Pak to conduct ‘grand operation’ on terrorist hideouts: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said security agencies will soon launch a grand operation on terrorist hideouts.

Talking to media in Parliament House here on Monday, Malik said no one has been targeted during last 36 hours in Karachi all killings happened due to personal enmity.

The Daily Times further quoted him as saying … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pak to conduct ‘grand operation’ on terrorist hideouts: Rehman Malik.

Russian beautician trying to negotiate plea bargain in smuggling case

NEW YORK – Anna Fermanova, who was arrested for trying to smuggle restricted equipments to Russia, had her bail conditions relaxed by a Brooklyn federal judge, it has emerged.

The 24-year-old strawberry blond, facing up to 10 years in jail for allegedly trying to smuggle high-tech night vision scopes into Russia, made a brief court appearance …. Original article  : Russian beautician trying to negotiate plea bargain in smuggling case.

Stable Pak key to defeating terror, ensuring peace in S. Asia: Zardari

LONDON – President Asif Ali Zardari has asserted that a democratic, strong and economically stable Pakistan, in partnership with Britain and the West, is the key to defeating the menace posed by terrorists around the world.

“Terrorism is not just Pakistan’s problem. The Kabul conference last month acknowledged that the problem in Afghanistan was regional and …. Source  : Stable Pak key to defeating terror, ensuring peace in S. Asia: Zardari.

Smuggled night goggles were for father-in-law, says Russian beautician

LONDON – The young Russian beautician, Anna Fermanova, who was arrested for trying to smuggle hi-tech rifle sights, has revealed that the equipment was for her father-in-law.

She also said that the restricted gear was to be used by her father-in-law at a Moscow gun club.

The 24-year-old was caught at New York’s John F Kennedy … Read more >>.

Meet the person behind Clintons’ jewellery at Chelsea’s wedding

WASHINGTON – Newly wed daughter of former US President Bill Clinton, Chelsea’s wedding had a strong Washington connection in the jewellery department- Ann Hand.

Hand and her eponymous Palisades store were behind the exquisite accessories that decorated the neck of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the ears of her mother, Dorothy Howell Rodham at Chelsea’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Meet the person behind Clintons’ jewellery at Chelsea’s wedding.

Life across Kashmir marred again by curfew, shutdown

SRINAGAR – Life across Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar was paralysed Tuesday as authorities imposed curfew in the old city while a separatist called shutdown marred activities in the other areas.

“Curfew continues in old city areas of Srinagar and uptown Maisuma and Batmaloo localities while restrictions have been eased in uptown areas.
“These …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Life across Kashmir marred again by curfew, shutdown.

Pak Senate body slams government for Israeli company deal

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior has criticized the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) management for awarding a contract to an Israeli company, and asked the Petroleum Ministry and the Federal Investigation Agency to launch a joint inquiry into it.

According to the Daily Times, the committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Talha … Read more >>.

Pak Army seals Rahwali Cantonment following Taliban attack threat

GUJRANWALA – The Pakistan Army has virtually sealed the Rahwali Cantonment here amid reports of the Taliban planning an attack inside the garrison city.

Rahwali Cantt has been sealed for a week now and there is no indication when this ban will be lifted, causing anxiety for visitors to the area.

The News quoted the Inter-Services …. Read the original article  : here.

Khamenei’s advisor says ‘Iran ready for talks with US’

NEW YORK – Ali Akbar Velayati, the adviser to the Islamic republic’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said that Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear program with the United States.

“While we do not have any faith in the American government… Iran is ready for talks on its nuclear program,” The New York Post … Read more >>.

Pak Hindus and Sikhs condemn demolition of Hindu temple in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s Hindu and Sikh communities have condemned the demolition of a pre-partition 87-year-old Hindu temple by its owner in Rawalpindi’s Bhabra Bazaar.

The temple on Tipu Road, opposite the Rawalpindi Medical College, was being used by Hindus and Sikhs in the city to perform last rituals of their dear ones.

According to the plaque …. Original source  : Pak Hindus and Sikhs condemn demolition of Hindu temple in Rawalpindi.

