Advani takes on PM over Kashmir violence

NEW DELHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani raised the issue of Kashmir violence in the Lok Sabha on Monday and asked Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to explain steps being taken by the Central Government to control the situation in the Kashmir Valley.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister … Original source on Gaea Times at : Advani takes on PM over Kashmir violence.

Don’t go to Britain, opposition parties tell Zardari

ISLAMABAD – Controversy surrounds Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Britain, with the opposition urging that it be cancelled following British Prime Minister David Cameron’s remark that the “country must stop exporting terror” and a minister here saying Zardari was paying for it from his own pocket.
Zardari is scheduled to meet … Read more »»».

PM to hold meeting on Babhli dam issue

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, will on Monday meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to find a solution to the dispute over Maharashtra’s construction of the Babhli dam over the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh’s Nanded District.

It has been reported that the [..] Read the original article: here.

Manmohan Singh releases commemorative stamp on Muslim League leader

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday released a commemorative stamp in honour of late Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Syed Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal here Monday.
On the occasion, Dr Singh said: “I am very happy to release this stamp in commemoration of the life and work of … Original article on : Manmohan Singh releases commemorative stamp on Muslim League leader.

Third round of Nepal prime ministerial election today

KATHMANDU – Nepal Parliament will conduct a third runoff election for the post of prime minister today after previous two elections failed to elect a prime minister.

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda and Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Leader Ram Chandra Poudel are vying for the most sought re-election today.

The Parliament decided to hold …. Read the original article  : Third round of Nepal prime ministerial election today.

Churchill reined in army enthusiasm for fox hunts in the Rhine

LONDON – Former Tory Prime Minister Winston Churchill is said to have prevented senior British Army officers from undertaking equestrian pursuits in Germany immediately after the Second World War.

According to National Archives documents, Churchill, during a dispute between senior army officers and the early 1950s UK government, expressed his absolute opposition to “sports, which annoy … Read more : Churchill reined in army enthusiasm for fox hunts in the Rhine.

Jharkhand bureaucrats turning autocrats: Congress

RANCHI – The Congress in Jharkhand says bureaucrats have become “autocrats” during President’s Rule in the state and is unhappy with decisions like withdrawing facilities provided to former chief ministers.

Union Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, who is the Congress’ Ranchi Lok Sabha MP, said the bureaucrats had “gone out of control”.
“It would have …. Source  : Jharkhand bureaucrats turning autocrats: Congress.

Situation in Kashmir ‘grave’: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Stating that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had “taken a serious turn”, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said in the Lok Sabha Monday that he would make a statement after discussions with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who has rushed to the capital for consultations.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive …. Original source  : Situation in Kashmir ‘grave’: Chidambaram.

Obama to set course for changing Iraq mission as US ends combat operations

Obama to set course for changing Iraq mission
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will set a course Monday for the nation’s changing mission in Iraq as the military prepares to end its combat operations there.
In a speech at the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans in Atlanta, Obama was to address the progress … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama to set course for changing Iraq mission as US ends combat operations.

China confirms promotion of Mao Zedong’s grandson, months after first reports

China confirms promotion of Mao Zedong’s grandson

BEIJING – The only grandson of China’s former leader Mao Zedong has been promoted to the rank of major general in the People’s Liberation Army, state media confirmed Monday.
Reports have been circulating for months that military historian Mao Xinyu had gained the rank, but officials had refused to confirm …. Read the original article  : China confirms promotion of Mao Zedong’s grandson, months after first reports.

PM releases postage stamp on Kerala Muslim leader

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday released a commemorative postage stamp on the late Syed Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal, a Kerala Muslim leader known for his knowledge and commitment to Sufi traditions.
The stamp was released on Thangal’s first death anniversary.
Manmohan Singh, in his speech, described the late leader as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : PM releases postage stamp on Kerala Muslim leader.

Senior US envoy says new sanctions designed to push NKorea to abandon ‘provocative activities’

US envoy: Iran, NKorea nukes threaten security

SEOUL, South Korea – New sanctions against North Korea will target narcotics trafficking, money counterfeiting and other “illicit and deceptive” activities that provide the regime with hard currency used to build nuclear weapons, a senior U.S. envoy said Monday.
Robert Einhorn, the State Department’s special adviser for nonproliferation and arms … Read more »»».

Cameron’s ancestor slew Indian Mutiny rebels with sabre, participated in mass civilian hangings

LONDON – Believe it or not, British Prime Minister David Cameron’s great-great-grandfather, a British cavalryman, helped to suppress the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

William Low is said to have left behind graphic accounts of how he slew rebels with his sabre and participated in a mass hanging of civilians during the two-year mutiny against British rule …. Original article  : Cameron’s ancestor slew Indian Mutiny rebels with sabre, participated in mass civilian hangings.

Cameron’s hostile remarks may affect Pak-UK relations: Kaira

LONDON – Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed concerns that the relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom could be affected if British Prime Minister David Cameron repeats his assertions against his country on the issue of terrorism.
Kaira said that Cameron’s hostile remarks that Pakistan was promoting the “export [..] Read the original article: here.

UK ‘could have lost half the cabinet’ due to ATC glitch in Delhi during Cameron flight

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron’s jet was caught in a glitch leaving all pilots “blind,” when an air traffic control system failed as it was about to land in the Indian capital on Wednesday, last week.

According to The Sun, new computer software to prevent mid-air collisions froze for 20 minutes, prompting a disaster …. Source  : UK ‘could have lost half the cabinet’ due to ATC glitch in Delhi during Cameron flight.

Pranab’s breakfast diplomacy brings peace in parliament

NEW DELHI – Peace returned to parliament Monday after leaders of all opposition parties met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee over breakfast and agreed to hold a debate on rising prices and allow both houses to function peacefully.
The quiet followed consecutive days of crisis that led to repeated adjournments in the first week of …. Read the original article  : here.

Offer for wards of Haryana employees

CHANDIGARH – Announcing a bonanza for wards of government employees, Haryana Monday said it will bear the expenditure on stationery, school shoes, uniforms and transportation of children of state government employees.

Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal said Rs.3,000 would be given annually to the employees to meet these expenses.
The decision would benefit thousands of state government …. Source  : Offer for wards of Haryana employees.

Nepal still awaits new PM

KATHMANDU – More than a month after the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, the country is yet to get a new premier thanks to the bitter struggle for power between the two largest parties that could turn Monday’s election into another fiasco.

As Nepal’s parliament begins a third round of voting Monday afternoon to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal still awaits new PM.

Pranab’s breakfast diplomacy – opposition agrees to debate

NEW DELHI – Signalling an end to the deadlock in parliament, leaders of all opposition parties met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday morning and agreed to hold a debate and allow both houses to function peacefully.
The all-party breakfast meeting agreed to the debate on the issue and to allow parliament to function peacefully [..] Read the original article: here.

