacob Zuma to become dad for the 21st time?.

Federal level intervention needed to counter growing terror in Pak’s Punjab

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s cagey and conflicting statements in wake of the appalling attacks on two Ahmedi mosques in Lahore have done little to alleviate the situation.

The minister has bizarrely claimed that the militants involved in the various attacks …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New Indian initiative for art looted during British rule

LONDON – Britain expects India to shortly ask yet again for the return of its artefacts allegedly looted during the colonial period and now showcased in various British museums.

According to The Independent newspaper, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is compiling a list of the stolen riches before launching a “diplomatic and legal campaign” for … Read more »»».

Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage to Tibet begins

NEW DELHI – The first batch of Hindu devotees left New Delhi on Tuesday for the annual Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

The batch of pilgrims comprised of 50 devotees.

“According to our holy books, pilgrimage of Kailash-Mansarovar is one of the major pilgrimages of the … Original article on : Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage to Tibet begins.

Police baton-charge Bijnore locals protesting excessive power cuts

BIJNORE – Police baton-charged locals here on Monday to end their weeklong protest against excessive power cuts in Nehtaur town in Uttar Pradesh Bijnore District.

The locals pelted stones, burnt effigies and damaged various vehicles including police jeeps in retaliation.

Many police personnel got injured in the clash.

The clash came …. Original article  : Police baton-charge Bijnore locals protesting excessive power cuts.

Dining in the sky

LONDON – This is one up on roof-top, revolving restaurants. A dining hall virtually hanging in the sky, 100 feet above the ground.

The Festival in the Sky, a 22-seat dinner table hoisted into the air by a huge crane, will be the attraction at the Edinburgh Festival in England this August.
Each of the guests …. Source article  : Dining in the sky.

Memorial Day Quotes 2010

NEWYORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Memorial Day is celebrated on May 31 to commemorate those brave heart who had served in the armed forces.
Memorial Day has been celebrated for over 100 years. But it was only 1971, when it was declared as a National Holiday.
In 1968, Civil War General John Logan started Memorial Day. It was … Read more : Memorial Day Quotes 2010.

Perturbed Hindus ask for immediate recall of “Kali Mints”

NEVADA – Upset Hindus have asked for the immediate withdrawal of “Kali Mints” sold by a Washington (USA) based firm, calling it inappropriate.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other … Read more : Perturbed Hindus ask for immediate recall of “Kali Mints”.

Frenchman with no arms and legs prepares to swim English Channel

LONDON – Frenchman Philippe Croizon, who lost his limbs in a freak accident, hopes to complete the 22 mile crossing of the English Channel in 24 hours.

If he is successful, the feat will earn him a place in the record books, The Telegraph reports.

Croizon, 42, who is nicknamed “Ironman”, lost his arms and … Read more : Frenchman with no arms and legs prepares to swim English Channel.

Sharif wants result-oriented dialogue between India-Pakistan on Kashmir

LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif has laid stress on having a result-oriented composite dialogue between India and Pakistan on all issues, including Kashmir and water.

Talking to Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabrawal at his Raiwind residence here Monday, Sharif said that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sharif wants result-oriented dialogue between India-Pakistan on Kashmir.

Sarah Ferguson was drinking during tabloid sting

MELBOURNE – Disgraced Sarah Ferguson claims to have been under the influence of alcohol when she was caught red handed demanding cash for access to her former husband Prince Andrew, Britain’s trade envoy.

A sting operation by British tabloid … Read more »».

87-year-old pensioner is UK’s oldest stunt pilot

LONDON – Eighty-seven-year-old Doug Gregory has achieved a unique record of becoming Britain’s oldest stunt pilot.

Gregory, who first took to the skies over 60 years ago as a Royal Air Force pilot during the second World War, braved a strong gale this weekend to race … Read more »»».

Qureshi denied contact for hours with US officials

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Government’s big claims that it had easy access to senior American officials was exposed when Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had to wait for hours to contact any of them.

Qureshi had been trying to contact …. Source  : Qureshi denied contact for hours with US officials.

Pune blast suspect Samad Bhatkal remanded to judicial custody till June 14

MUMBAI – Abdul Samad Bhatkal, a key accused in Pune’s German Bakery blast was on Tuesday remanded to 14-days judicial custody by a local court in connection with a 2009 illegal arms seizure case.

The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jaganmohan says Congress has allowed him to continue Telangana yatra

NEW DELHI – Congress MP and the son of late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy, Jaganmohan Reddy met Law Minister Veerappa Moily on Tuesday and said all issues regarding his ongoing state tour (yatra) had been sorted out.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Reddy … Read more »».

British Airways mag shows Osama Bin Laden as ‘frequent flyer’

LONDON – In an embarrassing turn of events, a staff magazine of British Airways carried a front-page photo of Osama Bin Laden, labelling him as a frequent flyer with the airlines.

BA’s in-house Heathrow newspaper LHR News showed a photo illustrating a scheme to …. Source article  : British Airways mag shows Osama Bin Laden as ‘frequent flyer’.

86-year-old man bids adieu to 60 years of smoking

NEW DELHI – Inspired by the World No Tobacco Day, an 86-year-old man successfully said goodbye to 60 years of smoking.

Zhou Longfa from Taiwan took part in a quit smoking competition to help his son build a new house.

And the old man won a 300 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

President’s rule imposed in Jharkhand

NEW DELHI – The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on Tuesday approved the imposition of President’s rule in Jharkhand.

The move came after Jharkhand Governor MOH Farooq’s report to the Centre on the fluid political situation in the state. The governor met reprsentatives of all poltiical parties before submitting his report.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Sibu Soren …. Original article  : President’s rule imposed in Jharkhand.

BA airhostess ‘raped after being driven into Dubai desert’

LONDON – According to a court hearing, a British Airways airhostess was driven into a Dubai desert in a car, and raped afterwards.

The 25-year-old stewardess left her sister in a nightclub, looking for a taxi. But she agreed to be driven home …. Source article  : BA airhostess ‘raped after being driven into Dubai desert’.

Taliban insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts

Militants attack as Afghan peace conference starts

KABUL, Afghanistan – Taliban suicide attackers launched an assault on a national peace conference as it opened Wednesday in the Afghan capital, sparking gunbattles outside the venue. Two attackers were killed and one captured but no delegates were hurt, an official said.
The attack, reportedly including rocket fire, started within … Original source on Gaea Times at : Taliban insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts.

Flotilla raid: US trying to placate Turkey without condemning Israel

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is trying to placate an outraged Turkish government while refusing to condemn Israel for its deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza.

According to the New York Times, President Obama telephoned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip … Read more : Flotilla raid: US trying to placate Turkey without condemning Israel.

Melting ice making Mt Everest climb dangerous: Sherpas

LONDON – Sherpas have warned that the fast receding ice cover on Mt Everest is making scaling the mountain very risky, as the melting ice was exposing bare rock faces, conditions that were extremely hard to negotiate.

The climb …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Safdarjung Hospital medicos strike continues

NEW DELHI – The medicos strike at the Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital spilled over to the second day on Wednesday.

The medicos also blocked the Out Patients Department (OPD), stalling all services. pping their demands, the striking students now want that Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad …. Original source  : Safdarjung Hospital medicos strike continues.

Corruption in Pak worth staggering Rs 223 billion in 2010: Transparency International

KARACHI – Corruption has evolved as one of the major concerns for the Pakistan government , with a report of Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) revealing that a whopping 223 billion rupees were expended in …. Source article  : Corruption in Pak worth staggering Rs 223 billion in 2010: Transparency International.

US opens criminal probe into Gulf of Mexico oil spill

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration said Tuesday that it had begun civil and criminal investigations into the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The New York Times quoted Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. as saying in New Orleans that he planned to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US opens criminal probe into Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Sri Lanka slams UN Human Rights chief’s call for war crime inquest

LONDON – Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris has severely censured UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay, for persistently raking up the issue of an international inquest into alleged war-crimes committed by both the security forces and the LTTE during their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sri Lanka slams UN Human Rights chief’s call for war crime inquest.

Hyderabad mango show has hundreds of verities on display

HYDERABAD – Mango-lovers and exporters of the fruit thronged the mega mango show, showcasing scores of varieties of the fruit, in Hyderabad.

The three-day exhibition, organised by the National Board of Horticulture, began on Sunday.

Hundreds of verities mangoes were on display … Original article on : Hyderabad mango show has hundreds of verities on display.

Gaza flotilla attack: Three Pakistanis to return home Wednesday

ISLAMABAD – Three Pakistanis, including prominent TV anchor Talat Hussain, detained after Israeli commandos stormed a Gaza aid flotilla, are likely to return home Wednesday, an official said.

“The three Pakistanis will fly to Islamabad from Amman on Wednesday,” Dawn quoted a spokesman for the interior ministry as saying.
On Tuesday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said …. Source article  : Gaza flotilla attack: Three Pakistanis to return home Wednesday.

Shahzad a ‘Hybrid Terrorist’, who worked alone but got inspiration from Pak Taliban

WASHINGTON – As the US agencies continue their investigations to probe the failed Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad’s links with Pakistani extremist groups, indications are that he is a “hybrid terrorist”, who worked alone but derived inspiration from the Pakistan Taliban.

According …. Original article  : Shahzad a ‘Hybrid Terrorist’, who worked alone but got inspiration from Pak Taliban.

Prudential says it is terminating agreement to take over AIG’s Asian unit AIA

Prudential gives up on $35.3 billion AIA deal

LONDON – Prudential PLC has accepted defeat in its ambitious plan to acquire Asian insurance company AIA from U.S. insurance company AIG.
Prudential said Wednesday that it is negotiating with AIG about terminating the $35.3 billion deal, which faltered because of resistance of Prudential shareholders to the high price, …. Read the original article  : Prudential says it is terminating agreement to take over AIG’s Asian unit AIA.

The details on AT&T’s 2 new smart phone data plans

AT&T’s new smart phone data plans
Starting Monday, AT&T Inc. is replacing its current data plan with two new ones:

- The current plan provides unlimited data usage for $30 per month. If you’re a current customer, you can keep it.
- A new plan called DataPlus will provide 200 megabytes of data for $15 per month. If [..] Read the original article: here.

Cartoon in Chinese newspaper reminds some of Tiananmen crackdown, then is taken down

China cartoon brings reminder of Tiananmen, erased

BEIJING – A cartoon some Chinese say refers to the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown has been removed from the website of one of China’s most assertive newspapers, just two days before the crackdown’s anniversary.
The Southern Metropolis Daily on Tuesday published a series of cartoons for International Children’s Day. One …. Source  : Cartoon in Chinese newspaper reminds some of Tiananmen crackdown, then is taken down.

Police stations only in name in some Maoist areas: Chidambaram

RAIPUR – Police stations exist only in name in some districts most affected by left wing extremism, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Wednesday.

“The distribution of force among police stations is badly skewed, there are not enough police stations. Even where there is a police station, the strength of the force is often no more than … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police stations only in name in some Maoist areas: Chidambaram.

Policing with ill-equipped police force difficult: Chidambaram

RAIPUR – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday said policing a country of over 1.1 billion people in a troubled neighbourhood is difficult, especially if the nation has an ill-equipped police force.

“Policing a country of over 1.1 billion people is not an easy task. Policing a country in a troubled neighbourhood makes the task more difficult. …. Source article  : Policing with ill-equipped police force difficult: Chidambaram.

Pak terror factories to keep Qaeda potent despite death of no.3 Yazid: Experts

ISLAMABAD – The reported death of Al-Qaeda’s number three in command Mustafa Abu Yazid is certainly a setback for the terrorist organisation, but it would hardly have any effect on the continuing militancy in the region, particularly in Pakistan, experts have said.

Yazid, who is believed to be the financial manager of …. Source  : Pak terror factories to keep Qaeda potent despite death of no.3 Yazid: Experts.

Afghan opposition leader to boycott ‘peace jirga’, says its a PR exercise

LONDON – Former Afghan Foreign Minister and now Leader of the Opposition in the Afghan Parliament, Absullah Absullah has said he will boycott the much-hyped “peace jirga” of over 1600 tribal chieftains.

Abdullah dismissed the event as a mere ‘PR Exercise’ and has …. Read the original article  : here.

Brit mountaineer Kinloch dies after reaching Everest

LONDON – British mountaineer Peter Kinlooch died of frostbite and exhaustion in deteriorating weather hours after he achieved his life’s ambition of reaching the summit of Everest.

According to The Times, Kinloch, 28, appeared elated, taking photographs when he reached the 8,848m (29,029ft) summit, but was struck by … Read more >>>.

Bono, Bob Geldof unveil ‘Hurl Berl’ game targeting Berlusconi

LONDON – Anti-poverty campaigners Bono and Bob Geldof have unveiled an online game targeting Silvio Berlusconi – a hammer thrower in the game hurls the Italian Premier’s cartoon character into the air.he game is a sharp attack on Italy’s unfulfilled aid pledges to Africa.

Called “Hurl Berl”, the game allows … Read : Bono, Bob Geldof unveil ‘Hurl Berl’ game targeting Berlusconi.

Eight Afghan civilians killed in attacks

KABUL – Eight civilians, including four bothers, were killed in a firefight and an explosion in southern Afghanistan, a provincial spokesman said Thursday.

Four civilians were killed in crossfire between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in Marjah district in the southern province of Helmand, Daoud Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor, said.
Four …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Eight Afghan civilians killed in attacks.

Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” declares “war” on prostitution

SYDNEY – The inhabitants of Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” or Hills Shire Council, are strongly campaigning for the complete closure of the city’s brothels by seeking alterations in state planning laws.

Earlier, the council had approved a new draft development control plan that bans brothels from functioning anywhere except in industrial zones and now they will request the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” declares “war” on prostitution.

China launches fourth satellite

NEW DELHI – China successfully launched its fourth orbiter into space shortly before midnight Wednesday, as a part of its indigenous satellite navigation and positioning network known as Beidou, or Compass system.

A China Daily report said the satellite was launched from the Long March 3III carrier rocket.

It will join another three satellites in orbit to [..] Read the original article: here.

Macca feared being punched by Obama when crooning ‘Michelle’ to Michelle

LONDON – Sir Paul McCartney said that he might be the first guy ever to get punched by a president, after he serenaded US First Lady Michelle Obama with the lyrics “I love you, I love you, I love you”.

At a White House event honouring his contribution to music, McCartney dedicated a rendition of the … Read more >>.

Israel Navy prepares to confront more ships

TEL AVIV – The Israel Navy will likely choose the same unit – Flotilla (Shayetet) 13 – to lead a commandeering operation of the ships expected to try to break the sea blockade of Gaza later this week, the Jerusalem Post quoted defense officials, as saying on Wednesday.

“No other unit has the capabilities that the …. Original article  : Israel Navy prepares to confront more ships.

Pak religious leaders say no terrorists in Punjab, blast Malik for framing madrassas

ISLAMABAD – Leading Pakistani religious scholars and leaders have criticised Interior Minister Rehman Malik for hinting towards a possible military operation in Punjab to dismantle the ever expanding terror network in the province.

Top Islamic leaders such as Tahafaz-i-Dini Madaris Committee patron Mufti Ataur Rehman, during a meeting in Bahawalpur, denounced Malik for pointing a finger … Read more >>>.

Karzai calls on ‘dear Taliban’ to make peace with his government

KABUL – A conciliatory Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appealed and implored “Dear Talibs” to lay down their weapons and make peace with his government.

Stating that reconciliation within Afghanistan is the key to ridding the country of foreign forces, Karzai said on Wednesday at a peace jirga in Kabul: “My dear Taliban, you are …. Source  : Karzai calls on ‘dear Taliban’ to make peace with his government.

Britain rejects India’s demand for return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond

LONDON – The British High Commission has summarily rejected India’s demand for the return of the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond, which they had seized during the British Raj, by ludicrously claiming that the diamond was acquired “legitimately” and that its return is “non-negotiable”.

India joined several other erstwhile colonies including Mexico, Greece, Turkey and Egypt, in a …. Source  : Britain rejects India’s demand for return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

US considering sending aircraft carrier to Korean Peninsula

WASHINGTON – With tensions escalating on the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. is weighing whether to deploy the massive aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Yellow Sea, where North Korea allegedly sank a South Korean warship.

The New York Times quoted American defense officials, as saying that such a deployment would be a show of force …. Original article  : US considering sending aircraft carrier to Korean Peninsula.

Engineers suggest nuking Gulf oil spill, but US Govt. says ‘No Way’

WASHINGTON – Engineering experts have suggested that one way the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could be stopped by nuking the well.

The idea has gained fans with each failed attempt to stem the leak and each new setback, reports the New York Times.

“Probably the only thing we can do is create a weapon …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Engineers suggest nuking Gulf oil spill, but US Govt. says ‘No Way’.

US to consider new approach in ties with Israel following Gaza attack

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration considers Israel’s blockade of Gaza to be untenable and plans to press for a new approach to ensure Israel’s security while allowing more supplies into the impoverished Palestinian area.

The New York Post quoted senior American officials as saying on Wednesday that Israel’s deadly attack on a flotilla presented a new …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US to consider new approach in ties with Israel following Gaza attack.

US-India strategic talks could put more pressure on China

NEW DELHI – China could be placed under more pressure to deliver on key global issues in the wake of the United States and India seeking to forge stronger ties through their first-ever strategic dialogue being held in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

India, as a major power in Asia, has long placed its relationship with …. Original source  : US-India strategic talks could put more pressure on China.

Chinese economy may decelerate due to European debt crisis

NEW DELHI – The Chinese economy may be hit by the current European debt crisis, but a complete economic slump is unlikely, say experts.

However, market observers are also becoming increasingly anxious about the possibility of rapid economic deceleration.

“The economy is expected to decelerate from the strong spurt of growth we saw in the first … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chinese economy may decelerate due to European debt crisis.

Locals, officials rebuff Pak Army’s claims of successful conclusion to Orakzai offensive

PESHAWAR – The Pakistan Army may have announced a ’successful’ end to the offensive in the Orakzai Agency, but local residents and officials have said that more than half of the region is till under the Taliban’s control.

A statement issued by the Inter Services Public …. Original source  : Locals, officials rebuff Pak Army’s claims of successful conclusion to Orakzai offensive.

Indian origin science teacher suspended by Canadian school for being late

LONDON – An Indian origin teacher who was giving lessons in science at a Canadian school has been suspended for repeatedly coming late.

Jasbir Dhillon, 40, was suspended after pupils complained he repeatedly turned up late for lessons, the Daily Mail reports.

Dhillon was recorded … Read more : Indian origin science teacher suspended by Canadian school for being late.

Virgin Blue sacks 20 employees for viewing pornography

MELBOURNE – Australia’s second largest airline Virgin Blue has sacked up to twenty of its staff after they were found viewing pornography on work computers.

The sacking had come on June 2 after an extensive investigation by the airline’s head office in Brisbane.

While Virgin Blue would not confirm …. Original article  : Virgin Blue sacks 20 employees for viewing pornography.

Imam in Spain accused of launching “jihad” against prostitutes

LONDON – An imam has been accused of launching a “jihad” against prostitutes in a city in southern Spain by encouraging women to harass and intimidate them.

The streetwalkers in Cartagena, on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast, complained that the imam, who is now facing a restraining … Read more >>.

US expresses concern over Turkish aid body’s ties to Hamas

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has expressed concern over reports that the Turkish aid organization behind the ship Israel commandeered Monday had contacts with Hamas.

Washington considers Hamas a terrorist organization, and reports of the Turkish aid group, Insani Yardim Vakfi, a.k.a. IHH, is a matter of great concern, said an official.

“We … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US expresses concern over Turkish aid body’s ties to Hamas.

Low enrolment may force closure of Tamil schools in Malaysian estates

KUALA LUMPUR – Tamil schools in Malaysian estates are facing a crisis with many on the verge of closure due to low enrolment rates.

While Tamil schools are flourishing in the cities, they are floundering in the rural areas.

Ulu Kinta Teacher’s Training College …. Read the original article  : here.

UN vote on Iran sanctions may be deferred

WASHINGTON – A U.N. vote on Iran nuclear sanctions will likely be pushed back because of fallout from the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla, sources have said.

According to Politico, the Obama administration had been planning to bring a new Iran sanctions resolution to a vote at the [..] Read the original article: here.

Turkey’s deputy PM says ties with Israel will be reduced

Turkey to decrease relations with Israel
ISTANBUL – Turkey’s deputy prime minister says economic and defense cooperation with Israel will be reduced amid tensions after the killing of nine Turkish activists by Israeli commandos on an aid ship.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc says all deals with Israel are being evaluated. He said Friday “we are serious … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Turkey’s deputy PM says ties with Israel will be reduced.

What makes olive oil extra virgin? With federal standards, it’s no longer a slippery subject

Feds get picky over what makes oil ‘extra virgin’

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. – New federal standards for olive oil definitions are aimed at making it easier for consumers to know exactly what they’re buying.
Terms such as extra virgin, light, unfiltered, cold-pressed, among others have long left people wondering.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in April adopted scientifically …. Original article  : What makes olive oil extra virgin? With federal standards, it’s no longer a slippery subject.

US-India defence cooperation to be enhanced

WASHINGTON – India and United States have agreed that there is scope for enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint statement issued after the first US-India Strategic Dialogue here, Secretary Hillary Clinton and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna …. Original article  : US-India defence cooperation to be enhanced.

US, India agree to broaden cyberspace, ICT cooperation

WASHINGTON – India and the United States have agreed to to take steps to broaden and enhance cooperation in cyberspace and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

In a joint statement issued here after the first US-India Strategic Dialogue, Secretary Hillary Clinton … Read more >>.

US, India commit to creating a stable, pluralistic Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna on Thursday reiterated their countries shared interest and commitment towards creating a stable, sovereign, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan.

In a joint statement issued here after the first US-India … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US, India commit to creating a stable, pluralistic Afghanistan.

India, US agree to take swift, credible steps to counter terrorism

WASHINGTON – India and United States on Thursday agreed that there was a need to take swift and credible steps to counter the menace of terrorism worldwide.

In a joint statement issued after the first US-India Strategic Dialogue held at the State Department here, both External Affairs Minister S.M. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India, US agree to take swift, credible steps to counter terrorism.

India, US pledge to consult each other on global, strategic issues

WASHINGTON – India and the United States on Thursday pledged to consult with each other on issues of global and strategic importance.

The pledge was made through a joint statement after the conclusion of the first US-India Strategic … Read more »»».

Scientists capture very moment blood flow begins

WASHINGTON – A group of researchers has been able for the first time to see the very moment that blood begins to flow.

They captured movies of both the blood and vasculature of zebrafish embryos.

Reported online on June 3rd in Current Biology, … Read : Scientists capture very moment blood flow begins.

Malaysian taxi driver raped students before turning them into sex slaves

KUALA LUMPUR – It has emerged that a Malaysian taxi driver turned six secondary school students into his sex slaves after he raped them, filmed the act and threatened to make the videos public if they told anyone.

According to the police, the 54-year-old man would wait outside school [..] Read the original article: here.

Beer made 9,000 years back in China recreated

TORONTO – A beer that was brewed in China 9,000 years back from a blend of rice, honey and hawthorn berries has successfully been recreated.

The beer, called Chateau Jiahu, has its roots in a village in Hunan province in northern China.

A molecular archaeologist Patrick McGovern from …. Read the original article  : Beer made 9,000 years back in China recreated.

At shrine of Iran revolution leader, Ahmadinejad warns opposition, blasts Israel for raid

Ahmadinejad warns opposition, blasts Israeli raid

TEHRAN, Iran – The Iranian president has warned the country’s opposition against straying from the path of the founder of the Islamic Revolution and slammed Israel for a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke before tens of thousands gathered on Friday at the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini … Read more >>.

Three Pakistanis on Gaza flotilla return home

ISLAMABAD – Three Pakistanis, including prominent TV anchor Talat Hussain, who were detained after an Israeli raid on a Gaza aid convoy, have returned home to a warm welcome.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik, relatives of the freed men, civil society representatives and journalists from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were on hand to greet …. Original article  : Three Pakistanis on Gaza flotilla return home.

Activist: cargo ship trying to breach Gaza blockade could reach 20-mile limit by late Friday

Activist: Ship could near Gaza by late Friday

NICOSIA, Cyprus – A spokeswoman for a pro-Palestinian group says a cargo ship trying to break the blockade of Gaza could reach Israel’s 20-mile (32-kilometer) exclusion zone by late afternoon Friday.
Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza group says the 1,200-ton Rachel Corrie is heading directly to Gaza and …. Read the original article  : here.

Claude Monet’s water lily painting expected to fetch 40m pounds at auction

LONDON – A painting of water lilies by French impressionist Claude Monet is expected to fetch up to 40 million pounds when it is auctioned off in London.

The painting, dating back a century and from his most famous series of works, will be part of … Original article on : Claude Monet’s water lily painting expected to fetch 40m pounds at auction.

Cherry orchards in Himachal Pradesh reap it rich

KANDYALI – For farmers in Himachal Pradesh’ cultivating cherries has become an alternate lucrative option vis-’-vis the traditional apples.

cherries are organic-based unlike other horticulture products, which are grown with the help of chemical and synthetic aids.

Farmers say cherries do not rely on any chemical inputs.

“We … Original article on : Cherry orchards in Himachal Pradesh reap it rich.

Survivors of Dhaka blaze battle it out in hospital

DHAKA – Survivors of Thursday’s fire that claimed over 114 lives are battling it out in hospital, even as reports said that the death toll might rise further.

Fire brigade officials described the blaze as the worst to sweep through the capital since 1971.

So far 87 bodies had been recovered from the [..] Read the original article: here.

Global Investors Meet assures greater economic prosperity in Karnataka

BANGALORE – The ambitious Global Investors Meet-2010, which has been hosted to lure entrepreneurs in Karnataka, received an overwhelming response here on Thursday.

On the very first day, around 400 MoUs were signed. Among the investors were corporate majors such as Arcelor Mittal, Shell, Lafarge, … Read more >>>.

Nano Car Plant Inaugurated

GUJARAT, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Tata Motors which owns the cheapest car of the world, Nano has commenced its production at the Sanand Plant In Gujarat. Two years back it had to quit the plan of making the car in West Bengal following heavy political disruptions. However, the inauguration of the new plant was affected …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nano Car Plant Inaugurated.

Yasin Malik observes hunger strike in protest against fake encounter in Kashmir

NADIHAL – Chief of Jammu And Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Yasin Malik observed a daylong hunger strike at Nadihal village in Kashmir Valley on Thursday as a mark of protest against fake encounter in which the Indian Army is believed to have killed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Yasin Malik observes hunger strike in protest against fake encounter in Kashmir.

Burma is taking steps to becoming a nuke state: Report

WASHINGTON – A report has claimed that Burma has begun secretly acquiring key components for a nuclear weapons program, including specialized equipment used to make uranium metal for nuclear bombs.

The report cites documents and photos smuggled by a Burmese army officer who recently fled …. Original article  : Burma is taking steps to becoming a nuke state: Report.

Gaza-bound ship refuses Israeli order to change course

TEL AVIV/LARNACA – The Israeli Navy made contact early Saturday with a ship headed for the blockaded Gaza Strip but the vessel refused an order to divert to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

An Israeli military spokesman said the ship, the Rachel Corrie, identified itself in response to a navy request, but rejected two calls to … Read more >>.

Homegrown terrorism, a result of a combination of factors: Ex-Pak envoy

WASHINGTON – Pakistan’s former envoy to Great Britain and current Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University’s School of International Service, Akbar Ahmed, has expressed the view that homegrown terrorism is the result of a combination of factors.

“Muslim Americans feel discriminated against and misunderstood by their fellow Americans. There is a definite … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Homegrown terrorism, a result of a combination of factors: Ex-Pak envoy.

Hydropower production rises in Himachal Pradesh

KULLU – Himachal Pradesh has shown an increase in hydropower generation this year on account of the rising temperature, as the water levels of all Himalayan regions rivers have gone up.ue to water surplus in the River Beas, a single hydropower plant of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board is generating over 10 to 15 percent …. Read the original article  : Hydropower production rises in Himachal Pradesh.