Shahbaz Sharif’s ‘one-man show’ hampering Pak Punjab flood relief work

LAHORE – Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s desire to supervise the work of various departments personally and be the all powerful chief executive in Pakistan’s Punjab province is reportedly affecting flood relief work in the region.

According to the Daily Times, the official machinery that was to deliver flood-related relief to the masses; is being kept busy … Read more »»».

Early results show Rwandan President Paul Kagame to win by landslide, for 7-year term

Rwandan President Kagame set to win another term

KIGALI, Rwanda – The chairman of Rwandan’s electoral commission says early results show President Paul Kagame is headed for a landslide re-election victory.
Chrysologue Karangwa says Tuesday that Kagame is poised to win more than 90 percent of the votes cast the day before.
Long lines of voters turned out …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Early results show Rwandan President Paul Kagame to win by landslide, for 7-year term.

Myanmar junta welcomes arrival of rare white elephant with lavish ceremony

Myanmar junta celebrates rare white elephant

YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s ruling junta threw a lavish welcome ceremony for a rare white elephant, a traditional symbol of power and prosperity, which was transported from the jungle to the country’s remote capital, state media reported Tuesday.
The 38-year-old female elephant was recently captured in the jungles of northwestern Myanmar …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Myanmar junta welcomes arrival of rare white elephant with lavish ceremony.

Uproar in Parliament over Mamata’s Maoist remark

NEW DELHI – Proceedings in both houses of Parliament on Tuesday were disrupted after the opposition attacked the UPA Government over Railway Minister and Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee’s comments at a rally in Lalgarh, West Bengal.

The opposition sought a clarification of Banerjee’s pro-Maoist remarks.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gave a notice for suspension of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Uproar in Parliament over Mamata’s Maoist remark.

Pak Hindus being looted at gunpoint call for Army’s deployment in flood-affected areas

KARACHI – Pakistan’s Hindu community has called for deployment of Army in the flood-affected areas of Sindh province to safeguard the lives of thousands of Hindus allegedly being looted by the locals.

Addressing the media at the Karachi Press Club, Pakistan Hindu Council chief Ramesh Kumar appealed to the government to move in the Army in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pak Hindus being looted at gunpoint call for Army’s deployment in flood-affected areas.

Australia-India Business Council dinner cancelled after bomb threat at Sydney hotel

CANBERRA – The annual dinner of the Australia-India Business Council at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel was cancelled on Monday after a telephone call that indicated the presence of a bomb. Guests, including the Premier of New South Wales (NSW), Kristina Keneally had to be evacuated.

Prior to the threat, India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Sujata Singh, addressed … Read more : Australia-India Business Council dinner cancelled after bomb threat at Sydney hotel.

CWG debris deadline ends, Delhi CM on defensive

NEW DELHI – As the deadline for removing all Commonwealth Games related demolition waste from the city ends today, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has gone on the defensive over the issue.

Speaking to reporters here she said, “The media is presenting a wrong picture on the work related to the Games. Most of the work has … Read more >>.

NORAD officer says hijack drill with Russia will make it harder for terrorists to strike

NORAD: Hijack drill with Russia makes travel safer

OVER THE PACIFIC – A Canadian officer says a groundbreaking international training exercise will make it more difficult for terrorists to pull off a hijacking against the U.S., Canada or Russia by “hardening” the air travel system against attacks.
The exercise is scheduled to wrap up Tuesday in Alaska, …. Read the original article  : here.

France’s GDF Suez in deal to control Britain’s International Power as H1 profits rise

GDF to control International Power as profits rise

PARIS – GDF Suez SA says it will control Britain’s International Power after the two companies agreed a tie-up deal and as the French utility reported a 9.3 percent rise in first half profit.
Partially state-owned GDF Suez, which said Tuesday that net profit rose to ???3.6 billion, will … Read more >>.

Taleban unrepentant about flogging and killing pregnant woman

LONDON – The Taleban has said that it is unrepentant about issuing an order to have a pregnant woman flogged and shot dead in public in a remote part of western Afghanistan after she was convicted of having an affair.

A panel of three Taleban judges passed the order in an area of Badghis province, which … Read : Taleban unrepentant about flogging and killing pregnant woman.