Advocates of non violence not Maoist sympathisers: Congress

NEW DELHI – It is wrong to dub those who suggest non-violent means to tackle the Maoist menace as their sympathisers, the Congress said Saturday rebutting the
contention of BJP president Nitin Gadkari that the advisory bodies of the government had Maoist sympathisers.
“An advisory body should get varied opinion and should also [..] Read the original article: here.

Kumaratunga blasts Sri Lankan Govt. for ‘completely forgetting’ her mother
legacy

LONDON – Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has launched one of her most outspoken attacks against the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa by accusing it of “completely forgetting the legacy” of her mother, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman Prime Minister.

“She was not …. Source article  : Kumaratunga blasts Sri Lankan Govt. for ‘completely forgetting’ her mother
legacy.

Egypt president not attending Africa summit once used as proof of his good health

Egypt’s president not attending African summit

CAIRO – Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak will not go to an African Union summit after officials had cited his planned attendance as proof of his good health.
State media reported Saturday that Mubarak had delegated Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif to represent Egypt at the summit in Uganda, which is expected to … Read more : Egypt president not attending Africa summit once used as proof of his good health.

Modi wants parliamentary panel to probe corruption in NREGA

NEW DELHI – Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday urged the government to constitute a joint parliamentary panel to look into alleged corruption in the national rural job guarantee scheme.

Addressing a meeting of the National Development Council (NDC), the country’s top policy forum, Modi said the mid-term appraisal of the 11th plan has highlighted “corruption, …. Source article  : Modi wants parliamentary panel to probe corruption in NREGA.

Amit Shah Resigns From Gujarat Ministry

GUJARAT, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Gujarat’s minister of state for home Amit Shah resigned from his post in the state’s ministry on Saturday. The announcement was made by Narendra Modi in New Delhi before the Gujarat Chief Minister attended the National Development Council meeting in the capital.
Amit Shah, considered the right hand of Narendra Modi in …. Read the original article  : here.

Rangel political allies largely quiet as they weigh political fallout of ethics charges

Rangel ethics charges create headache for allies

NEW YORK – The ethics charges against New York Democrat Charlie Rangel are causing headaches for his allies.
The 40-year congressional veteran says he will fight to clear his name. But few prominent Democrats are speaking up for him.
It’s a particularly vexing situation for New York Democrats, who have benefited … Read more : Rangel political allies largely quiet as they weigh political fallout of ethics charges.

Italian Catholic Church hit by homosexual ‘casual sex’ scandal

LONDON – The Italian Catholic Church has been hit by yet another gay scandal after the ‘Panorama’, a conservative weekly news magazine owned by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, carried out a two week investigation and published photographs of three homosexual priests attending …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Modi has no right to criticise CBI: Congress

NEW DELHI – The Congress Saturday slammed Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for criticising the CBI for its probe into the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh,

saying he was attacking the Supreme Court by doing so.
Congress general secretary B.K. Hariprasad said Modi has no right to criticise the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) …. Original source  : Modi has no right to criticise CBI: Congress.

Narendra Modi announces Shah’s resignation, alleges conspiracy (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Gujarat Minister Amit Shah, allegedly involved in the 2005 staged shootout of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, has resigned, Chief Minister Narendra Modi announced here Saturday while accusing the Congress-led UPA government of “misusing” the CBI and “fabricating” the charges against Shah.

“Amit Shah has sent his resignation to my bungalow. I will complete the formalities [..] Read the original article: here.

Reverence for iconic hero going too far? Chavez’s obsession with Simon Bolivar runs deep

Simon Bolivar an obsession for Venezuela’s Chavez

CARACAS, Venezuela – For Hugo Chavez, Simon Bolivar is more than a founding father to be feted once a year on his birthday. He’s the icon of an entire political movement. He’s a muse whose words inspire nearly two centuries after his death.
For Chavez, Bolivar is an obsession.
The president’s …. Read the original article  : here.

British PM asked to discuss Kohinoor return to India

LONDON – Keith Vaz, the Indian-origin British MP, wants the Koh-i-noor diamond to be returned to India and asks Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the issue of its return during his visit to India next week.