German-born Brit kills wife, keeps corpse in freezer for three years

LONDON – A man in Britain murdered his wife and kept the dead body in a freezer at his home for three years.

Peter Wallner, 35, has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the heinous crime.

The German-born ex-chef at London’s five-star Lanesborough Hotel was caught after he tried to dump his … Original source on Gaea Times at : German-born Brit kills wife, keeps corpse in freezer for three years.

11th-century Chinese calligraphy scroll sells for record 438m yuan

LONDON – An 11th-century calligraphy scroll has been sold for 438 million yuan, setting new record for a Chinese work of art.

The scroll, 11m (36ft) long, by Huang Tingjian fetched more than double the previous high price set at auction last year.

An anonymous buyer purchased the relic in Poly International Auction in Beijing.

Before this, … Read : 11th-century Chinese calligraphy scroll sells for record 438m yuan.

Cycle rally in Delhi on World Environment Day

NEW DELHI – A cycle rally was organized in New Delhi on Saturday by the Organizing committee of the Commonwealth Games to mark the World Environment Day.

The rally, which started from the headquarters of the Commonwealth Games, witnessed an enthusiastic response from the citizens, who turned up in large numbers.

Shera, the official mascot for …. Read the original article  : Cycle rally in Delhi on World Environment Day.

Heather Mills celebrates winning legal battle over nanny’s bully claims

LONDON – Heather Mills has expressed her delight at winning the legal battle brought about by her nanny who claimed she was bullied out of her job by the former model.

Mills, 42, said she felt vindicated that a tribunal recognised her “fair and generous” treatment of Sara Trumble, and welcomed the result as she arrived …. Source  : Heather Mills celebrates winning legal battle over nanny’s bully claims.

Firing not aimed at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Karnataka DGP

BANGALORE – Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Ajai Kumar Singh on Saturday said the bullet that was fired from a country made weapon was not aimed at Art of Living (AoL) founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

“The firing was done to scare away the wild dogs,” added Singh.

The Karnataka Polive quizzed Mahadev Prasad, who has …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Firing not aimed at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Karnataka DGP.

UN’s Indian rapporteur on health slams ‘apartheid’ at Australian hospitals

MELBOURNE – An apartheid-style practice of separate entrances for indigenous people at some Australian hospitals has drawn criticism from a United Nations investigator.

Anand Grover, the UN’s special rapporteur on health, has raised the issue of dividing screens at hospital entrances in a report critical of the Northern Territory intervention and indigenous health performance.

“I think it … Read : UN’s Indian rapporteur on health slams ‘apartheid’ at Australian hospitals.

PPP central leader calls for drone attacks to rid South Punjab from terrorists

LAHORE – While the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government has been opposing drone strikes in the restive tribal areas along the Afghan border, a central leader of the PPP, Abida Hussain, has called for similar missile hits in South Punjab, which has seen severe bloodshed in the recent past.

“If drone attacks can be made … Read more >>>.

Palin blames environmentalists for oil spill

WASHINGTON – Former US vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin has blamed environmentalists for British Petroleum’s massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill.ky News quoted Palin as saying that the ‘misguided radicalism’ of environmentalists was to blame for BP’s oil spill

The former Alaskan governor, whose catchphrase during her campaign was “drill, baby, drill”, made the comments on her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Palin blames environmentalists for oil spill.

Fire guts over a hundred shanties in New Delhi

NEW DELHI – Over hundred shanties were burnt down as a massive fire gutted a slum area near Okhla on Saturday.

The locals here said that they do not know the exact cause of the fire.

“Within half an hour, everything got burnt. We don’t know how did it occur, we saw smoke and because of … Read : Fire guts over a hundred shanties in New Delhi.

Busan G-20: Mukherjee calls for strong, sustainable, balanced growth

BUSAN – Reiterating the need for building a consensus on the Framework of the G-20 and for refining the Mutual Assessment Process in the second stage, India’s Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “Since policy actions have to be taken at the country level, we have to see how this important dimension can be rolled into … Read more : Busan G-20: Mukherjee calls for strong, sustainable, balanced growth.

Militants kill 3 hostages in southern Philippines; soldiers kill 2 gunmen

Militants kill 3 hostages in southern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Al-Qaida-linked militants fatally shot three abducted rubber farm workers after their families failed to pay a ransom, the military said Saturday.
The victims’ bullet-riddled bodies were found by residents in a village outside Sumisip township on the island of Basilan, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militants, Basilan …. Read the original article  : Militants kill 3 hostages in southern Philippines; soldiers kill 2 gunmen.

Pak investigators suspect police officials’ role in Lahore mosque attack

LAHORE – Pakistani investigators probing last Friday’s ghastly terror attacks on two Ahmedi mosques in Lahore’s Garhi Shahu and Model Town areas have got some crucial leads in the case which point fingers towards the involvement of some police officials deployed at both places of worship.

According to sources, during interrogation, Muaaz, the militant who was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian American teen wins 2010 US Spelling Bee contest

WASHINGTON – Indian American teen Anamika Veeramani has been crowned champion of the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee here. She won the contest on Friday night.

A 14-year-old from North Royalton, Ohio, Veeramani successfully spelled “juvia” and “stromuhr” to become the bee’s 83rd champion and defeat Shantanu Srivatsa of West Fargo, N.D. in the final round.

According …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian origin gubernatorial candidate Haley says will resign if affairs are proved

WASHINGTON – Indian origin South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley has vowed to resign if either of the two men who say they’ve had an affair with her is ever able to prove it.

Both blogger Will Folks and lobbyist Larry Marchant have claimed in the last fortnight that they had sex with Haley while …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian origin gubernatorial candidate Haley says will resign if affairs are proved.

Pillai demands end to economic blockade

SHILLONG – Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has appealed to both Nagaland and Manipur Government to speak to various student organizations and ensure that they call off the economic blockade.

Calling the blockade as ‘illegal’, Pillai said the illegal activity needs to be stopped at the earliest.

“Blockade has been done by various student organizations … Read more : Pillai demands end to economic blockade.

AP Enterprise: Alleged North Korean ship attack came near US-SKorea anti-sub maneuvers

AP Enterprise: Sub attack came near drill
WASHINGTON – Military officials tell The Associated Press that the U.S. and South Korea were engaged in joint anti-submarine warfare exercises just 75 miles away from where a torpedo-armed North Korean submarine allegedly sank a South Korean patrol ship.

The blast that sank the Cheonan resulted in the worst South …. Original source  : AP Enterprise: Alleged North Korean ship attack came near US-SKorea anti-sub maneuvers.

Autopsy reveals dead Gaza flotilla activists were shot 30 times at close range

LONDON – The nine Turkish men killed onboard the humanitarian aid ship Mavi Marmara were shot 30 times at close range, an autopsy has revealed.

This revelation has exposed the falsity of Israel’s claim that its commandos were first attacked, and therefore, it had to retaliate.ccording to The Guardian, Israel is under pressure now to allow …. Original article  : Autopsy reveals dead Gaza flotilla activists were shot 30 times at close range.

Afghan president orders review of all cases of Taliban suspects being held in Afghan jails

Karzai orders review of Taliban detentions

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s president has ordered a review of all Taliban suspects being held in Afghan prisons and says those detained on doubtful evidence must be released.
President Hamid Karzai’s decree Sunday is his first official response to a national conference last week on ways to end the country’s nearly … Read more »»».

UN calls for New Zealand-led inquiry into Israel’s Gaza-bound flotilla raid

NEW YORK – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has called for a New Zealand-led committee investigation into Israel’s Gaza-bound flotilla raid.

Ban called for the commission to be lead by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, and advised that Israeli and Turkish … Original source on Gaea Times at : UN calls for New Zealand-led inquiry into Israel’s Gaza-bound flotilla raid.

Sarah Palin’s horse finishes third at Belmont Stakes

NEW YORK – The horse on which former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin and husband Todd put money at Belmont Stakes finished third.

They selected the horse named, First Dude, because the politician’s husband was known by the same name when … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sarah Palin’s horse finishes third at Belmont Stakes.

Malaysian woman supports hubby’s ‘regular sex’ admission

KUALA LUMPUR – The wife of a teacher in Malaysia, who said reading and having sex every night kept him energetic during the day, has defended her husband’s comments.

Alias Ismail, a Bahasa Malaysia teacher at SMK Menerong had made the controversial statement while receiving state-initiated Tokoh Nilam award for being … Original article on : Malaysian woman supports hubby’s ‘regular sex’ admission.

Queen Victoria’s gifts to servant up for grabs

LONDON – Queen Victoria’s gifts to her faithful servant and alleged lover John Brown are set to go on sale in Edinburgh this August.

A Scottish collector in the 1960s bought eight items from Brown’s descendants and now they’ll go up for auction … Read more : Queen Victoria’s gifts to servant up for grabs.

‘Fruitcake’ Prince Charles ‘abuses power’

LONDON – Prince Charles has been slammed in a conference of the anti-monarchy group Republic.

In the conference, the heir to the throne was called a ‘fruitcake’ who abuses his power by using his birthright to [..] Read the original article: here.

Three 17-year-olds claim Malaysian cabbie molested them

KUALA LUMPUR – Three other girls, all aged 17 and from the same school, have come forward to say that they have been molested by a taxi driver in Malaysia since January.

The girls, who described the man as a smooth-talker, said he was very friendly and would give …. Original source  : Three 17-year-olds claim Malaysian cabbie molested them.

Bright spiralling light spotted in sky Down Under rocket, not UFO

MELBOURNE – A Sydney astronomer has said that a bright spiralling light spotted in the sky over eastern Australia, believed to be a UFO, was probably a rocket.

People in Victoria, New South and Queensland said that they …. Original article  : Bright spiralling light spotted in sky Down Under rocket, not UFO.

Boeing to deliver 199th C-17 aircraft to USAF June-end

Los Angeles, June 6 IANS) The US Air Force (USAF) will get its 199th C-17 Globemaster-III strategic lift aircraft June-end.

The aircraft has successfully been test flown and is due for delivery to its designated squadron, a company spokesman told India Strategic.
The aircraft was shown to an Indian media team recently at its Long Beach … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Boeing to deliver 199th C-17 aircraft to USAF June-end.

Vatican document says Israeli-Palestinian conflict root cause of Christians fleeing Mideast

Vatican: Mideast conflict causes Christian flight

NICOSIA, Cyprus – A Vatican document says the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the upheaval it causes in the region is the chief reason Christians flee the Middle East.
The document says war in Iraq and political instability in Lebanon are also to blame, and cites the “extremist current” unleashed by the rise …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Canadian Sikh community looking for answers over 1980’s tragedies

NEW WESTMINISTER – Canadian Sikh community is set to counter the differing accounts of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 1985 Air India tragedy released by the Indian government and human-rights groups.

The Indian government’s report about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots talked of flushing out armed separatists who were part of a campaign of murderous …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Islamabad police seizes arms, military equipments belonging to US Embassy

ISLAMABAD – Bags full of arms, ammunition and various military articles reportedly belonging to the US Embassy have been seized by the police here.

According to reports, the recovery was made from a suspicious vehicle when it was intercepted at a checkpoint in the capital city.

A huge cache of ammunition containing M-16 magazines, 9 mm magazines, … Read : Islamabad police seizes arms, military equipments belonging to US Embassy.

New ‘Twilight’ book hit stores

LONDON – New book ‘The Short Second Life Of Bree’ from Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ series has hit stores.

The novella revolves around Bree, a minor character from the Twilight quartet.

She is killed in the third edition ‘Eclipse’ of the series but reemerges in this new story.

The evil Victoria created Bree, one of the members of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Online learning tools not as private as you think

WASHINGTON – Online learning tools are not as private as students and professors believe, according to experts.

Wendy Kraglund-Gauthier and David Young both design online courses at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia insist most people have a false sense of security about their online dealings.

They claim technology is changing so fast that privacy …. Read the original article  : Online learning tools not as private as you think.

Kyron Horman Still Missing

MULTNOMAH, OREGON (GaeaTimes.com)- The police are still hot on the search for Kyron Horman, the seven year old elementary school student who went missing last Friday after he was dropped off to school by his stepmother. The boy was lats seen by his stepmother after she left him at school, walking down the corridor …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysian lady supports husband’s ‘regular sex’ admission

KUALA LUMPUR – Admission by an award-winning teacher that he owes his day-long energy and success to “reading and regular sex every night” has raised hackles in conservative Malaysia.

But his wife supports him saying: “He was just being honest.”
Housewife Rosmawati Abdullah, 41, says those who criticize Alias Ismail, 42, are “stuck with the old … Original article on : Malaysian lady supports husband’s ‘regular sex’ admission.

US lawmakers fully informed about drone strikes in Pak : Gates

SINGAPORE – Rebutting reports regarding the Obama administration not being fully informed about the widely criticised Central Investigations Agency (CIA) operated drone attacks in Pakistan’s ungoverned tribal areas, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said that the US lawmakers are kept fully informed about the missile strikes.

Talking to reporters on the margins of the … Read more »»».

Hindus reconnecting with deep roots in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Twenty years after nearly 400,000 Hindus fled Jammu and Kashmir, fearful of an anti-Hindu rhetoric from separatist militants, they are now reconnecting with their ancestral home.

It may be seen as a sign that after years of violence and turmoil, the Kashmir Valley is settling back to peace.

M. L. Dhar, a 75-year-old Kashmiri …. Source  : Hindus reconnecting with deep roots in Jammu and Kashmir.

Financial experts, traders slam Pak Govt. for ‘disappointing’ budget

LAHORE – Pakistani financial experts and traders have slammed the country’s budget for the fiscal year 2010-11 describing it as a ‘wish list’ of the government.

Experts said that the budget for the new fiscal lacks production-oriented objectives, and that it is centred only around deficit-controlling tactics.

Noted financial expert Khwaja Amjad Saeed rejected the budget, saying …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Financial experts, traders slam Pak Govt. for ‘disappointing’ budget.

Proposed New York Ground Zero mosque imam linked to Free Gaza Movement

NEW YORK – The imam behind the proposed mosque near Ground Zero in New York is in the midst of a controversy over revelations that he has ties with a group that helped sponsor the pro-Palestinian activists, who clashed with Israeli commandos at sea this week.

According to the New York Post, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf …. Read the original article  : Proposed New York Ground Zero mosque imam linked to Free Gaza Movement.

US defense chief nudges Karzai to name replacements of ‘equal caliber’ for top posts

US: Sacking of Afghan ministers an internal matter

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is avoiding criticism of Afghan President Hamid Karzai over the sacking of two top Afghan security officials.
The men had worked closely with the United States and Gates is urging Karzai to name replacements of “equal caliber.”
Speaking Monday … Read more »»».

Iranian missing for nearly 2 weeks turns up in Germany, taken to hospital

Missing Iranian turns up after nearly 2 weeks

BERLIN – German police say an exiled Iranian artist and filmmaker has turned up in Cologne after being missing for nearly two weeks.
Cologne police spokesman Andre Fassbender said Daryush Shokof was found completely drenched near the Rhine river late Saturday night.
Fassbender said Monday that the 55-year-old Berlin resident …. Read the original article  : here.

Israeli Navy to use new methods to prevent breach of Gaza blockade

JERUSALEM – The Israeli Navy has said that it will use different methods to prevent vessels from breaking through its imposed sea blockade on Gaza.

“We will do things differently in the future. There are issues that have to do with the timing of such a boarding, the way to distract the attention of the people …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Israeli Navy to use new methods to prevent breach of Gaza blockade.

Brit schools leave Christianity in the wilderness

LONDON – British schools have been accused of ignoring the views of their Christian pupils while paying careful attention to children of other faiths.

According to Ofsted, the schools inspectorate, teachers are failing to educate children in the core beliefs of Christianity, ignoring their legal obligation to do so.

The Times quoted the Ofsted report, as saying … Read more >>>.

Kim Jong Il’s aide’s death reveals internal strife in N-Korea

LONDON -The death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il’s trusted political ally in a car crash has exposed the internal stife in the ruling regime against the backdrop of Kim’s plans to name a successor in Pyongyang.

The death of 80-year-old Ri couldn’t have been more ill-timed …. Read the original article  : Kim Jong Il’s aide’s death reveals internal strife in N-Korea.

Australian Govt orders probe into Google’s ‘biggest breach in the history of privacy’

LONDON – Google has courted controversy once again with allegations of breach of privacy of Australian people while taking pictures for its Street View service.

The web giant has since apologized for the mistake while Australia has ordered a probe into the incident.

According … Read more >>.

Israel envoy to US rejects UN flotilla clash inquiry

WASHINGTON – Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael B. Oren said Sunday that his country would reject an international inquiry into last week’s deadly raid on a Turkish ship.

However, a formal announcement from Jerusalem is awaited, the New York Times reports.

“We are rejecting …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Israel envoy to US rejects UN flotilla clash inquiry.

Pak tells NATO, EU, premature exit from Afghanistan will be catastrophic for region

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan believes that it would be catastrophic for the NATO forces to walk out of war ravaged Afghanistan without establishing durable peace and stability in the country, as it could lead to revival of militancy in … Read more >>>.

Afghan guards suspected of colluding with insurgents

MAIDAN SHAHR – Afghan mercenaries have been bribing Taliban insurgents to let American and other NATO convoys pass through the tribal badlands, which they escort.

According to the New York Times, guards from Watan Risk Management traveled on … Read more : Afghan guards suspected of colluding with insurgents.

230 pilots at Swedish domestic airlines go on strike in conflict over employment conditions

Swedish domestic flights disrupted by pilot strike

STOCKHOLM – Union officials say around 230 pilots at four Swedish domestic airlines have gone on strike.
The Swedish Airline Pilots Association says the pilots began their job action Monday to protest the airlines’ demands to be allowed to employ freelance pilots and to bypass employment regulations in collective bargaining … Read more >>>.

Karzai orders Afghan prisoner review

KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai has ordered a review of the cases of every Taliban suspect in the country’s prisons.

According to the BBC, he said that where evidence against suspects was doubtful, they must be released.

Karzai’s announcement of prisoner case reviews is the first official response to the national peace conference, which … Read : Karzai orders Afghan prisoner review.

China says Brahmaputra Canyon ready for world visitors

NEW DELHI – The Tibetan autonomous government will work with local tourist companies investing huge amounts of money to further develop the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon tourist area into a world-class top tourist spot, Xinhua News reports.

In 2010, rail and water lines opened for tourists to get into the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon.

The water line would …. Source  : China says Brahmaputra Canyon ready for world visitors.

China, US trade barbs over military ties

NEW DELHI – Chinese and US military officers have blamed each other for worsening military relations at a security meeting in Singapore that ended on Sunday.

“The barrier between China-US military relations is not set up by China,” Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), said at a …. Read the original article  : China, US trade barbs over military ties.

Obama stresses importance of Azerbaijan to Afghan war effort, moves to improve relations

Obama moves to improve relations with Azerbaijan
BAKU, Azerbaijan – In a letter to the leader of strategically important Azerbaijan, President Barack Obama acknowledges the difficulties in the relationship between the two nations, but says he’s confident the issues can be resolved.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates hand delivered Obama’s letter Sunday during a meeting …. Original source  : Obama stresses importance of Azerbaijan to Afghan war effort, moves to improve relations.

Malay Indian body calls on government to allocate funds for temples, schools

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has appealed to the government to give financial grants to Indian temples and Tamil schools, and provide more job opportunities for the community in government-linked agencies to ensure that they return to support the Barisan Nasional.

The Star and the Uthaya Surian quoted MIC deputy president and Deputy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Malay Indian body calls on government to allocate funds for temples, schools.

Indian cabbies in Brisbane protest over discrimination

BRISBANE – About 45 Indian cabbies staged a protest at Brisbane International Airport here on Monday over discrimination by the authorities.

Protests last night spread from the airport into the City and the Normanby Hotel as drivers locked their cabs and refused to take passengers.

A driver who contacted The Courier-Mail today said they were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian cabbies in Brisbane protest over discrimination.

Shinde calls for Indo-Australian cooperation in power sector

PERTH – Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday said that Australia can play a major role in the energy sector of India which is growing at rapid pace with huge opportunities for investments and technology.

Speaking at the 1st Australia-India Energy and Minerals Forum here, Shinde said: “The two countries can work together in [..] Read the original article: here.

Bhopal gas tragedy: All eight accused found guilty

BHOPAL – Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Mohan P Tiwari on Monday convicted all eight accused on the grounds of death due to negligence under Section 304 (a) for the Bhopal Gas tragedy, one of India’s most horrific of industrial disasters.

The maximum punishment under this provision is two years. The quantum of sentence’s yet to be …. Source article  : Bhopal gas tragedy: All eight accused found guilty.

Iran offers escort to next aid convoy to Gaza

LONDON – A key aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hojjatoleslam Ali Shirazi, has warned that Tehran would send naval units of Revolutionary Guard to escort humanitarian aid convoys to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guard naval forces are prepared to escort the peace and freedom convoys that carry humanitarian assistance for the … Read more >>>.

Karzai sacks country’s Interior Minister, Security chief

KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karazai has, on Sunday ousted his Security Minster as well as his Interior Minister in an unexpected decision.

Their expulsion of Interior Minister Hanif Atmar and National Directorate of Security chief Amrullah Saleh is likely to further drive in the wedge between Washington and Karzai and exacerbate their already contentious … Original article on : Karzai sacks country’s Interior Minister, Security chief.

Ex-banker fired for being ‘too hot’ may sue new boss

MELBOURNE – Former Citigroup banker, Debrahlee Lorenzana, who was fired because she was ‘too hot’, refused to be tight-lipped about the discrimination against her at the company and threatened to sue her new boss if they forced her to be quiet about it.

Lorenzana says she won’t tolerate indiscrimination, even if it means suing the ones …. Original source  : Ex-banker fired for being ‘too hot’ may sue new boss.

Lesbian partners tying the knot with gay couples to satisfy their parents

NEW DELHI – There is an increasing trend of fake marriages between lesbian couples and gay partners in order to escape family and social pressures.

Zhang Nana and her partner Shenlan (not their real names) are in a relationship. In 2006, she married 31-year-old university lecturer surnamed Wang – who was already with his partner Lian.

But …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Father gets 9-year jail term for raping, pimping disabled daughter to friends

MELBOURNE – A man who sexually abused his intellectually disabled daughter and pimped her for money to his friends has been jailed for nine years.

The sexual abuse began when the girl, known only as JBC, was 11 years old and continued for nine years.

When asked why he had prostituted her, the man, who cannot be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Father gets 9-year jail term for raping, pimping disabled daughter to friends.

1 in 3 women drinks alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding: Oz study

MELBOURNE – If a new Australian study is to be believed, then one in three women drinks alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding, despite knowing the potential dangers to the infant.

The research from the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation revealed that although mothers-to-be are advised to cut out alcohol altogether to cut the risk of birth … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 1 in 3 women drinks alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding: Oz study.

Holbrooke’s Pak visit cancelled

ISLAMABAD – The U.S. Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has called off his June 9 visit to Pakistan.

According to reports, the decision was taken after Holbrooke was informed that neither Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari nor Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi would be in Islamabad on the day due to prior commitments. …. Read the original article  : Holbrooke’s Pak visit cancelled.

Israel says it will ban entry of Iranian ships to Gaza

JERUSALEM – Israel has reportedly banned the entry of two Iranian relief vessels saying any such move by Tehran would be seen as an act of aggression and a challenge to Tel Aviv’s authority.

“The Iranian regime has called for Israel to be wiped off the map and has a proven track record of supplying dangerous …. Original article  : Israel says it will ban entry of Iranian ships to Gaza.

China supplied nuke missiles to S. Arabia, claims ex-CIA analyst

WASHINGTON – China supplied nuclear missiles to Saudi Arabia during the Bush administration years (2000-2008), a former CIA officer who managed intelligence reports on Riyadh has claimed in an uncleared manuscript sent to congressional offices.

“I believe the People’s Republic of China delivered a turn-key nuclear ballistic missile system to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over …. Source article  : China supplied nuke missiles to S. Arabia, claims ex-CIA analyst.

Gates foundation pledges $1.5 billion for maternal health, babies

LONDON – Melinda Gates has called upon the world to put in more efforts to save the lives of women during childbirth and their babies.

She was speaking at the Women Deliver conference in Washington.

Melinda also pledged a 1.5 billion dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help nations with high maternal …. Original source  : Gates foundation pledges $1.5 billion for maternal health, babies.

Everest to be child’s play? Or not any more?

KATHMANDU – From a feisty American teenager, Jordan Romero became an international celebrity overnight when he summited Mt Everest May 22, 2010 and became the youngest climber to have conquered the world’s highest peak.

Jordan was just 13 when he stood on the 8,848m peak, proving wrong critics who had feared the feat would be beyond …. Source article  : Everest to be child’s play? Or not any more?.

Oil rises above $72 a barrel in Asia as Bernanke gives vote of confidence in US recovery

Oil rises above $72 after Bernanke comments

SINGAPORE – Oil prices rose above $72 a barrel Tuesday in Asia after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he’s hopeful the world’s No. 1 economy won’t fall back into a “double dip” recession.
Benchmark crude for July delivery was up 62 cents to $72.06 a barrel at late afternoon …. Read the original article  : Oil rises above $72 a barrel in Asia as Bernanke gives vote of confidence in US recovery.

Strike halts Hyundai production at Tamil Nadu plant

CHENNAI – The Hyundai Motor India Employees Union (HMIEU) went on a flash strike here on Monday halting production at the company’s manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur town.

They demanded the reinstatement of 67 colleagues dismissed after a strike in July.

Though only 150 employees out of 10,000 were on strike, Hyundai said it decided to …. Source  : Strike halts Hyundai production at Tamil Nadu plant.

Americans sees Gulf oil spill as a major environmental disaster

WASHINGTON – Americans overwhelmingly see the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as a major environmental disaster, and most want the federal government to pursue criminal charges against BP and its drilling partners, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

According to the poll, public complaints against BP are two-fold: Most give poor ratings …. Source  : Americans sees Gulf oil spill as a major environmental disaster.

Nepal’s Maoists submits memo to Indian Embassy

KATHMANDU – The Young Communist League (YCL), youth wing of the UCPN (Maoist) has submitted a memorandum to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu denouncing the recent killing of 19 Nepali speaking persons in Meghalaya.

According to Kantipur, the YCL has demanded that India should guarantee the Nepali speakers’ right to live a dignified life.

The statement …. Read the original article  : Nepal’s Maoists submits memo to Indian Embassy.

Afghan War surpasses Vietnam War in its duration

LONDON – The Afghan war is now the country’s longest, surpassing Vietnam in its duration.

One hundred and three months passed between passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the withdrawal of the last American combat forces from Vietnam. As of today, the Afghanistan war is 104 months old, ABC News reports.

In many ways, …. Original source  : Afghan War surpasses Vietnam War in its duration.

1,000 Taliban could be freed from notorious prison through amnesty scheme

KABUL – The head of the Pul-e-Charki prison, Afghanistan’s most notorious detention centre, has revealed that nearly 1,000 Taliban inmates could be freed from as part of an amnesty deal offered by Hamid Karzai’s government.

General Abdulbakhi Behsudi told the Globe And Mail that in the wake of the recent peace jirga,the first move toward a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pak, Australia sign MoU to boost defence cooperation

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost defence ties between the two countries.

It was signed after Australian Defence Minister John Faulkner called on Pakistan Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar at the Ministry of Defence.

The MoU envisages promoting interaction between the armed forces of the two countries, and also …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pak, Australia sign MoU to boost defence cooperation.

Woman asks tax men for 33 pounds, gets 1.5 mn

LONDON – A British pensioner whose account was wrongly debited of 33 pounds by the tax office was stunned to get a cheque for 1.5 million pounds in reply to her complaint.

