Britain scraps tests for nurses from EU

LONDON – Foreign nurses in Britain will no longer need to sit for rigorous competence exams before treating patients, as European Union (EU) rules demand that the tests be axed, a media report said Monday.

Nurses from EU will no longer be required to even show they have looked after patients in the past three … Original article on : Britain scraps tests for nurses from EU.

Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proven about the former governor?

What have prosecutors proven about Blagojevich?
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors have spent five weeks showing Rod Blagojevich spewed a river of profanity while lavishing money on his wardrobe and ducking his job as governor of Illinois.
But will jurors believe he was a racketeer who schemed to sell or trade Barack Obama’s former U.S. Senate …. Original source  : Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proven about the former governor?.

‘Improve dialysis facilities for Delhi’s HIV-positive patients’

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High court has directed the central government to chalk out a plan with the Delhi government to increase the number of city hospitals offering dialysis to HIV-positive patients.

“The number of hospitals which offer maintenance dialysis to HIV-positive patients are perhaps just three, including the All India Institute of Medical …. Source  : ‘Improve dialysis facilities for Delhi’s HIV-positive patients’.

Court curbs on converting park into water tank

NEW DELHI – The judicial battle of the residents of the Rohini neighbourhood to save a park has started on a positive note with the Delhi High Court restraining, for now, the civic agencies from converting the green area into an underground water tank.

“Till further orders, the respondents (civic agencies) are directed to maintain …. Source article  : Court curbs on converting park into water tank.

Brit Journalist to sue South Africa’s Police Commissioner on defamation charges

CAPE TOWN – A British journalist, Simon Wright, of the Sunday Mirror, who had been accused of trying to undermine World Cup security is considering suing South Africa’s Police Commissioner Bheki Cele for making defamatory remarks about him.

According to Sports 24, Wright paid a R750 fine on Saturday after admitting to breaking South Africa’s immigration … Read : Brit Journalist to sue South Africa’s Police Commissioner on defamation charges.

Apex court okays Tamil Nadu quota law

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday granted protection to the Tamil Nadu government’s quota law, which provides for 69 percent reservation in educational institutions and jobs.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justices K.S. Radhakrishna Rao and Swatanter Kumar also directed the state backward class commission to revisit the reservation …. Source  : Apex court okays Tamil Nadu quota law.

Indians in Britain to double by 2051

LONDON – The population of Indians in Britain is expected to nearly double from 1.4 million to 2.67 million by 2051 by which time the country’s population would hover around the 78 million mark, according to a new study.

The study conducted by academics from the University of Leeds, says that ethnic minorities are set to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indians in Britain to double by 2051.

UN panel reviews women’s situation in India

UNITED NATIONS – A UN committee on the elimination of discrimination against women has begun a review of the situation of women in India and seven other countries.

During its 19-day session here, India will be reviewed on an exceptional basis, with the committee considering the country’s follow-up report on the impact of the 2002 Gujarat [..] Read the original article: here.

US disappointed by Swiss freeing of Polanksi

WASHINGTON – The US government expressed disappointment over Switzerland’s decision Monday to free film director Roman Polanksi and refusal to extradite him to the United States for his 1977 rape conviction.

US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said the government will review its options in light of the decision and remained committed to pursuing justice against …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US disappointed by Swiss freeing of Polanksi.

Replace animals in medical training: PETA

MUMBAI – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, has urged medical colleges in Mumbai to replace the use of animals in medical training, a PETA official said Monday.

“Upon learning that the Medical Council of India (MCI) has withdrawn its requirement that every medical school in India maintain an animal house and use … Original article on : Replace animals in medical training: PETA.

Court pulls up MCD for bad roads ahead of Games

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Monday came down heavily on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi over the pathetic condition of roads in the capital just three months before the Commonwealth Games.

“Despite various directions given by this court, the picture appears to be more dismal than what is being shown to the court …. Read the original article  : here.