Vaz said in a statement: “I believe that this is the perfect opportunity for the prime minister to …. Source article  : British PM asked to discuss Kohinoor return to India.

Congress ‘misusing’ CBI, says Modi

NEW DELHI – Hitting out at the Congress-led central government, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused it of “misusing” the CBI to “fabricate allegations” against state minister Amit Shah and also “conspiring” to hamper the development of Gujarat.

Before announcing the resignation of Shah, who is alleged to be involved in the killing of Sohrabuddin … Original article on : Congress ‘misusing’ CBI, says Modi.

Venezuela’s Chavez warns Colombia amid tensions, but border situation remains normal

Venezuela’s Chavez warns Colombia amid tensions

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned Colombia against provoking a conflict, saying any attack on his country would trigger a reaction.
Chavez insisted he wants peace during a speech Friday night but raised the possibility of a conflict, saying his top generals were constantly evaluating the situation along the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Venezuela’s Chavez warns Colombia amid tensions, but border situation remains normal.

Amit Shah has resigned: Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI – Gujarat Minister of State for Home Amit Shah, who continues to be a hunted man for his alleged role in the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a staged shootout, has resigned, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said here Saturday.

Modi, who arrived in the capital in the morning, said: “Amit Shah has sent … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Amit Shah has resigned: Narendra Modi.

Mamata: How regional leaders misuse national roles (Comment)

The allegations against Mamata Banerjee that her preoccupation with West Bengal politics is preventing her from giving greater attention to the railway ministry have reopened the question whether regional leaders are capable of discharging national responsibilities.
The grimness of available statistics shows how remiss she has been in her ministerial duties. In the period …. Original article  : Mamata: How regional leaders misuse national roles (Comment).

Venezuela’s Chavez promises to help Abkhazia, South Ossetia to seek international recognition

Chavez to aid Abkhazia, S Ossetia seek recognition

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez promised to call on his Latin American allies to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two separatist Georgian regions considered autonomous states by just four countries around the world.
Chavez met with Abkhazia leader Sergei Bagapsh and South Ossetia’s Eduard …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Venezuela’s Chavez promises to help Abkhazia, South Ossetia to seek international recognition.

Judge blocks Ariz. law that would end domestic partner benefits for gay, lesbian state workers

Judge blocks AZ law on domestic partner benefits

PHOENIX – A federal judge is blocking Arizona from implementing a state law that eliminates domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian state employees.
U.S. District Judge John Sedwick on Friday issued a preliminary injunction that requires the state to still make family health insurance available to gay and …. Read the original article  : Judge blocks Ariz. law that would end domestic partner benefits for gay, lesbian state workers.

Democratic officials reach out to anxious liberals with tough election season ahead

Democrats wary of motivation problem with liberals
LAS VEGAS – The Democratic Party has a motivation problem.
Party officials acknowledged low morale within their left wing and urged liberal bloggers and activists Friday to keep faith with President Barack Obama in an election year as Democrats brace for losses in Congress.
“We …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Democratic officials reach out to anxious liberals with tough election season ahead.

Venezuelan military warns Colombia amid latest tensions, but life along border remains normal

Venezuela warns Colombia amid latest tensions

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s defense minister on Friday warned Colombia against provoking a conflict after President Hugo Chavez severed ties with the neighboring country and placed his military on alert.
Defense Minister Carlos Mata read a statement on state television promising “a strong response” if foreign forces cross into Venezuelan territory.
Chavez … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Venezuelan military warns Colombia amid latest tensions, but life along border remains normal.

McCain spends more than $10M on re-election bid in second quarter, Hayworth spends $1.1M

McCain spending tops $10 million in second quarter

PHOENIX – Arizona Sen. John McCain has been beating up on his main Republican primary challenger, but it’s come at a price.
McCain spent more than $10.2 million on his re-election bid in the quarter ended June 30, according to Federal Election Commission records made public Friday.
McCain also transferred …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : McCain spends more than $10M on re-election bid in second quarter, Hayworth spends $1.1M.