Michelle Obama urges Congress to pass legislation on nutrition in school meals

First lady urges Congress to act on school meals
WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama urged Congress to pass legislation that calls for higher nutritional standards for school meals.
In an op-ed essay appearing in Monday’s edition of The Washington Post, Mrs. Obama wrote that the Child Nutrition Bill would require more fruits, vegetables and … Original article on : Michelle Obama urges Congress to pass legislation on nutrition in school meals.

Protests continue against Indian rule in Kashmir; 1 killed in latest police firing

Protests continue against Indian rule in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India – Government forces in Indian Kashmir fired at hundreds of people protesting New Delhi’s rule over the Himalayan region, killing one person and wounding at least five others Tuesday as weeks of civil unrest continued unabated.
Troops fired at protesters on a highway near Srinagar, the main city … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Protests continue against Indian rule in Kashmir; 1 killed in latest police firing.

Sushma attacks government in Lok Sabha on price rise

NEW DELHI – Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the government over the price rise and fuel hike issues, accusing it of having “betrayed the common man”.

Beginning the debate on the issue in the lower house of parliament, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader lashed out [..] Read the original article: here.

BSP walks out over Dalit funds for Games

NEW DELHI – Alleging that funds meant for Scheduled Castes had been diverted by the Delhi government to the Commonwealth Games, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MPs Tuesday walked out of the Lok Sabha.
Soon after the house re-assembled at 11.40 a.m. following an adjournment, the BSP MPs created an uproar.
BSP’s leader in Lok … Read : BSP walks out over Dalit funds for Games.

Rajya Sabha adjourned thrice over funds diversion

NEW DELHI – The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for a third time Tuesday as opposition members staged a vociferous protest demanding a calling attention motion on the alleged diversion of funds meant for Dalits for the Commonwealth Games.

The house was adjourned twice during the first hour on the issue before the third adjournment till 2 … Read more : Rajya Sabha adjourned thrice over funds diversion.

Surendran Pillai inducted into Kerala cabinet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The V.S. Achuthanandan cabinet was expanded Tuesday with the induction of V. Surendran Pillai, the lone Kerala Congress legislator, as ports and youth welfare minister.

Pillai, 54, was sworn in by Governor R.S. Gavai at the Kerala Raj Bhavan. With his induction, the strength of the ministry is 20, including the chief …. Source  : Surendran Pillai inducted into Kerala cabinet.

Zardari to do “plain talking” on terror during meeting with Cameron: Pak official

LONDON – The August 6 meeting between Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari with British Prime Minister David Cameron is likely to escalate the on going tussle between the two countries, as a Pakistani official has revealed that Zardari has made up his mind to do some straight talking during the ’showdown’ conference.

A Pakistani … Read : Zardari to do “plain talking” on terror during meeting with Cameron: Pak official.

Fidel Castro releases his book ‘The Strategic Victory’

HAVANA – Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro has released his book “The Strategic Victory”, a memoir of the victory of his rebel forces against the country’s dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

“It’s something special to remember all that,” the Cuban leader said while launching the 896-page memoir at a televised ceremony held at the Havana International …. Source  : Fidel Castro releases his book ‘The Strategic Victory’.

Goa anti-terror squad to keep track of rave parties

PANAJI – Keeping track of terror is not the only responsibility of Goa’s newly-formed anti-terrorism squad (ATS). It is also likely to monitor online adverts for full moon rave parties, online sex trade and shady female escort businesses.

Home Minister Ravi Naik Tuesday said in a written reply in the Goa legislative assembly that “at … Read : Goa anti-terror squad to keep track of rave parties.

UN secretary general’s office denies Kashmir remarks

NEW DELHI – The UN secretary general’s office has clarified that Ban Ki-moon had made no comment on Kashmir or about the India-Pakistan composite dialogue, India’s external affairs ministry clarified Tuesday.

“The government had sought a clarification from the office of the UN secretary general through our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York,” the … Read more : UN secretary general’s office denies Kashmir remarks.

Mayawati slams Dikshit for diverting Dalit funds to CWG

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati has lashed out at her Delhi counterpart Sheila Dikshit for allegedly “diverting” huge amount of funds meant for Dalit upliftment to the Commonwealth Games.

Mayawati also questioned the constitutional validity of the Delhi government’s decision to divert Rs.750 crore in this manner.
“The …. Read the original article  : Mayawati slams Dikshit for diverting Dalit funds to CWG.

Britain to reiterate ‘terror export’ stand during Zardari-Cameron talks in London

LONDON – Notwithstanding Pakistan’s strong objections over Prime Minister David Cameron’s “export of terror” remarks, the British leadership would be repeating its concerns and asking Islamabad to crack down on militants inside its territory during President Asif Ali Zardari’s upcoming London visit.

A spokeswoman for 10 Downing Street, while trying to lower down the …. Source  : Britain to reiterate ‘terror export’ stand during Zardari-Cameron talks in London.

Malaysia scraps visa on arrival facility for Indians, Chinese

PUTRAJAYA – Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said the visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility offered to visitors from eight countries, including India has been scrapped permanently because it was open to abuse.

The facility was extended to tourists from China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myan-mar, Taiwan and Comoros.

He said despite calls by several quarters for the facility …. Source  : Malaysia scraps visa on arrival facility for Indians, Chinese.

Democrats say they’ve drained the swamp of corruption, but there are 2 upcoming ethics trials

Democrats declare swamp of corruption drained

WASHINGTON – Democratic leaders say they’ve emptied the swamp of congressional corruption. Never mind the ethics trials to come for two longtime party members.
“Drain the swamp we did, because this was a terrible place,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week of the Republican rule in the House that ended in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Democrats say they’ve drained the swamp of corruption, but there are 2 upcoming ethics trials.

Kagan confirmation in sight as Senate begins debate on Supreme Court nominee

Confirmation on track, Senate starts Kagan debate
WASHINGTON – A confirmation vote is all but assured for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as the Senate begins debate on making her the fourth female justice.
Supporters and opponents were to weigh in during debate starting Tuesday on President Barack Obama’s nominee. A vote is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kagan confirmation in sight as Senate begins debate on Supreme Court nominee.

Vote by NYC landmarks panel could clear the way for proposed mosque near ground zero

Panel vote could clear way for ground zero mosque
NEW YORK – A contentious plan for a mosque near the World Trade Center site will get a boost if New York City’s landmarks panel votes to allow the demolition of the building that is there now.
The mosque would be part of an Islamic center …. Original source  : Vote by NYC landmarks panel could clear the way for proposed mosque near ground zero.

Zardari to counter Cameron’s “uncalled for” remarks during London visit

PARIS – British Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent remarks against the country have infuriated the Pakistani leadership, which is planning to press the issue during President Asif Ali Zardari’s upcoming London visit.

Zardari raised the issue during his talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

During his meeting with Sarkozy, Zardari described Cameron’s statement accusing Islamabad … Read : Zardari to counter Cameron’s “uncalled for” remarks during London visit.

Gordon Brown voted third worst Prime Minister since World War II by academics

LONDON – Former Labour leader Gordon Brown has been named the third worst Prime Minister since World War II, a survey by more than 100 leading academics revealed.