More steps needed for welfare of mentally challenged: Court

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday took the central and state governments to task for their lack of initiative in attending to the welfare of the mentally challenged, including orphans and beggers.

“Just acts (laws) are not enough when there are children and beggers on the streets. Your initiative to do something for them is … Read more : More steps needed for welfare of mentally challenged: Court.

Government questioned on special fund for courts

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central and state governments and the high courts on a report seeking to create a separate “infrastructure fund” for improving facilities in subordinate courts.

The proposed “infrastructure fund” sought to be created would be funded by the deposits of the court fees and fines imposed …. Source article  : Government questioned on special fund for courts.

Rs.50,000 compensation ordered for homeopathic medicine maker

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has directed a drug company to pay compensation of Rs.50,000 to a homeopathic medicine maker whom it had sued for alleged trademark infringement.

While dismissing Himalaya Drug Company’s plea to restrain homeopathic medicine company SBL Limited from manufacturing homeopathic drug by the name LIV-T, Justice S. Muralidhar said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rs.50,000 compensation ordered for homeopathic medicine maker.

Gujarat High Court fines advocate

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Monday fined an advocate for continuing his arguments even after an order was dictated in a land transaction case.

A division bench of Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice K.M. Thaker ordered advocate Dilip Shah to pay a fine of Rs.20,000. The money will be deposited with the state …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Gujarat High Court fines advocate.

‘Immigrants being treated as prisoners in Britain’

LONDON – Asylum seekers and illegal immigrants in Britain are being virtually treated as prisoners in the country’s immigration detention centres, the chief inspector of prisons has said.

Reacting to the alleged brutal treatment of asylum seekers before their return to their countries of origin, chief inspector Dame Anne Owers said there was growing conflict between … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Immigrants being treated as prisoners in Britain’.

MIC man plans to sue committee member for defamation

KLANG – Selangor MIC information chief L. Siva Subramaniam plans to sue expelled central working committee member K.P. Samy for defamation.

The Star quoted him as saying that Samy had distributed videos, which showed Siva Subramaniam and his supporters involved in brawl at the recent Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) gathering to MIC members and the public.

“They …. Source article  : MIC man plans to sue committee member for defamation.

‘Big Brother’ laws to be reviewed in Britain

LONDON – The British government has unveiled plans to review anti-terrorism and surveillance laws of the previous Labour government, which it said had turned the country into a “Big Brother” for its own citizens.

The laws that are up for review include a 28-day detention without charge, stop and search and “Big Brother” snooping by town … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Big Brother’ laws to be reviewed in Britain.

Blagojevich prosecutors roll through case in 5 weeks, don’t call some potential key figures

Blagojevich prosecutors done quicker than expected
CHICAGO – Prosecutors wheeled so much documentation into court each day at Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial it was easy to believe it might take them two months to present their case.
The estimates were wrong.
Prosecutors rested their case against the former Illinois governor Tuesday after presenting just more than … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Blagojevich prosecutors roll through case in 5 weeks, don’t call some potential key figures.

Nepal court to decide fate of Charles Sobhraj today

KATHMANDU – The Supreme Court of Nepal will decide today an appeal filed by Charles Sobhraj, the bikini killer, against a district courts verdict sentencing him to life imprisonment for the murder of American backpacker Connie Jo Bronzich in 1975.

Kathmandu District Court had slapped a life imprisonment to Sobhraj on this case.

Sobhraj appealed the …. Original source  : Nepal court to decide fate of Charles Sobhraj today.

US court rules out indecency ban on live shows

WASHINGTON – A US court has struck down a government policy on indecency on live television and radio, saying it is a violation of the constitution and the law allowing free speech.

The ruling Tuesday was a major victory for television networks, which jointly sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), after the Bush administration cracked down [..] Read the original article: here.

Parents not to pay if kids throw up in cab

LONDON – Parents in Germany will not be forced to pay compensation or cleaning costs if their children suddenly throw up in a taxi, a court has ruled.

The district court in Munich gave its ruling on a case of a couple whose nine-year-old daughter vomited in the back seat of a taxi, after they asked … Original article on : Parents not to pay if kids throw up in cab.