Elizabeth Jenkins, 86, had told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that they had wrongly taken 33 pounds from her account and they promised a … Read more >>.

China issues White Paper enshrining citizens’ right to freedom of speech on Net

NEW DELHI – The Chinese Government has issued a White Paper on its Internet policy and the document specifically highlights the importance of the guarantee of citizens’ freedom of speech on the Internet and better access to these rights.

The White Paper released by the State Council also elaborated on the facts regarding development and use … Read more »»».

Tripura powering green with solar energy

AGARTALA – Growing concerns over climate change owing to environmental degradation has led to acceptance of the concept of green energy in Tripura.

The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Authority (TREDA) and urban development department in association with the Union Ministry Of New And Renewable Energy (MNRE) have been actively working to promote green energy.

Green energy … Read more >>.

Elephant kills woman in West Bengal

BANKURA – An elephant killed an elderly woman in Kusumpur village of West Bengal’s Bankura District on Monday.

The incident took place when some villagers were trying to chase away an elephant that had strayed into the village from the forest.

The 50-year-old Durga Mondal, came in the animal’s path and was crushed.lephants often stray into villages …. Source article  : Elephant kills woman in West Bengal.

‘We had the kitchen sink thrown at us,’ says Indian American S. Carolina governor candidate

WASHINGTON – The Republican primary race for the South Carolina governor’s nomination is headed for a bruising runoff election after Indian American Nikki Haley, who is trying to become the state’s first female chief executive, overcame accusations of marital infidelity.

Haley, a … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘We had the kitchen sink thrown at us,’ says Indian American S. Carolina governor candidate.

Pranab Mukherjee promises major changes in revised direct tax codes

NEW DELHI – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that all stakeholder concerns will be addressed in the revised direct tax code, which will be released shortly.

Speaking at the Annual Conference of Chief Commissioners and Directors General of Income Tax here, Mukherjee said: “The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pranab Mukherjee promises major changes in revised direct tax codes.

Malik flip-flop, now rules out military operation in South Punjab

ISLAMABAD – Backtracking from his earlier stand, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has ruled out any immediate military offensive in South Punjab, where militants have wreaked havoc killing scores of innocent persons in the recent past.

Malik … Read : Malik flip-flop, now rules out military operation in South Punjab.

Pak Punjab Govt. has ‘woken up’ to terror threat: Qureshi

ISTANBUL – Admitting that the Punjab government was living in a state of denial over the ever expanding terror threat, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the provincial government has now ‘woken up’ to the ground realities.

Talking to media …. Read the original article  : Pak Punjab Govt. has ‘woken up’ to terror threat: Qureshi.

Prince William describes tragic helicopter mountain rescue mission

LONDON – Prince William has revealed how he took part in his first helicopter mountain rescue mission on the day that Cumbria killer Derrick Bird went on the rampage.

The Royal was in a Sea King helicopter on a training sortie that was diverted to help a climber in Snowdonia.

They … Read : Prince William describes tragic helicopter mountain rescue mission.

Aussies getting ripped off by fake porn scam

SYDNEY – A fake porn scam has come out to be one of the most popular ways of ripping Australians, with international fraudsters netting about 70 million dollars in the past year alone.

Online payment company PayPal and Crime Stoppers Australia say the porn … Read : Aussies getting ripped off by fake porn scam.

Austrian tourist fined 1K euros for buying fake 7 euros Louis Vuitton
handbag

SYDNEY – An Austrian tourist in Italy has been fined 1000 euros for trying to buy a fake Louis Vuitton handbag for 7 euros.

According to the Guardian, pensioner Ursula Corel, 65, was trying to buy the bag at the Italian resort of Jesolo, near Venice when authorities scanning …. Original source  : Austrian tourist fined 1K euros for buying fake 7 euros Louis Vuitton
handbag.

Charas, cannabis epidemic hits Karachi schools and colleges

KARACHI – A recent meeting was called by Sindh government discussed that top schools and colleges should be ‘closely monitored’ in the wake of soaring cases of drug abuse in institutes.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the provincial Narcotics Interdiction Committee (NIC), …. Original article  : Charas, cannabis epidemic hits Karachi schools and colleges.

Terrorism infrastructure needs to be dismantled: Anand Sharma

ISTANBUL – Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has asked Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism for restoring trust between the two nations.

On the sidelines of the third Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit here on Tuesday, Sharma met Qureshi and said that …. Original source  : Terrorism infrastructure needs to be dismantled: Anand Sharma.

Russia to hire more military personnel on contract

Moscow, June 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The number of contracted military personnel in the Russian armed forces will be increased from 150,000 to about 250,000 in the future, the defence minister said Wednesday.

“There are 150,000 contracted personnel in the Russian military at present. Their number will increase to about 250,000 in the future,” Anatoly Serdyukov told …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Russia to hire more military personnel on contract.

Incest father and daughter pair jailed

London, June 9 (ANI): A man and his daughter were arrested after they confessed to having an incestuous fling.

Stephen Paterson, 44, and Kirsty Paterson, 26, were handed 16 months each for a series of romps when she tracked him down years after being adopted as a child.

The pair had sex in secret for three … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Incest father and daughter pair jailed.

Construction of new bridge over Yamuna stopped

AGRA – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked for immediately stopping construction of a bridge on the river Yamuna here as it is quite close to a Mughal era monument.

Superintending Archaeologist A.R. Siddiqui told IANS: “We have asked the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation Limited to stop construction and seek clearance from ASI …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Construction of new bridge over Yamuna stopped.

Bhopal dog squad being trained to curb poaching

BHOPAL – Forest officials of Madhya Pradesh in collaboration with the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network are training five sniffer dogs to track down poachers.

The initiative has been taken for the first time in the country in view of declining tiger population.

The dogs are of German shepherd breed.

They are being trained to search hides and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jewellery expo to start from June 11 in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD – The sixth edition of the annual Hitex International Gems and Jewellery Expo 2010 will be organised from June 11 to June 14 in Hyderabad.

Supported by the Andhra Pradesh Gold, Silver and Diamond Merchants Manufacturers Association and the Twin Cities Jewellers Association, the expo this year would feature 68 stalls showcasing antique jewellery, fashion …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chinese view of N. Korea will be affected after guards kill three of its citizens

Shanghai, June 9 (ANI): The favourable view of Chinese vis-???-vis North Korea is likely to undergo a major change, and, may even become jaundiced, after North Korean guards killed three Chinese civilians on Friday at the international border separating the two countries’.

“It’s a big deal. This will affect Chinese people’s views of North Korea,” said …. Original source  : Chinese view of N. Korea will be affected after guards kill three of its citizens.

‘Do-or-die’ Battle for Kandahar now likely to be mainly civilian reconstruction effort

KANDAHAR – The proposed ‘do-or-die’ battle for Kandahar which had been expected to begin this month, has evolved more into a civilian reconstruction effort with military action in a supportive role.

According to the New York Times, the might of the strategy, which had the involvement of the Afghan, American and NATO civilian and military officials, … Read more : ‘Do-or-die’ Battle for Kandahar now likely to be mainly civilian reconstruction effort.

Flood of Waziristan extremists seeking to make Pak Punjab new terror base

Lahore, Jun.9 (ANI): After being flushed out of Waziristan by the Pakistan Army, extremists are now trying to expand their terror territory and establish their new base in the Punjab province, which has witnessed several bloody strikes resulting in death of countless innocent persons in the recent past.

This was revealed during interrogation of some of … Read : Flood of Waziristan extremists seeking to make Pak Punjab new terror base.

NATO helicopter goes down in southern Afghanistan; no word on casualties

NATO helicopter goes down in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO says a helicopter has gone down in southern Afghanistan and there is no immediate word on casualties.
Spokesman Sgt. Kevin Bell said the aircraft went down Wednesday in Helmand province but that few other details were available.
A spokesman for the provincial government, Dawood Ahmadi, said the …. Original article  : NATO helicopter goes down in southern Afghanistan; no word on casualties.

Madhya Pradesh Government to appeal against Bhopal gas tragedy verdict

Bhopal, June 9 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday announced that his government has decided to file an appeal against the verdict in the Bhopal gas tragedy case.

Addressing media here, Chouhan said the State Cabinet has …. Original source  : Madhya Pradesh Government to appeal against Bhopal gas tragedy verdict.

Group of Ministers to study Bhopal Gas verdict

New Delhi, June 9 (ANI): The Government of India has reconstituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to look into compensation and public liability aspects of industrial disasters in the context of …. Original source  : Group of Ministers to study Bhopal Gas verdict.

UN judges deliver genocide verdict in case of 7 Bosnian Serb officers at Srebrenica

UN judges deliver genocide verdict on Srebrenica

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – U.N. judges are delivering their verdict against seven Bosnian Serb military and police officers for genocide and other war crimes in the U.N.-declared safe zone of Srebrenica in 1995.
It is the largest trial the Yugoslav war crimes trial has ever conducted and involved nearly 450 …. Read the original article  : UN judges deliver genocide verdict in case of 7 Bosnian Serb officers at Srebrenica.

Insurance Regulatory Authority cancels license of 4261 agents

NEW DELHI – The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDA) has cancelled the licences of 4,260 corporate agents of various insurance companies as they did not seek renewal of licence after March 31 this year.

The IRDA released a list of banned agents of several corporate agencies whose licenses are due for renewal on or … Read more : Insurance Regulatory Authority cancels license of 4261 agents.

After being robbed, Indian family in Auckland too traumatised to relax

AUCKLAND – Fear has robbed an Auckland Indian family of enjoying their home.

Nasir Mirza says his wife Mairajm got up from watching the rugby game to discover the bedroom door locked in September 2009.

“When she tried to open it, she found it was jammed. Immediately she screamed ‘we’ve been robbed’.”

Mirza knew she had been …. Read the original article  : After being robbed, Indian family in Auckland too traumatised to relax.

Security forces arrest two Naxals in Jharkhand

KHUNTI – Security forces have arrested two Naxalites including a hardcore activist in Jharkhand’s Khunti District.

The arrests took on Wednesday night.

One of the arrested Naxals Chaitan Munda alias Langra was wanted in the killing of Deputy Superintendent of Police Bundu Pramod Kumar.

Kumar was killed in 2007.

Other arrested person was identified as … Read : Security forces arrest two Naxals in Jharkhand.

Naga students federation asked to end Manipur blockade

GUWAHATI – The Naga Student’s Federation (NSF) discussed the ongoing economic blockade with the members of All Assam Students Union (AASU) here on Wednesday.

The blockade, following the decision of Manipur to impose a ban on Naga separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his ancestral village of Somdal.

However, during the discussions, the advisor of NSF, Viopol …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Naga students federation asked to end Manipur blockade.

Oil hovers above $74 in Asia as US crude inventories drop suggests demand is improving

Oil hovers above $74 as US crude supplies drop

SINGAPORE – Oil prices hovered above $74 a barrel Thursday in Asia after falling U.S. crude inventories suggested demand is improving.
Benchmark crude for July delivery was up 16 cents to $74.22 a barrel at early afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oil hovers above $74 in Asia as US crude inventories drop suggests demand is improving.

Arab league chief accuses Israel of continued ‘atrocity and assault’ in Mideast

Arab league chief accuses Israel of atrocies

ISTANBUL – The Arab league chief says all should be aware of Israel’s continuing “atrocity and assault” in violation of human rights and international law.
Amr Moussa says “Israel is the main reason for the black hole in the region.”
He said Thursday that he appreciated Turkey’s challenging Israel, and expressed …. Source article  : Arab league chief accuses Israel of continued ‘atrocity and assault’ in Mideast.

Brazilian Fritzl ‘had 7 kids’ with imprisoned daughter

LONDON – In a case reminiscent of Austrian incest father Josef Fritzl, a woman in a remote fishing village in Brazil has been freed by police after being imprisoned and repeatedly raped by her father for 12 years, during which she bore him seven children.

Her father is also accused of abusing one of the …. Original article  : Brazilian Fritzl ‘had 7 kids’ with imprisoned daughter.

Model with biggest fake boobs in Russia sues airline for implants damage

LONDON – A Russian model, who boasts of a 44J bust, has sued an airline after her implants were damaged in turbulence.

Iren Ferrari, 29, claims that she was thrown into the back of her facing seat on a flight.

“It was a strong blow. I hit my left breast. I was in pain,” the Sun …. Original source  : Model with biggest fake boobs in Russia sues airline for implants damage.

Brit woman sells excess breast milk with ‘healing properties’ online

MELBOURNE – A British woman has found a novel way of making money and dispensing off her excess breast milk – by selling it online.

According to the Daily Mail, Toni Ebdon, 26, from Exeter, Devon, who is on maternity leave, has 10 regular customers, and she charges them 15 pounds for 113g (4oz) of …. Original source  : Brit woman sells excess breast milk with ‘healing properties’ online.

Pak origin American gets 15 yr term for logistical support to Al-Qaeda

NEW YORK – A local court here has sentenced a US civilian of Pakistani origin to 15-years of imprisonment for providing logistical support to Al-Qaeda.

According to a statement released by the Justice Department, Syed Hashmi, 30, who pleaded guilty in April to a charge of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to the terror …. Read the original article  : here.

National Advisory Council first meeting in Delhi today

NEW DELHI – The newly constituted National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by Congress President Sonia Gandhi will have its first meeting here on Thursday.

The Central Government had constituted the 14-member National Advisory Council on June 1.

The National Advisory Council is expected to advise the Centre on various social programmes like food security and … Original article on : National Advisory Council first meeting in Delhi today.

Amendment to existing law suggested to prevent Bhopal like judgment

NAGPUR – Gopal Subramaniam, Solicitor General of India has said that the government must institute strict legislations to prevent repetition of disaster like Bhopal gas tragedy.

Speaking at a function here on Wednesday, Subramaniam, said: “This case is a test case which any government should study and should make it a base for research for making …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Home Secretary Pillai says state police has key role in anti-Maoist operation

NEW DELHI – Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has said the Home Ministry insists that state police should play a key role with assistance from central security forces to tackle the Maoists menace.

In an interview to a private news channel, Pillai said: “I think basically the whole strategy has been to strengthen the … Read more >>.

KIwi police name Indian origin packer behind murder in Tauranga area

NORTH ISLAND – Police in Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand, have released the name of the prime accused in the murder of Ravneet Sangha.

He is an Indian origin packer going by the name of Deepak Nagpal.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Nagpal, 23, appeared in the District Court in Tauranga this morning where there was …. Read the original article  : here.

Ex-Kiwi minister admits to using credit card for porno flicks

WELLINGTON – Former New Zealand Government Minister Shane Jones has admitted to using his ministerial credit card to pay for pornographic movies while staying in hotels, but rejected suggestions that he was a “sex fiend”.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Labour MP Jones said he was “not immediately thinking about resigning”, though he had received … Read more >>>.

Virgin Blue ‘condoned porn in workplace’

SYDNEY – Sacked for watching porn, workers of the airline Virgin Blue alleged that the trend had been going on for a long time and the company had turned a blind eye to it before.

The five workers who have been sacked will challenge the suspension in court as unfair dismissals. The workers claimed that although … Read more >>.

Brothers accused of raping six-year-old sister

MELBOURNE – A six-year-old girl was repeatedly raped by her elder brothers aged 13 and 15, a Birmingham Crown court has heard.

The girl told in a recorded interview, to a female police officer, that she was attacked around 15 times by one sibling and more than 10 by the other – for three years between …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistan High Commissioner meets Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik met Home Minister P Chidambaram here on Wednesday days ahead of the scheduled meeting of Home Ministers of SAARC countries in Islamabad.

Talking to reporters, Malik said: “It was a routine meeting. As you know, the Home Minister is travelling for the SAARC Home Ministers meeting. I just [..] Read the original article: here.

Surat women break pots to protest against acute water crisis

SURAT – Women in Surat broke empty pitchers to protest against the acute shortage of water here on Wednesday.

Raising slogans before breaking the empty clay pots in front of the municipal corporation office, they lamented that there has been acute shortage of water and the situation has worsened, as there was no water to drink.

According …. Read the original article  : Surat women break pots to protest against acute water crisis.

Iran issues diplomatic note for ‘US abducted’ nuke scientist

WASHINGTON – Iran has issued a diplomatic note to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran regarding its missing nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri, who it alleges has been abducted by the U.S.

U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Gowley told ABC News: “They allege in the note …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brit-Indian whizkid harbours NASA space man dreams

LONDON – Arjun Rajyagor, who has been crowned as the first ever Junior Apprentice champ, wants to get a job working with spacemen at NASA.

The 17-year-old maths whizz, who won the title in the final on BBC1, already has a conditional … Original source on Gaea Times at : Brit-Indian whizkid harbours NASA space man dreams.

Chidambaram takes stock of anti-Maoists operations in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Union Home Minister P Chidambaram held consultations with senior officials and newly appointed advisors to the Jharkhand Governor at Ranchi on Friday and discussed measures to tackle the Maoists activities in the State.

The Jharkhand Home Department and State Police have reportedly prepared a report on the Maoists activities in the state, to …. Source article  : Chidambaram takes stock of anti-Maoists operations in Jharkhand.

One in every ten Hong Kong students’ victims of Internet bullying

HONG KONG – One in every 10 primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong is a victim of Internet bullying, according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by the social service division of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ (CUBC), polled 2,629 students, and found 10.9 percent (mostly male) in Kowloon and …. Read the original article  : One in every ten Hong Kong students’ victims of Internet bullying.

Tamil actress Trisha appeals for looking after stray dogs

CHENNAI J – Tamil film actress Trisha Krishnan, has joined hands with People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in issuing a public appeal to domesticate stray dogs and not crave for pedigreed foreign breeds.

At a formal event hosted here on Thursday Krishnan said there is a misconception that stray dogs are of no use.

She … Read more >>.

India all set to generate 1000 MW solar power by 2013 with US technology

NEW DELHI – Leading US-based solar power companies, American Capital Energy (ACE) and MSM Energy (MSME), are planning to set up a joint venture to generate solar energy in India.

The top executives of these two companies disclosed this at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

During the interaction both companies announced that their new …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India all set to generate 1000 MW solar power by 2013 with US technology.

‘Pakistan fifth most unstable country in world’

WASHINGTON – Pakistan is ranked fifth in the list of the world’s most unstable countries, according to the US State Department’s Global Peace Index (GPI).

Only Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan and Sudan rank lower that Pakistan, whose position deteriorated for the second consecutive year as it slipped three places to find itself placed in the bottom … Read : ‘Pakistan fifth most unstable country in world’.

UK Govt. to review controversial stop-search counter-terrorism laws

LONDON – The British Government has said it will review counter-terrorism laws after it emerged that security and law enforcement forces across the country have misused the controversial powers.

Police need ministerial approval for random stop and search powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The powers, which allow officers to stop …. Source  : UK Govt. to review controversial stop-search counter-terrorism laws.

Heavy rains inundate Manipur

IMPHAL – Incessant rainfall has resulted in massive overflow from the reservoir of Singda dam in Manipur.

Due to the floods transportation has become a problem in Imphal, and areas such as Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal and Uripok have been isolated.

Lawmaker W Brajabidhu Singh said heavy rains had caused immense hardship the locals in several neighborhoods.

“It … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Heavy rains inundate Manipur.

Malay Indian Congress to monitor Indian community incentives

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has said that it will follow up on new initiatives proposed for the Indian community in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) to ensure they benefit the target groups.

The initiatives included an 87 percent increase in setting up of pre-schools and absorbing electricity and water bills up to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists torch machinery, vehicles of a road construction firm in Bihar

GAYA – Suspected Maoists caused extensive damage to a road construction company at Panchanpur in Bihar’s Gaya District

The incident took place just after midnight between June 9 and 10.

The Maoists torched three dumpers and a motorbike besides damaging a generator, a compressor, and a hydraulic motor.

Reportedly the company had refused to oblige the ultras with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoists torch machinery, vehicles of a road construction firm in Bihar.

18 Chinese held for selling cheating devices

NEW DELHI – Eighteen Chinese have been detained by police in Lanzhou and Guiyang for selling high-tech cheating devices to students who sat the national college entrance exam that ended on Wednesday.

According to the China Daily and Xinhua, seven students were found to have used high-tech devices to cheat in the exam in Gansu province.

The … Read more : 18 Chinese held for selling cheating devices.

Haryana: Widow molestation case victim goes missing

YAMUNANAGAR – The complainant in the molestation case registered against former Haryana Inspector General of Police (IGP) M S Ahlawat went missing from her house in Brijpuri colony here on late Thursday evening.

The disappearance of Arvinder Kaur, who is also the complainant, comes close on the heels of her threatening to end life if …. Original source  : Haryana: Widow molestation case victim goes missing.

Round-the-world teen sailor feared lost at sea

WASHINGTON – A 16-year-old California girl, who had been attempting a solo non-stop sail around the world, is feared to be lost at sea.

According to GrindTV.com, Abby Sunderland lost satellite phone contact with her parents on June 11, and the Australian Coast Guard reported she had activated both of her emergency beacons.

The website reported … Read more : Round-the-world teen sailor feared lost at sea.

Punjab Police recovers huge cache of heroin, ammunition

AMRITSAR – Punjab Police Special Operation Cell (SOC) has seized a huge cache of heroin and ammunition along the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar District.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Manminder Singh said that the police had recovered over two kilograms of heroin, six kilograms of RDX, 20 detonators and ten timer devices.

The [..] Read the original article: here.

Nelson Mandela’s great granddaughter killed in a car crash

JOHANNESBURG – Former President Nelson Mandela’s great granddaughter has been killed in a car crash while returning from a 2010 FIFA World Cup kick-off concert in Soweto.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation was quoted by News 24, as saying that 13-year-old Zenani Mandela, the grandchild of Mandela’s daughter Zindzi, was travelling with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela when their … Read more >>>.

Centre postpones decision on Food Security Bill

NEW DELHI – Union Government has postponed taking a decision on Food Security Bill due to the absence of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar at the meeting of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Food.

Addressing media after the meeting, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the ban on rice exports for Maldives has been removed and … Read more >>.

Minorities make up 35 percent of American population

LOS ANGELES – Minorities now make up about 35 percent of the country’s population, and about 57 percent of the population in California.

The white population, however, continues to decline, the Los Angeles Times quotes the latest U.S. census estimates, as saying on Thursday.

“More of the country is going to be like California,” warned Brookings Institution …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pak claims US failed to address its concerns over India’s role in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD – The United States has rejected addressing Pakistan’s concerns regarding India’s efforts to ‘destabilise’ it using Afghan soil.

According to sources, a high level US defence team, during its meeting with Pakistani officials, rebuked Islamabad’s charges against New Delhi.

The US defence team headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Force Development, [..] Read the original article: here.

Nazi salute by school kids shocks visiting German group

MUNICH – A group of visiting Germans was shocked when some school kids welcomed them with a Nazi salute, the Daily Star reports.

They raised their arms in a Heil Hitler sign as the students from Borken in North Germany arrived.

Sally Krause, the organiser of the visit, was personally taken aback and stunned by the incident.

“I … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nazi salute by school kids shocks visiting German group.

New cyberattacks on South Korean government websites, but no major damage

New cyberattacks in SKorea; sites suffer no damage

SEOUL, South Korea – Two South Korean government websites were struck by the second cyberattack in a week, but suffered no major damage, the government said Saturday.
Most of the computers trying to access the websites were traced to China, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security said in … Original source on Gaea Times at : New cyberattacks on South Korean government websites, but no major damage.

Clashes in Srinagar over youth’s death (Second Lead)

SRINAGAR – Angry youths clashed with security forces here in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday following the death of a teenager they allege was killed in a street protest a day earlier.

The young men hurled stones at police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in several areas including Narwara, Rainawari, Nawa Kadal, Bimina, Batmaloo, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Clashes in Srinagar over youth’s death (Second Lead).

Vice President Ansari returns from Czech Republic tour

NEW DELHI – Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived here today on conclusion of his six-day two nation tour of Czech Republic and Croatia.

Before concluding his tour, he visited the famous tourist destination of Dubrovnik in Croatia on Friday.

He met Mayor of Dubrovnik city Andro Vlahisic and County Prefect Nikola Dobroslavic and then proceeded for …. Source article  : Vice President Ansari returns from Czech Republic tour.

1 in 4 Oz drivers risks death by falling asleep while driving

MELBOURNE – An Internet survey has found that one in every four drivers in Australia risks death by falling asleep at the wheel.

The survey of 2818 Australians also found that one in 10 who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident listed fatigue as a contributing factor.

AAMI spokesman Mike Sopinski said this was an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 1 in 4 Oz drivers risks death by falling asleep while driving.

Mark Twain’s link with ‘filthy-minded, salacious’ secy revealed in memoirs

LONDON – Late American author and humorist Mark Twain has in his memoirs revealed about his obsession with his secretary, who he called as a “filthy-minded and salacious slut”.

The memoirs are being published 100 years after Twain’s death, as he had decreed that his full manuscript should not be published for a century so that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mark Twain’s link with ‘filthy-minded, salacious’ secy revealed in memoirs.

Hong Kong launches website to honour the dead

SYDNEY – A website has been set up in Hong Kong that allows friends and relatives to pay homage to their departed ones online.

The website, created by the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, enables them to set up online profiles for the dead at memorial.gov.hk.

The department, which oversees public cemeteries and crematoriums, spent … Original article on : Hong Kong launches website to honour the dead.

Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader asks Russia to send troops to quell ethnic violence

Kyrgyzstan invites Russian troops to end unrest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan’s interim president says her government has asked Russia to send troops to quell ethnic violence that has killed more than 50 people and wounded about 700.
Roza Otunbayeva says without outside help the provisional authorities can’t end violence that has raged since Friday in the southern … Read more »»».

Old Navy Tank Top Sale 2010 On Saturday

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The Old Navy is back with its one day wonder sale again. After the last month’s flip-flop sale, it would be offering this time tank tops to customers at an unimaginably low price reportedly. Reports claim that on 12 June, Saturday the Old Navy will be offering tank tops for only …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Old Navy Tank Top Sale 2010 On Saturday.

Official says fighter jets kill 10 suspected militants in northwestern Pakistan

Fighter jets kill 10 militants in NW Pakistan

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – A local official says Pakistani fighter jets have destroyed several militant hide-outs in the northwest, killing 10 insurgents.
Samiullah Khan, a local administrator, says the strikes Saturday targeted remnants of the Pakistani Taliban in the Orakzai tribal region, where the army declared victory last week over …. Source article  : Official says fighter jets kill 10 suspected militants in northwestern Pakistan.

‘Outraged’ Sri Lanka cracks down on ‘indecent’ advertising

WASHINGTON – Police in Sri Lanka are on a sort of ‘cleaning spree’ of billboards they call ‘obscene advertising’ – including racy images of women.

Prior to this, they also detained young couples that were spotted indulging in inappropriate display of affection in public, like kissing, cuddling or holding hands.

They claim that people are getting …. Original source  : ‘Outraged’ Sri Lanka cracks down on ‘indecent’ advertising.

Organic food fair in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA – A three-day-long food festival showcasing organic food items got underway in Shimla.

Inaugurated by state Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Thursday, the fair was organized by the Palampur Agriculture University in collaboration with the tourism department.

The organizers said that the organic food fair would provide farmers with a platform to sell their … Read more : Organic food fair in Himachal Pradesh.

NATO claims ’slow and steady’ success in Afghanistan despite skepticism

London, 12 June (ANI): NATO is still upbeat over its operations against Talibani forces in Afghanistan despite the recent attack on its convoy near Kabul on Friday, and the earlier admission by American Army officials, that the war on terror had reached a stalemate.

Speaking after the NATO talks in Brussels, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates …. Original article  : NATO claims ’slow and steady’ success in Afghanistan despite skepticism.

Alert driver evade a major train mishap in Tamil Nadu

VILLUPURAM – The passengers of Chennai bound Tiruchirapalli-Chennai Rockfort Express had a narrow escape from a tragedy as the driver stopped the train after noticing major breaches in rail track in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram District on Saturday.

