Bihar failed to spend funds for growth, says Sonia Gandhi

PATNA – Launching a scathing attack on the Bihar government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday said the state failed to spend crores of rupees given by the central government for the welfare and development of the poor.

“It is a sad thing that the Bihar government failed to spend and utilise funds provided by …. Original article  : Bihar failed to spend funds for growth, says Sonia Gandhi.

RJD paves way for tie-up with Congress in Bihar

PATNA – The Rashtriya Janata Dal may join hands with the Congress ahead of the Bihar assembly elections beginning this week to ensure that communal forces don’t come to power, senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said Monday.
“The RJD is not averse to joining hands with the Congress if the need arises,” the …. Source article  : RJD paves way for tie-up with Congress in Bihar.

Gilani urges Pak judiciary to work in tandem with govt

ISLAMABAD – Judges should work together with the government to pursue the goals of social, economic and legal justice, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani stated during his address to the nation.

“If the government and judiciary take steps together, we can administer justice to the poor people of the country. We can counter forces [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak politicians dismiss Gilani’s ‘evasive’ address to nation ‘mere eye wash’

LAHORE – Leaders of various Pakistani political parties have pointed out the lack of substance in Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s address to the nation, and have called it a desperate effort to win back the credibility that his government is fast losing.

Most politicians drew attention to the fact that Gilani did not … Read more »».

Mayawati to meet PM today

NEW DELHI – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati will meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday to seek a special package for flood hit districts of the state.

Mayawati had recently written three letters to the Prime Minister demanding special package for flooded areas of the state.

She had demanded … Read more >>>.

Myanmar refuses to invite foreign election observers

NAYPYITAWN – Myanmar will not allow foreign observers to monitor campaigning prior to general elections Nov 7, although foreign residents will be allowed to watch voting on polling day, the officials said Monday.
“On election day, diplomats and UN agencies will be invited to poll booths and witness voting, therefore they can … Read more »».

PM’s word ought to be respected, says Gilani

ISLAMABAD – The prime minister’s word should be “respected by everyone”, Pakistan premier Yousuf Raza Gilani said here while referring to a Supreme Court directive for a written assurance that the government would not withdraw an executive order restoring the status of superior court judges.

“When the prime minister says something, whether it is verbally … Read more »»».

MQM triumphs in Karachi by-poll

ISLAMABAD – The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has won the by-election in Pakistan’s financial hub Karachi that saw 27 people being killed and over 60 injured in poll violence, a media report said Monday.
MQM’s Saifuddin Khalid has won the seat and become a member of provincial assembly (MPA) in the by-election held at … Read : MQM triumphs in Karachi by-poll.

Solheim to visit Sri Lanka – to mend fences

NEW DELHI – Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim plans to visit Colombo in a bid to mend troubled ties with Sri Lanka, where many had come to see him and his country as sympathisers of the Tamil Tigers.

Having rubbed the current Sri Lankan leadership the wrong way despite a tightrope walking at the height …. Original source  : Solheim to visit Sri Lanka — to mend fences.

Aditya Thackeray justifies attack on Mistry’s book

MUMBAI – Aditya Thackeray, Bal Thackeray’s grandson who is set to play a larger role in Maharashtra politics, says he is not opposed to Rohinton Mistry’s Booker nominated novel “Such a Long Journey” per se but does not want it to be part of the Mumbai University syllabus.

The 20-year-old student of history at St. … Read more »»».

Nitish Kumar rebuffs PM’s criticism of Bihar Govt.

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar has downplayed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remark that the Bihar government was not implementing the central welfare schemes.

Addressing a press conference jointly addressed with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitley here, Nitish said: “I want to rectify the statement of Dr. Manmohan …. Source  : Nitish Kumar rebuffs PM’s criticism of Bihar Govt..

Bal Thackeray anoints grandson Aditya into politics

MUMBAI – Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Sunday night formally anointed grandson Aditya into politics by presenting him a ceremonial sword as a crowd of over 200,000 cheered lustily.

A surprisingly robust and healthy looking Thackeray, accompanied by Aditya, arrived at the Shiv Sena Dussehra rally at the historic Shivaji Park grounds, even as his …. Read the original article  : here.

Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi attend Dussehra celebrations at Ramlila Maidan

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi attended Dussehra celebrations at the famous Ramlila Maidan here on Sunday evening.

In a symbolic gesture, the political leaders also took up bow and arrow in their hands and marked the beginning of the burning of …. Original article  : Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi attend Dussehra celebrations at Ramlila Maidan.

Omar should quit at the earliest: Advani

NEW DELHI – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is an “administrative failure” and the sooner he quits, the better it will be for the state and for the nation, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said Sunday.

He said the demand for Abdullah’s resignation was being made on the ground that … Read more >>>.

President, Vice-President, Prime Minister attend Dussehra celebrations in Delhi’s Subash Maidan

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi attended Dussehra celebrations at the Subhash Maidan near Red Fort in the national capital on Sunday evening.

Ahead of the burning of effigies of Demon King Ravana, son Meghnath, and brother Kumbhakaran, President … Read more >>.

Haryana institutes awards for women

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government Sunday announced institution of three awards for women, including one in the name of astronaut Kalpana Chawla who hailed from Karnal town in the state.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has approved the three awards which will honour those women who excel in various fields and show exemplary courage.
Finance …. Source article  : Haryana institutes awards for women.

Iran will make no compromise: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Sunday welcomed the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers but reiterated that Iran would make no compromise whatsoever on its nuclear programmes.

“Iran welcomes talks but the other side should not think that we will resume the talks from the position of weakness due to the sanctions (imposed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Iran will make no compromise: Ahmadinejad.

Two Indian-origin MPs face suspension from Lords

LONDON – Three British lawmakers, including two Indian-origin MPs, probed over the expenses they claimed face suspension from the House of Lords, a media report said Sunday.

The trio — Lord Swaraj Paul, Lord Amir Bhatia and Bangladeshi-born Baroness Uddin — are expected to be officially recommended for censure in a statement by the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two Indian-origin MPs face suspension from Lords.

Congress appeasing minorities: RSS chief

NAGPUR – The Congress has coined terms like “Hindu and saffron terrorism” to appease and consolidate its minority vote bank, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said Sunday.

Speaking at the annual Dassehra function here, Bhagwat alleged that those who speak of secularism actually create a rift among different communities.
“Any attempts to …. Source article  : Congress appeasing minorities: RSS chief.

India, Germany to sign cultural pact, push UN reforms

NEW DELHI – Armed with newly-won rotating seats in the UN Security Council, India and Germany will Monday give a fresh impetus to their bid for permanent seats in the world body and sign a pact on celebrating cultural festivals to bolster their partnership.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrived here Sunday on a … Original source on Gaea Times at : India, Germany to sign cultural pact, push UN reforms.