China bans smoking in schools

BEIJING – China has banned students and visitors from smoking at elementary and secondary schools, kindergartens and vocational schools.

However, the new rule passed by the education and health ministries has limited smoking to designated areas in higher-learning institutions, Xinhua reported citing an official statement.
At institutions of higher-learning, no faculty, staff, students or visitors will …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australian cop dismissed for showing pierced penis at party

SYDNEY – An Australian police officer is facing dismissal order for exposing his genital piercing while performing a “party trick” by opening a beer bottle with a bottle opener attached to it.

According to Sergeant Andrew Lawrance, no one was offended when he performed the trick to a small group of fellow officers and their …. Original article  : Australian cop dismissed for showing pierced penis at party.

Latino civil rights group alleges racial, gender discrimination in suit against gym chain

Latino civil rights group: Gym chain discriminates

LOS ANGELES – A Latino civil rights group says the employees of an international gym chain suffered racial and gender discrimination at its gyms around California.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Alameda County Superior Court against 24 Hour Fitness. The group is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Latino civil rights group alleges racial, gender discrimination in suit against gym chain.

Shortest mercy plea decision – in six days

NEW DELHI – While the limelight is on parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s clemency petition pending for four years, the Indian president had once decided on a mercy plea in less than a week, reveals a Right to Information (RTI) reply.

Activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, in a RTI filed with the president’s secretariat June 5, … Original article on : Shortest mercy plea decision – in six days.

Court rejects Lalit Modi’s plea to stay BCCI action

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Thursday rejected suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi’s plea to stay the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) disciplinary proceedings against him.

The court, however, said that the “BCCI disciplinary panel should keep Modi’s objections in mind”.
Modi’s attorney Mehmood Abdi ducked answering any questions … Original article on : Court rejects Lalit Modi’s plea to stay BCCI action.

No contempt proceedings against Sibal: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a petition seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal for criticising judicial functioning in 1995.

An apex court bench of Justices J.M. Panchal and A.K. Patnaik said Sibal’s message in a souvenir had been quoted out of context.
The court said …. Original article  : No contempt proceedings against Sibal: apex court.

Bombay High Court dismisses Lalit Modi’s petition

MUMBAI – The Bombay High court on Thursday rejected suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi’s plea to quash the order of suspension and the disciplinary action initiated against him by the BCCI.

A two-member division bench that heard Modi’s writ petition said that it would only consider … Read : Bombay High Court dismisses Lalit Modi’s petition.

UK’s role in abuse of own citizens revealed

LONDON – The true extent of the previous Labour government’s involvement in the illegal abduction and torture of its own citizens after 9/11, has been spelled out in stark detail with the disclosure during high court proceedings of a mass of highly classified documents.

Previously secret papers implicate Tony Blair’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bombay High Court to decide on Lalit Modi plea today

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will pass an order today on suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi’s petition to quash the BCCI’s disciplinary proceedings against him.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Modi’s lawyer, Virag Tulzhapurkar alleged that the BCCI’s disciplinary committee had vitiated the process of a fair trail and that the Board’s actions were … Original article on : Bombay High Court to decide on Lalit Modi plea today.

Montreal bans Pamela Anderson’s bikini ad for PETA

TORONTO – An animal rights poster showing “Baywatch” actress Pamela Anderson in a bikini with her body parts marked as pieces of meat has been banned by authorities in Montreal.

The ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says: “All animals have the same parts. Have a heart. Go vegetarian.”
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Montreal bans Pamela Anderson’s bikini ad for PETA.

Brazil to allow rapid divorce

Brasilia, July 15 (IANS/EFE) Brazil has eliminated a lengthy separation procedure for couples that lasts for up to two years and will start the process for rapid divorce.

An amendment to the constitution eliminates the two sets of procedures used up to now to dissolve marriages on a consensual basis, one of which required the couple … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brazil to allow rapid divorce.