Railway Authorities suspect that some terror groups might have engineered a blast targeting the Rockfort Express.

The incident occurred … Read : Alert driver evade a major train mishap in Tamil Nadu.

Painting by Indian artist sold for a record price at London auction

LONDON – A painting by a top Indian artist has set a sale record for a modern Indian work, after it sold at an auction in London for 2.4 million pounds.

Christie’s auctioneers revealed the painting by Syed Haider Raza called Saurashtra, which was produced during a key period of the artist’s career, was sold in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Painting by Indian artist sold for a record price at London auction.

“Embittered” Karzai mulling sidestepping US with own Taliban, Pak peace deal

NEW YORK – Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai is said to have lost confidence in the US led foreign forces’ ability to reign in Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, and is trying to strike a deal on his own with the insurgents to bring peace and stability in the war tattered country.

According to former Afghanistan intelligence chief … Read more »».

Fish turns up dead in Muchalinda Lake in Gaya

GAYA – Fishes are turning up dead in Muchalinda lake in Bihar’s Gaya district due to soaring temperatures.

The lake is located 3 km south of Mahabodhi Temple and lies close to the Mucharim village in Gaya District of Bihar.

“Due to excessive hot weather fishes of the lake are dying. The workers of the temple … Read : Fish turns up dead in Muchalinda Lake in Gaya.

Darjeeling slips into chaos following killing of Gorkha leader

DARJEELING – Darjeeling town has slipped into chaos following the killing of Gorkha leader Madan Tamang last month.

Shutdowns and a chaotic political disorder have plagued life in the city during the peak tourist season, amidst an ethnic Gorkha agitation gone hayware since the killing of Tamang.

Tamang’s death has come as a setback to the …. Source article  : Darjeeling slips into chaos following killing of Gorkha leader.

Ahluwalia confirms Tata offer to contain Bhopal gas leak damage

NEW DELHI – Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia has confirmed that chairman of Tata Group had offered to organise a remediation to contain the damage caused by the Bhopal gas leak.

“Ratan Tata had written to.. he offered if government wants, Indian industry will organize a remediation. Remediation means to control the damage … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ahluwalia confirms Tata offer to contain Bhopal gas leak damage.

Sikkim cut off from West Bengal due to massive landslide

SEVOKE – Sikkim was cut off from West Bengal after landslides blocked National Highway 31 A on Friday.

The landslide occurred at Hatisura under Kurseong police station as rocks and boulders accompanied by mud came down the hills blocking the highway.

Scores of vehicles and tourists were stranded on the both sides of the slide.

“It is a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sikkim cut off from West Bengal due to massive landslide.

Al- Qaeda preacher targeting young British Muslims for jihad: MI5

LONDON – State Security Service MI5 has warned that the Al-Qaeda is targeting young muslim British youths through its provocative preaching.

It claims that Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical al-Qaeda preacher based in the Middle East, is infusing radical thoughts among them through his jihadi ideologues, the Telegraph reported.

According to the paper, he caught the headlines with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Al- Qaeda preacher targeting young British Muslims for jihad: MI5.

UK’s first female Muslim minister says quotas for minority candidates has passed

LONDON – Britain’s first female Muslim cabinet minister, Baroness Warsi, has suggested the time for “quotas” for candidates from minority groups has passed.

In an interview to The Times, 39-year-old Warsi said her party would focus on other schemes, such as student internships, to get more young black and Asian people involved in Tory politics.

“Rather than …. Source  : UK’s first female Muslim minister says quotas for minority candidates has passed.

Malaysian home ministry to keep tabs on foreign labour needs

PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Home Ministry has said that it will ensure there is enough foreign labour in the country so that the targets of the 10th Malaysia Plan are met, especially in the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs).

The Star quoted Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the ministry would see to it that the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian home ministry to keep tabs on foreign labour needs.

‘Mobile sex service’ making its rounds in Malaysian city

KUALA LUMPUR – Flyers advertising a “mobile sex service” inside a luxury vehicle are being distributed across the Malaysian city of Miri.

The leaflets in Chinese, said to have been in distribution over the last couple of days, have been found in office post boxes, residential estates and even on car windscreens in shopping areas, reports …. Read the original article  : here.

Report reveals direct links between Pak’s ISI and Afghan Taliban

LONDON – Revelations by nine Afghan Taliban field commanders have established a direct link between them and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), though Islamabad has termed it as rubbish.

According to the BBC, the London School of Economics (LSE) report claims that the ISI is providing funding, training and sanctuary to the Taliban on a scale much … Original source on Gaea Times at : Report reveals direct links between Pak’s ISI and Afghan Taliban.

JK Rowling’s new Edinburgh home ‘high on security’

LONDON – Harry Potter creator JK Rowling is planning to raise a security complex and install kennels outside the main house building of her new home in one of Edinburgh’s poshest suburbs, according to her neighbours.

“The whole property is shielded by large hedges so you can’t really see where this new property would be but, … Read more : JK Rowling’s new Edinburgh home ‘high on security’.

German Shepherd Dog Retires From Duty

TOMS RIVER (GaeaTimes.com)- Maximus, a German Shepherd dog has finally retired from its duties along with his trainer police officer Ryan Maloney. Reportedly, both Ryan Maloney and the German Shepherd dog Maximus had been working together since 2003. That justifies the inseparable bond which the two shares between each other. In all probability, the German …. Read the original article  : here.

18-month-old Chinese girl excretes 21 nails in a month

NEW DELHI – An 18-month-old Chinese girl is believed to be suffering from Pica – an eating disorder characterized by persistent cravings to eat nonfood items such as dirt or cigarette butts, after she repeatedly excreted nails.

The girl was diagnosed with the disorder after paediatricians from from Xi’an, capital of the northwestern Shaanxi Province, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 18-month-old Chinese girl excretes 21 nails in a month.

Miami lawyer banned from visiting jail due to metal underwire in her bra!

MELBOURNE – A Miami lawyer was banned from meeting her client in jail due to the metal underwire in her bra.

According to The Miami Herald, when lawyer Brittney Horstman removed her bra, she was restricted again because she wasn’t wearing a bra.

Horstman said that security guards at Miami Federal Detention Centre did not allow … Read more >>.

Graft in Afghanistan focus of US military intelligence

WASHINGTON – Military intelligence officers in Afghanistan are scouring seized documents and interrogating captured fighters and facilitators, not just to learn about insurgent networks that plan attacks, plant roadside explosives and send out suicide bombers, but also incidents of corruption.

According to the New York Times, they are also looking for insights on how to …. Read the original article  : Graft in Afghanistan focus of US military intelligence.

Demand for tiger, leopard parts in China, a threat to conservation: Ramesh

RAMNAGAR – Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has said the great demand for tiger and leopard parts in China is a serious threat to conservation.

Ramesh said the traditional ‘Year of the Tiger’ being observed in China this year is of particular concern, as it would induce poaching due to lucrative … Read : Demand for tiger, leopard parts in China, a threat to conservation: Ramesh.

Desperate NHS imports medics from Kolkata

LONDON – Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) is frantically recruiting hundreds of doctors from India to fill a crippling shortage of British medics.

NHS teams have been sent out to Kolkata to sign up junior doctors to keep their hospital departments open.

Dozens of trusts across the country are struggling to fill thousands of vacancies … Read more »»».

Raj Thackeray rubbishes allegations of vote-for-money in MLC polls

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray rubbished allegations of vote-for-money by Shiv Sena activists during the recent Municipal Legislative Council (MLC) polls in Maharashtra.

Thackeray said that his priority was to get the suspension of four party deputies revoked.

“The most important thing for me was to get the suspension of four party deputies …. Original source  : Raj Thackeray rubbishes allegations of vote-for-money in MLC polls.

Two killed in West Bengal cyclone

MIDNAPORE – At least two tourists were killed and a few others injured, when a mild cyclone hit the coastal areas of West Bengal’s Midnapore District.

The incident took place on Saturday, when the tourists were enjoying sea bath.

“In the late evening, the wind started blowing and then cyclone hit the area. Due to the cyclone … Read : Two killed in West Bengal cyclone.

All eyes on Modi after Kumar advent protest

PATNA – A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his anger over an advertisement showing him and Gujarat Chief Minister Narender Modi holding hands aloft on a stage two years ago, all eyes are on Modi as there is an expectation that he may react in a telling manner.

Kumar has since maintained an …. Source article  : All eyes on Modi after Kumar advent protest.

Melbourne police identfy dead Indian victim

MELBOURNE – Melbourne Police is baffled about how the Indian owner of a Melbourne real estate chain ended up dead under a Balwyn North freeway footbridge.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the body found at the base of the footbridge last Sunday was that of Doncaster resident Kewal Dhillon, 61, originally an Indian national.

The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Melbourne police identfy dead Indian victim.

Sir Ed’s historic ice axe lies neglected in museum corner

WELLINGTON – Sir Edmund Hillary’s ice axe, used by him in his historic ascent of Mt Everest, is lying neglected in a museum stairwell next to cardboard boxes and coffee cups.

Auckland War Memorial Museum received the axe from Sir Edmund’s widow, Lady June Hillary, in 2008 on the condition it be permanently displayed.

However, the tool … Read more : Sir Ed’s historic ice axe lies neglected in museum corner.

Crooks pocket Indian aid, as UK faces 66 billion pounds in cuts

LONDON – Corruption on an incredible scale has been uncovered and it involves the siphoning of millions of pounds of British taxpayers’ money by crooked Indian officials.

According to a News of The World report, the money was purportedly meant for educating poor children in India, but made its way into the pockets of crooked officials …. Source article  : Crooks pocket Indian aid, as UK faces 66 billion pounds in cuts.

Round-the-world-teen-sailor vows solo try won’t be last

NEW YORK – Abby Sunderland, 16, has vowed that she would attempt to sail solo round the world again.

Her first try at the record was thwarted when she became stranded for two nights in rough Indian Ocean seas.

She was plucked from her damaged yacht by a French fishing vessel today, 2,000 nautical miles from the …. Source  : Round-the-world-teen-sailor vows solo try won’t be last.

India pushing for Anderson’s extradition: Pranab Mukherjee

KOLKATA/NEW DELHI/BHOPAL – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said the Government of India is trying to extradite former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson, the prime accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, from the United States.

“We are trying to extradite Anderson,” said Mukherjee responding to the queries of the media persons here.

Condemning the alleged role …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ex-Penguin chief Davidar forced his tongue into mouth of sexually harassed employee

TORONTO – Former Indian-born CEO of Penguin Canada David Davidar has been accused of forcibly shoving his tongue into the mouth of Lisa Rundle, a former employee, during one of their encounters in a hotel.

The Globe and Mail quotes Rundle, as saying that she was sexually harassed and assaulted by Davidar on a number of …. Read the original article  : Ex-Penguin chief Davidar forced his tongue into mouth of sexually harassed employee.

Las Vegas seeing a surge in adult, topless pools

MELBOURNE – After a hard day’s work, the best way to relax in Las Vegas is to jump into one of the adult and topless pools that are coming up in the city.

The Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers people the chance to party from morning till night on the …. Read the original article  : here.

Cleavage enhancing bra to be UK’s cheapest

LONDON – UK is set to have one of the cheapest bras in the market that will not only cost a quarter of the price of rivals, but which will also enhance the cleavage of those who wear them.

The Ultimate Push Up by bargain fashion chain Peacocks has extra-thick double padding to boost assets …. Original article  : Cleavage enhancing bra to be UK’s cheapest.

Govt. trying to get Indian students out of riot-hit Kyrgyzstan

NEW DELHI – The Government of India is attempting to get over 100 students out of ethnic riot hit southern Kyrgyzstan.

It has been reported that the Indian mission is in close touch with those trapped in the violence-hit city of Osh, as well as with the concerned authorities in that country, including their foreign ministry, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Govt. trying to get Indian students out of riot-hit Kyrgyzstan.

Sonia Gandhi sends her offerings to Sufi saint’s shrine

NEW DELHI/AJMER – Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday sent a ‘chaddar’ to the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti in Rajasthan’s Ajmer city.

The cloth is to be offered at the shrine by Congress party leaders on the occasion of Urs.

‘Urs’ marks the death anniversary of Moin-ud-din Chishti, who is popularly referred to …. Read the original article  : here.

Ethnic rioting in Kyrgyzstan claims 117 lives

OSH – The death toll from three days of ethnic rioting in southern Kyrgzstan has risen to 117.

A New York Times report has said thousands of refugees are pouring across the border into Uzbekistan, as the authorities were unable to contain the murderous mobs.eavily armed police officers guarded intersections, and troops patrolled in tracked artillery …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kathmandu to install modern communication system to curb import of illegal explosives

KATHMANDU – The Nepalese Government is all set to install modern communication system at all entry points of Kathmandu to curb the increasing threat of imports of illegal explosives and weapons.

Nepal’s Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal said preparations were underway to install the system.

Rawal said discussions are ongoing on how installation tasks could be carried … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kathmandu to install modern communication system to curb import of illegal explosives.

North Korea condemns IAEA chief’s comment on nuke issue

NEW DELHI – North Korea has slammed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano comment on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

A statement carried by the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said Yukiya Amano’s demand last week from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fulfill its obligation under the nuclear Non-Proliferation …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : North Korea condemns IAEA chief’s comment on nuke issue.

EX- Penguin Canada CEO Davidar planning to settle in India

TORONTO – Former Indian-born CEO of Penguin Canada David Davidar has said that he and his wife were planning to return to India to live, after he was forced to resign for allegedly shoving his tongue into the mouth of Lisa Rundle, a former employee, during one of their encounters in a hotel.

The announcement on …. Source article  : EX- Penguin Canada CEO Davidar planning to settle in India.

Bribery ‘wrong but unavoidable’ in Oz, claim managers

SYDNEY – Nine out of ten people in Australia think bribery and corruption is wrong but unavoidable, revealed a study of mid-level business managers’ attitude to corruption.

Aussies working in Sydney and abroad know that bribery is illegal, but are still willing to ignore their morals and ethics if it could get them a contract or …. Original article  : Bribery ‘wrong but unavoidable’ in Oz, claim managers.

Development, security in South Asia should not be a zero sum game: Nirupama Rao

NEW DELHI – Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has proposed that development and security in South Asia should not be a zero sum game.

“India neither sees Afghanistan as a battleground for competing national interests nor assistance to Afghan reconstruction and development as a zero sum game. (Indeed, may I venture the proposition that development and security … Read more »»».

India knows there is trust, vision deficit with Pakistan: Nirupama Rao

NEW DELHI – Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has acknowledged that some observers have a view that there is a trust deficit between India and Pakistan, and added that the last sixty years have had more than their share of bitterness, recrimination, mistrust, misunderstanding and miscommunication, where these two countries are concerned.

“India-Pakistan relations are, by virtue … Original source on Gaea Times at : India knows there is trust, vision deficit with Pakistan: Nirupama Rao.

Malaysian education ministry may make Mandarin, Tamil compulsory

KUALA LUMPUR – The education ministry of Malaysia is looking into a proposal to make the learning of Mandarin and Tamil language teachers compulsory in national schools.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said there was already such a policy in place, but that it had not been implemented.

“The people, regardless of where they are of … Read more >>>.

Missing Malay Indian woman’s mum getting calls, but no information

PETALING JAYA – The mother of a Malay Indian woman, who has been reported as missing, has revealed that she is getting calls, but no information about the whereabouts of her daughter.

Nisha Chandra Mohan’s mother Wong Lai Lan said her daughter is a patient of epilepsy.

“All the calls were from people who wanted to give … Original article on : Missing Malay Indian woman’s mum getting calls, but no information.

US mulls audit office in Islamabad to keep tab on aid usage

WASHINGTON – Following serious concerns being raised over the suspected misuse of the Kerry Lugar funds by Pakistan, the United States is planning to set up a separate audit office in Islamabad to keep a check over utilization of the huge financial aid being given to that country.

According to diplomatic sources, the audit office would … Read more : US mulls audit office in Islamabad to keep tab on aid usage.

Protesting tribals talks with Orissa CM

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday held talks with leaders of a tribal group protesting against the setting up of South Korea’s POSCO steel plant in the region.

The ‘POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti’ claims that the 12 billion dollars steel plant would displace a large population and lead to a loss of …. Source article  : Protesting tribals talks with Orissa CM.

Female sex guru offers online ‘penis massage’ course to boost male libido

KUALA LUMPUR – A female sex guru from Singapore is using technology to help men boost their libido – she is organising a four-week online course on massage techniques to rejuvenate the male organ.

According to The Sin Chew Daily, Lee Hui Zhen’s programme, conducted in English, would feature ways of massaging the penis to enhance …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Female sex guru offers online ‘penis massage’ course to boost male libido.

US discovers one trillion dollars of mineral deposits in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – The United States has discovered nearly a trillion dollars in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan.

According toa New York Times report, senior American Government officials said the discovery include huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium.

The minerals could transform Afghanistan into one of the most important mining centers [..] Read the original article: here.

Sikhs outraged as Kiwi club refuses to lift turban ban

AUCKLAND – The dispute between the New Zealand-Sikh community and an Auckland club seems to be far from being resolved, as the club has decided to maintain a ban on wearing ‘turbans’ in its bar.

The Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club held a poll during its annual meeting on Sunday, in which about 75 percent members said that …. Original article  : Sikhs outraged as Kiwi club refuses to lift turban ban.

Abducted US NGO employee slaughtered in Pak

QUETTA – A Pakistani employee of a US-based NGO, Mercy Corps, who was kidnapped along with his three other colleagues earlier this year, has reportedly been slaughtered by his abductors.

According to reports, abductors killed Habibullah and have dispatched video footage of his murder to his family members warning of similar treatment of other NGO …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Naked bikers grab motorists’ eyeballs

LONDON – Dozens of riders finally grabbed the attention of motorists when they took to the streets and rode their bikes in the buff, as part of the annual Naked Bike Ride.

The event is organised in cities around the world to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of cycling, and to also make people take … Read more : Naked bikers grab motorists’ eyeballs.

Meet Auckland’s own ‘Mother Teresa’

WELLINGTON – A woman has become the “Mother Teresa” of Auckland with her tireless efforts to help the poor.

Claire Adams-Adamiak, 71, may be twice the age of many of the street people she helps, but it does not stop her from making weekly trips from her home in Papatoetoe by train.

She has earned herself the …. Read the original article  : Meet Auckland’s own ‘Mother Teresa’.

Oil Spill Enters 56th Day

GULF OF MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- After almost two months, B.P. has come up with yet another new plan to minimize the oil spill. Under the pressure of the U.S. government, BP has said that it hopes to increase the collection of oil from 15,000 barrels a day to around 40,000- 53,000 barrels per day. BP …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashes in Punjab

MOGA – An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed near Halwara in Punjab’s Moga District on Tuesday.

“It was a controlled ejection and the pilot was able to eject safely,” said an IAF spokesperson.

More details are awaited. (ANI)
… Read : Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashes in Punjab.

Pak should build dams instead of wasting time talking to India over water: Fazlur

LAHORE – Pakistan Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Chairman, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has said that the government is wasting its time by holding talks with India over the Indus Water Treaty issues.

Addressing the media after a committee meeting, Fazlur said that India prolonged the dialogue process on the water issue and constructed the Baglihar Dam …. Original article  : Pak should build dams instead of wasting time talking to India over water: Fazlur.

Zardari a Pakistani citizen, not American national, clarifies furious PPP

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said that its leader and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is a citizen of Pakistan, and denied reports claiming that he was as an American national.

PPP Secretary Information Fauzia Wahab said that the PPP strongly condemned the news on a website- Noteable Names Database (NNDB), which claims [..] Read the original article: here.

Kiwi club’s turban ban decision “a wake-up call” for Sikhs in the country: NZSC

AUCKLAND – New Zealand’s Cosmopolitan Clubs have said that they will not criticise a Manurewa club’s decision to maintain a ban on wearing ‘turbans’ in its bar despite the New Zealand Sikh Council calling it “a wake-up call” for Sikhs in the country.

Auckland’s Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club held a poll during its annual meeting on Sunday, … Read more >>.

Govt. confirms evacuation of Indian nationals from southern Kyrgyzstan

NEW DELHI – The Government of India has confirmed the airlifting of all Indian nationals from riot hit southern Kyrgyzstan.

The Embassy of India in Bishkek arranged the airlift of Indian citizens with the support of the Kyrgyz authorities.

“All the Indian nationals stranded in the southern Kyrgyz towns of Osh and Jalal-Abad were safely evacuated last …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Govt. confirms evacuation of Indian nationals from southern Kyrgyzstan.

Musharraf promises his party will bring Pak back “on track of progress”

LONDON – Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, who has been vying to stage a comeback on the country’s political stage, has reiterated that he would soon return to Pakistan to lift it from the prevalent chaos.

“Pakistan again will be on the track of progress with the efforts of the All Pakistan Muslim League,” The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Musharraf promises his party will bring Pak back “on track of progress”.

Oz man jailed for beating, sexually assaulting 11-yr-old daughter

MELBOURNE – An Australian man has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years jail for sexually assaulting and beating his 11-year-old daughter.

The Victorian County Court was told on June 15 that the 33-year-old single father of four, who cannot be named, had committed the offence between December 2008 and June 2009.

The sexual assaults came to light only … Read : Oz man jailed for beating, sexually assaulting 11-yr-old daughter.

NABARD Aims At Rural Development

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is all set to set it’s foot forward for the promotion of rural credit bureaus in accordance to CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau of India Ltd). The main objective of NABARD is to give impetus to the flow of credit for the rural sectors.
Speaking on …. Original article  : NABARD Aims At Rural Development.

17 Chinese killed in mountain collapse

NEW DELHI – At least 17 people were killed after a mountain collapsed on their construction site in China’s Chengdu Province on Tuesday.

According to a Xinhua news agency report, six people are still missing after the collapse that occurred at around 1:25 a.m.in Pengta Town, Kangding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

According to the prefecture’s public …. Original article  : 17 Chinese killed in mountain collapse.

Auckland cabbie Hiren Mohini’s murder suspect may never stand trial: Kiwi lawyer

AUCKLAND – A leading lawyer in New Zealand has said that the 23-year-old man detained in China in connection with the January 31 murder of Indian-origin taxi driver Hiren Mohini may never stand trial.

The murder suspect, named in Auckland District Court files as Zhen Xiao, was located and detained by Chinese authorities in Shanghai last … Read more >>>.

Rising food prices will ease after July: Pranab Mukherjee

PATNA – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that rising food prices would ease after July, and that he was not in favour of altering monetary policy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects inflation to soften around mid-2010 on a normal monsoon and moderation in food prices and has forecast the March 2011 Wholesale Price … Read more >>.

Barcelona to become first Spanish city to ban burka

LONDON – The Spanish city of Barcelona is to become the first in the country to ban the use of face-covering Islamic veils, or burkas, in municipal buildings.

The Independent quoted Barcelona Mayor, Jordi Hereu, as saying that the burka ban was not aimed at any religion.

He said it was aimed at all dress that … Read more : Barcelona to become first Spanish city to ban burka.

President urges South Koreans to be militarily ready

SEOUL – South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has called on his country’s citizens to be prepared militarily and respond sternly to Pyongyang following the March 26 sinking of the warship “Cheonan”.

“If we fail to sternly respond to North Korea’s wrongdoing in cooperation with the international community, and build up solid military readiness, a second and …. Source  : President urges South Koreans to be militarily ready.

Bhopal tragedy : Complaint filed against Arjun Singh

BHOPAL – A complaint has been registered against veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Arjun Singh over his alleged role in the release of former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson, the prime accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, who was allowed to leave the country soon after the catastrophe.

Advocate Furkhan Khan, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bhopal tragedy : Complaint filed against Arjun Singh.

High tide alert announced in Mumbai

MUMBAI – The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has advised people not to venture into the sea, as the city would witness high tides measuring about 4.70 metres till June 17.

The MeT department has forecast heavy rainfall, accompanied with thundershowers in the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, the BMC has decided to implement a two-tier … Read more »».

Police: Lightning strike sets 6-story-tall Ohio Jesus statue on fire, destroys it; no one hurt

Ohio Jesus statue struck by lightning, destroyed

MONROE, Ohio – A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised along a highway was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm Monday night and burned to the ground, police said.
The “King of Kings” statue, one of southwest Ohio’s most familiar landmarks, had stood since 2004 at the …. Read the original article  : Police: Lightning strike sets 6-story-tall Ohio Jesus statue on fire, destroys it; no one hurt.

White House gatecrashers to star in ‘Real Housewives of D.C.’?

NEW YORK – The controversial couple who gate crashed President Barack Obama’s first state dinner at the White House will star in a new reality series – ‘The Real Housewives of D.C’.

According to The Washington Post, Bravo TV channel confirmed that Michaele and Tareq Salahi would feature “Real Housewives” franchise.

“These connected D.C. power players all … Read this article on Gaea Times at : White House gatecrashers to star in ‘Real Housewives of D.C.’?.

10 Taliban insurgents killed as Pak jets bombard Orakzai

LAHORE – At least 10 Taliban insurgents were killed and six other injured when Pakistani fighter jets bombarded militant hideouts in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)’s Orakzai Agency.

According to reports, the Pakistan Air Force’ fighter jets targeted several Taliban hideouts in Shahdala, Ghandai Mela, Badam Kiley and Nek Kot areas of the Orakzai Agency.

Three …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 10 Taliban insurgents killed as Pak jets bombard Orakzai.

International court says 2 men suspected of war crimes in Sudan have surrendered voluntarily

2 Sudan war crimes suspects surrender
AMSTERDAM – The International Criminal Court says two men suspected of war crimes in Sudan have traveled to the Netherlands voluntarily and surrendered to the court.

The men, identified as Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain and Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, had been secretly indicted in August 2009 for allegedly playing leadership roles …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : International court says 2 men suspected of war crimes in Sudan have surrendered voluntarily.

Outrage over Muslim radicals spitting at British troops

LONDON – In a bizarre incident, Muslim radicals spat at British troops taking part in a parade yesterday, leaving watchers outraged.

According to Daily Star, over 100 supporters of an association called the “Muslim against Crusades” hurled abuses and spat out at the soldiers of the 1st Battalion the … Read more >>>.

Rambo-style hunter of Osama bin Laden dying of kidney disease

ISLAMABAD/LOS ANGELES – An American aiming to hunt down Osama bin Laden in a Rambo-style solo mission is reportedly dying from a kidney disease.

Gary Brooks Faulkner, 51, was detained in northern Pakistan where security forces believe he was on a one man quest to find and decapitate bin …. Source article  : Rambo-style hunter of Osama bin Laden dying of kidney disease.

China repairing damaged Great Wall

NEW DELHI – Repair work of damaged sections of The Great Wall of China has begun.

They include sections in northern Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia and Qingshuihe county.

According to Xinhua, a gold mining company had intentionally damaged a section of the wall … Original article on : China repairing damaged Great Wall.

Hafeez’s India diatribe with backing of Pak’s top religious parties worrying: Editorial

ISLAMABAD – Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed was recently seen rubbing shoulders with some of the leading religious leaders of the country during a public rally in Lahore which certainly casts serious questions over the policies of the country’s mainstream religious parties.

An … Original article on : Hafeez’s India diatribe with backing of Pak’s top religious parties worrying: Editorial.

Brit mum teaching 7-yr-old daughter to pole dance calls critics hypocrites

LONDON – The British woman, who received a lot of flak for teaching her seven-year-old daughter to pole dance, has lashed back at critics, who questioned her parenting skills, by calling them hypocrites.

Sarah Burge, 50, who is known as the “Human Barbie” for having 500,000 pounds worth of plastic surgery, was criticised for teaching her …. Original article  : Brit mum teaching 7-yr-old daughter to pole dance calls critics hypocrites.

Two-thirds of Brit women ‘completely bored’ with their lives

LONDON – A recent study has revealed that two-thirds of British women are completely bored with their lives.