According to The Sun, academics led by University of Leeds Professor Kevin Theakston rated him tenth out of the 12 post-war premiers, ahead of Sir Anthony Eden … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gordon Brown voted third worst Prime Minister since World War II by academics.

PM election gives Nepal sleepless nights

KATHMANDU – Three unsuccessful bids by Nepal’s parliament to elect a new premier more than a month after Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigned is giving the nation sleepless nights – literally.

As the 599 lawmakers hold a fourth round of election Friday, Nepalis are getting resigned to further sleep deprivation, thanks to the major parties’ … Read more >>>.

Brown Britain’s third worst PM since WW II

LONDON – Gordon Brown was Britain’s third worst prime minister since World War II, a survey has shown.

A study carried out among 106 leading academics showed Brown was rated tenth of the 12 premiers in office since 1945.
The Sun reported Tuesday that only Sir Anthony Eden and Sir Alec Douglas-Home came behind Brown. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brown Britain’s third worst PM since WW II.

Parliament disrupted over Belgaum, Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – Both houses of parliament were adjourned Tuesday as opposition MPs disrupted proceedings over the Belgaum district dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka and alleged diversion in Commonwealth Games funds.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for half an hour after leaders from Maharashtra and Karnataka gathered near Speaker Meira Kumar’s podium over the …. Original article  : Parliament disrupted over Belgaum, Commonwealth Games.

Zardari’s Comments Criticized in White House

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) – Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan has criticised the outspoken comments made by the British Prime Minister about Pakistan’s approach to the Taliban.
Le Monde quoted him as saying.
“The international community, of which Pakistan is a part, is losing the war against the Taliban because we have lost the battle for hearts [..] Read the original article: here.

Troops reinforced in Pakistan’s largest city as 13 more people killed in clashes

Extra troops patrol Pakistan city after violence

KARACHI, Pakistan – Pakistan says it has deployed additional security forces in Karachi city after 13 more people were killed in political and ethnic violence.
At least 58 people have now been killed since politician Raza Haider was gunned down on Monday night.
The latest deaths happened in violence overnight.
Traffic was … Read : Troops reinforced in Pakistan’s largest city as 13 more people killed in clashes.

TDP says sorry to Mukherjee after angry words

NEW DELHI – The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Wednesday apologised to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee after its MP Sivaprasad Naramalli shouted at him during an uproar in the Lok Sabha over the disputed Babhali barrage on the Godavari river.
The house witnessed the unpleasant scene when it reassembled at 11.30 a.m. after an adjournment … Read more : TDP says sorry to Mukherjee after angry words.

UN peacekeepers: Tree at center of deadly Lebanon-Israel border clash was in Israeli territory

UN: Tree in Lebanon-Israel clash was in Israel

BEIRUT – A cypress tree at the center of the most serious clash along the Lebanon-Israel border in the past four years was in Israeli territory, the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon said Wednesday.
Lebanese and Israeli troops exchanged fire Tuesday in a fierce border battle that killed a …. Source  : UN peacekeepers: Tree at center of deadly Lebanon-Israel border clash was in Israeli territory.

Nepal army, Maoist fighters begin fresh sabre-rattling

KATHMANDU – Four years after a peace agreement ended the decade-old Maoist insurgency in Nepal, the army is locked in a fresh dispute with the former guerrillas with both sides vowing to recruit new blood. The UN warned that the move would violate the peace pact.

The Nepal Army triggered the new row by beginning a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal army, Maoist fighters begin fresh sabre-rattling.

Stresses of power ‘turning David Cameron grey’

LONDON – UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s hair is turning grey – courtesy the stresses of power.

Photographs have revealed that Cameron’s dark brown hair is rapidly losing its colour.

A silver patch has appeared behind his ears, just like former leaders Gordon Brown and Tony Blair went grey after taking office.

Cameron, 43, is the youngest … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Stresses of power ‘turning David Cameron grey’.

Complicated heart surgery on Gogoi in Mumbai

MUMBAI – A 20-member team of doctors Wednesday began a complicated double heart surgery on Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the Asian Heart Institute here.
“The surgeries are progressing well and expected to be over by 3 p.m.,” doctors at the hospital told IANS.
The chief minister is undergoing a bypass surgery and … Read : Complicated heart surgery on Gogoi in Mumbai.

Federal judge expected to issue ruling in San Francisco on California’s gay marriage ban

Judge’s ruling ready in Calif. gay marriage case

SAN FRANCISCO – The first word on whether California’s same-sex marriage ban passes scrutiny under the U.S. Constitution is scheduled to come down Wednesday when a federal judge issues his ruling in a landmark case.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker has reached a decision on whether to uphold … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Federal judge expected to issue ruling in San Francisco on California’s gay marriage ban.

Tennessee voters to decide GOP nominee in most expensive congressional race in country

Tenn. voters to decide priciest US House primary

DICKSON, Tenn. – Tennessee voters head to the polls Thursday for a primary in what has turned out to be the most expensive U.S. House race in the country this season.
Democratic Rep. John Tanner is vacating his seat, setting off a heated run in his northwestern Tennessee district. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tennessee voters to decide GOP nominee in most expensive congressional race in country.

CPI-M extended central committee meet from Aug 7

NEW DELHI – The extended central committee meeting of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) will be held in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh Aug 7-10 to discuss the current political situation.

CPI-M leaders, however, ruled out a change of guard at the meeting. “No organisational revamp will take place during the conference,” a top party source … Read more >>>.

Cake and candles: President going alone to Chicago hometown to celebrate his 49th birthday

Obama turns 49 with Mrs. Obama, kids out of town
WASHINGTON – Home alone, President Barack Obama turned 49 on Wednesday.
First lady Michelle Obama has taken their youngest daughter, Sasha, to Spain. Their other daughter, Malia, is away at summer camp.
Obama hasn’t shied away from talking about his birthday, noting that his hair is … Read more »»».

AP Exclusive: White House had many concerns, but didn’t stop forced ouster of USDA official

AP Exclusive: USDA racial flap reconstructed
WASHINGTON – As a racial firestorm erupted last month, the White House buzzed with questions and concerns about the forced ouster of a black Agriculture Department employee. But no one stepped in to stop Secretary Tom Vilsack from pressuring Shirley Sherrod to resign, a decision administration officials from …. Read the original article  : AP Exclusive: White House had many concerns, but didn’t stop forced ouster of USDA official.

AP Interview: Ginsburg says she plans to remain a justice as 1 of an unprecedented 3 women

Ginsburg anticipates being 1 of 3 female justices
WASHINGTON – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says the prospect of three women on the Supreme Court is exhilarating, and she intends to stay around and enjoy it.
After the death of her husband and her own treatment for cancer, there was speculation that the 77-year-old [..] Read the original article: here.

Rick Snyder Gains Republican Nod

LANSING (GaeaTimes.com)- The Republicans from Michigan have ultimately decided their mind and have trusted a political newcomer Rick Snyder with a job to run the race for the post of the Michigan Governor this fall. The post of the Governor is at present held by Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Rick Snyder, on Tuesday …. Read the original article  : Rick Snyder Gains Republican Nod.