Trial date for motivational speaker charged in AZ sweat lodge deaths vacated; no new date set

Trial date in AZ sweat lodge deaths case vacated

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The trial date for a motivational speaker charged in the deaths of three people following a sweat lodge ceremony he led in Arizona won’t start next month as planned.
James Arthur Ray’s trial had been scheduled to begin Aug. 31. A court document released Wednesday …. Read the original article  : here.

eBay slammed with $3.8-billion lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO – eBay has been slapped with a $3.8-billion lawsuit by a company that claims the online auctioneer stole its ideas for online payments and then tried to patent them as its own, according to a news release for the plaintiffs Wednesday.

In the lawsuit, lawyers for XPRT Ventures claimed that it shared details of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : eBay slammed with $3.8-billion lawsuit.

Why does Punjab want Komagata money, ask Indians in Canada

TORONTO – The Punjab government’s decision to seek $143 million from Canada for forcibly sending back 376 passengers – mostly Sikhs – of the Komagata Maru ship in 1914, has not found much favour in the Indo-Canadian community.

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese ship hired by a Malaysia-based wealthy Sikh, Gurdit Singh, to bring 376 …. Source article  : Why does Punjab want Komagata money, ask Indians in Canada.

Panamanian court frees jailed reporter

Panama City, July 16 (IANS/EFE) Veteran Panamanian journalist Carlos Nu??ez was released from jail after spending 19 days behind bars for libel based on an article he wrote 12 years ago about a polluted river in the western province of Chiriqui.

“I am here for having defended a river of the Baru volcano, for having defended …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Panamanian court frees jailed reporter.

Argentina legalises same-sex marriage

Buenos Aires, July 16 (IANS/EFE) Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalise same-sex marriage following a historic vote in the Senate that laid bare the country’s deep political and social divisions.

The bill backed by President Cristina Fernandez’s government was approved by a vote of 33-27 with three abstentions after a sometimes heated debate …. Read the original article  : Argentina legalises same-sex marriage.

US Sen. John Kerry urges Obama to grant Guatemalan immigrants temporary protected status

Kerry: Protected status for Guatemalan immigrants
BOSTON – Sen. John Kerry has urged President Barack Obama to grant temporary protected status to Guatemalan immigrants living in the United States.
The Massachusetts Democrat wrote to Obama on Thursday that the Central American nation has suffered after Tropical Storm Agatha and the eruption of the Pacaya (pah-KY’-ah) …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Appeals court in NYC: Filmmaker must give Chevron outtakes from Ecuadoreans and lawyers

NYC court limits what filmmaker must give Chevron

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court on Thursday limited the amount of raw footage that a filmmaker must release from his documentary about a legal fight between Chevron and Ecuadoreans over oil contamination.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in a two-page order that filmmaker Joseph … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Appeals court in NYC: Filmmaker must give Chevron outtakes from Ecuadoreans and lawyers.

Judge in NYC finds judiciary has limited role in reviewing CIA issues of national security

NY judge rejects release of CIA materials to ACLU

NEW YORK – A federal judge in New York says he won’t force the release of CIA methods relating to Sept. 11 detainees who were interrogated harshly, saying the judiciary’s authority is limited when national security is at stake.
The ruling Thursday by Judge Alvin Hellerstein came in …. Read the original article  : here.

Report: Federal prosecution of immigrants soared over 2 months in spring

Federal prosecution of immigrants soared in spring

FRESNO, Calif. – Researchers say federal prosecution of immigrants soared to new levels last spring, as the Obama administration kept pace with an aggressive enforcement plan started under President George W. Bush.
A study released Thursday by the nonprofit Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse shows the 4,145 cases referred to federal … Read more : Report: Federal prosecution of immigrants soared over 2 months in spring.

UN to observe Nelson Mandela Day July 18

NEW YORK – The UN will mark the first “Nelson Mandela Day” July 18 in honour of the Nobel laureate regarded as the father of the new South Africa, a UN spokesman said here Thursday.