The study on 3000 women conducted by Elaine Smith, marketing manager for Florette Fruit says that they dream to go out on a vacation as soon as possible.

According to the study, the boredom is a result of a …. Source  : Two-thirds of Brit women ‘completely bored’ with their lives.

*A reply to Pakistani critics*

LONDON – I got a lot of response for my last article “Gilgit Baltistan and Shafqat Inquilabi”. As always some people have appreciated it and some have criticised it. It is not possible to reply to all the points raised by the respondents, but I would like to make the following submission, which I hope … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : *A reply to Pakistani critics*.

French a useless language for conducting business, says ex-UK minister

LONDON – A former Foreign Office minister has described French as “useless” and called on young people to learn Mandarin and Arabic.

Chris Bryant, who served as minister for Europe under Gordon Brown, claimed that the value of using French in interactions was on the wane, and suggested introduction of languages that were more useful for … Original article on : French a useless language for conducting business, says ex-UK minister.

Miliband brothers bitching for Labour leadership

LONDON – Britain’s former Education Secretary Ed Balls has claimed that the Miliband brothers – David and Ed-are waging a verbal war against each other for the leadership of the New Labour Party.

Ball, who is also in the race for the job, claimed that Ed Miliband’s supporters are taking pot shots at brother David’s “eccentric …. Original source  : Miliband brothers bitching for Labour leadership.

Maharashtra police chief wants no pressure on Pune blast investigation team

PUNE – Following a Mumbai court’s decision to grant bail to Abdul Samad Bhatkal, a key accused in the Pune blast, Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, D. Sivanandan, has said the probe team should not be pressurized.

Talking to reporters here, Sivanandan said: “We should not pressurize them so that something wrong happens again. One …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maharashtra police chief wants no pressure on Pune blast investigation team.

Eight killed in Thane wall collapse

THANE – Eight persons were killed and four injured when a wall collapsed due to heavy rain in Maharashtra’s Thane District this morning.

According to sources, the incident took place when the boundary wall of Birla company fell on the slums at Dnyaneshwar Nagar at 5.am.

Relief operations were underway.

The injured have been admitted to … Original article on : Eight killed in Thane wall collapse.

Eleven killed in Haryana road mishap

KARNAL – At least eleven people were killed and eight others injured when a jeep in which they were travelling in collided with a truck in Haryana’s Karnal District on Wednesday.

According to sources, the mishap occurred when the jeep collided with the truck near Pacca Khera village, about 135 km from Chandigarh

All injured have …. Source article  : Eleven killed in Haryana road mishap.

Freed Scottish woman reveals her 10-yr kidnap hell in Pak

LONDON – Naheeda Bi, a Scottish woman of Pakistan origin, who claimed that she had been held captive in Pakistan for the last 10 years, has returned back home.

Joyous over being reunited with her family after a decade, Naheeda, recalled her terror of being kidnapped by two men at Islamabad Airport in April 2000.

“I …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysian Indian Congress team to look for missing two-year-old

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Youth team has reportedly agreed to help in the search of missing two-year-old Nisha Chandramohan.

According to The Star, the 50-member team, headed by youth leader Sivakumar Krishnan, will distribute posters of the child, who has been missing since June 4.

She was last seen being carried …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian Indian Congress team to look for missing two-year-old.

Heavy arms fire rings out in southern Kyrgyzstan as authorities struggle to keep the peace

Heavy arms fire rings out in Kyrgyz south
OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Heavy arms fire rang out over the Kyrgyz city of Osh before dawn Wednesday as authorities struggled to bring order to the country’s south, which has been thrust into chaos by days of deadly ethnic riots.

The violence has prompted more than 100,000 Uzbeks to flee …. Original article  : Heavy arms fire rings out in southern Kyrgyzstan as authorities struggle to keep the peace.

Researcher in Mass. says he has ID’d 7 MIAs from WWII by matching descriptions of unknowns

Mass. researcher says he has ID’d 7 MIAs from WWII

SUITLAND, Md. – A researcher in Massachusetts says he has identified the remains of at least seven U.S. service members declared missing in action 66 years ago in the World War II Battle of Saipan.
Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ted Darcy of Fall River, Mass., says … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Researcher in Mass. says he has ID’d 7 MIAs from WWII by matching descriptions of unknowns.

Female lecturers”casting couch’ ordeal to get hired in Peshawar colleges

KARACHI – Not limited to the fashion or the film industry anymore, the ‘casting couch’ phenomenon is now rampant in the education institutes too.

Applicants for the post of female lecturers in various colleges in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have complained of messages and phone calls from the officials dealing with collection of their application forms, asking …. Source  : Female lecturers’ ‘casting couch’ ordeal to get hired in Peshawar colleges.

Labour MSP caught admiring ‘dark, dusky woman’ on microphone

LONDON – Admiring a woman discreetly is one thing, but being heard doing just that on a microphone in a public meeting is another – that too for a Labour MSP.

Senior MSP, Frank McAveety, was caught sizing up a “very attractive girl” attending a Scottish Parliament committee he was chairing, praising her ‘dark and dusty” … Read more »».

Malik blames ‘foreign hand’ for Karachi sectarian killings

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has blamed ‘foreign elements’ for the continuous sectarian violence in Karachi, in which over 14 people have killed in the past three days.

Addressing the Senate, Malik said that investigations have revealed that the ongoing target killings in the financial capital was a conspiracy to destabilise the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mandela attends funeral for great-granddaughter, whose death cast shadow over World Cup

Mandela attends great-granddaughter’s funeral

JOHANNESBURG – Nelson Mandela emerged stiffly from a car and leaned on a walking stick to attend Thursday’s funeral for his 13-year-old great-granddaughter, who was killed in a car crash after the World Cup’s opening concert.
The anti-apartheid icon did not attend the tournament’s opening ceremony and first game following the death of …. Read the original article  : here.

Kanishka victims’ relatives ‘angry’ over Canadian govt’s inept handling of inquiry

Vancouver, June 17(ANI): As the Canadian Government’s Commission of Inquiry into the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing is set to release its final report, angry Indian community members have reiterated that the government has failed to ensure justice.

The commission was launched in 2006, and Canadian Prime …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kanishka victims’ relatives ‘angry’ over Canadian govt’s inept handling of inquiry.

US returns 7 sculptures dating from Angkorian period that had been smuggled from Cambodia

US returns 7 stolen ancient Cambodian sculptures

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The United States returned seven sculptures from the great Angkorian era on Thursday that had been smuggled out of Cambodia.
Cambodian Buddhist monks blessed the artifacts during a handover ceremony at the port of Sihanoukville, said John Johnson, a U.S. embassy spokesman.
The sandstone sculptures were recovered [..] Read the original article: here.

A sound sleep on the ‘costliest’ mattress comes with a 44,000 dollars price tag!

WASHINGTON – Having a good night’s sleep is something everyone would like, and to ensure it a bed making company is coming up with a mattress that will cost nothing less than a whopping 44,000 dollars.

The existing version, a 33,000 dollars hand-tufted, …. Original source  : A sound sleep on the ‘costliest’ mattress comes with a 44,000 dollars price tag!.

Gandhi statue unveiled in Canadian museum

TORONTO – A life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated Wednesday in the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba province, is about 1,500 kilometre away from here.
The local Indian-origin cardiologist Naranjan Dhalla of Friends of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights had requested the Indian government to donate the …. Original source  : Gandhi statue unveiled in Canadian museum.

Dutch court to decide if girl, 14, is free to try to be youngest to sail the world solo

Court to decide if Dutch girl can sail the world

AMSTERDAM – A Dutch court is deciding whether a 14-year-old girl should be released from state custody so she can try to become the youngest person to sail solo around the globe.
Child welfare authorities are seeking a two-month extension of Laura Dekker’s guardianship.
Since she was made … Read more : Dutch court to decide if girl, 14, is free to try to be youngest to sail the world solo.

ADB calls for more social protection in wake of global economic crisis

MANILA – The global economic crisis highlights the urgent need for stronger social protection programs in Asia and the Pacific, and policy makers must use the current rebound as an opportunity to make the region’s future growth more inclusive, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ADB calls for more social protection in wake of global economic crisis.

Oil spill: British Petroleum to put 20 bln dollars in Escrow to pay off claims

WASHINGTON – British Petroleum (BP) executives have agreed to US President Barack Obama’s proposal to put 20 billion dollars in an Escrow account to pay off claims of those affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Obama confirmed this news on Wednesday. Obama announced the deal … Read more >>>.

Cabinet approves setting up of Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for setting up of an Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) as an institution for imparting instruction and awarding degrees in frontier areas of science and technology.

The Bill to …. Original source  : Cabinet approves setting up of Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research.

Funeral held for Mandela’s great-granddaughter, whose death cast shadow over World Cup

Funeral held for Mandela’s great-granddaughter

JOHANNESBURG – Mourners are gathering for the funeral of Nelson Mandela’s 13-year-old great-granddaughter who was killed in a car crash.
Zenani Mandela was returning from the World Cup opening concert at the time of her death. Police say the close family friend who was driving could be charged with drunk driving and …. Read the original article  : Funeral held for Mandela’s great-granddaughter, whose death cast shadow over World Cup.

‘Dr. Death’ Patel’s lawyer blasts media coverage as ‘plain-faced gossip’

BRISBANE – Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel aka Dr. Death’s lawyer has accused the media of “name-calling and plain-faced gossip in the name of sensationalism”.

Michael Byrne, addressing the jury directly for the first time in the Brisbane Supreme Court trial, warned them about the “frenzied media storm” which he said had swirled around …. Source article  : ‘Dr. Death’ Patel’s lawyer blasts media coverage as ‘plain-faced gossip’.

Taliban expanding network in Pak’s military, political heartland- Punjab

LAHORE – The recent string of bloody terror attacks across the Punjab province have put a stamp on fears that militancy has deep rooted itself in the political and military heartland of Pakistan.

The emergence of a new extremist network known as the Punjabi Taliban, … Read more : Taliban expanding network in Pak’s military, political heartland- Punjab.

Priyanka Sachar’s photo exhibition is all about freezing fleeting moments

NEW DELHI – Photographer Priyanka Sachar in her first solo exhibition titled “Evanescence” showcased her photographs, through which she seeks to share with others, the beauty, diversity and irony of the world around her.

Through “Evanescence”, Priyanka strings together various … Read more >>.

Israel says it will ease land blockade of Gaza, hoping to quell international criticism

Israel says it will ease Gaza land blockade

JERUSALEM – Israel agreed on Thursday to ease its land blockade on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, hoping to quell growing international criticism following a deadly sea raid.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released few details about the changes in its three-year-old blockade, and it was not clear whether any … Read more >>>.

35 Pakistani troops missing along Afghan border after militant attack, officials say

Officials: 35 Pakistan troops missing after attack

ISLAMABAD – Hundreds of Islamist militants attacked a checkpoint along the Afghan border, and nearly three dozen Pakistani paramilitary troops were missing, security officials said Thursday.
The Afghan-Pakistan border is lengthy and porous, and skirmishes between security forces and militants are common.
The Frontier Corps troops disappeared from the Mohmand tribal …. Read the original article  : 35 Pakistani troops missing along Afghan border after militant attack, officials say.

16-week-old tot’s miraculous recovery after being frozen for four days

LONDON – A baby in Britain has made a miraculous recovery after being frozen for four days following complications he suffered after an intricate heart operation.

Finley Burton, who is 16-weeks-old, is said to have surprised medics when he pulled through after he was put on an … Read more »».

Maharashtra rains have claimed over 46 lives: Chhagan Bhujbal

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has said that heavy rains in the State have claimed over 46 lives so far.

The incessant rains in Mumbai on Wednesday led to water logging in several areas and over 46 people were killed due to building and wall collapses, falling trees, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maharashtra rains have claimed over 46 lives: Chhagan Bhujbal.

Handful of Uzbek refugees return to Osh as ethnic violence subsides in riot-hit Kyrgyzstan

Uzbek refugees trickle back amid relative calm

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – A handful of Uzbek refugees displaced by days of ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan are returning to their wrecked homes in the southern city of Osh, where a semblance of normality is slowly setting in.
Hundreds of thousands of Uzbeks fled their homes seeking refuge in neighboring Uzbekistan …. Read the original article  : Handful of Uzbek refugees return to Osh as ethnic violence subsides in riot-hit Kyrgyzstan.

Mothers of 3 jailed Americans say Iranian government is using their children to pressure US

Families of 3 jailed Americans criticize Iran

MINNEAPOLIS – The mothers of three Americans jailed in Iran for nearly a year say that country’s government is using their children as pawns in a standoff with the U.S.
The mothers released a joint statement Thursday in which they criticized the Iranian government publicly for the first time. Until … Read more »».

CIA documents reveal young agency was ‘caught by surprise’ in lead up to Korean War

CIA papers show agency struggled in Korean War

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Documents released by the CIA show how the young agency struggled in the run-up to the Korean War and after the conflict started.
The CIA released 1,300 documents Wednesday that included 900 papers that either had not been made public earlier or contained new information. The … Read more >>>.

Banco Santander offers to buy 300 Royal Bank of Scotland branches across Britain

Banco Santander confirms bid for RBS branches

LONDON – Banco Santander has confirmed that it has made a bid for some 300 bank branches being sold by Royal Bank of Scotland.
News reports say the Spanish bank is the only bidder in the chase for the RBS branches in England and Wales and its NatWest offices in …. Original article  : Banco Santander offers to buy 300 Royal Bank of Scotland branches across Britain.

Sherlock Holmes returns – from Nepal

KATHMANDU – More than 80 years after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the last Sherlock Holmes story, the taciturn, relentless and utterly fascinating sleuth is back again – and this time from Nepal.

House no 583 Museum Marg in Kathmandu is as different from 221 B Baker Street as Dr John Watson is from Ted Riccardi. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Russian newspaper cites Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader as saying unrest death toll could be 2,000

Interim pres: Kyrgyz violence likely kills 2,000

MOSCOW – A respected Russian daily quotes Kyrgyzstan’s interim president as saying the death toll from the ethnic unrest that has rocked the country’s south could be near 2,000.
Kyrgyz Health Ministry figures place the number of killed in the rampages led mainly by ethnic Kyrgyz at 191.
Roza Otunbayeva is … Original source on Gaea Times at : Russian newspaper cites Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader as saying unrest death toll could be 2,000.

India successfully test fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II

BHUBANESWAR – India conducted a successful test of the indigenously developed nuclear capable ballistic missile Prithvi-II off the Orissa coast Friday, an official said.

The missile blasted off from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, about 15 km from Balasore town, and the test went off “successfully”, the official said.
The surface-to-surface missile, which has …. Source article  : India successfully test fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II.

Turkish military: More than 100 Kurdish rebels killed in northern Iraq air raid last month

Turkey: Air raid kills 100 Kurdish rebels May 20

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s military says more than 100 Kurdish rebels were killed in air raids over northern Iraq last month.
Maj. Gen. Fahri Kir says the rebel casualties occurred in air raids in the Hakurk area on May 20.
He says another 20 rebels were killed in northern …. Source article  : Turkish military: More than 100 Kurdish rebels killed in northern Iraq air raid last month.

Attorney: Gary Coleman’s remains cremated according to his wishes _ with no ceremony

No funeral after cremation of Coleman’s remains

SALT LAKE CITY – The dispute over Gary Coleman’s estate wages on, but the court-appointed attorney overseeing the late actor’s belonging says one thing is certain: he did not want his death memorialized with any fanfare.
So after Coleman’s remains were finally cremated Thursday at a suburban Salt Lake City … Read : Attorney: Gary Coleman’s remains cremated according to his wishes _ with no ceremony.

Suu Kyi appeals to the world to free Burma

LONDON – Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who celebrates her 65th birthday on Saturday, has made a desperate appeal to the world to use their liberty to help her country gain independence from military rule.

“I want to repeat and echo her own words – ‘Please use your liberty to promote ours’. I want … Original source on Gaea Times at : Suu Kyi appeals to the world to free Burma.

One alcoholic drink can triple chances of car accident

WELLINGTON – A study has found that even a single alcoholic drink can triple the chances of a driver dying in a car accident, as it can increase a driver’s blood-alcohol level by more than half the legal limit.

The British study, commissioned by the Government, has advised that legal limits for drinking and driving should … Read more >>.

10 flirting tips to pick up a guy during World Cup

LONDON – Single girls, the World Cup might just be your chance to pick up a hottie.

Flirt website Flirtomatic have put together some ace tips to show how the World Cup can be the best time to pull a guy, reports the Sun.

And here are the top ten tips to accomplish this:

1) Confidence is key

It’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 10 flirting tips to pick up a guy during World Cup.

Sarah Palin thinks marijuana is a “minimal problem”

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has revealed that she thinks law enforcement agencies should not focus their energy on the “minimal problem” of marijuana, even though she’s against legalising it.

Palin, 46, made the comment during an appearance on the Fox Business Network with Rep. Ron Paul, after he said enforcing marijuana restrictions … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sarah Palin thinks marijuana is a “minimal problem”.

France’s Sarkozy visits London to mark de Gaulle’s famed wartime appeal, cement new UK ties

Sarkozy marks de Gaulle’s famed wartime appeal

LONDON – French President Nicolas Sarkozy traveled to Britain on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s defiant World War II broadcast from London urging his countrymen to resist the German occupation.
Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, were scheduled to tour Broadcasting House, the British Broadcasting …. Source  : France’s Sarkozy visits London to mark de Gaulle’s famed wartime appeal, cement new UK ties.

Al Qaeda spreading terror tentacles in Malay mosques, NGOs

KUALA LUMPUR – An al-Qaeda-backed group is reported to be actively making plans to spread its terror tentacles into Malaysian mosques and non-governmental organizations.

According to the New Strait Times, the group was trying to recruit more members, especially in Penang and Selangor, where it had plans to blow up places of worship in the two …. Read the original article  : here.

UN panel on Sri Lanka civil war may be set up by next week

COLOMBO – The United Nations estimates that 100,000 people were killed in the over two-decade-old civil war in Sri Lanka, and now has said that it will appoint a panel to advise it on human rights issues arising from the event.

The BBC quoted the UN’s head of political affairs, Lynn Pascoe, as saying that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UN panel on Sri Lanka civil war may be set up by next week.

S. African man beaten to death by wife, kids for wanting to watch World Cup

JOHANNESBURG – A 61-year-old South African man was beaten to death by his wife and two kids for insisting on watching a World Cup match between Germany and Australia, when the latter wanted to watch a religious show.

Cops said David Makoeya, was battling with his family for the remote control so he could watch Sunday’s …. Original article  : S. African man beaten to death by wife, kids for wanting to watch World Cup.

Himachal Roadways To Be Expanded

MANALI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The transport system and roadways in the Northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India is going to be revamped. A state of the art Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation bus stand at the cost of INR 35 crore will be set up in Manali which is known to be a major … Read more : Himachal Roadways To Be Expanded.

Temple security at Malaysia’s Batu Caves to be intensified

KUALA LUMPUR – Security of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Devasthanam at Malaysia’s famous Batu Caves and at several temples in Penang will be beefed up following threats to blow up certain places of worship.

The Chairman of Sri Subramaniar Swamy Devasthanam Temple, R. Nadarajah, said the 24-member temple committee would meet to discuss how additional security …. Read the original article  : Temple security at Malaysia’s Batu Caves to be intensified.

Times Square bomber charged with 10 terrorism and weapons counts

NEW YORK – Would be Times Square car bomber Faisal Shahzad, 30, has been charged with 10 terrorism and weapons counts by a federal grand jury here.

According to a New York Daily News report, the Pakistani Taliban helped Shahzad, a naturalized US citizen from Pakistan, to attempt the attack on American soil.

It quoted Attorney General …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kanishka crash “non-probe”, a Canadian atrocity: Inquiry head

TORONTO – Canadians never really had an understanding of the investigations that were required to be undertaken with regard to the June 23, 1985 bombing of an Air India flight over Ireland, perhaps because most of the victims belonged to ethnic minorities, claims the retired judged who headed an inquiry on the tragedy and submitted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Construction of hydroelectric project in Kullu resume

KULLU – National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has resumed work on the second stage of the ambitious hydroelectric power project in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu valley.

The construction at the Parbati Hydro Electric Project, which would generate 800 megawatts (MW) of energy, was delayed due to frequent blasting at the tunnel-boring site, resulting in leakage of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Construction of hydroelectric project in Kullu resume.

Prithvi-II test fired

BHUBANESWAR – Prithvi-II, the indigenously developed nuclear capable ballistic missile, was test fired by the Indian Army off the Orissa coast Friday.

The missile was blasted off from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, about 15 km from Balasore town, an official said.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prithvi-II test fired.

Analyst blames US, Russia’s ’shortsightedness’ for Kyrgyz violence

WASHINGTON – A noted political analyst has blamed both the US and Russia for the ethnic unrest in Kyrgyzstan in which nearly 200 people have been killed so far.

Lawrence Markowitz, assistant professor of political science, in Rowan University has blamed the shortsightedness of the US and …. Source  : Analyst blames US, Russia’s ’shortsightedness’ for Kyrgyz violence.

Obama urges Burmese military regime to free Suu Kyi

Washington, June 19(ANI): As Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi marks her birthday under house arrest in Yangon, US President Barack Obama has called on the country’s military regime to free the Nobel Peace laureate.

In his message, Obama also …. Original source  : Obama urges Burmese military regime to free Suu Kyi.

Militants thought to be al-Qaida storm security building, free prisoners in Yemen port city

Militants free prisoners from security HQ in Yemen

SAN’A, Yemen – Heavily armed men believed to be al-Qaida militants stormed the intelligence headquarters in Yemen’s port city of Aden on Saturday, security officials said, while an eyewitness reported the gunmen later escaped with several freed prisoners.
The security officials said the men – armed with automatic rifles … Read more : Militants thought to be al-Qaida storm security building, free prisoners in Yemen port city.

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say gunmen have killed three anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad.
Police and hospital officials say the attackers opened fire on a checkpoint manned by the local group known as an Awakening Council.
The Sunni movement against al-Qaida in Iraq has been key to a sharp … Read more : Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

Rahul Gandhi turns 40

New Delhi, June 19 (ANI): Congress General Secretary and Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi turned 40 on Saturday.

Born on June 19, 1970, Rahul is second time MP from Amethi and is projected by the party as the future leader and potential prime minister.

Rahul is looking after party affairs as General …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Reserve Police Force escorts Manipur bound trucks

Imphal / Kohima, June 19 (ANI): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were escorting trucks into Manipur since Saturday morning to clear the economic blockade being observed by Naga student groups.

The six battalions of the CRPF deputed by the Union Home Ministry to clear the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Reserve Police Force escorts Manipur bound trucks.

Auckland cabbie Hiren Mohini’s murder suspect likely to be tried in China

Wellington, Jun 19 (ANI): The New Zealand Police has said that the Chinese suspect in the murder of Indian-origin taxi driver Hiren Mohini in Auckland could face trial in China.

The man, named in Auckland District Court files as Zhen Xiao, was located and detained by Chinese authorities in Shanghai.

Detective … Original article on : Auckland cabbie Hiren Mohini’s murder suspect likely to be tried in China.

13 killed in latest US drone strike in North Waziristan

Islamabad, Jun.19 (ANI): At least 13 people were killed and seven others injured in the latest US drone attack in Pakistan’s restive North Waziristan area on Saturday.

According to reports, unmanned Predator aircrafts fired two missiles on a suspected militant hide out in Anzar area of Mir Ali Tehsil in North Waziristan killing nearly 13 persons … Read more : 13 killed in latest US drone strike in North Waziristan.

Moderate earthquake hits Andaman

Port Blair, June 19, (ANI): A moderate intensity earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday morning.

The quake shook people from their sleep, causing alarm on a string of islands, but there were no reports of casualties.

According to Met Department officials, the earthquake occurred at 4:39 a.m.with … Read : Moderate earthquake hits Andaman.

Bihar returns Gujarat’s donation for Kosi flood relief

Patna, June 19 (ANI): The Bihar Government sources revealed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has returned five crore rupees cheque to Gujarat which was given to the state as part of Kosi flood relief.

Kumar’s action may deepen differences within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Reportedly, Kumar took the decision after some Bihar papers carried … Original article on : Bihar returns Gujarat’s donation for Kosi flood relief.

Taliban recruiting unemployed Pak Punjab youth on 20,000 monthly stipend: Khosa

Lahore, Jun.19 (ANI): The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is recruiting young uneducated men in South Punjab by offering them a monthly stipend of 16, 000 to 20,000 rupees, senior advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Zulfiqar Khosa has said.

While admitting that the Taliban was recruiting unemployed youth in the province to bolster its terror plans, …. Read the original article  : Taliban recruiting unemployed Pak Punjab youth on 20,000 monthly stipend: Khosa.

Pak Punjab governor blasts government for denying Taliban presence in province

Lahore, Jun.19 (ANI): Continuing his spat with the provincial government, Pakistan’s Punjab province Governor Salmaan Taseer has blasted the government for living in denial over the presence of Taliban in the region.

In an interview with a British news channel, Taseer said despite there being clear indications that Punjab based attackers had targeted the two Ahmedi … Original article on : Pak Punjab governor blasts government for denying Taliban presence in province.

Controversial US firm Blackwater awarded contract to provide security in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – : The US State department has awarded the U.S. Training Center, a business unit of the Moyock, which was formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide, a contract worth more than 120 million dollars for providing security services in Afghanistan.

Under the contract, the U.S. Training Center will provide “protective security services” at the new [..] Read the original article: here.

Diaries belonging to Benito Mussolini ‘hidden near Swiss border’

LONDON – Claims have surfaced that diaries and documents that had belonged to late Italian politician Benito Mussolini are hidden in a secret location near the Swiss border.

The son of Guglielmo Della Morte, who had been Mussolini’s consul-general to Germany during the war, made the claim.

Rocco Della Morte claims that Il Duce gave his father …. Read the original article  : Diaries belonging to Benito Mussolini ‘hidden near Swiss border’.

White House crashers say reality show will prove they ‘did nothing wrong’

WASHINGTON – The duo, who crashed a White House state dinner last November, has stated that they did nothing wrong and that a new reality show they’ve signed up for will reveal the truth about it.

Tareq and Michaele Salahi, who have signed up to appear on ‘Real Housewives of D.C.’, said at a sold-out luncheon …. Source article  : White House crashers say reality show will prove they ‘did nothing wrong’.

Military: 8 Turkish soldiers, 12 Kurdish rebels killed in clash near Iraqi border

8 Turkish soldiers, 12 rebels killed in clashes

ANKARA, Turkey – Kurdish rebels attacked a military outpost near the Iraqi border early on Saturday, sparking clashes in which at least eight soldiers and 12 Kurdish rebel fighters were killed, the military said. Fourteen other soldiers were wounded in the fighting.
The military immediately sent special forces as …. Source article  : Military: 8 Turkish soldiers, 12 Kurdish rebels killed in clash near Iraqi border.

Report: Kurdish rebels kill 7 Turkish soldiers in attack near Iraqi border

Report: Kurdish rebels kill 7 Turkish soldiers

ANKARA, Turkey – The state-run news agency says Kurdish rebels have killed seven soldiers in an attack on an outpost near the Iraqi border.
The Anatolia news agency says eight other soldiers were wounded Saturday.
The military sent reinforcements to the area and clashes between the troops and rebels are ongoing.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brit MP survives miraculously after throwing himself under a train

LONDON – A British Member of Parliament miraculously survived after throwing himself under a train at London’s Victoria Station.

Ruffley has been a Tory MP for Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, since 1997. He was shadow minister for Policing until last month’s General Election – but he was left without a ministerial portfolio.

He jumped in front … Read more »»».

Mehsud ordered Benazir’s assassination on behest of ex-Madrassa students: FIA report

LAHORE – Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has held the killed Taliban chieftain Baitullah Mehsud responsible for the assassination of former Prime Benazir Bhutto.