Maoists await Shyam Saran visit with mixed feelings

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s biggest party, the Maoists, Wednesday said they were awaiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special envoy, Shyam Saran, with mixed feelings because they regarded India as playing a negative role in the country since it officially became a secular republic in 2008.
New Delhi decided to send Saran, former Indian … Read more >>>.

Lok Sabha adjourned over Babhali barrage row

NEW DELHI – The Lok Sabha was adjourned Wednesday for half-an-hour following protests by the members of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Shiva Sena over the Babhali dam dispute over the Godavari river.
As the house convened at 11 a.m., the TDP members came near Speaker Meira Kumar’s podium shouting slogans over … Read more »».

US negotiator says North Korea not ready to make serious commitments in nuclear talks

US negotiator says NKorea not ready for talks

TOKYO – North Korea’s recent actions indicate it is not yet ready to rejoin multilateral talks aimed at getting it to give up its nuclear weapons program, a senior U.S. negotiator said Wednesday.
Robert Einhorn, the State Department’s special adviser for nonproliferation and arms control, said North Korea’s recent …. Source  : US negotiator says North Korea not ready to make serious commitments in nuclear talks.

Cameron rejects Zardari’s assertions on war against Taliban being lost

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron has rejected assertions made by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari that “the battle of hearts and minds” is being lost in Afghanistan.
Zardari, who arrived in the UK just hours after telling a French newspaper that coalition forces had “under-estimated the situation on the ground” in Afghanistan, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cameron rejects Zardari’s assertions on war against Taliban being lost.

Don’t agree with India’s policy on Myanmar: Amartya Sen

NEW DELHI – Sharing the dais with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen, on Tuesday said that he did not agree with India’s policy on Myanmar.
Speaking at a symposium on the ‘Centrality of Literacy’ here, Sen said: “I don’t agree with the Indian policy on Burma.
Sen’s … Read more >>>.

Michigan Election Results 2010

MICHIGAN (GaeaTimes.com) — Michigan gets a new face. The results of the Michigan Election 2010 are out finally. The Governor of Michigan has been decided upon. Reportedly, former Gateway Chief Executive Rick Snyder has won the Michigan Republican primary for governor. Mr. Snyder defeated Representative Pete Hoekstra and state Attorney General Mike Cox in …. Original article  : Michigan Election Results 2010.

2 more people killed in restive Indian Kashmir as demonstrations intensify; death toll hits 48

Violent protests erupt in Kashmir after 2 killed

SRINAGAR, India – The death toll from civil unrest in Indian-controlled Kashmir rose to 48 Thursday after two more people were killed when paramilitary forces opened fire on demonstrators angry about decades of Indian rule over the Himalayan region.
Kashmir has been rocked by violent protests for nearly two … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 2 more people killed in restive Indian Kashmir as demonstrations intensify; death toll hits 48.

Punish those behind honour killings severely: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Thursday said the government was planning to introduce a bill on honour killings in this session of parliament as the perpetrators must be identified and “punished with severity”.
“We are in the final stages of the work. We are consulting all state governments and have asked …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Punish those behind honour killings severely: Chidambaram.

Judge overturns Calif. gay marriage ban, but appeal may put same-sex weddings on hold

Appeal of ruling could delay gay weddings in CA

SAN FRANCISCO – A judge struck down California’s same-sex marriage ban as a violation of the civil rights of gay men and lesbians, but a pending appeal of the landmark ruling could prevent gay weddings from resuming in the state any time soon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn … Read more >>.

Comparing home secretary with Hafiz Saeed ridiculous: Krishna

NEW DELHI – Days after calling home secretary G.K Pillai’s comment prior to the India-Pakistan talks ill-timed, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday termed the comparison of Pillai with terrorist Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi as “ridiculous”.

“It is ridiculous to compare the home secretary of India to a terrorist,” Krishna …. Source article  : Comparing home secretary with Hafiz Saeed ridiculous: Krishna.

Churchill ‘ordered cover-up of RAF plane’s UFO encounter during WWII’

LONDON – Former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill allegedly ordered a cover-up of a Second World War encounter between a UFO and a RAF bomber, as he feared public ‘panic’.

Newly released secret files reveal that Churchill apparently banned reporting of the “bizarre” incident, off the east coast of England, from being reported, as he feared …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Toll in Karachi violence rises to 76

ISLAMABAD – Ethnic violence triggered by the assassination of a politician in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi entered its fourth day, taking the death toll to 76, police said Thursday.

Men carried out gun and arson attacks in various parts of Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, hours after assailants shot dead provincial legislator Raza Haider and … Read more : Toll in Karachi violence rises to 76.

Four Bangladesh Islamist students arrested

DHAKA – Four senior members of the students wing of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, have been arrested on charges of having links with banned militant outfits.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) nabbed four current and former Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders Wednesday, alleging that they were collecting arms and explosives from outlawed organisations for subversive activities, … Read more >>.

Law on honour killing may be amended

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Thursday said the government was “actively considering” a proposal to amend the existing law or enact a new one to tackle “honour killing”.
“In pursuance of the cabinet decision, a Group of Ministers has been constituted to consider a draft bill on the subject,” Chidambaram said in … Read more >>>.

Zardari hopes to ‘educate’ Cameron on Pak suffering from terrorism

LONDON – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will meet British Prime Minister David Cameron at the latter’s country retreat Chequers in Buckinghamshire, and according to sources, may ‘educate’ Cameron on the suffering that terrorism has caused to his country.
Earlier reports that Zardari had snubbed and rejected an invitation to …. Original source  : Zardari hopes to ‘educate’ Cameron on Pak suffering from terrorism.

Zardari snubs Cameron’s ‘hospitality’ invitation

LONDON – The tussle between British Prime Minister David Cameron and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has witnessed another twist with the latter rejecting Cameron’s offer of hospitality.
According to reports, Zardari has turned downed an invitation to spend a night at the Buckinghamshire mansion citing his ‘busy’ schedule, however, he would be … Read : Zardari snubs Cameron’s ‘hospitality’ invitation.

Legacy of Detroit’s Kilpatrick family likely ends with congresswoman’s loss in primary

Congresswoman’s loss signals end to family’s reign

DETROIT – The formidable machine that helped keep Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick in Congress and put her son, Kwame, in the Detroit mayor’s office may have finally ground to a halt.
Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick was defeated this week in her bid for an eighth term in the Democratic primary.
The small army …. Source article  : Legacy of Detroit’s Kilpatrick family likely ends with congresswoman’s loss in primary.

Supreme Court nominee Kagan to win Senate confirmation, become fourth woman to be a justice

Senate to confirm Kagan as court’s 4th-ever woman
WASHINGTON – Her confirmation assured, Elena Kagan is on the brink of becoming the fourth woman ever to serve as a Supreme Court justice.
The Senate is set Thursday to confirm President Barack Obama’s nominee, whose addition to the court will mark the first …. Source  : Supreme Court nominee Kagan to win Senate confirmation, become fourth woman to be a justice.