“This week, the UN will commemorate the first Nelson Mandela International Day, designated as the 18th of July,” Farhan Haq, the …. Original article  : UN to observe Nelson Mandela Day July 18.

Utah finds possible state database breach related to list of 1,300 alleged illegal immigrants

Utah finds possible breach in immigrant list probe

SALT LAKE CITY – A spokeswoman for Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday that investigators have found evidence that suggests a state database was breached to create a list of 1,300 purported illegal immigrants that has been circulating around the state.
News media, law enforcement and other government officials … Read more >>.

Judge at Blagojevich corruption trial: Defense can play about a dozen unheard wiretap tapes

Judge: Blago lawyers can play some unheard tapes
CHICAGO – The judge presiding at Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial has narrowed to about a dozen the number of FBI wiretap tapes jurors haven’t heard yet that the ousted Illinois governor’s lawyers can play as they begin the case for the defense.
Following two days of hearings, … Read more »».

Fed judge denies motion to stop NYC from enforcing cap on number of art vendors in parks

Fed judge upholds NYC art vendor crackdown rules

NEW YORK – A federal judge in New York City has upheld new regulations seeking to cap the number of art vendors allowed in Manhattan’s busiest parks.
Judge Richard Sullivan on Friday denied motions in two cases brought by street artists seeking to prohibit the city’s parks department from … Read more >>.

Panel: Top Texas criminal judge accused of turning away death row inmate’s appeal can keep job

Top Texas criminal judge warned but keeps job

SAN ANTONIO – The top criminal judge in Texas was spared her job Friday but still punished by a state panel, which reprimanded Sharon Keller for her fumbled handling of a death row inmate’s final appeal the night of his 2007 execution.
Keller, the presiding judge of the Texas … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Panel: Top Texas criminal judge accused of turning away death row inmate’s appeal can keep job.

Cyprus bans vuvuzelas

NICOSIA – Cyprus has banned the use of vuvuzelas in all sports stadiums, terming it as a “dangerous object”.

The plastic trumpets, made famous in South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be confiscated if fans take them to stadiums, Xinhua reported citing police officials.
A police statement said vuvuzelas were considered “dangerous”. It …. Read the original article  : Cyprus bans vuvuzelas.

Schwarzenegger mobilizes California National Guard as part of federal effort to secure border

Schwarzenegger mobilizes National Guard to border
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is mobilizing members of the California National Guard as part of a federal effort to deter drug trafficking and illegal immigration along the border with Mexico.
His order on Friday supports President Barack Obama’s plan to have 1,200 National Guard troops support federal … Original source on Gaea Times at : Schwarzenegger mobilizes California National Guard as part of federal effort to secure border.

Clarification: Dole-Banana Workers story

Clarification: Dole-Banana Workers story
LOS ANGELES – In a July 8 story about a lawsuit against Dole Foods, The Associated Press reported that Jason Glaser testified about providing a photo of an investigator used on a flyer distributed at anti-Dole rallies in Nicaragua. The story said the photo was distributed with a message suggesting the investigator, …. Source article  : Clarification: Dole-Banana Workers story.

Guyana leader sues newspaper over column that portrayed him as racist

Guyana’s president sues over racism charge

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana’s president has filed a libel lawsuit against a leading newspaper for a column that accused him of racism and of hiring people to disrupt an academic conference, serious charges in the racially divided South American country.
President Bharrat Jagdeo seeks a $50,000 from Kaieteur News and the …. Read the original article  : Guyana leader sues newspaper over column that portrayed him as racist.

Deaths of illegal immigrants in Arizona desert soaring in July amid unrelenting heat

Immigrant deaths in Arizona desert soaring in July

TUCSON, Ariz. – A county medical examiner says deaths among illegal immigrants crossing the southern Arizona desert from Mexico are soaring so much this month the office is using a refrigerated truck to store some of the bodies.
Pima County medical examiner Dr. Bruce Parks said Friday that the … Read more : Deaths of illegal immigrants in Arizona desert soaring in July amid unrelenting heat.