The FIA has submitted its final report over the gun and bomb attack on Bhutto on December 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh, according to which the assassination plot was planned …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Security forces kill two militants in a Kashmir encounter

BARAMULLA – Security forces gunned down two Harakat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) militants in an encounter on in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla District.

The encounter which started on Thursday evening ended on Friday evening.

Security forces identified slain militants as Sajid and Umair.

According to Brigadier R. K. Jaiswal, security forces asked militants to surrender, but they did … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Security forces kill two militants in a Kashmir encounter.

Paramilitary soldiers open fire on stone-throwing protesters, killing 1 in Indian Kashmir

Soldiers fire on Kashmiri protesters; 1 killed

SRINAGAR, India – Indian troops fired on hundreds of demonstrators who tried to torch a paramilitary bunker in Kashmir on Sunday, killing one person and wounding at least five, police said.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Srinagar, the summer capital of India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Paramilitary soldiers open fire on stone-throwing protesters, killing 1 in Indian Kashmir.

Turkish jets raid Kurdish area in northern Iraq, killing teenage girl, official says

Turkish strikes kill teenage girl in Iraq’s north

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq – A local official says Turkish air raids in Iraq’s Kurdish north have killed a teenage girl – the first reported civilian death from shelling that began last week.
Turkish warplanes often bomb suspected Turkish Kurdish rebel positions in the self-rule mountainous region. But the areas are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Turkish jets raid Kurdish area in northern Iraq, killing teenage girl, official says.

Sleepy Hollow Honors Michael Birrittella

SLEEPY HOLLOW (GaeaTimes.com)- The Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow community has seemingly grand plans in store for a dedication ceremony which is scheduled to take place on June 22 at 6 p.m. It is one such ceremony everyone is looking forward to in the town.
The Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow community dedication ceremony shall name a new batting and … Read more »»».

Dhaka asks radio, TV channels to use ‘pure’ Bengali

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has asked private radio stations and television channels in the country to be “more neutral and pro-people” and use Bengali language that is “pure”, a minister has said.

Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad told parliament Saturday that all private radio and television channels had been advised to ensure the proper use …. Source  : Dhaka asks radio, TV channels to use ‘pure’ Bengali.

One killed, 11 injured in Quetta car bomb blast

QUETTA – A security official was killed and 11 others injured when a blast triggered by a remote controlled device ripped apart a vehicle of a security forces’ convoy in Quetta on Sunday.

The blast occurred on the provincial capital’s Sariab road.

Three other vehicles of the convoy were also badly damaged in the bomb blast, The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : One killed, 11 injured in Quetta car bomb blast.

US hesitant about endorsing LSE report on ISI-Afghan Taliban links

WASHINGTON – The United States appears to be hesitant about endorsing a London School of Economics (LSE) report, which blames Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for maintaining links with the Afghan Taliban.

It, however, has also not rejected the damning report completely.

Speaking during a congressional hearing earlier this week, General David Petraeus, the CENTCOM commander …. Read the original article  : US hesitant about endorsing LSE report on ISI-Afghan Taliban links.

One killed in protests, Srinagar tense (Second lead)

SRINAGAR – Tension gripped Srinagar Sunday after a man was killed in police firing at a mob which attacked a CRPF post protesting the death of another youth in earlier clashes, officials said.

Angry youth indulged in stone-pelting at security forces in various parts of the city and police resorted to firing in the air to … Original article on : One killed in protests, Srinagar tense (Second lead).

Firing from Pakistan kills two civilians

SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI – Two civilian porters were killed and two Indian soldiers injured Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir in firing from Pakistan, officials said.

“There was firing from the Pakistani side between 7 to 8 in the morning. Two porters have been killed and two soldiers injured,” an official said.
“It appears to be a ceasefire … Read more : Firing from Pakistan kills two civilians.

Police fires at mob in Srinagar, one killed

SRINAGAR – One person was killed and five have been injured in clashes with security forces during a funeral procession here on Sunday.

According to sources, angry protesters attacked the Noorbagh police post in Srinagar after attending the funeral of Muhammad Rafiq Bangroo, who died in hospital on Saturday.

Bangroo was allegedly beaten by security …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police fires at mob in Srinagar, one killed.

Jumbos get own village at Kunda

KUNDA – Rajasthan Tourism Minister Bina Kak inaugurated an elephant village that would house 51 pachyderms here on Saturday.

About 49 acres of land was allotted for the project named ‘Elephant Village’ in Kunda village, close to the Amer fort.

The project was jointly funded by the Central and State government.

“As of now, 51 elephants have …. Source  : Jumbos get own village at Kunda.

Clinton likely to visit Pak in July for second round of strategic dialogue

ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is likely to visit Pakistan in July.

Talking to reporters here during a joint press conference with US Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, Qureshi said Clinton would be coming to Islamabad for the second round of strategic dialogue … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clinton likely to visit Pak in July for second round of strategic dialogue.

Prince Harry, Chelsy Davy ‘call it quits’

LONDON – Prince Harry and his long-term girlfriend Chelsy Davy have called it quits, it has emerged.

Davy is relocating to South Africa this week to begin a legal career law and has apparently told him that the relationship is over, reports News of the World.

“We’re finished. This is a new beginning for me. I … Read more »»».

Tourists ignore media reports about possible terrorist attack in Malaysian temples

PETALINGJAYA – Media reports about the Kek Lok Si and Batu Caves temples being targeted by terrorists, has not deterred the number of tourists visiting these spots.

“I believe the police will do their job well and monitor the area,” The Star quoted salesman Chan Yoong Wei, a tourist from Ipoh, as saying.

“The number of visitors … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tourists ignore media reports about possible terrorist attack in Malaysian temples.

Media need to do more to protect child victims’ identities, suggests study

WASHINGTON – A new research has conducted by the University of New Hampshire’s Crimes against Children Research Center has revealed that more than half of all newspaper articles on crimes against children reveal identifying information about the victims.

“Many outlets have policies aimed at protecting child victims,” said study lead author Lisa Jones.

“But when you look …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nukes are ‘haram’ in Islam: Iran’s envoy to Pak

LAHORE – In an apparent bid to convince the world that his country has no dangerous nuclear aspirations, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mashallah Shakiri has described nuclear weapons as ‘haram’ (prohibited) according to the laws of Islam.

In an interview to private television channel Shakiri said that Islam has declared all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nukes are ‘haram’ in Islam: Iran’s envoy to Pak.

No evidence to prove RAW’s involvement in Lahore mosques siege: Malik

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has reiterated that there is no evidence to prove the involvement of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in last month’s ghastly terror attack on two Ahmedi sect mosques in Lahore, in which over 90 people were killed and several injured.

Malik rejected Lahore Police Commissioner Khusro Pervez statement … Read more >>>.

Pak needs to do much more in ‘war on terror’: Holbrooke

ISLAMABAD – President Obama’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke has said that while Islamabad has made progress in the ongoing ‘war on terror’, it needs to do much more in a planned manner.

Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Holbrooke described the fight against militants as a ‘tough’ … Read : Pak needs to do much more in ‘war on terror’: Holbrooke.

Babbar Khalsa militant nabbed in Mumbai

MUMBAI – The Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a member of the insurgent Babbar Khalsa International group from a Mumbai suburb on Saturday.

“We had information about Nishant Singh Karam Singh, who was coming from Nanded (in Maharashtra). We arrested him and seized a double barrel shot gun with 24 rounds, two .32 pistols and 40 … Read more >>>.

GoM on Bhopal gas tragedy to discuss site clean-up today

NEW DELHI – The reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram will meet for the third consecutive day on Sunday to discuss environmental issues and the clean up of the toxic waste affected site in Bhopal.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh will be making a presentation on the issue before the group.

The … Read more : GoM on Bhopal gas tragedy to discuss site clean-up today.

Anti-Taliban tribal militias not paying off for the US as expected

JALALABAD – A U.S. effort to get tribes to form militias to fight off the Taliban in return for development aid is not paying off as expected, a Los Angeles Times report has quoted sources, as saying.

Recently, 12 fighters of the Shinwari Tribe took on the Taliban in hope of regaining their snatched lands. They … Original source on Gaea Times at : Anti-Taliban tribal militias not paying off for the US as expected.

‘Davidar had a consensual relationship with Rundle’

TORONTO/NEW DELHI – India-born David Davidar, former CEO of Penguin-Canada, who was forced to leave his job early this month following allegations of sexual harassment, reportedly “had a consensual flirtatious relationship that grew out of a close friendship with a colleague,” said a statement released by Davidar’s counsel from Toronto Monday.

“David Davidar has not … Read more : ‘Davidar had a consensual relationship with Rundle’.

Gulf Investment Corp. touts credit management with $500M debt payment amid region’s woes

Gulf Arab financial firm pays back $500M in debt

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – An investment company owned by six Gulf Arab nations says it has fully paid back $500 million worth of debt that was due this week.
Monday’s announcement by the Gulf Investment Corporation comes amid intense scrutiny over the region’s ability to pay back …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gulf Investment Corp. touts credit management with $500M debt payment amid region’s woes.

Now, female condom Rape-aXe with ‘teeth’ to hit rapists where it hurts

MELBOURNE – A South African doctor has invented a female condom that is lined with teeth-like hooks in a bid to deter rapists.

Dr Sonnet Ehlers, who sold her home and car to develop the condom known as Rape-aXe in 2005, is handing them out at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Yemen arrests suspected mastermind behind San’a jailbreak

SAN’A – Yemeni security forces have arrested the suspected mastermind behind an attack on its intelligence headquarters, in which four heavily armed militants had stormed their way into the building to rescue detainees.

A Yemini Defence Ministry statement said that the suspect …. Source article  : Yemen arrests suspected mastermind behind San’a jailbreak.

Exhibition visitors to pose in burkas

LONDON – Visitors to an art exhibition will be invited to pose for photos wearing a burka, it has been disclosed.

According to The Telegraph, the Heard and Not Seen show at Birmingham’s Museum … Read more : Exhibition visitors to pose in burkas.

Orissa steps to revive traditional temple dance

PURI – A unique dance festival was organized in Orissa’s Puri city on Sunday to revive the age-old tradition of Devadasis, or temple dancers.

The ‘Mahari Dance’ festival was organised to display the unique form of dancing by the Devadasis.

Due to insufficient exposure, forms of … Read more »».

Nepal introduces new rules on exchange facilities for Indian rupee

KATHMANDU – The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced new rules related to exchange facilities for Indian rupee that, among others, has limited Indian rupee withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in India by using … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal introduces new rules on exchange facilities for Indian rupee.

Indian brocade weavers face a threat from Chinese dragon

VARANASI – Centuries old Indian craft of brocade weaving from Varanasi is finding it hard to survive as it is facing the challenge of machine-made Chinese imitations.

The brocades woven here are also used for religious purposes in monasteries of India, Nepal and Tibet.

For many years, thousands of weavers have been trying to restore the …. Original source  : Indian brocade weavers face a threat from Chinese dragon.

Tourists stranded by Gorkha agitation escorts from Darjeeling

DARJEELING – Security personnel escorted stranded tourists in Darjeeling after Gorkha group declared indefinite strike in the region.

A large number of tourists got stuck in the hills with a flash strike called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJMM) on Saturday.

Tourists piled up in the police station in Darjeeling making enquiry as to how would … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tourists stranded by Gorkha agitation escorts from Darjeeling.

General Franco gave list of Spanish Jews to Nazis

LONDON – Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco had reportedly ordered his provincial governors to compile a list of Jews, which could have sent thousands to their deaths in the extermination camps run by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.

It runs contrary to popular opinion that General Franco protected Jews from the Holocaust during the Second World War.

According … Read more »».

Akzo Nobel sells starches unit to Corn Products International for $1.3 billion

Akzo Nobel sells starches arm for $1.3 billion

AMSTERDAM – Dutch paintmaker Akzo Nobel NV said Monday it has agreed to sell its starches arm to U.S.-based Corn Products International for around $1.3 billion.
Akzo Nobel acquired the starches business, which operates under the name National Starch, as part of its 2008 acquisition of British paintmaker ICI …. Source  : Akzo Nobel sells starches unit to Corn Products International for $1.3 billion.

Ex-GITMO detainees resume extremist lives in Yemen

NEW YORK – Approximately 25 former terrorism suspects, who were once lodged at Guantanamo Bay, have returned to the extremist life even after they were put through an al Qaeda rehabilitation program, Saudi officials said yesterday.

According to the New York Post, the 25 militants were put through a re-education program and given financial help upon … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ex-GITMO detainees resume extremist lives in Yemen.

FemmeCity in KL readying streets meant only for women

KUALA LUMPUR – Something as impossible as a city for women is not a far-fetched dream anymore- It is under construction in Kuala Lumpur.

This extravagant exhibition and fair is being “developed” by the Star’s monthly women’s supplement, Clove, and it will be, as its tagline says, “Streets Ahead For Women”.

FemmeCity, derived from the French ‘la …. Read the original article  : FemmeCity in KL readying streets meant only for women.

Rare pictures of French Resistance killed by Nazi firing squad displayed

LONDON J – Rare pictures of French Resistance agents being fired at the Nazis’ largest execution site in France are on public display for the first time in Mont Valerien, a 19th century fort outside Paris.

The Nazis executed over 1,000 French resistance fighters and hostages during the Second World War at this site.

Resistance …. Original article  : Rare pictures of French Resistance killed by Nazi firing squad displayed.

Young drivers excel in National Road Racing Championship

SRIPERUMBUDUR – Sriperumbudur, a suburb of Chennai, hosted the 13th National Road Racing Championship at the Madras Motor Racing Track (MMRT) on Sunday.

Over 100 motor racing drivers and enthusiasts took part in the various categories, including single-seated category, Formula Swift, super saloons and LGB Swift.

Sanjay Sharma, head of motor sports, JK Tyre and Industries …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Huge cache of arms seized in Jharkhand from Maoists

SIMDEGA – Police have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition belonging to suspected Maoists in Jharkhand’s Simdega District.

Acting on a tip off, police in Simdega District recovered the arms during an anti- Maoist operation near Arani village.

“During the operation security forces found a group of nearly 15-20 Maoists on the opposite side. Seeing …. Original source  : Huge cache of arms seized in Jharkhand from Maoists.

Gulf of Mexico gusher can spew 100,000 barrels of oil a day: BP document

LONDON J – An internal document from BP released by a U.S. Congressman has estimated that the oil spill from the destroyed Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico can touch 100,000 barrels a day.

The worst-case scenario is based on what would happen if the damaged wellhead were removed and not capped.

The document …. Original article  : Gulf of Mexico gusher can spew 100,000 barrels of oil a day: BP document.

Candidates use apps so their supporters can follow them and make contributions on the go

iCampaigning? Candidates turning to phone apps
ATLANTA – Running for office? You can make an app for that.
Some candidates for office are going beyond the now-standard Facebook page and Twitter feed. They’re creating iPhone applications so supporters can follow their campaigns and make contributions.
The method has grown in popularity, especially since President Barack Obama … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Candidates use apps so their supporters can follow them and make contributions on the go.

Blagojevich trial to resume with former finance official being questioned by defense

Ex-Ill. official to be back on stand in Blago case
CHICAGO – The corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to pick up with a former state finance official being questioned by defense attorneys.
Ali Ata was executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority. He testified last week that he got his [..] Read the original article: here.

“To Kill A Mockingbird” 50th Anniversary

MONROEVILLE (GaeaTimes.com)- Harper Lee’s native town Monroeville is planning it big to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “To Kill a Mockingbird” on July 11. “To Kill a Mockingbird” which happens to be the second best selling novel of America after “The Kite Runner” has been one of the most loved novels in America which still … Read more >>.

Mumbai taxis, auto-rickshaws on strike

MUMBAI – Thousands of taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai on Tuesday went off the roads after a strike by drivers demanding hike in fares.

The demand for hike was prompted by the soaring prices of CNG.

Auto unions want the minimum fare for rickshaws to be increased by Rs 6 to Rs 15 and Rs … Read more : Mumbai taxis, auto-rickshaws on strike.

Tripura CM inaugurates tea-processing unit in Kamalpur

KAMALPUR – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has inaugurated a newly installed tea-processing unit in Kamalpur town.

The processing unit will encourage more farmers to grow tea and also provide direct employment to around 250 workers, most of them tribals.

“Now with this, factory people in this area shall be encouraged to grow more tea in gardens [..] Read the original article: here.

Victoria’s Secret shopping bag ‘can make you feel gorgeous’

WASHINGTON – Carrying a Victoria’s Secret shopping bag can make you feel like a gorgeous and glamorous woman, according to a new research, which says that certain brands have personalities that can actually change the way some people feel about themselves.

“Why are brands such as Cartier, Harley-Davidson, and Nike so well-liked by consumers? One of …. Original source  : Victoria’s Secret shopping bag ‘can make you feel gorgeous’.

Auto Strike In Mumbai Paralyzes Life

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- For the residents of Mumbai Tuesday brought absolute chaos and disorder, as the auto rickshaw and taxi owners in the city went on a strike. The Office goers and students were the worst hit and they had to flock to overcrowded suburban trains and buses. Almost 100000 auto rickshaws and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Auto Strike In Mumbai Paralyzes Life.

US repatriates 3 sets of remains believed to be of 3 servicemen killed during Vietnam War

US repatriates remains believed to be 3 servicemen

HANOI, Vietnam – An American official says remains believed to be those of three American servicemen killed during the Vietnam War have been sent to the United States for identification.
Spokesman Ron Ward of the U.S. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command detachment in Hanoi, says one set of remains was …. Original source  : US repatriates 3 sets of remains believed to be of 3 servicemen killed during Vietnam War.

Hindu Temple looters arrested in Malaysia

MALACCA – The Malaysian police have arrested a gang of thieves that robbed gold and jewellery from idols of eight Hindu temples across the town.

The police have arrested a female and eight male members of the ‘Tony Gang’ including its Chief Tony following several raids in Malacca and Johor between June 6 and 16. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hindu Temple looters arrested in Malaysia.

Outraged Kiwis for defending of human rights after MP’s scuffle with Chinese team

WELLINGTON – A majority of New Zealanders have expressed outrage over the government apologising to China for Member of Parliament Russel Norman’s embarrassing scuffle with a visiting Chinese delegation, saying that there was no need to suck up to the Chinese, and called for a protection of human rights in Tibet and other countries.

According to … Original article on : Outraged Kiwis for defending of human rights after MP’s scuffle with Chinese team.

Ponzi king Madoff paid nine billion dollars to pals before his arrest

NEW YORK – Ponzi king Bernard Madoff has told fellow jailbirds that he secretly paid three of his close friends nine billion dollars before being nabbed by the police.

The New York Post quoted Madoff as saying that his partner in crime Frank DiPascali knows who the recipients are, and that he suspects DiPascali is using [..] Read the original article: here.

Davidar stays mum, counter-claim may not help

TORONTO – After making counter-claim Sunday of “consensual flirtatious relationship” with former employee Lisa Rundle whose allegations of sexual harassment brought him down, former Penguin Canada boss David Davidar refused to speak to the media Monday.

Closeted with his wife Rachna in the city’s upmarket Oriole Parkway area since his sacking from Penguin, Davidar told … Read : Davidar stays mum, counter-claim may not help.

Kyrgyzstan to set up state company to supply fuel to US base

Kyrgyzstan to supply fuel to US base directly

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz authorities say they plan to create a state-owned company to provide a U.S. air base with fuel, replacing a series of private intermediary firms set up under the recently deposed government.
A decree signed Tuesday by interim President Roza Otunbayeva orders the company to be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kyrgyzstan to set up state company to supply fuel to US base.

Automobile parts exhibition in Chennai

CHENNAI – A five-day exhibition showcasing various tools and innovations made in the automobile sector concluded here on Monday.

Sixty-five countries and 428 exhibitors participated in the Auto Components and Machine Tools Engineering Exhibition (ACMEE), which was organized by Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association and AIEMA Technology Centre.

The event is considered to give way to domestic …. Read the original article  : here.

World Cup deploys new technology to baffle hackers

WASHINGTON J – South-African physicists are working on a technology called ‘Quantum Cryptography’ to thwart hackers from leaking out information about the FIFA World Cup.

It will prevent hackers from monitoring videos, emails and phone calls relayed between Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and a nearby operations center for police, firefighters, and military personnel.

“The goal is …. Read the original article  : World Cup deploys new technology to baffle hackers.

Obama lacks plans on oil spill, energy or jobs: CBS/NYT poll

NEW YORK – Most Americans do not believe President Barack Obama has a clear plan to deal with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll.

Just 32 percent say Obama has a clear plan to deal with the oil leak, while 59 percent (including 64 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama lacks plans on oil spill, energy or jobs: CBS/NYT poll.

US commander McChrystal derides Vice-President Biden, Holbrooke and envoy

WASHINGTON – America’s top commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, and his advisors have reportedly ridiculed Vice President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama’s Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard C. Holbrooke and the US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry.

Criticizing the civilian overlook of the NATO-led war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in … Read more : US commander McChrystal derides Vice-President Biden, Holbrooke and envoy.

Times Square bomber Shahzad declares war on Americans

NEW YORK – Failed Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad has apparently declared war against all Americans in retaliation for their occupation of Muslim lands and random killing of Muslims.

Having pleaded guilty on Monday to all ten charges related to the attempted Times Square bombing before a judge of the Federal District Court in Manhattan, Shahzad …. Read the original article  : here.

France’s ex-1st lady holds NY forum on women’s causes from sex slavery to prisoners’ babies

Remade in NY: French ex-1st lady has new life

NEW YORK – A former first lady of France is hosting a New York City forum this week on issues ranging from sexual slavery to the plight of children whose mothers are in prison.
Cecilia Attias (AH’-tee-ahs) is now a New Yorker – married to global events organizer …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : France’s ex-1st lady holds NY forum on women’s causes from sex slavery to prisoners’ babies.

U.S. report calls for withholding aid till unholy Pak-terrorist nexus not snapped

WASHINGTON – A new report by a Washington think tank has said that some official elements in Pakistan are thwarting counterterrorism efforts, and advised the Obama administration to withhold some aid as a result.

According to the RAND Corporation report, despite offensives against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, evidence is strong that some official elements in Pakistan [..] Read the original article: here.

US taxpayers unwittingly funding Afghan warlords to protect NATO convoys

KABUL – A Congressional investigation has revealed that American taxpayers have unwittingly funded a network of warlords across Afghanistan to ensure the safety of NATO convoys operating outside the control of the Afghan Government and NATO forces.

The House Subcommittee for National Security that began the investigation last year discovered that the money given to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US taxpayers unwittingly funding Afghan warlords to protect NATO convoys.

Israeli defense minister says east Jerusalem demolition plan lacks ‘common sense’

Barak lashes out at east Jerusalem demolition plan

JERUSALEM – Israel’s defense minister says the approval by a Jerusalem planning body of a plan to raze 22 Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem lacks “common sense.”
Ehud Barak is in the United States for talks with the Obama administration. In a statement Tuesday, he criticized the Jerusalem municipality … Read more : Israeli defense minister says east Jerusalem demolition plan lacks ‘common sense’.

Abusive mothering leads to increased stress among kids

WASHINGTON – In a mouse model, researchers have demonstrated how abuse at the hands of mother at a young age, could aggravate the impact of stress hormones in offspring.

Dr. Regina Sullivan and colleagues have dissected the behaviour of mother rats and their infant pups, modelling nurturing by stroking and abuse with electric shock.

Using this … Original source on Gaea Times at : Abusive mothering leads to increased stress among kids.

Moily announces National Litigation Policy

New Delhi, June 23 (ANI): Union Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Wednesday launched the National Litigation Policy to reduce pendency and delay in cases in which the Centre is a party.

The National Litigation Policy aims … Original source on Gaea Times at : Moily announces National Litigation Policy.

Obama meets with war commander, national security team on Afghanistan

Obama meets with McChrystal, security team

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama meets Wednesday with his top commander in Afghanistan, whose job is on the line after he made disparaging remarks about administration officials in a published interview.
The head-to-head meeting between Obama and Gen. Stanley McChrystal is expected to take place before the president’s regular monthly war …. Read the original article  : here.

Kazakhstan to celebrate its president’s birthday, Astana’s founding in July

NEW DELHI – The month of July will be a significant one in Kazakhstan’s fledgling history, with its people gearing up to celebrate their President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s 70th birthday, and … Original article on : Kazakhstan to celebrate its president’s birthday, Astana’s founding in July.

Foundation stone of Jogbani ICP to be laid tomorrow

NEW DELHI – Union Minister of State for Home Affairs M. Ramachandran will lay the foundation stone for the construction of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani in Bihar on the Indo-Nepal border on Thursday.

Bihar Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav … Read more : Foundation stone of Jogbani ICP to be laid tomorrow.

Terrorists kill senior Army officer in Kashmir encounter

SRINAGAR – A senior army officer was killed in an encounter with terrorist in North Kashmir late on Tuesday night.

According to the Army sources, terrorists gunned down Colonel Neeraj Sood of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

The encounter took place in the dense forests of the Lolab Valley in North … Read more »»».

China claims to be serious about ongoing ROK ship sinking probe

BEIJING J – China has said that it is carrying out a serious investigation into the sinking of a Republic of Korea (ROK) warship.

“The sinking of Navy frigate ‘Cheonan’ is a complicated incident, and China doesn’t have the first-hand information. China will objectively …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Air Asia offers low fares to promote tourism in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA J – Air Asia will be offering one way ‘extra low fares’ to eight Indian destinations for as low as RM169 starting today through next Wednesday.

“With the offer, the airline hoped to promote Malaysia and attract more … Original source on Gaea Times at : Air Asia offers low fares to promote tourism in Malaysia.

Militant groups gathering funds through charity events in Pak Punjab: Report

KARACHI – In what certainly raises questions over the Pakistani leadership’s constant denial regarding the presence of extremist organisations in the Punjab province, intelligence authorities have confirmed that at least 17 extremist and banned groups have been collecting money during religious and other ceremonies in the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Militant groups gathering funds through charity events in Pak Punjab: Report.

Indonesian pop star surrenders over ‘Peterporn’ sex tape scandal

LONDON – Indonesian pop star Nazril Irham, better known as Ariel, has surrendered himself to police over his involvement in a sex tape scandal.

If found guilty of violating the country’s strict anti-pornography law, Ariel could face 12 years in jail.

Two separate homemade videos allegedly showing the 28-year-old in bed with two different celebrity girlfriends … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian pop star surrenders over ‘Peterporn’ sex tape scandal.

Fortress Toronto awaits G-20 leaders

TORONTO – In the biggest security operation ever mounted in Canada, the venue of the G-20 summit here has been sealed to ward off threats and protests against top world leaders who are assembling here this week.

Dubbed Fortress Toronto, the venue – Metro Convention Centre – has been fortified with a six-km wire-fence stretching three …. Original source  : Fortress Toronto awaits G-20 leaders.

Loneliness is harmful for health

WASHINGTON – People who have friends but don’t really bond with them or are in relationships without any emotional connect can end up feeling really lonely. And this loneliness can lead to poor health, according to new research.

The two newly published University of Arizona studies say superficial relationships give birth to feelings of detachment.

“There is …. Original article  : Loneliness is harmful for health.

American ‘Rambo’ nabbed in Pak released, headed back to US

ISLAMABAD – An American construction worker, who was detained from Pakistan’s Chitral region last week while on a solo mission to find and kill Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, has been released.

Gary Brooks Faulkner, 51, who has been dubbed “Rambo” and the “American Ninja,” has left for the United States after being released from custody, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : American ‘Rambo’ nabbed in Pak released, headed back to US.

Australia could start bringing some troops home from Afghanistan by 2012

MELBOURNE – Australian Defence Minister John Faulkner has signalled that Australia could start bringing some troops home from Afghanistan in two years.

Canberra has stressed the mission for Australia’s trainers in Afghanistan – who make up about half of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Air Force to make Tendulkar Group Captain

NEW DELHI – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is soon to honour master blaster Sachin Tendulkar with the rank of Honorary Group Captain.