New Kenyan constitution likely to pass, preliminary results show; new era for African country

Early results: New constitution for Kenya likely

NAIROBI, Kenya – Preliminary results announced Thursday showed that Kenya’s new constitution is likely to pass overwhelmingly, but opponents of the new draft questioned the returns.
Preliminary results showed that about 67 percent of the nation voted for the new constitution on Wednesday, with 33 percent voting against it. The …. Original source  : New Kenyan constitution likely to pass, preliminary results show; new era for African country.

UN chief in Nagasaki calls for abolition of nuclear weapons

UN chief in Nagasaki calls for nuclear disarmament

NAGASAKI, Japan – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the abolishment of nuclear weapons Thursday during a visit to Nagasaki, one of two Japanese cities devastated by U.S. atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II.
Ban toured the Atomic Bomb Museum and met with six survivors …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UN chief in Nagasaki calls for abolition of nuclear weapons.

Bachelor boy Obama goes without birthday

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama did not get to eat his own birthday cake as he turned 49 with only family dog Bo to keep him company on a trip to his home in Chicago.
Instead of taking the day off to celebrate, Obama Wednesday went to the Washington Convention Centre to address … Read : Bachelor boy Obama goes without birthday.

India not interfering, Shyam Saran tells Nepal Maoists

KATHMANDU – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special envoy to Nepal Shyam Saran began his whirlwind consultations Thursday by first holding talks with the top leaders of the Maoist party.
The Maoist party had asked New Delhi not to interfere in the crucial prime ministerial election Friday and the formation of a new government. …. Read the original article  : India not interfering, Shyam Saran tells Nepal Maoists.

Gilani rules out military operation as Karachi continues to burn

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has ruled out any military operation is Karachi even as the city continues to witness bloodshed that has resulted in the death of at least 82 civilians and over 20 being injured.

Violence, which had erupted in the country’s commercial town following Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPA Raza …. Source  : Gilani rules out military operation as Karachi continues to burn.

Malaysia state chief encourages teen marriages, offers financial aid to young couples

Malaysia state chief encourages teen marriages

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A prominent Malaysian official Thursday encouraged young Muslim teenagers to get married if they cannot resist having sex and promised money to help them start a family – a stance that drew criticism from women’s rights activists.
Mohamad Ali Rustam, chief minister of southern Malacca state, said …. Read the original article  : Malaysia state chief encourages teen marriages, offers financial aid to young couples.

Judge overturns Calif. gay marriage ban, sets stage for same-sex weddings to resume in state

Federal judge strikes down Calif. gay marriage ban

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge overturned California’s gay marriage ban Wednesday with an unequivocal ruling that could eventually force the U.S. Supreme Court to confront the question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to wed.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s strongly worded opinion in the …. Read the original article  : Judge overturns Calif. gay marriage ban, sets stage for same-sex weddings to resume in state.

China defends dealings with Iran after US pressure over sanctions for nuclear program

China defends dealings with Iran after US pressure

BEIJING – China is defending its business relationships with Iran after recent pressure from the United States to fully follow new sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program.
“China’s trade with Iran is normal business exchange, which will not harm the interests of other countries and the international community,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : China defends dealings with Iran after US pressure over sanctions for nuclear program.

BJP’s Muslim leaders are like Jaichand and Mir Jafar

PATNA – Referring to Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Muslim leaders as Jaichand and Mir Jafar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) general secretary Tariq Anwar Friday said they enjoy no better position than the backstabbers in history.

“The Muslim leaders in the saffron party not only lack support of their community but are also playing the role of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BJP’s Muslim leaders are like Jaichand and Mir Jafar.

Dolma announces candidature for Tibetan prime minister poll

DHARAMSALA – The political scene for the election of a new prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in this town has assumed a new dimension with senior Tibetan leader Gyari Dolma announcing her candidature.

Dolma, the first woman deputy speaker of the parliament-in-exile, announced Thursday that she would contest the Kalon Tripa or prime ministerial … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dolma announces candidature for Tibetan prime minister poll.

Government consults Kashmiri opinion makers

NEW DELHI – The Indian government has began a series of consultations with Kashmiri opinion makers to explore ways to salvage the situation in the violence hit Kashmir Valley.
On Thursday, Home Minister P. Chidambaram met a select group of opinion makers here, a senior home ministry official said.
He sought their views on … Read more »».

Azad unimpressed by Geelani’s peace call

NEW DELHI – Central minister and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is not impressed by hardline separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s call for peace in Kashmir and the relative calm the valley has witnessed since Wednesday.

“We need to know exactly if the relative calm is due to the curfew or is …. Original article  : Azad unimpressed by Geelani’s peace call.

‘Klutz’ Cameron erroneously claims Iran possesses nuke weapon

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron has been accused of being a “foreign policy klutz” after mistakenly claiming that Iran possesses a nuclear weapon.

According to The Telegraph, Cameron made his Iran blunder when asked why he was backing Turkey to join the European Union, to which he answered by saying, “I hope that this …. Read the original article  : here.

Iraq will be left to wolves if US withdraws: Saddam’s aide

LONDON – Iraq will be left “to the wolves” if US withdraws its troops from the country, said Saddam Hussein’s right-hand man Tariq Aziz who is currently lodged in an Iraqi prison. He added: “When you make a mistake you need to correct a mistake, not leave Iraq to its death.”
Aziz told The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iraq will be left to wolves if US withdraws: Saddam’s aide.

Kagan to be sworn in as 112th Supreme Court justice Saturday after White House celebration

Kagan to celebrate with Obama, be sworn Saturday
WASHINGTON – It’s all over but the celebrating and oath-taking for soon-to-be Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan.
Kagan is joining President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday for a ceremony to mark her confirmation as the nation’s 112th justice. On Saturday, she’s to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kagan to be sworn in as 112th Supreme Court justice Saturday after White House celebration.

Confident Republicans say GOP must do more to ensure party captures House, Senate

GOP cautiously confident of big gains this fall
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With Democrats on defense, Republicans expressed cautious confidence of big gains in the fall elections – particularly in governor’s races – though they acknowledged that the GOP must do more to snatch control of Congress from President Barack Obama’s party.
Three months …. Original source  : Confident Republicans say GOP must do more to ensure party captures House, Senate.

AP Exclusive: To keep program secret, CIA whisked 9/11 figures from Gitmo before court ruling

AP Exclusive: CIA whisked detainees from Gitmo

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press has learned that four of the nation’s most highly valued terrorist detainees were secretly moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2003, years earlier than has been disclosed, then whisked back into overseas prisons before the Supreme Court could give them access to lawyers.
The transfer …. Source article  : AP Exclusive: To keep program secret, CIA whisked 9/11 figures from Gitmo before court ruling.

Zardari’s meeting with Brit MP’s a low-key affair

LONDON – Ahead of his much awaited ’showdown’ with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari met ministers and few lawmakers here in what is being described as a low key affair.