Argentine human rights leaders show support for embattled Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon

Argentina treats embattled Spanish judge as hero

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Fourteen years ago, a group of Argentine women wearing white kerchiefs with the names of their missing children flew to Madrid and entered the chambers of Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon. He says they changed his life.
The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo were seeking justice … Read more »».

Clooney says photos linking him to Italian fashion line are fake, wows courtroom in Italy

George Clooney radiates cool on witness stand

MILAN – It’s no wonder the Italian businessmen claimed George Clooney was behind their fashion line – the actor knows how to wow an audience whether he’s on the red carpet or the witness stand.
Maintaining his trademark aura of cool, Clooney delivered a few wisecracks Friday as he testified … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Clooney says photos linking him to Italian fashion line are fake, wows courtroom in Italy.

Equal monetary relief for accident victims, rules court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday set aside the order of the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal granting excessive monetary relief to a foreign woman, ruling the victim’s social status or colour of skin is immaterial while deciding the compensation for injury in a road accident.

“The court cannot award small amounts on account …. Source  : Equal monetary relief for accident victims, rules court.

Chandigarh to launch air-conditioned buses for disabled

CHANDIGARH – Keeping in mind the needs of the disabled and elderly people, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) will launch a fleet of specially designed air-conditioned buses in the city next week.

According to officials, these buses will have unique features like an inbuilt ramp which can be opened by the driver to help disabled and …. Original article  : Chandigarh to launch air-conditioned buses for disabled.

Rise in African kids accused of witchcraft

LONDON – The number of children accused of witchcraft in parts of Africa is increasing significantly, with orphans, street children and disabled mostly at risk, Unicef has said.

A new Unicef report has warned that children accused of being witches – some as young as eight – have been been burned, beaten and even killed as …. Source  : Rise in African kids accused of witchcraft.

Some suspects released with conditions in long-running investigation of Minnesota Somalis

Suspects free with conditions in Minn. terror case

MINNEAPOLIS – When Minnesota Somalis began traveling to Africa to join the fighting in their war-torn homeland, there was concern that some would return to carry out attacks in the U.S.
That was nearly three years ago. But recent court activity suggests at least some of the men aren’t …. Original article  : Some suspects released with conditions in long-running investigation of Minnesota Somalis.

Department of Justice to organize regional meetings on Sunday

NEW DELHI – The Department of Justice will organize regional meetings of Chief Justices of High Courts, State Law Ministers, State Finance Secretaries and State Law Secretaries on Sunday to discuss the implementation of the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission.

The objective of this … Read more »».

Indian origin MP slams Britain’s proposed immigration curbs

LONDON – An Indian-origin British MP has said that the coalition government’s proposed cap on immigration from non-EU countries is akin to placing “restrictions on friendly countries like India” and cautioned it might become a major bilateral issue when Prime Minister David Cameron visits New Delhi later this month.

British parliament’s powerful Home Affairs Select Committee …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian origin MP slams Britain’s proposed immigration curbs.

Women play key role in Indian policy making: Meira Kumar

BERN – India has been at the vanguard of women’s participation in both the legislature and the executive, said Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar here Saturday.

India is among the first countries in the world to have a woman prime minister and today India’s president is a woman, Meira Kumar said while addressing the sixth annual …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Women play key role in Indian policy making: Meira Kumar.

US housing complex in racial row against Indians

WASHINGTON – The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against an apartment complex in Washington state for racial discrimination against Indians who were even told to “go back” to their country.

The lawsuit against Summerhill Place Apartments, a 268-unit apartment complex in Renton, accuses them of violating the Fair Housing Act by discriminating on the [..] Read the original article: here.

NGOs want protection of men in sexual harassment bill

NEW DELHI – A group of NGOs working for men’s rights Saturday demanded that the bill on prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace be made gender neutral to also protect men being harassed at the workplace.

The NGOs under the banner of Save Indian Family Foundation said the draft bill, which is … Read more >>.