According to IAF sources, Air Headquarters has already finalized Tendulkar’s name for the honour.

There was considerable debate as to what rank the great batsman should … Read more >>>.

Manmohan Singh recalls Kanishka bombing

NEW DELHI – Terming the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing as the most horrific incident, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said terrorism must be fought and eliminated with determination and joint action.

“This was a horrific incident, which shook … Read more >>.

K.P Samy gives ultimatum to MIC President S. Samy Vellu to unite Indians

KUALA LUMPUR J – Expelled MIC central working committee member K.P Samy has asked the President of MIC S. Samy Vellu to unite the Indian community by early July.

He warned that he would hold a gathering the dubbed Dawn For The Indian Community on July 4 in case …. Original source  : K.P Samy gives ultimatum to MIC President S. Samy Vellu to unite Indians.

Farooq Abdullah calls for push to renewable energy projects

NEW DELHI – Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah, called upon Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other multilateral agencies to considerably step up their support to renewable energy projects in developing countries.

Speaking at the Asia Clean Energy Forum organized by the ADB at its headquarters in Manila, Dr. Abdullah highlighted … Original source on Gaea Times at : Farooq Abdullah calls for push to renewable energy projects.

US Senators demand ‘terror outfit’ Pak Taliban be blacklisted

Washington, June 23 (ANI): US Senators have demanded from the Obama administration to include the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the list of proscribed militant outfits following Faisal Shahzad, the failed Times Square bomber, pleading guilty and admiting to having received funds and training from … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US Senators demand ‘terror outfit’ Pak Taliban be blacklisted.

Descartes’ stolen letter’s contents set to be revealed

London, June 23 (ANI): A letter written by 17th century French philosopher and mathematician Reni Descartes, which was stolen by notorious book thief Guglielmo Libri in the mid-1800s, is heading back to France.

The letter, described as “a wonderful discovery for science”, is dated 27 May 1641 and concerns the …. Source article  : Descartes’ stolen letter’s contents set to be revealed.

Stray dogs have feast in Rajkot

Rajkot, June 23 (ANI): A Non-Government Organisation (NGO) has organised a unique kind of feast for over 12,000 stray dogs in Rajkot on Tuesday.

The initiative was taken by the NGO Jaymataji Aboljiv Seva Mandal (JASM) with the support of shopkeepers in the area.

“We have arranged a program to feed …. Original article  : Stray dogs have feast in Rajkot.

NKorea threatens to increase punishment of detained American amid tensions over ship sinking

NKorea threatens more punishment for American

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea has threatened to increase punishment for an American who was sentenced to hard labor for illegally entering the country.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday that North Korea is examining what harsher measures it would take against Aijalon Mahli Gomes in line … Read more »».

Kyrgyz authorities claim former president’s family colluded with Taliban to stir up violence

Kyrgyzstan: violence provoked by Islamic militants

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan’s security agency claims relatives of the country’s toppled president have colluded with Taliban and other Islamic militant movements to provoke ethnic violence in the ex-Soviet nation.
It’s statement Thursday says former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s relatives met in Afghanistan last month with representatives of Taliban, the Islamic Movement …. Read the original article  : Kyrgyz authorities claim former president’s family colluded with Taliban to stir up violence.

Krishna says nothing spectacular expected from India-Pakistan talks

MUMBAI – External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said that nothing spectacular was expected from the series of high-level talks with Pakistan due to the complexity of bilateral ties between the two countries.

Talking to reporters here after visiting ailing cartoonist R K Laxman who is undergoing treatment at Breach Candy Hospital, Krishna said: “I … Read more : Krishna says nothing spectacular expected from India-Pakistan talks.

Indian American Nikki Haley is a new GOP star on the rise

SOUTH CAROLINA – Indian-American state legislator from South Carolina Nikki Haley is being seen as a new GOP star, whose political fortunes are on the rise after a decisive landmark win in a primary runoff for governor Tuesday.

She defeated Representative Gresham Barrett (r) 65 percent to 35 percent, and now goes into a general election … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian American Nikki Haley is a new GOP star on the rise.

AXA of France sells some UK units to Resolution for 2.75 bln pounds ($4.1 bln)

AXA sells some UK units to Resolution
LONDON – British buyout fund Resolution Ltd. has agreed to acquire a package of U.K. businesses from French insurer AXA SA in a deal worth 2.75 billion pounds ($4.1 billion).

Resolution says it intends to merge the AXA businesses with another British insurance company, Friends Provident.
Resolution said Thursday it aims … Read more »».

As Russia resumes natural gas supplies to Belarus, new threat keeps dispute alive

Russia ships gas to Belarus but new threat looms
MOSCOW – Russia’s gas monopoly said Thursday it is resuming supplies to Belarus now that it has paid a $200 million bill, but the ex-Soviet neighbor is in turn threatening to stop the transit of gas on to other European countries unless Moscow settles its … Read more : As Russia resumes natural gas supplies to Belarus, new threat keeps dispute alive.

CIA hires controversial Blackwater for providing security services in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has reportedly hired the controversial private security firm, Xe Services, formerly known as Blackwater, for providing security services in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

According to sources, the Blackwater has been awarded a contract of more than 100 million dollars for providing security services.

Under the contract, the U.S. Training Center … Original source on Gaea Times at : CIA hires controversial Blackwater for providing security services in Afghanistan.

SAARC meet to side step the most serious issue of terrorism

ISLAMABAD – With India and Pakistan once again engaged in the bilateral talks, the SAARC Conference of Home Ministers scheduled to take place here in Pakistan’s capital on Saturday is unlikely to discuss seriously the most pressing issue of the region – terrorism.

According to classified documents, which contain the agenda of the conference … Original article on : SAARC meet to side step the most serious issue of terrorism.

Fear overshadows Tibetan mindset as Samdrup’s trial awaits justice

NEW YORK J – The ongoing controversy of Tibetan award-winning conservationist and philanthropist Karma Samdrup being tortured by the Chinese captors has evoked fear in the minds of the Tibetans as they fear a border crackdown.

Karma, a prominent businessman, was arrested in early January on charges of robbing graves and stealing cultural artifacts. His … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fear overshadows Tibetan mindset as Samdrup’s trial awaits justice.

Geelani, Mirwaiz detained in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – As India and Pakistan opened talks Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani was detained under a tough law and moderate Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was put under house arrest.

Geelani was booked under the Public Safety Act for making provocative speeches inciting youths to violence, Srinagar District Magistrate Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo said. …. Read the original article  : here.

Picasso ‘blue period’ painting sells for nearly 38 million pounds ($52 million) in London sale

Picasso ‘blue period’ work sells for $52 million

LONDON – Pablo Picasso’s “Portrait of Angel Fernandez de Soto,” a work from the painter’s “blue period,” has sold for near 35 million pounds ($52 million) at a London auction.
The sale price at the Christie’s auction Wednesday night was at the lower end of estimates.
And in a further … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Picasso ‘blue period’ painting sells for nearly 38 million pounds ($52 million) in London sale.

Masseuse claims Al Gore pestered her for sexual gratification

WASHINGTON – In a controversial revelation, it has been claimed that authorities in Portland, Ore., had suppressed a masseuse’s claim that she was sexually assaulted by former vice president and Nobel laureate Al Gore during his visit to the city.

Officials have revealed that the city’s authorities investigated the case in late 2006 and early 2007, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Princess Diana was ‘mad’, jokes son Prince Harry

LONDON – Prince Harry recently joked that one word he would use to describe his mother would be ‘mad’.

The 25-year-old royal made this comment when he was asked what the Princess would have made of the charity work that he and his elder brother William are carrying out in Africa.

“Every day, whatever we do, …. Read the original article  : here.

Exhibit imagines sustainable transportation in New York, 9 other cities in 2030

NY exhibit imagines utopian, green cities in 2030

NEW YORK – Imagine no cars – or fewer, anyway.
In New York City, a two-mile stretch of the FDR Drive parkway is torn down to open lower Manhattan for parks and plazas. In Jakarta, Indonesia, bike taxis are re-engineered to be lighter and easier to steer.
These cities and … Read more »»».

White House showcasing improved Russian relations as President Medvedev visits

White House points to success as Medvedev visits
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is showcasing what it sees as one of its main foreign policy successes – warmer relations with Russia – as it welcomes President Dmitry Medvedev to the White House.
Struggling with problems in Afghanistan, the Middle East and elsewhere, administration officials can …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : White House showcasing improved Russian relations as President Medvedev visits.

Afghan Govt. backs Obama’s decision to appoint Petraeus as new NATO boss

KABUL – The Afghan government has backed President Barack Obama’s decision to appoint Central Command Chief General David Petraeus as the new head of the NATO forces in the country, saying it is looking forward to working with the new commander.

General Petraeus took over from General Stanley McChrystal, who had resigned following making disparaging remarks …. Original source  : Afghan Govt. backs Obama’s decision to appoint Petraeus as new NATO boss.

China breaks up terrorist ring in Xinjiang

BEIJING J – China has cracked down on a terrorist ring, arresting over ten members of “East Turkistan” a terrorist group including its leader.

“The terrorist group was involved in the violent attacks targetting border police in China’s westernmost city of Kashi in Xinjiang and engineered explosions in Kuqa County of Xinjiang in 2008,” the Xinhua … Read this article on Gaea Times at : China breaks up terrorist ring in Xinjiang.

Russia resumes natural gas supplies to Belarus after it pays off its debt

Russia resumes gas supplies to Belarus
MOSCOW – Russia’s state-controlled natural gas monopoly said Thursday it is resuming gas supplies to Belarus now that it has paid its nearly $200 million debt for previous shipments.

The Kremlin said the chief of Russia’s state-controlled Gazprom natural gas giant, Alexei Miller, has told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev the company …. Source article  : Russia resumes natural gas supplies to Belarus after it pays off its debt.

Police: Teen falls from 4-story stone observation tower in Conn. park, dies of head injury

Police: Teen dies in fall from tower in Conn. park

HAMDEN, Conn. – Police say a teenager has fallen from an observation tower in Connecticut’s Sleeping Giant State Park and has died.
State police say two hikers found 19-year-old Matthew Roche on Wednesday afternoon at the bottom of the Hamden park’s stone tower. They say he had …. Original source  : Police: Teen falls from 4-story stone observation tower in Conn. park, dies of head injury.

Scholars from across the world hail glory of Tamil literature

COIMBATORE – Scholars from India and abroad hailed the grandeur of Tamil literature at the World Classical Tamil Conference, which commenced here on Wednesday.

Inaugurated by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the five-day conference will be hosting experts in Tamil literature and history from Sri Lanka, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, United States, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, among [..] Read the original article: here.

New York web designer develops nuclear reactor at home

MELBOURNE – A New York web designer for fashion house Gucci made the eye balls roll when he revealed that he has developed a nuclear reactor in a Brooklyn warehouse.

Mark Suppes, a 32-year-old amateur physicist with a passion for sustainable energy, made the 40,000-dollar fusion reactor in his leisure time.

“I was inspired because I … Read more »».

‘Rape in war is deliberate military strategy’

WASHINGTON – Since the Second World War, the use of rape as a weapon of war has assumed strategic importance and is now a deliberate military strategy, argue researchers.

A study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo found that 16,000 rapes occurred in 2008 alone and in South Kivu province, health centres estimate that 40 …. Original source  : ‘Rape in war is deliberate military strategy’.

SEPTA Changes Station Name

PHILADELPHIA (GaeaTimes.com)- SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) has finally entered into a five-year contract which shall soon rename Pattison Avenue Subway Station to AT & T Station. Reportedly, the agreement between SEPTA and AT and T is worth $5 million.
According to the agreement, SEPTA is entitled to receive a total amount of $3 million for …. Read the original article  : here.

G-20: Toronto Police spending 122 million dollars for security

TORONTO – Police in Toronto have been sanctioned 122 million dollars to maintain security during the Group of Twenty (g-20) Summit.

Ahead of the June 26-27 summit, Toronto Police Chief William Blair was quoted as saying that he expected tension to prevail between the protesters and officers, and even warned of possible damage to government and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : G-20: Toronto Police spending 122 million dollars for security.

China-Taiwan set to sign landmark trade deal

NEW DELHI – To provide a major boost of about 100 billion dollars annually in two-way trade, China and Taiwan will sign a landmark trade deal next Tuesday, cutting import tariffs on hundreds of items.

The deal, which is considered the most significant between the two sides in 60 years, will be signed on June 29 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China-Taiwan set to sign landmark trade deal.

Pakistan pushes to be admitted into fold of international nuclear states

WASHINGTON – Reiterating that its nuclear programme meets all international safety standards, Pakistan has once again called for its inclusion in the group of international nuclear states.

In a letter, published in the latest issue of the Foreign Affairs magazine, Press Minister at the Pakistan Embassy here, Imran Gardezi, stressed that his country’s … Original article on : Pakistan pushes to be admitted into fold of international nuclear states.

Pregnant women putting babies at risk by fasting during Ramadan: Study

LONDON – A new study by scientists in the United States has revealed that pregnant Muslim women who fast during Ramadan are likely to have smaller babies who will be more prone to learning disabilities in adulthood.

The researchers also found that the women were 10 per cent less likely to give birth to a boy … Read : Pregnant women putting babies at risk by fasting during Ramadan: Study.

Safety groups are concerned by increase in number of children who are dying in hot cars

Number of child deaths from hot cars is on rise

WASHINGTON – The government is joining safety groups warning parents and other adults about the dangers of children being left inside hot automobiles this summer.
Deaths of infants and toddlers trapped inside hot vehicles have mounted in recent weeks. A researcher says 18 children have died of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Safety groups are concerned by increase in number of children who are dying in hot cars.

War no solution to Afghan crisis: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that only talks can bring a positive end to the Afghan crisis, adding that military action alone cannot bring peace and stability to the war torn country.

Addressing a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart Dr. Zalmai Rasoul, Qureshi said bringing peace in neighbouring Afghanistan …. Read the original article  : War no solution to Afghan crisis: Qureshi.

Canadian Police arrest man with crossbow, other dangerous items near G-20 site

TORONTO – A day ahead of the start of the G-20 summit, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has arrested a man for carrying a crossbow and other dangerous items in his car in downtown Toronto.

Gary McCullough, 53, has been charged with one count of carrying dangerous weapons and he’ll appear in court on Friday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malik admits Taliban reigning terror all over Pakistan now

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has admitted that the Taliban has expanded its reach well beyond the rugged lawless terrains of tribal regions into the country’s mainland.

Addressing the National Assembly, Malik said that country’s security forces are committed to reign in the terror groups, which have now spread in the country’s urban … Read more >>.

Michael Jackson remembered at NY’s Apollo Theater, in Ind. hometown a year after his death

Fans in NY, LA, elsewhere remember Michael Jackson

NEW YORK – Michael Jackson fans in New York City and elsewhere are remembering him on the anniversary of his death.
The King of Pop died a year ago Friday at age 50.
Harlem’s Apollo Theater is where a young Jackson and his brothers won amateur night. On Friday it …. Read the original article  : here.

Feds invest millions to keep groceries open as many rural residents face long drives for food

Grocery closings leave rural residents few options

TURKEY, Texas – Experts say grocery stores are closing in rural areas across the U.S., forcing many residents to drive long distances to get food and sapping communities of their vitality and sales tax revenue.
Lois Wright Morton studies rural communities at Iowa State University. She says one reason local …. Read the original article  : here.

2 subway lines to make their final runs amid NY transit agency budget woes, commuters dismayed

2 subway lines to end amid NYC transit budget woes

NEW YORK – It’s the end of the line for some commuters using the country’s largest public transportation system as New York City’s transit agency grapples with an $800 million budget gap by cutting bus and subway service.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it’s eliminating or rerouting …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2 subway lines to make their final runs amid NY transit agency budget woes, commuters dismayed.

Chandigarh Police Offers Phone Bill Reimbursements

CHANDIGARH, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Chandigarh Police have declared its decision to offer reimbursements on phone bills of beat constables. Reportedly, the Chandigarh Police beat constables will be reimbursed on their cellphone bills on a monthly basis.
It was also declared that the Chandigarh Police beat constables shall have to get themselves a handset for which Chandigarh Police …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chandigarh Police Offers Phone Bill Reimbursements.

‘RAW, Al-Qaeda, Afghan intelligence planning attacks in Pak’

LAHORE – Pakistani intelligence agencies have alleged that the Afghan intelligence agency, Al-Qaeda and the Research Analysis Wing (RAW) are working together to carry out terror attacks in the country.

A report by a private television channel said that anti-state elements are planning to target important personalities and government installations as well as business installations owned … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘RAW, Al-Qaeda, Afghan intelligence planning attacks in Pak’.

Chidambaram’s goodwill gesture, four Pak prisoners set free

NEW DELHI – As a goodwill gesture ahead of his visit to Islamabad, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday ordered release of four Pakistani prisoners.

They are currently lodged in various jails of Gujarat.

“The Home Minster has approved the release of four Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill,” a Home Ministry statement said.

“These prisoners … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chidambaram’s goodwill gesture, four Pak prisoners set free.

Chinese firms sign nuke reactor deals with Pak despite international outcry

BEIJING – Despite serious objections being raised by both the US and India over China’s offer to help Pakistan build two nuclear reactors, a couple of Chinese companies have already signed contracts with Islamabad in this regard.

The China Nuclear Industry Fifth Construction Company (CNIFCC) and the CNNC China Zhongyuan Engineering Corp, which specialise in foreign … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chinese firms sign nuke reactor deals with Pak despite international outcry.

Indian Railways Online Reservation System Revamped

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- It seems that Indian Railways is getting accustomed to the internet dependent customers and digital age with time! The IRCTC or Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation recently decided to prolong the duration of e-ticketing facility in its site. The move has won it applauds from the people who prefer … Read more : Indian Railways Online Reservation System Revamped.

Key TTP commander nabbed in Karachi

KARACHI – A top Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander has been arrested from the Baldia Town locality here.

The commander, who has been identified as Zafar Hussain, hails from Swat, and is said to have carried out various terror attacks across the country in the recent past.

According to reports, acting on an intelligence tip-off, police officials raided …. Read the original article  : Key TTP commander nabbed in Karachi.

UAE donates $2 mn to Unesco fund

Dubai, June 26 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has donated $2 million to Unesco’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” programme, as part of global efforts to help developing countries preserve their culture.

An agreement in this regard was signed by Unesco and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).
“This agreement will certainly contribute to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Alcoholic man forgets wife’s last rites

RAIPUR – In a bizarre incident, a 40-year-old man here took his wife’s body to a cremation centre but forgot to perform the last rites as he was drunk.

The police got a call Thursday afternoon that a body of a middle-aged woman was lying unattended at a cremation centre in Rawabhata area and the man …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Alcoholic man forgets wife’s last rites.

Indonesian pop star charged under anti-porn law over sex tape scandal

LONDON – Indonesian pop star Nazril Irham has been charged under an anti-pornography law over his alleged role in sex videos that have been circulation online.

Irham, also known as ‘Ariel’, and two other celebrities, Luna Maya and Cut Tari, have denied involvement in the sex tapes.

Zainuri Lubis, deputy spokesman of the National Police, said that, …. Original article  : Indonesian pop star charged under anti-porn law over sex tape scandal.

IRCTC Unwraps Cab Service

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation or IRCTC is rolling out lucrative plans for the passengers of Indian railways every month. Apart from revamping the cuisines and dishing out specialized tour packages for foreigners or people with deep pockets, the IRCTC is planning to offer unprecedented services to … Read more >>.

AP Interview: US diplomat warns Turkey of eroding support, urges show of commitment to West

US: Turkey must demonstrate commitment to West

WASHINGTON – The United States is warning Turkey that it is alienating U.S. supporters and needs to demonstrate its commitment to partnership with the West.
The remarks by Philip Gordon, the Obama administration’s top diplomat on European affairs, are a rare admonishment of a crucial NATO ally.
Gordon told The Associated …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : AP Interview: US diplomat warns Turkey of eroding support, urges show of commitment to West.

Indian Railways Unveils New Plans

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Indian railway has extensive plans to improve its service and offer new facility to the passengers in the coming days. Not only it is offering newer trains and routes every month it is also trying to offer value added services to the passengers. The recent website revamp and extension …. Read the original article  : here.

Poll predicts Gillard will take Labor to victory in early election

CANBERRA – A poll taken in the aftermath of Kevin Rudd’s dismissal, predicts that Julia Gillard will take Labor to victory in an early election with a stunning return to fortune for the Federal Government.

The exclusive Galaxy opinion survey revealed that Labor party’s primary vote surged from 37 per cent to 41 per cent, lifting … Read more »»».

India joins next generation 30m telescope project on Mauna Kea

HAWAII – Indian astronomers will join a project to build the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (TMT) on Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

TMT is the next-generation astronomical observatory that is scheduled to begin scientific operations in 2018 on Mauna Kea.

It has completed its 77 million dollar design-development phase and has entered the early construction phase after an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India joins next generation 30m telescope project on Mauna Kea.

Chhattisgarh pays tribute to martyrs killed by Maoists

JAGDALPUR – Police authorities and residents of Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur town on Friday paid tributes to the security personnel killed while fighting the Maoists.

Three constables, Santosh Yadav, Rajesh Kujur and Ashok Markan were killed on Wednesday when a group of Maoists attacked a police team near Golapalli police station in Dantewada region.

Due to the remoteness … Read more : Chhattisgarh pays tribute to martyrs killed by Maoists.

Tribals protest against Maoists in Ranchi’s Tamar block

RANCHI – Raising slogans against the Maoists and threatening to chase them away, hundreds of tribals held a demonstration in Tamar block of Jharkhand’s Ranchi district on Thursday.

Tamar block has seen a series of attacks by Naxalites including the kidnapping and beheading of Special Branch Inspector Francis Induwar.

Among the protesters was 75-year-old Narayan Pahan, the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Intelligence officials say US missile strike kills 2 suspected militants in NW Pakistan

US missile strike kills 2 militants in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A U.S. missile strike on Saturday killed two suspected militants in a Pakistani tribal region that is considered a base for insurgents accused of attacking Western troops across the border in Afghanistan, officials said.
The missile, which was fired from an unmanned drone, flattened a house … Original source on Gaea Times at : Intelligence officials say US missile strike kills 2 suspected militants in NW Pakistan.

Lunar Eclipse To Appear “Magnified”

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- American skies shall witness a partial lunar eclipse on Saturday as the moon crosses the earth’s shadow. The lunar eclipse shall appear as magnified in America owing to a phenomenon called “moon illusion”.
The lunar eclipse shall begin at 10:17 GMT as the moon crosses the shadow of earth and enter it’s horizon. …. Original source  : Lunar Eclipse To Appear “Magnified”.

Curfew in Sopore, separatist shutdown in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Curfew continued Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town, a day after the killing of two youths by security forces led to violence, while life in Srinagar was affected by a separatist shutdown.

“Curfew continues in Sopore but the situation there is peaceful,” a police officer said here.
However, there were reports of protesters …. Source  : Curfew in Sopore, separatist shutdown in Srinagar.

Human rights activists slam government’s anti-Maoist offensive in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Hundreds of human rights activists gathered staged a demonstration here on Friday against the anti-Maoist operation launched jointly by the State and Central police.

Holding ‘anti-state’ banners, the protestors in one voice condemned the atrocities carried out by the security forces against the people in isolated tribal and rural areas.

“I had gone to a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Human rights activists slam government’s anti-Maoist offensive in Jharkhand.

Two killed in Sopore clash, indefinite curfew imposed

SOPORE – An indefinite curfew is on in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town since Friday evening after two civilians were killed in a firing.

Thousands of protestors came out on the streets after the firing took place to break a protest.

According to sources, the CRPF personnel opened fire when an angry mob attacked their vehicle …. Source article  : Two killed in Sopore clash, indefinite curfew imposed.

Six Pak nationals arrested in South Africa for running fake passport shop

JOHANNESBURG – The South African police has nabbed six Pakistani civilians for running a fake passport shop in Pretoria.

According to reports, a large number of forged birth certificates, IDs, work permits and South African passports were recovered from the shop during the raid.

Confirming the arrests, home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the arrests

vindicate the government’s … Read more >>>.

US to deliver first three of 18 F-16s to Pak today

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would receive the first three of the 18 F-16 fighter jets from the US today (Saturday).

Three F-16s are scheduled to arrive at Shahbaz Airbase, with 15 more to be delivered later this and next year, said US Air Force Major Todd Robbins, the Pakistan country Director in the …. Source article  : US to deliver first three of 18 F-16s to Pak today.

Two killed in latest US drone attack in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD – At least two suspected militants were killed in a US drone attack in North Waziristan’s Khushali Tor Khel area on Saturday.

According to reports, unmanned Predator aircraft fired missiles on a suspected militant hideout killing two persons on the spot and injuring many others.

Local residents feared more such attacks as drones were seen hovering … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two killed in latest US drone attack in North Waziristan.

California teen sailor Abby Sunderland reunited with brother after remote ocean rescue

US teen sailor reunited with brother after drama

SAINT-DENIS, Reunion – Sixteen-year-old Californian sailor Abby Sunderland was reunited with her brother Saturday and defended her family against criticism that she had been too young to try to sail around the world alone.
Though saddened by the loss of her boat in a southern Indian Ocean storm, Sunderland … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California teen sailor Abby Sunderland reunited with brother after remote ocean rescue.

Old Indian Embassy Website Turns Porno

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (GaeaTimes.com)- A former web portal of Indian Embassy in Bahrain has transformed itself into a teen porn website. The local telecom service provider Batelco is blaming the Indian Embassy for not securing the former name of the web portal which is now being used by the porn site.

When asked about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Security agencies to bring Pak bound ship to Kolkata for investigation

KOLKATA – A Karachi-bound ship, which was intercepted on the Hooghly with UN peacekeeping mission arms and ammunition, is all set to sail for the Kolkata port amid tight security on Sunday for thorough investigation.

According to sources, the Liberia-registered ‘Aegean Glory’, was carrying …. Original source  : Security agencies to bring Pak bound ship to Kolkata for investigation.

James Bond’s ‘Goldfinger’ car breaks down

LONDON – Spy master James Bond’s souped-up car with ejector seats, machine guns and other gadgetry emitted an “unhealthy” rumble and broke down at a public display here, dismaying onlookers who had come for a glimpse of the fabled car.

The coveted Aston Martin was towed away due to a worn-out clutch, a far cry from … Read more >>.

Manipur scribes protest threat issued by militant group

IMPHAL – All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) has staged a protest rally condemning repeated threats issued by a militant group to media professionals working in the state.

Deeming all individual threats to journalist as collective threat to the profession, the union staged the … Read more »».

Maoists kill special force jawan in West Bengal

WEST MIDNAPORE – At least one jawan of the Specially Trained Armed Company (STRACO) was killed and four others were injured in an encounter with the Maoists in the forests of West Bengal’s West Midnapore District on Sunday morning.

According to … Original article on : Maoists kill special force jawan in West Bengal.

Afghan minority leaders up in arms against Karzai’s efforts to strike deal with Taliban

NEW YORK – Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai’s efforts to strike a deal with Taliban leaders with the help of Pakistan has not only concerned the international community, particularly the US, but has also caused a deep unease amongst the minority communities of … Read more »»».

Jury deliberates for fifth day on Patel manslaughter trial

SYDNEY – The jury involved in the manslaughter trial of controversial Indian origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel will start their fifth day of deliberations today.

The Brisbane Supreme Court jury of six men and six women has been unable to reach verdicts after 28hours …. Original source  : Jury deliberates for fifth day on Patel manslaughter trial.

Britain’s new foreign policy favours improved links with India, Brazil

LONDON – Criticising previous UK governments for concentrating on three main blocs-the European Union, the US and the Middle East, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that Britain’s new foreign policy will be centred on forging improved links with developing nations such …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Britain’s new foreign policy favours improved links with India, Brazil.