According to reports, Zardari held talks with four parliamentarians at Pakistan’s High Commission, including the Conservative MPs Rehman …. Read the original article  : Zardari’s meeting with Brit MP’s a low-key affair.

Lok Sabha remembers Hiroshima, Nagasaki victims

NEW DELHI – The Lok Sabha Friday remembered the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings 65 years ago and reiterated its pledge to make earnest efforts for the “elimination of all weapons of mass destruction and to abjure violence in all forms”.
“This manmade catastrophe has wreaked unimaginable havoc and misery on generations …. Source article  : Lok Sabha remembers Hiroshima, Nagasaki victims.

Police foil land grab attempt by communist activists in Orissa

RAYAGADA – Police foiled an attempt of the activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist Liberation) to grab 24 acres of agricultural land in Bisamkatak block of Orissa’s Rayagada district.

Reportedly, over 50 persons, almost all tribals, under the banner of CPI-MLL took over the land forcibly and even started cultivating it, which they claimed … Read more >>>.

Fourth round of Nepal prime ministerial election today

KATHMANDU – Nepal Parliament will conduct a fourth runoff election for the post of prime minister today.

The previous three elections held on July 21, July 23 and August 2 had failed to elect a prime minister.

Unified CPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda and Nepali Congress vice president Ram Chandra Paudel were in … Original article on : Fourth round of Nepal prime ministerial election today.

Komorowski to be inaugurated as Polish president

Warsaw, Aug 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Bronislaw Komorowski will be sworn in as new Polish president Friday at a joint session of the two chambers of parliament.

Komorowski, a 58-year-old pro-European Union (EU) moderate member of the governing Civic Platform party, won the presidential runoff in early July with more than 53 percent of the vote, about … Read more : Komorowski to be inaugurated as Polish president.

Malaysian-Indian minister switches party

KUALA LUMPUR – Senator T. Murugiah, a deputy minister in the prime minister’s department, has joined the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), the largest party of the Indians in the country.

Murugiah, who was the youth wing chief of People’s Progressive Party (PPP), a smaller party with a significant number of ethnic Indians, was sacked after he … Read more : Malaysian-Indian minister switches party.

Older Gazans recall jobs and friends in Israel while isolation radicalizes the youth

Older Gazans recall Israelis, youth sees only army

SHATI REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip – From his ramshackle Gaza home, Palestinian Sobhi Hamami, 61, fondly recalls the 23 years he worked on an Israeli kibbutz, where he learned Hebrew, swam in the pool with Israeli friends and celebrated holidays with his Jewish boss.
His son Mohammed, 21, sees … Read : Older Gazans recall jobs and friends in Israel while isolation radicalizes the youth.

20 states set to ask Florida judge to hear lawsuit challenging Obama’s health care overhaul

States respond to feds’ motion to dismiss lawsuit
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Twenty states and the nation’s most influential small business lobby are about to respond to the federal government’s attempt to dismiss their lawsuit challenging President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.
The states, the National Federation of Independent Business and several individual taxpayers will file … Original article on : 20 states set to ask Florida judge to hear lawsuit challenging Obama’s health care overhaul.

Obama’s top economic advisor to step down

WASHINGTON – Christina Romer, who chairs the White House Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), will step down next month, Xinhua reported.
After her resignation, effective Sep 3, Romer will resume her position as professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, where her son will be starting high school in the fall, the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Michelle Obama, daughter visit Spain’s historic Granada

Granada (Spain), Aug 6 (IANS/EFE) US first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha ended their “unforgettable” visit to this southern Spanish city with a tour of the Alhambra.
They spent about seven hours in Granada Thursday before boarding the caravan to return to the Villa Padierna hotel in Benahavis, near Marbella, where they are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Michelle Obama, daughter visit Spain’s historic Granada.

US needs to differentiate between India and Pakistan (Comment)

Many parallels now exist between how America descended into the Vietnam quagmire and certain trends that are becoming increasingly evident as America commits ever more resources to its endeavor to quell the Taliban-Al Qaida insurgency in Afghanistan.
Losses of life among American forces are dramatically on the rise, and evidence abounds that the jihadi … Read more >>>.

Schwarzenegger asks judge to let same-sex weddings resume immediately in California

Schwarzenegger: Let same-sex weddings resume now

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who twice vetoed legislation that would have legalized same-sex marriage, has surprised gay rights supporters by urging a federal judge to allow gay couples to resume marrying in the state without further delay.
Lawyers for Schwarzenegger, Attorney General Jerry Brown, two gay couples and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Schwarzenegger asks judge to let same-sex weddings resume immediately in California.

Regain lost faith of people, Karat urges CPI-M-led governments

VIJAYAWADA – Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat Saturday asked the party-led governments in West Bengal and Kerala to do their “utmost” to regain the lost faith of the people.

Inaugurating the extended central committee meeting of the party here, Karat said the CPI-M has carefully looked into the causes of the poll …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Zardari fails to “educate” Cameron over Pak’s anti-terrorism efforts

LONDON – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari had vowed to “educate” British Prime Minister David Cameron over Islamabad’s role in ‘war on terror’ after the later attacked Pakistan for ‘exporting terror’, however, the President failed to put up any strong objections during his meeting at the Chequers here.

The meeting between Zardari and Cameron had … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Zardari fails to “educate” Cameron over Pak’s anti-terrorism efforts.

Turkish ship, seized by Israel in flotilla violence in May, arrives in Turkish port

Turkish protest ship returns home
ISTANBUL – The Turkish protest ship that was seized by Israel in a deadly raid in May has returned to Turkey.

Turkish television showed the Mavi Marmara arriving at the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun on Saturday after leaving the Israeli port of Haifa on Thursday. Another Turkish vessel released by Israeli also …. Read the original article  : here.

President to visit Tripura, Mizoram next month

AGARTALA/AIZAWL – President Pratibha Patil will visit Mizoram and Tripura next month to attend the convocations of universities of the two northeastern states, officials said Saturday.

“The president would arrive in Aizawl Sep 23 to attend the sixth convocation of the Mizoram University as chief guest next day,” a Mizoram government official told reporters.
According to … Original source on Gaea Times at : President to visit Tripura, Mizoram next month.

UPA government policies aimed to help super rich: CPI-M

VIJAYAWADA – Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat Saturday slammed the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government saying its policies were designed to help only the super-rich.

“The Congress-led government’s policies are designed to help big businesses make super profits and to enable the transfer of resources to the rich and powerful,” Karat …. Read the original article  : here.

Trinamool-Maoist gangs killed 250 CPI-M activists: Karat

VIJAYAWADA – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Saturday alleged that the Trinamool Congress, led by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Maoists were working in tandem and over 250 CPI-M activists have been killed by “TMC (Trinamool Congress)-Maoist gangs”.

Addressing the inaugural session of four-day meet of the central committee here, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat …. Original source  : Trinamool-Maoist gangs killed 250 CPI-M activists: Karat.

