Vatican library reopens to scholars after 3-yr renovation; new cataloguing, security measures

Vatican library reopens after 3-year restoration

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s Apostolic Library is reopening to scholars following a three-year renovation to improve its cataloguing and security measures.
The library, which houses one of the world’s best collections of illuminated manuscripts, opens its doors Sept. 20. Details will be announced Monday at a press conference.
The library was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lawyer awaits word on $500,000 bail to free detained American

Lawyer awaiting word on bail for detained American

TEHRAN, Iran – The lawyer of an American woman cleared for release from an Iranian prison said Monday he is still waiting for word that the $500,000 bail has been paid.
Masoud Shafiei told The Associated Press that he has been in contact with the family of Sarah Shourd …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawyer awaits word on $500,000 bail to free detained American.

Kumartuli idol-makers face rising labour and input costs

KOLKATA – Costs of organising Durga Puja have gone up this year as idol-makers in the city spend more on increased labour and raw material costs which in cases have jumped almost 50 percent.

Kumartuli, the nerve centre of the clay idol-makers of Kolkata, is facing an acute shortage of labour thanks to the Mahatma Gandhi …. Original source  : Kumartuli idol-makers face rising labour and input costs.

Australian burns Quran and Bible

MELBOURNE – An Australian has posted a video of himself burning the Quran and the Bible on video sharing website YouTube, drawing widespread criticism, a media report said Monday.

Queensland University of Technology’s Alex Stewart has taken leave from his non-academic position as a commercial contracts lawyer and now expects to be sacked, brisbanetimes.com.au reported Monday. … Read more »».

Security stepped up around Haryana gurdwaras

CHANDIGARH – Security around major gurdwaras in Haryana has been tightened after Jagdish Singh Jhinda, a Sikh leader from the state, set a Sep 15 deadline for taking over control of these shrines from the Punjab-based Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Armed personnel from Haryana Police have been stationed outside major gurdwaras in Kurukshetra, Karnal, Ambala …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

These Ganeshas give environment a fighting chance

MUMBAI – Ganesha idols made of clay and paper pulp or which use naturally extracted colours have found many takers in Mumbai this year, as environment conscious residents are making sure that the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations do not come at a cost to nature.

A Mumbai-based organisation called Aniruddha Upasana Trust has this year made …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

For Israelis, a new point of contention: What time is it?

A new spat in Israel: What time is it?
JERUSALEM – When Israel moved its clocks back early Sunday in preparation for the holy fast day of Yom Kippur, people in this high-decibel society found something new to disagree about: the time of day.

The end of daylight savings time here came more than a month and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : For Israelis, a new point of contention: What time is it?.

Two die in Afghan protest over Quran burning

KABUL – Two people protesting against the desecration of the Quran died after clashes with Afghan security forces Sunday, witnesses said.

A group of about 500 people converged on the headquarters of Afghanistan’s Baraki Barak district Sunday morning chanting anti-American slogans, apparently prompted by the plans, now cancelled, of a US pastor who had wanted to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two die in Afghan protest over Quran burning.

Muslims celebrate Eid in Assam, northeast

GUWAHATI – Muslims in Assam and other northeastern states Saturday celebrated Eid amid heavy rains in most part of the region.

In Assam, people thronged mosques and other community halls to offer the Eid prayers as incessant rains lashed the state since the morning.
“No matter the weather conditions, Eid today was very special and the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BJP leader denounces attack on Quran

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Jolly Saturday denounced an American pastor’s earlier threats to burn the Quran on the 9/11 anniversary.

The threat by Terry Jones of Florida was “unacceptable and provocative”, Jolly said in a statement here. “It shall inflame Muslim sentiments and provoke fundamentalist Islamic reaction worldwide.” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BJP leader denounces attack on Quran.