Judge’s gay marriage rulings in Mass. could have broad impact if they’re upheld on appeal

DOJ reviews Mass. rulings on fed gay marriage ban

BOSTON – A judge’s rulings in Massachusetts that the federal law banning gay marriage is unconstitutional could have implications far beyond the state if they’re upheld by a higher court after an appeal by the Obama administration, legal experts say.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro said the law, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Judge’s gay marriage rulings in Mass. could have broad impact if they’re upheld on appeal.

Gadkari’s remark ‘obnoxious, obscene’, says Congress

NEW DELHI – The Congress hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nitin Gadkari Friday, saying he should go to a psychiatric facility for the “obnoxious” remark that the ruling party was treating parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as its “son-in-law”.

“Obscenity, obnoxiousness, obtuseness should not be dignified by a response. It is very … Read more >>>.

Congress slams Gadkari over Afzal Guru ’son-in-law’ remarks

NEW DELHI – The Congress on Friday critisized Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari for taunting it over the delay in hanging Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

“It is very obvious that Gadkari has lost his mind completely. The BJP should take pity on him and deposit him into a psychiatric facility. The man needs …. Original source  : Congress slams Gadkari over Afzal Guru ’son-in-law’ remarks.

BJP divided over attending Omar’s all-party meet

JAMMU – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is divided over attending an all-party meet convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah next week to discuss the deaths of civilians and clashes in the Kashmir valley.

With 11 legislators, it is the fourth largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Though it is critical of the National … Original source on Gaea Times at : BJP divided over attending Omar’s all-party meet.

NKorea says imprisoned American is receiving medical treatment after he tried to kill himself

NKorea: Imprisoned American tried to kill himself
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea said Friday an American imprisoned for illegally entering the reclusive country has tried to kill himself.
Aijalon Mahli Gomes, from Boston, attempted to commit suicide and was being treated at a hospital, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported, citing information … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NKorea says imprisoned American is receiving medical treatment after he tried to kill himself.

Defeated South Carolina Republican accuses GOP leaders of caving in to demagoguery

GOP leaders let demagogues set tone, lawmaker says
WASHINGTON – Too many Republican leaders are acquiescing to a poisonous “demagoguery” that threatens the party’s long-term credibility, says a veteran GOP House member who was defeated in South Carolina’s primary last month.
While not naming names, 12-year incumbent Rep. Bob Inglis suggested in interviews …. Original article  : Defeated South Carolina Republican accuses GOP leaders of caving in to demagoguery.

Nepal seeks Paul, the oracle

KATHMANDU – After he finishes predicting the winner of the World Cup, would Paul, the octopus, now revered as Paul, the oracle, like to take up a new assignment?

Nepal, lying in another part of the hemisphere, wants the new star of World Cup 2010 and the biggest attraction of Germany’s Oberhausen town to make forecasts …. Original article  : Nepal seeks Paul, the oracle.

Election Commission Rules Out Early Polls

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- CPI-M (Communist Party of India) have praised the decision of Election Commission which on Wednesday announced that the 2011 Assembly Elections would be held in June next year as scheduled. Biman Bose who happens to be the politburo member for the party told the media that the decision to fix the dates … Read more »»».

Election Commission Takes Over Parliamentary Committee

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (GaeaTimes.com)- The Election Commission of Pakistan have asked the parliamentary committee to take a step back from the ongoing investigation for the educational qualifications of the lawmakers. Reportedly, the Election Commission said that it shall take over the case from the parliamentary committee and will deal it in their own way.
Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan …. Source  : Election Commission Takes Over Parliamentary Committee.

BJP to focus on situation in Manipur in Parliament

IMPHAL – Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swara,j has said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would focus on what she called “the pathetic situation” of Manipur during the ensuing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

“For last many days, Manipur has been disturbed and suffering in many ways. Therefore, my party unit wanted us … Original source on Gaea Times at : BJP to focus on situation in Manipur in Parliament.

Egg thrown at Australian PM

SYDNEY – An egg was thrown at Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the Australian city of Perth Friday morning. The missile, however, missed its target and instead hit a security officer.

Police have arrested a 55-year-old man for the incident.
The egg attack took place at the entrance of ABC studios at 9.30 a.m. when … Read more >>>.

Gadkari alleges Congress treating Afzal Guru as its “son-in-law”

DEHRADUN – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari has asked the center to stop treating Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru as the son-in-law of the Congress party.

Addressing a party rally here on Thursday, Gadkari said: “I want to ask the Congress leaders if Afzal Guru is their son-in-law. It is a party full … Read : Gadkari alleges Congress treating Afzal Guru as its “son-in-law”.

UN rules out reopening Benazir assassination inquiry report despite Pak’s objection

NEW YORK – The United Nations (UN) has ruled out reopening of the inquiry report over former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination following Islamabad’s objection.
Talking to journalists here, Farhan Haq, associate spokesman for the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said that the agency would soon reply to Pakistan’s objections over the commission’s … Read : UN rules out reopening Benazir assassination inquiry report despite Pak’s objection.

Oz PM’s positive body language comparable to Maggie Thatcher: Expert

MELBOURNE – A body language and communications expert has described Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s body language as perfect in terms of poise, humility and humour while getting her message to the people of the country across.

Michael Kelly said Gillard’s poise suggests the mark of woman who is “relishing” her new role, and says comparisons …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysia wants economic pact with India by end 2010

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has revealed that his country would like to have a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with India signed by the end of this year.
The Star quoted Razak as saying that he would like to see the CECA made official by the time his …. Original article  : Malaysia wants economic pact with India by end 2010.

Official says at least 5 killed, nearly 100 wounded in blast in Pakistani tribal area

Official: Large blast kills at least 5 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A government official says at least five people were killed and nearly 100 wounded in a large explosion in a Pakistani tribal area bordering Afghanistan.
Local administrator Noor Mohammad said the blast struck a commercial area in Yakaghund village in the Mohmand tribal region on Friday. … Read more >>>.

Indian-American offered to raise $1 mn for Senate seat

WASHINGTON – US prosecutors have alleged that an Indian American supporter of Democratic Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr told him he would raise $1 million in return for then Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich naming Jackson to the Senate.
The allegation, made Thursday during Blagojevich’s federal corruption trial in Chicago, was the first time prosecutors publicly …. Source article  : Indian-American offered to raise $1 mn for Senate seat.

UN closes office in Sri Lanka over protests

COLOMBO – The UN closed its office in Sri Lanka and recalled its head to New York for consultations as government-sanctioned protests against an investigation into alleged war crimes went into their third day, a UN office spokesman said Friday.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Thursday said it was “unacceptable” that Sri Lankan authorities have failed …. Read the original article  : UN closes office in Sri Lanka over protests.

Queen appoints new governor general of Canada

TORONTO – Queen Elizabeth, who is also the sovereign of Canada, Thursday appointed David Johnston as the new governor general of the country.

A known academic and lawyer, Johnson will take office Oct 1. An alumnus of Cambridge and Harvard universities, he is currently vice chancellor of Canada’s University of Waterloo near here.
Johnson will replace … Original source on Gaea Times at : Queen appoints new governor general of Canada.

Obama names Preeta Bansal on body to make government work better

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has named Indian American lawyer, Preeta D. Bansal, as Vice Chair of an administrative reform body described as a “public-private partnership designed to make government work better”.
The appointment of Bansal, currently the General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Management and Budget, and nine other …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama names Preeta Bansal on body to make government work better.