US official: Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote northern Afghanistan

Americans among 10 killed in northern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Americans are among 10 people killed by militants in an ambush in a remote, forested area of Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said Saturday.
“We have reason to believe that several American citizens are among the deceased,” said Caitlin Hayden, an embassy …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CPI-M supports ‘maximum autonomy’ for Kashmir

VIJAYAWADA – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Saturday said the central government had failed to solve the Kashmir issue and supported “maximum autonomy” for the troubled state as its problems “can’t be resolved through conventional means”.

In his inaugural speech at the CPI-M’s four-day central committee meeting in this Andhra Pradesh city, party general secretary … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CPI-M supports ‘maximum autonomy’ for Kashmir.

Zardari ‘hurt’ by Cameron’s anti-Pak ‘terror export’ tirade

LONDON – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that British Prime Minister David Cameron’s accusation of Islamabad promoting terrorism has ‘hurt’ him personally, as his wife, Benazir Bhutto, had succumbed to extremism as well.

In an interview with The Times, Zardari said Cameron’s jibe against Pakistan questioned his own credentials.

“Everybody is sensitive, as we have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Zardari ‘hurt’ by Cameron’s anti-Pak ‘terror export’ tirade.

Indo-US ties ‘defining partnership of 21st century’: Senate

WASHINGTON – Noting that President Barack Obama considers India-US relationship as “one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,” the US senate has resolved to foster and advance the strategic partnership between the two nations.

A bipartisan resolution introduced by Republican John Cornyn and co-sponsored by Democrat Christopher Dodd, to mark the 63rd anniversary of …. Read the original article  : here.

Manmohan Singh: silence is not always golden (Comment)

Jawaharlal Nehru was a close approximation of Plato’s philosopher-king. Of all other prime ministers after him, Manmohan Singh has the most distinguished academic record. Yet, the gentle Sikh lacks the communication skills of the patrician Kashmiri Brahmin.

Whereas the first prime minister, who was known for his eloquence, spent considerable time even during public rallies to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Schwarzenegger announces plans for trade mission to Russia to develop high-tech partnerships

Schwarzenegger announces trade mission to Russia

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced he will travel to Russia to work with the country on developing its high-tech industry.
He made the remarks Friday during a business round table discussion in Santa Clara. He says California should use its brainpower and technology to form business partnerships …. Original source  : Schwarzenegger announces plans for trade mission to Russia to develop high-tech partnerships.

Horse groups ask federal court for emergency blockage of mustang roundup in Calif., Nevada

Horse advocates ask court to halt mustang roundup

RENO, Nev. – Horse protection advocates are upping the ante in a legal battle over thousands of free-roaming mustangs in the West.
Lawyers for In Defense of Animals and others asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Friday for an emergency order to block …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Horse groups ask federal court for emergency blockage of mustang roundup in Calif., Nevada.

Plaintiffs in gay marriage trial ask judge to allow weddings in Calif. during appeal

Gay marriage lawyers want weddings allowed soon

SAN FRANCISCO – The lawyers who convinced a federal judge to overturn California’s gay marriage ban are now urging him to immediately allow same-sex couples to wed.
The attorneys filed their motion Friday and were joined by the city of San Francisco, another plaintiff in the lawsuit that led U.S. …. Original article  : Plaintiffs in gay marriage trial ask judge to allow weddings in Calif. during appeal.

Venezuela’s Chavez optimistic as foreign minister headed to Colombia, Silva seeks to mediate

Chavez: foreign minister headed to Colombia

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez said Friday that his foreign minister will attend the inauguration of Colombia’s new president, and he expressed optimism that Brazil’s president may help ease tensions between Venezuela and Colombia.
The visit by Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro could be a first step toward restoring dialogue and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Venezuela’s Chavez optimistic as foreign minister headed to Colombia, Silva seeks to mediate.

Cuba state TV: Fidel Castro will attend parliament meeting for first time in 4 years

Fidel Castro to attend session of Cuba parliament

HAVANA – Fidel Castro plans to attend a special session of Cuba’s parliament on Saturday, the latest step in the bearded revolutionary’s public re-emergence after years spent out of the spotlight following emergency intestinal surgery.
Castro’s presence in the legislature – reported late Friday by Cuban state television – … Read more »»».

Montana health officials say loophole allows out-of-state residents to get medical marijuana

Out-of-state residents can get medical pot cards

HELENA, Mont. – A person doesn’t have to live in Montana to receive a medical marijuana card from the state, health officials said Friday.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services discovered what it calls a loophole in state law after reviewing plans to require medical marijuana applicants … Original article on : Montana health officials say loophole allows out-of-state residents to get medical marijuana.

Investigation finds no violations of law at California university over Sarah Palin visit

Calif. university didn’t break law in Palin visit

SAN FRANCISCO – A state investigation into fundraising practices at California State University, Stanislaus found no violations of law or misuse of funds at its charitable foundation related to a Sarah Palin visit.
Attorney General Jerry Brown said Friday that the CSU Stanislaus Foundation exercised inadequate oversight of its …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Federal investigators seek documents from 2 of W.Va. Gov. Joe Manchin’s Cabinet agencies

Feds seek documents from 2 of W.Va. gov’s agencies

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Federal investigators have requested documents and information from two Cabinet agencies under West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, though the Democrat’s office said Friday that neither subpoena targeted the governor.
Documents were requested from the Department of Administration and the Division of Highways, said Dwane Tinsley, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Federal investigators seek documents from 2 of W.Va. Gov. Joe Manchin’s Cabinet agencies.

Trinamool alliance can wait, party to be strengthened first: Bengal PCC chief (Interview)

KOLKATA – Strengthening the Congress, which has been plagued by desertions and factional feuds in West Bengal, is top priority for the party’s new state chief Manas Bhunia. He says forging an alliance with the Trinamool Congress for next year’s assembly polls comes only later.

“As state Congress president, strengthening my party at the grassroots is …. Original source  : Trinamool alliance can wait, party to be strengthened first: Bengal PCC chief (Interview).

Australia’s resurgent opposition party launches election campaign by attacking gov’t disunity

Australian opposition launches election campaign

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s resurgent opposition party officially launched its election campaign Sunday with an attack on a bitterly divided government while the prime minister pledged to fight through the adversity facing her party.
The conservative Liberal Party campaign launch comes a week before the ruling Labor Party’s, with most opinion polls … Read more : Australia’s resurgent opposition party launches election campaign by attacking gov’t disunity.

Religious ceremonies mark anniversary of bloody, pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar in 1988

Quiet ceremonies mark Myanmar’s bloody anniversary

YANGON, Myanmar – Subdued religious ceremonies by activists and pro-democracy politicians marked the anniversary Sunday of the 1988 uprising that was brutally crushed by Myanmar’s military.
More than 1 million people rose up Aug. 8 that year to protest an entrenched military-backed regime headed by Gen. Ne Win that had wiped …. Read the original article  : Religious ceremonies mark anniversary of bloody, pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar in 1988.