Guinea holds first free election after era of army rule

Guinea holds first free election
CONAKRY, Guinea – Polls have opened in Guinea as the West African nation holds its first free elections since independence more than half a century ago, a vote many hope will finally end decades of military rule and launch a new democratic era.

On the eve of the ballot, the country’s powerful … Original article on : Guinea holds first free election after era of army rule.

No Nepal arms on ship detained near Kolkata: Army

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s army Sunday rejected media reports that a ship detained by Indian authorities on way to Kolkata port contained arms and explosives belonging to Nepali soldiers, deployed on UN missions in Africa, saying its cargo comprised vehicles and their spare parts.

“The cargo belonging to Nepal Army carried on the ship (MV Aegean Glory) …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : No Nepal arms on ship detained near Kolkata: Army.

West Bengal villagers complain of torture by security forces

JHARGRAM – Residents of various villages in West Bengal’s Jhargram District accused the security forces of torturing innocent people.

The Government deployed forces in the Jhargram District as part of ongoing anti Maoists operations.

The villagers also mentioned that the police personnel have not spared even young school … Read more »».

Sonia to lay Rohatng Tunnel foundation, making Manali-Leh road usable round the year

DHUNDHI – United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will lay foundation stone for the much awaited 8.8 kilometres long Rohtang tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu District on Monday.

Situated in the picturesque Solang Valley near Manali in Kullu district, the tunnel …. Read the original article  : Sonia to lay Rohatng Tunnel foundation, making Manali-Leh road usable round the year.

US embassy in Islamabad losing battle to counter hate America Pak media campaign

WASHINGTON – The US Embassy in Islamabad is having a tough time countering the continuous anti-American campaign being carried out by the Pakistani media.

Embassy officials have been engaged in a herculean task of countering every major attack on US strategy in the country, … Read more »».

Family of captured Israeli soldier launches march to Jerusalem to press for his release

Captured soldier’s family marching to Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – The family of a captured Israeli soldier set out Sunday on a 12-day march to Jerusalem to press Israeli leaders to make a deal with his Hamas captors to free him.
Sgt. Gilad Schalit was taken captive four years ago during a cross-border raid by militants from the Gaza …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Family of captured Israeli soldier launches march to Jerusalem to press for his release.

US puts six-year-old Indian origin American girl on “no fly” list

WASHINGTON – The US Homeland Security Department has put a six-year-old Indian origin American girl on the “no fly” list on the grounds of having suspected ties to terrorists.

Alyssa Thomas, 6, is under the spotlight of the US Government, and her family recently came to know …. Source  : US puts six-year-old Indian origin American girl on “no fly” list.

Assam police arrest three ULFA members

GUWAHATI – The Assam Police Special Branch has arrested three members of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) here.

The arrest took place on Saturday evening.

After a prolonged surveillance, the police personnel nabbed these militants.

“Yesterday, we arrested three members of the …. Read the original article  : here.

Chidambaram-Malik meeting a new initiative, says Krishna

BANGALORE – External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said that the bilateral meeting between Home Minister P Chidambaram and his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik has provided a new initiative for both countries.

Interacting with media here, Krishna said: “I … Read more : Chidambaram-Malik meeting a new initiative, says Krishna.

Pinta Island Tortoise Might Escape Extinction

PINTA ISLAND, ECUADOR (GaeaTimes.com)- Lonesome George tortoise which is at the verge of extinction is soon to meet it’s female partner. Reportedly, the wildlife researchers are looking out for female Pinta Island tortoise and have already announced a $10,000 reward for anyone who can help them cite the female Pinta Island tortoise.
The wildlife researchers are … Original article on : Pinta Island Tortoise Might Escape Extinction.

France wants important partner India to play more critical global role

TORONTO – French President Nicholas Sarkozy on Saturday described India as one of his country’s most important partners, and urged it to play a more critical role on the international stage, including in the ongoing Group of Twenty (G-20) deliberations.

Sarkozy conveyed this view to … Original article on : France wants important partner India to play more critical global role.

G-8 leaders undertake commitment to mobilize 5 billion funding

TORONTO – Group of Eight (G8) leaders on Saturday concluded their 2010 annual summit at Huntsville with a pledge to mobilize an additional five billion US dollars over the next five years as additional funding for the Mukoska Initiative for improving maternal, newborn and child health globally.

Other …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : G-8 leaders undertake commitment to mobilize 5 billion funding.

Violent clashes mar start of Toronto G-20 Summit

TORONTO – An estimated 10,000 demonstrators clashed with Toronto Police and other law enforcement authorities on Saturday, a day before the commencement of the fourth Group of Twenty (G-20) Summit, forcing shops in the downtown area to down their shutters well before closing time. Three … Read : Violent clashes mar start of Toronto G-20 Summit.

Israeli flotilla inquiry will question prime minister Netanyahu, defense chief

Israeli flotilla inquiry to question premier

JERUSALEM – The head of the Israeli inquiry into last month’s deadly naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla says he will summon the prime minister for questioning.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Jacob Turkel announced the plans Monday during the opening session of the five-member commission.
The body is investigating the raid that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Israeli flotilla inquiry will question prime minister Netanyahu, defense chief.

Vote counting under way in Guinea after West African nation’s first free election

Vote counting under way in Guinea after election

CONAKRY, Guinea – Electoral officials in Guinea say they are counting votes from the West African country’s first free election since independence more than half a century ago.
Thierno Seydou Bayo, spokesman for the independent electoral commission, says a preliminary tally could be released as early as Tuesday.
Bayo said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vote counting under way in Guinea after West African nation’s first free election.

Ten injured as security forces stop march to Sopore

SRINAGAR – Ten protesters were injured when security forces intercepted a large procession here, marching towards north Kashmir’s Sopore town, where another youth was killed in firing by security forces Monday.

Around 10,000 protesters started a march towards Sopore from different parts of the Old City areas of Srinagar Monday morning.
As the protesters reached …. Read the original article  : here.

Women spend 16,000 pounds on shoes in lifetime

LONDON – An average woman in Britain spends a staggering 16,000 pounds on shoes in her lifetime, reveals a new survey which also shows that a quarter of the women rarely tell their partner about new shoes as “he wouldn’t understand”.

Girls purchase their first pair of shoes without their mother when they are 14. Thereafter, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Women spend 16,000 pounds on shoes in lifetime.

ITBP Hands Over Ancient Mummy

SHIMLA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- ITBP handed over a 545 year old mummy to the Himachal Pradesh State Government. Reportedly, the mummy discovered by ITBP is housed in the make-shift temple in the village of Giu which is located at a distance of 340 kms from Shimla. On Sunday, Himachal Pradesh State Government declared its plans to … Read more »»».

Youth killed as mob defies curfew in Kashmir town

SRINAGAR – A youth was killed when security forces opened fire in north Kashmir’s Sopore town at an agitated mob that defied curfew restrictions Monday morning, police said.

A senior police officer said the victim was identified as Tajamul Ahmad Bhat, son of Bashir Ahmad Bhat of Wadoora in Sopore.
Bhat succumbed to a bullet … Original article on : Youth killed as mob defies curfew in Kashmir town.

Chidambaram likely to visit Kashmir next week

JAMMU – Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who has just returned from Pakistan, is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir that has seen violent protests in the past few weeks, official sources said Monday.

Chidambaram has conveyed to the state government that he would try and review the situation in the state, possibly over the weekend, the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chidambaram likely to visit Kashmir next week.

Prince Harry Plays Polo

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- The third annual Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic match that was played at the Governor’s Island witnessed Prince Harry galloping his horse all over the ground. Reportedly, the polo match was played to benefit Prince Harry’s charity; “American Friends of Sentebale” which works for the children of Lesotho in Africa.
Prince Harry was all …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Prince Harry Plays Polo.

Ghana army chief visits India

NEW DELHI – Ghanaian Army Chief, Major General Joseph Narh Adinkrah, Monday began a four-day visit to India aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

Adinkrah will be meeting ministry of defence (MOD) and senior military officials, besides visiting United Service Institution (USI) and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in the capital. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ghana army chief visits India.

North Korea to enhance nuclear deterrence

SEOUL – North Korea announced Monday it would bolster its nuclear arsenal in a “newly developed way” in response to perceived US hostility, reports said.

Tensions have been rising on the Korean Peninsula since the sinking of a South Korean warship near the maritime border in March, which investigators blamed on a North Korean torpedo, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : North Korea to enhance nuclear deterrence.

Assailants vandalize UN summer camp in Gaza in second such attack in 2 months

UN summer camp in Gaza vandalized
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Two dozen masked men vandalized a U.N. summer camp for children in Gaza early Monday, burning and slashing tents, toys and a plastic swimming pool. It was the second such attack in a month.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but Islamic …. Source  : Assailants vandalize UN summer camp in Gaza in second such attack in 2 months.

Rohtang Tunnel work launched by Sonia Gandhi

SOLANG – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday laid the foundation stone for the world’s longest tunnel at an altitude of over 13,300 feet under the Rohtang Pass which, when completed, will ensure year-round accessibility to Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh.

Gandhi initiated the excavation work by operating an excavator near the southern portal of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Rohtang Tunnel work launched by Sonia Gandhi.

An Egyptian woman’s crusade against divorce

DUBAI – In traditional Egyptian society where women are blamed for divorces, a young divorcee has launched an online radio station to help out fellow women overcome the stigma of divorce and come out stronger.

Inspired by her own experience of divorce, Mahasen Saber, 31, a mother to a five-year-old boy, launched the Motalakat Radio for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : An Egyptian woman’s crusade against divorce.

A mistake that fetched a bonanza

MELBOURNE – A woman in this Australian city doubled her lottery winning after mistakenly buying two tickets for the draw. She won a cool $1.4 million.

The woman, who chooses her numbers by her children’s birthdays, bought an extra ticket that helped doubled her winnings.
“I thought my ticket had expired so I bought another one … Read this article on Gaea Times at : A mistake that fetched a bonanza.

Spouse can be more stressful than boss: British poll

LONDON – Your spouse can be more stressful than your boss, says a new poll in Britain.

As many as 58 percent of the people who took part in the poll said that their partner caused stress, while 43 percent of the respondents thought that stress was caused by their office senior.
The poll was carried … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Spouse can be more stressful than boss: British poll.

Sopore tense as mob protests youth’s killing

SRINAGAR – Thousands of people Monday defied strict curfew restrictions in Kashmir’s Sopore town where they took to the streets carrying the body of a 23-year old youth for burial, a day after he was killed in firing by the security forces.

Security forces fired warning shots and tear gas shells, and resorted to repeated baton …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sopore tense as mob protests youth’s killing.

An Indian bookstore in cyberia for queer folks

NEW DELHI – This bookshop in cyberspace is queer…literally! It caters to the country’s alternative community of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-gender (LGBT) people and stacks up on genres like history of queer life, erotica and queer lingo.

Called Queer-INK, the e-store will be formally inaugurated July 2 and is a tribute to the LGBT community, …. Original article  : An Indian bookstore in cyberia for queer folks.

FBI helping State Department in investigation of Colorado woman missing in Nepal

FBI helping hunt for American missing in Nepal

GREELEY, Colo. – The FBI says it’s helping the U.S. State Department in the investigation of a Colorado woman who disappeared while trekking alone in Nepal.
Denver FBI spokesman Dave Joly (JOLLY) said Sunday the agency is also working with Nepalese authorities on the disappearance of 23-year-old Aubrey Sacco … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : FBI helping State Department in investigation of Colorado woman missing in Nepal.

Obama says there’s an ‘obsession’ with timing of US pullout from Afghanistan

Obama cites ‘obsession’ on Afghanistan timeline
TORONTO – President Barack Obama says there’s been, as he calls it, “a lot of obsession” about the issue of when U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan.
Obama says his focus right now is on making sure the U.S. mission in Afghanistan is successful.
Obama reiterated Sunday that a plan to … Read more : Obama says there’s an ‘obsession’ with timing of US pullout from Afghanistan.

Obama says G-20 accords prove nations could bridge differences

Obama says G-20 produced important progress
TORONTO – President Barack Obama on Sunday said he welcomed an international commitment for rich countries to slash their deficits in half by 2013, despite his earlier warnings against halting stimulus spending too abruptly.
“We can’t all rush to the exits at the same time,” Obama told a news …. Source  : Obama says G-20 accords prove nations could bridge differences.

Indian Navy Chief In Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (GaeaTimes.com)- Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Indian navy chief reached the capital of Sir Lanka Sunday for an official tour. After 2004, this is the first high profile visit. INS Delhi, Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer and one of the biggest warships made in India has also reached Colombo port. The Indian navy chief …. Original article  : Indian Navy Chief In Sri Lanka.

Witnesses say UN vehicle was shot up in Afghanistan’s capital, driver hurt

UN vehicle shot in Afghan capital, driver hurt

KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.N. vehicle was shot up at a busy traffic circle in Afghanistan’s capital Tuesday, and at least one person was hurt, witnesses said.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw a white pickup truck with a blue U.N. logo painted on the side: Its … Read : Witnesses say UN vehicle was shot up in Afghanistan’s capital, driver hurt.

Jharkhand’s youngest eye donor

RANCHI – The eyes of a two-and-half-year-old girl were donated to an eye bank after her death, and a doctor here said she was the youngest eye donor in Jharkhand.

Zia fell ill Saturday after suffering from high fever. She died Monday in Ranchi during treatment.
It was from the cremation ground that her father … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jharkhand’s youngest eye donor.

Napoleon’s hair auctioned in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – A lock of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s hair was part of a collection of relics from the last year’s of his life that were auctioned in this New Zealand city.

Napoleon’s lock of hair, which is preserved in a case, fetched $19,000 while a sketch of the French leader on his death bed went …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Napoleon’s hair auctioned in New Zealand.

‘Too hot’ ex Citi-banker files sex discrimination complaint

WASHINGTON – Debrahlee Lorenzana, who was fired from her Citibank job for ‘being too sexy’, has filed a sex discrimination complaint against her former employer.

She and her attorney, Gloria Allred, are asking for a human rights investigation.

Lorenzana, 33, had …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Too hot’ ex Citi-banker files sex discrimination complaint.

Eyewitnesses say UN vehicle was shot up in Afghanistan’s capital, at least 1 hurt

Witnesses say UN vehicle shot up in Afghan capital

KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.N. vehicle was shot up at a busy traffic circle in Afghanistan’s capital Tuesday, and at least one person was hurt, witnesses said.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw a white pickup truck with a blue U.N. logo painted on the side: …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rescued teen sailor Abby Sunderland returns to Southern California marina where voyage began

Teen sailor returns to port where her voyage began

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. – The teenage girl forced to abandon her dream of sailing around the world is returning to the port where her journey began five months ago.
But 16-year-old Abby Sunderland won’t be returning to Marina del Rey in the boat in which she left … Original article on : Rescued teen sailor Abby Sunderland returns to Southern California marina where voyage began.

Google changes access to China site after Beijing objects following censorship dispute

Google changes China access after Beijing objects

BEIJING – Google Inc. said Tuesday it will stop automatically rerouting users of its China search site to its Hong Kong site after Beijing said the company would lose its mainland Internet license if the tactic continued.
Google shut down its China-based search engine March 22 to avoid cooperating with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Google changes access to China site after Beijing objects following censorship dispute.

Miss Cornwall stripped of crown for lying

LONDON – A teacher has been stripped of her beauty queen crown after organisers found that she was lying about her age from past five years.

Miss Cornwall Laura Anness, who has entered a number of beauty pageants from Miss Universe GB to Miss Motors, told organisers that she was 22 in 2006 and then …. Original source  : Miss Cornwall stripped of crown for lying.

Prince Harry desperate to return to Afghanistan

LONDON – Prince Harry has confessed that he wants to return to Afghanistan to serve Queen and the country.

The soldier Prince even said that he would love to be deployed back to the country where he first faced war for ten weeks during 2007-08.

“I would love to go back, I really would. As … Original source on Gaea Times at : Prince Harry desperate to return to Afghanistan.

Baloch leader meets Joe Biden, draw attention to Balochistan’s situation

WASHINGTON – President of Baloch Society of North America (BSO-NA), Dr. Wahid Baloch met US Vice-President Joe Biden to draw his attention to the ongoing military operation and enforced involuntary disappearances in Pakistani and Iranian occupied Balochistan.

“Secular Baloch are being hanged everyday by Iranian Mullah and killed and kidnapped by Pakistani Jihadi Islamic terrorist army … Original article on : Baloch leader meets Joe Biden, draw attention to Balochistan’s situation.

China’s military to conduct live-fire sea drill in wake of scheduled US-Korea joint exercises

China to conduct live-fire sea drill this week
BEIJING – China will start six days of live-fire drills off its eastern coast Wednesday amid plans for joint U.S.-Korea military exercises in the region.
The People’s Liberation Army will ban all vessels from entering a large portion of the East China Sea from midnight until 6 … Read more »».

Pak ‘hedging bets’ on Haqqanis following US”dithering’ over Afghanistan

NEW YORK – The persisting ambiguity over the US’ decision to pull out of Afghanistan has encouraged Pakistan and its all powerful intelligence, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), to continue supporting militant groups like the Haqqani network and “hedge their bets”, a senior American intelligence official has said.

“They’ve been burned and they’ve seen this movie …. Source  : Pak ‘hedging bets’ on Haqqanis following US’ ‘dithering’ over Afghanistan.

Ten Russian secret agents living in ‘deep cover’ arrested in US

WASHINGTON – The FBI has arrested ten secret agents of the Russian government living in “deep-cover” in the United States and engaged in Cold War-style espionage, in a coordinated operation.

According to The Telegraph, the FBI has accused the SVR, the successor organisation to the Soviet Union’s KGB, of running a network of “illegals”, described in …. Source article  : Ten Russian secret agents living in ‘deep cover’ arrested in US.

Injured NJ hiker rescued from NH mountain, Northeast’s highest peak, via 19th-century railway

NJ hiker rescued from NH mountain by 1800s railway

MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. – An injured New Jersey hiker has been rescued from the Northeast’s highest peak via an old railway.
New Hampshire state police contacted the Fish and Game department Monday evening about the hiker, on Gulf Side Trail on Mount Washington.
Personnel from the Appalachian Mountain Club … Original article on : Injured NJ hiker rescued from NH mountain, Northeast’s highest peak, via 19th-century railway.

Violence continues in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The Kashmir Valley continued to simmer Tuesday as violence spread to the southern region leaving one person injured in firing by security forces while curfew was clamped in many parts to quell angry protests over eight civilian killings.

Stone pelting mobs took to streets at many places in the summer capital Srinagar as … Read more »».

Pathology report delays Indian toddler Gurshan’s death case in Australia

MELBOURNE – Three-year-old Indian kid Gurshan Singh Channa’s death case has been adjourned pending receipt of a pathology report.

Gurshan was found dead near Australia’s Melbourne airport on March 4. A council worker found Gurshan’s body in the grass by the side of a road in March, about 20 kilometres from his family’s home in Lalor, … Original article on : Pathology report delays Indian toddler Gurshan’s death case in Australia.

‘Fired’ US Afghan war commander McChrystal set to retire

LONDON – General Stanley McChrystal, the top US commander in Afghanistan who was sacked last week for his scathing remarks against the White House’s Afghan policy, has decided to retire.

“He told the army today he’s going to retire,” The Telegraph quoted Army spokesperson Colonel Thomas Collins, as saying.

The four-star general told the office that manages …. Source article  : ‘Fired’ US Afghan war commander McChrystal set to retire.

Mumbai attacks aimed at igniting Indo-Pak war: Malik

LAHORE – Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the November 2008 terror attacks, in which over 173 people were killed and over 300 injured, was actually aimed instigating a full scale war between India and Pakistan.

“The criminals responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attacks wanted to instigate a war between India and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mumbai attacks aimed at igniting Indo-Pak war: Malik.

Victorian SC jails Indian origin man for beating wife to death with stake

MELBOURNE – A 44 -year-old Indian origin man, Sukhmander Singh, was sentenced to 17 years jail for beating his wife to death with a wooden stake on the Valley Lake Boulevard at Niddrie on May 7, 2009.

According to The Age, Singh pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife and will serve a minimum … Read more »».

Egypt’s archaeologists discover secret unfinished tomb inside pharoah’s grave

Egypt finds unfinished secret tomb inside grave

CAIRO – Egypt’s antiquities department has announced the excavation of an unfinished tunnel, possibly meant to be a secret tomb, inside a 3,300-year-old pharaoh’s grave.
The 570-foot long tunnel (174 meters) stretches away from the main tomb of New Kingdom Pharaoh Seti I (1314-1304 B.C.) descending two staircases before abruptly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Egypt’s archaeologists discover secret unfinished tomb inside pharoah’s grave.

Popular South Korean actor-singer hangs himself in country’s latest high-profile suicide

Popular South Korean actor-singer commits suicide

SEOUL, South Korea – A popular South Korean actor and singer killed himself Wednesday in distress over career pressures while caring for his terminally ill father, police said in the latest in a recent string of high-profile suicides in the Asian country.
Park Yong-ha, 33, was believed to have “impulsively” hanged … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Popular South Korean actor-singer hangs himself in country’s latest high-profile suicide.

Hundred days after fire: Stephen Court is a ghost building

KOLKATA – The dreadful scenes of people jumping to their deaths and mangled and completely charred bodies – mainly of youngsters – being taken out in heaps from the gutted floors of Stephen Court are still fresh in public memory. A hundred days after the killer fire engulfed its major portions, the landmark mansion on …. Source article  : Hundred days after fire: Stephen Court is a ghost building.

Security forces say 15 Maoists killed in Narayanpur ambush

RAIPUR – Security forces suspect that at least 15 Maoists might have been killed during Tuesday’s Narayanpur ambush in Chhattisgarh.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost 24 personnel in a Maoist ambush in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur District on Tuesday.

The dead included a CRPF Assistant Commandant Jatin Gulati.

This was the third …. Original article  : Security forces say 15 Maoists killed in Narayanpur ambush.

Army stages flag march in Kashmir town

SRINAGAR – The army staged a flag march in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town Wednesday to defuse tensions that had arisen after violence leading to the deaths of several youths in clashes with security personnel in the valley over the past week.

A senior police officer said a contingent of the army led by a brigadier staged …. Source  : Army stages flag march in Kashmir town.

Sick Australian feels better after lottery win

MELBOURNE – An Australian woman who had called in sick from work “sounded a lot better” after being informed that she won $17 million in a lottery.

The 40-year-old woman had hit it big in Tuesday night’s $50 million Super 7’s Oz Lotto draw.
She hadn’t watched the draw and was informed about the win the …. Source  : Sick Australian feels better after lottery win.

Dumping car for ‘Metro’ can help you shed six pounds a year

LONDON – Dump your car and head for the Metro, for it not only helps you save the traffic trauma, but also to shed the pounds and keep you trim, so claim researchers, who have discovered that public transportation increases physical activity to such an extent, that an average person drops more than six pounds … Original article on : Dumping car for ‘Metro’ can help you shed six pounds a year.

FBI says Russian spies used High-tech espionage to carry out operation

WASHINGTON – Court papers made public by the Justice Department have revealed that that the Russian suspects accused of spying in the U.S. were using high-tech espionage to carry out their operation.

According to Fox News, the group used private wireless networks to transmit files, passed data on USB memory sticks and sent text messages, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nagaland Home Minister nabbed with illegal cash at Kathmandu Airport

KATHMANDU – Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen was arrested with Rs nine lakh in cash at Kathmandu Airport on Wednesday.

The minister was allegedly carrying a suitcase full of Indian currency.

According to the sources, Rs 500 currency notes are banned in Nepal, and the cash recovered from Imchen was in Rs 500 and Rs …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nagaland Home Minister nabbed with illegal cash at Kathmandu Airport.

Dr. ‘Death’ Patel manslaughter verdict may not survive appeal, warns judge

MELBOURNE – An Australian judge has warned that Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Jayant Patel’s guilty verdict may not survive in the Queensland Court of Appeal.

Justice John Byrne has indicated that the verdicts might not survive due to the Criminal Code, which did not recognise misdiagnoses and wrongful decisions to operate as potential criminal acts.

From day … Read more >>.

Chennai transgenders spread awareness about their plight

CHENNAI – The transgender community in Chennai organised a cultural show with the aim of sensitising the masses about their life and problems.

This unique event was held under the auspices of SWAM on Tuesday.

Over 200 transgenders, including sex workers, participated in this unique event.

On the occasion, a movie depicting the life of a queer was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chennai transgenders spread awareness about their plight.

Manipur doctors stage protests against militant threats

IMPHAL – Doctors, interns and other paramedical staff of Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Manipur staged a sit-in demonstration on Tuesday to protest against the extortion and life threats posed by regional militant outfits.

Dr. Y Mohen Singh, the Superintendent of the RIMS Hospital, said militant outfits use women for collecting the extortion …. Read the original article  : Manipur doctors stage protests against militant threats.

Unemployed medicos in Bihar polish shoes in protest against the state administration

PATNA – Unemployed medicos in Patna polished footwear in protest to voice their anguish at not being given any employment by the State government.

Under the banner of Health and Education Reform Association, the protesting doctors with stethoscopes around their necks polished the shoes here on Tuesday.

Graduate doctors of Darbhanga Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and …. Source  : Unemployed medicos in Bihar polish shoes in protest against the state administration.

Amaranth Yatra commences under tight security

JAMMU – The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Wednesday with the first batch of 557 pilgrims leaving for the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath from here.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Tourism Nowang Ringzin Jora flagged off the convoy of pilgrims, escorted Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

The first batch of pilgrims, including 261 men, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Osama hunter ‘American Rambo’ says Qaeda’s now put a bounty on his head

NEW YORK – The American construction worker who was nabbed in Pakistan’s Chitral region while on a solo mission to hunt down and kill Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden earlier this month, has claimed that he is now on top of Qaeda’s hit list.

Gary Brooks Faulkner, who was dubbed “Rambo” and the “American Ninja,” bragged …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Osama hunter ‘American Rambo’ says Qaeda’s now put a bounty on his head.

Honey trade tainted by dirty dealings as some Chinese makers try to skirt US import taxes

Chinese honey trade tainted by dirty dealings

BEIJING – A Chinese businessman has been convicted of trying to get around U.S. import taxes by sending 15 shipping containers of cut-rate honey to the Philippines to be relabeled and sent on to the United States.
The practice called honey-laundering is just one of many unsavory acts besmirching China’s …. Read the original article  : Honey trade tainted by dirty dealings as some Chinese makers try to skirt US import taxes.

Former Israeli spy faces deportation hearing in Calif. amid US claims he’s a terrorist threat

Former Israeli spy faces US deportation hearing

SAN DIEGO – The 32-year-old son of one of Hamas’ founders is getting his turn in U.S. immigration court.
Mosab Hassan Yousef argues before an immigration judge in San Diego on Wednesday that he will be killed if deported because he was a top spy for Israel for a decade …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India hopes to launch ‘Chandrayaan-2??? by 2013

KOLKATA – The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K Radhakrishnan has said India is preparing to launch its second moon mission ‘Chandrayaan-2′ by 2013.

“The Chandrayaan-2 we are planning to have in the year 2013 and by that time we should have our GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) flying with the Indigenous Cryogenic …. Read the original article  : India hopes to launch ‘Chandrayaan-2′ by 2013.

Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue at Ladakh to promote communal harmony

LEH – A three-day long Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue and seminar ‘Addressing Violence: Religious Resources for Conflict Resolution 2010′, is being held at Leh.

Hosted by Mahabodhi Devachan Centre, the objective of the seminar has been to bring together influential representatives of these two great religious traditions.

Expert theologists have endeavoured to create a deep and enduring partnership … Read : Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue at Ladakh to promote communal harmony.

Maoists issue call for shutdown in five states

RAIPUR – A day after 26 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and seven were injured in a Maoist ambushed in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur District, the rebels have called for a shutdown in Jharkhand, Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Chhattisgarh.

Besides these five states, two Maoist strongholds in Gadchiroli and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra …. Read the original article  : here.