Shoes hurled at Zardari in Britain

LONDON – A man threw both his shoes at Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari when he was addressing a public meeting in Birmingham. The shoes landed just short of him.

The Telegraph Sunday reported that Zardari, who has been criticised for visiting Britain while there were floods in his country, was in the middle of his … Original article on : Shoes hurled at Zardari in Britain.

South Korean president names new prime minister, 7 other ministers in Cabinet reshuffle

SKorean president names new prime minister

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has named former provincial governor Kim Tae-ho as his new prime minister as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.
Presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo said Sunday in a televised news conference that the shake-up also included the minister of knowledge economy, …. Source article  : South Korean president names new prime minister, 7 other ministers in Cabinet reshuffle.

China-India ties to be big story of 21st century: Rao

NEW DELHI – The relationship between India and China is a complex one but will be the “big story of the 21st century”, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said.

In an interview with Karan Thapar in CNN-IBN’s Devil’s Advocate programme, Rao said that an “intelligently transacted dialogue” enables both the interlocutors to place their issues, which leads … Original article on : China-India ties to be big story of 21st century: Rao.

Afghanistan won’t allow Pakistan to erode sovereignty: Rao

NEW DELHI – Afghanistan is too independent to allow Pakistan to erode its sovereignty and the gradual progress the war-ravaged country has made, says Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

“Afghanistan is a fiercely independent country. And the take away we have had from meetings with the Afghan leadership in the recent past is that they are zealous … Read more : Afghanistan won’t allow Pakistan to erode sovereignty: Rao.

India’s dialogue is with Pakistan’s civilian government: Foreign Secretary

NEW DELHI – India will continue to have a dialogue with Pakistan’s civilian government and does not plan to establish any direct contact with its military, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has said.

In an interview broadcast on CNN-IBN’s “Devil Advocate”, Rao was asked by host Karan Thapar if there was a need for India to …. Source  : India’s dialogue is with Pakistan’s civilian government: Foreign Secretary.

Santos assumes Colombia’s presidency amid conciliation with Venezuela, Ecuador

Colombia’s new leader conciliatory with neighbors

BOGOTA, Colombia – Juan Manuel Santos, sworn in Saturday as Colombia’s 59th president, vowed to cement security gains but declared himself open to dialogue with rebels in hopes of ending the Western Hemisphere’s only armed conflict.
He also got to work immediately mending frayed relations with neighboring Venezuela and Ecuador.
Although he [..] Read the original article: here.

Supporter rallies and political intrigue liven final day of Haiti’s candidate registration

Fanfare, intrigue at sign ups for Haiti election

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Last-minute political intrigue matched the ruckus outside Haiti’s election headquarters Saturday as candidate registration for the post-earthquake presidential race rollicked to a close.
The biggest shake-up came inside President Rene Preval’s Unity party, which revealed it is not backing former Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard Alexis after all. … Read more »»».

Santos assumes Colombia’s presidency; Venezuela’s foreign minister strikes conciliatory note

Santos becomes Colombia’s 59th president
BOGOTA, Colombia – Juan Manuel Santos was sworn in Saturday as the 59th president of Colombia, which despite major security gains remains the Western Hemisphere’s only nation beset by a politically based armed conflict.

A reminder of that was the absence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez among the 14 Latin American and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Santos assumes Colombia’s presidency; Venezuela’s foreign minister strikes conciliatory note.

Juan Manuel Santos takes over as Colombia’s president

BOGOTA – Conservative Juan Manuel Santos took office Saturday as Colombia’s new president, to succeed his former boss Alvaro Uribe with a four-year mandate.

The ceremony in Bogota’s Bolivar Square was attended by some 5,000 invited guests, as well as most Latin American and Caribbean leaders including presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Felipe … Original article on : Juan Manuel Santos takes over as Colombia’s president.

Santos assumes Colombia’s presidency, Venezuela’s foreign minister in attendance

Santos sworn in as Colombia’s 59th president

BOGOTA, Colombia – Juan Manuel Santos has been sworn in as the 59th president of Colombia – the Western Hemisphere’s only nation beset by an armed conflict.
A reminder of the conflict was the absence of Venezeulan President Hugo Chavez among the 14 Latin American presidents attending Saturday’s inauguration.
Chavez broke …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

3 women on Supreme Court may have more impact on court’s daily routine than outcome of rulings

3 women on high court: Historic but impact unclear

WASHINGTON – At least once a term for 13 years, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recalled, some lawyer arguing before the Supreme Court would mistake her for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, or vice versa.
No matter that Brooklyn-born Ginsburg and O’Connor, raised on a ranch in Arizona, look and …. Original article  : 3 women on Supreme Court may have more impact on court’s daily routine than outcome of rulings.

Doctors: Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has non-Hodgkin lymphoma; prognosis is good

Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has cancer

ASUNCION, Paraguay – Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has been diagnosed with cancer but his prognosis is good, doctors said Saturday.
Physicians found non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a growth they removed from Lugo’s groin last week, hematologist Alfredo Boccia said. The cancer affects the lymphocytes, or white blood cells.
Lugo will likely have to …. Source article  : Doctors: Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has non-Hodgkin lymphoma; prognosis is good.

Kagan sworn in as 112th justice, fourth woman ever to serve on US Supreme Court

Kagan sworn in as fourth woman on Supreme Court

WASHINGTON – Elena Kagan has been sworn in as the 112th justice and fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath to Kagan in a ceremony Saturday at the court. Joined by family and friends, Kagan pledged in the oath …. Read the original article  : here.

Fidel Castro addresses Cuban parliament

HAVANA – Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Saturday delivered a speech on the Iranian nuclear issue before country’s parliament, his first official appearance in four years.

Dressed in his trademark olive green military uniform, the 83-year-old leader was greeted with applause as he walked in, Xinhua reported.
Castro warned that there could be a nuclear …. Source  : Fidel Castro addresses Cuban parliament.

Kashmiris hold protest in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Kashmiri students and professionals living in Delhi Saturday took out a rally here to protest the human rights violations back home.

Hundreds of Kashmiris assembled at the Jantar Mantar and demanded a political solution to the Kashmir issue, rather than “a military one”.
Among the other demands put forth were the demilitarisation of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kashmiris hold protest in Delhi.

Coats tries to take road less traveled _ backward through Washington’s revolving door

Coats tries to go back through D.C. revolving door

INDIANAPOLIS – The lobbying office Dan Coats left in February to pursue a return to the U.S. Senate is only about two miles from the Capitol, but the path from the lobbying world back to Congress is rarely traveled.
In 1940, women’s suffragist Jeannette Rankin of Montana, the … Read more : Coats tries to take road less traveled _ backward through Washington’s revolving door.

Venkaiah Naidu demands JPC of CWG projects

HYDERABAD – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday termed the alleged large-scale corruption in 2010 Commonwealth Games projects as a ‘national shame’, and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe seeking the intervention of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh into the matter.

“It’s …. Read the original article  : Venkaiah Naidu demands JPC of CWG projects.