No pressure on DRDO to match China’s power

CHANDIGARH – There is no pressure on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to match China’s military power and equipment, its director general V.K. Saraswat said here.

“We have never compared ourselves with China. Rather, we always have pressure to excel in our own technologies,” Saraswat told reporters here Saturday.
“India has never been … Original article on : No pressure on DRDO to match China’s power.

Obama visit: All the president’s desis

WASHINGTON – Not only does US President Barack Obama view ties with India as a “defining partnership” of the 21st century, but he also banks on a lot on many Indian Americans to get things done. At over two dozen, the Obama administration has more Indian-Americans in high places than ever before.

Their numbers have [..] Read the original article: here.

Palin used Alaska ethics scandal to achieve political stardom

NEW YORK – Former Governor Sarah Palin reportedly used a massive corruption case brewing in Alaska in 2006 to achieve political stardom.

From the early days of her primary campaign for governor, Palin cast herself as a reformer, a Republican who had challenged the state party chairman and a Republican state official over alleged ethics violations. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Palin used Alaska ethics scandal to achieve political stardom.

Barack Obama gives his first ever iPad autograph

LONDON – US President Barack Obama has given his first ever iPad autograph – after he previously branded the device as a ‘distraction’.

The autograph was given to a fan named Sylvester Cann.

Obama, who once said he had no clue how to work an iPad, seems to have become a little tech-savvy, as he …. Original article  : Barack Obama gives his first ever iPad autograph.

Indian students spend delightful day with Pakistani counterparts

ISLAMABAD – While the Indo-Pak political relationship remains edgy; nothing deterred a delegation of Indian students and teachers who spent an eventful day in Islamabad.

The delegation visited the Pak capital under the Indo-Pak Peace Project for Education between the Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust (SNPET), Pakistan, and the Millennium School, Amritsar, India, reports The News.

Early …. Source article  : Indian students spend delightful day with Pakistani counterparts.

US defends its new military aid to “strategic partner” Pakistan

WASHINGTON – The United States has defended the new 2.29 billion-dollar military aid package to Pakistan, saying it is in their ‘mutual interest,’ and the South Asian country is an important “strategic partner” in its counter-insurgency operations.

“We are supporting the Pakistan military because it is in our mutual interest to do so. Pakistan is a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US defends its new military aid to “strategic partner” Pakistan.

Artist tickled by New Yorkers’ desire to feel his nude bronze sculpture

NEW YORK – Artist Fernando Botero seems to be happy with the way New Yorkers interact with his 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture of a naked Adam at the Time Warner Center mall.

Passers-by can’t seem to resist the corpulent but underendowed nude gracing the Shops at Columbus Circle’s atrium.

In fact, so many hands have rubbed Adam’s penis …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dogs, not drones and metal detectors, are ‘best bomb-detectors’ in US

WASHINGTON – There’s nothing in the U.S. arsenal for bomb detection more powerful than a dog’s nose, says the leader of the Pentagon’s multibillion military task force to stop improvised bombs.

Despite a slew of gagdets, the American military only locates about 50 percent of the improvised explosives planted in Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, that number …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dogs, not drones and metal detectors, are ‘best bomb-detectors’ in US.

Northern Afghan warlords rearming to stave off possible Taliban resurgence

KABUL – Warlords in Northern Afghanistan are reportedly rearming, fearing and dreading the prospect of a possible Taliban return to power after almost a decade.

According to the Telegraph, leaders and residents of northern Afghanistan blame the Taliban for destroying their lives in the 1990s, and view President Hamid Karzai’s hand-picked “peace council” of former warlords, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Northern Afghan warlords rearming to stave off possible Taliban resurgence.

Russia sees India as a super power in coming years: Ambassador Kadakin

RANIKHET – Russia’s Ambassador to India, Alexander M Kadakin, has said his country sees India as a super power in the coming years.

“Our cooperation with India is diverse and deep rooted. There is position and functional relationship between the two sides. Russia sees India as a super power in the coming years,” Ambassador Kadakin …. Original source  : Russia sees India as a super power in coming years: Ambassador Kadakin.

US renews bonds with Pak Army by pledging 2bn-dollar military aid

WASHINGTON – While the US administration has repeatedly pledged support for civilian rule in Pakistan, the two million-dollar military aid pledge at the latest round of the US-Pak strategic dialogue shows that it is also keen to meet the wish-lists of the army, which has long been a major player in Pakistan and provides vital …. Source article  : US renews bonds with Pak Army by pledging 2bn-dollar military aid.

New Zealand Taxi Federation calls for cameras after another attack on cabbie

HAMILTON – The New Zealand Taxi Federation (NZTF) has reiterated that security cameras must be made compulsory in their vehicles after yet another attack on a driver.

According to Stuff.co.nz, a taxi driver of African origin was attacked in Hamilton by four people who boarded his vehicle from outside a bakery on Victoria Street on Saturday. … Read more : New Zealand Taxi Federation calls for cameras after another attack on cabbie.

IAF could soon get supersonic BrahMos missile

COIMBATORE – Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Executive and Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace, has said that the development and induction of BrahMos, India’s supersonic cruise missile for the Indian Air Force will be completed soon.

Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Pillai said: “Recently the missile was tested for ’steep dive attack’ capability, as demanded by the Army.

“The …. Original article  : IAF could soon get supersonic BrahMos missile.

Now, Cabinet Secretary snubs Kalmadi

NEW DELHI – Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee head Suresh Kalmadi who is facing charges of corruption in the sporting event, was not invited to a thanksgiving dinner hosted by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar.

The dinner was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Lt Governor Tejender Khanna, Union Sports Minister M S Gill and … Read : Now, Cabinet Secretary snubs Kalmadi.

Obama administration vows to push for preferential trade programme with Pakistan

WASHINGTON – The US administration has vowed to redouble its efforts for getting Congressional approval on a preferential trade programme for Pakistan, under which products manufactured in designated zones can be brought duty-free to America.

“The US is committed to redoubling its efforts to seek Congressional enactment of legislation to create reconstruction opportunity zones and for … Read more »»».

Porn use among NT public servants on the rise

MELBOURNE – The number of Northern Territory public servants being formally disciplined has increased threefold in six years-as they have come under scanner for “inappropriate computer use.”

A report by Public Employment Commissioner Ken Simpson has shown that there were 101 formal disciplines handed out in the 2009-10 financial year.

This is compared to 32 disciplines handed …. Source article  : Porn use among NT public servants on the rise.

Shiv Sena labels Rahul Gandhi anti-Marathi

MUMBAI – Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has described Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi as anti-Marathi ahead of municipal corporation polls to be held in the city.

Thackeray said that the Shiv Sena has launched a signature campaign against Gandhi after the latter praised Biharis for their contribution to the economy of Maharashtra.

“Who contributed to [..] Read the original article: here.

23 terrorists enter Islamabad, Lahore to attack police, buildings: Intelligence report

LAHORE – As many as 23 terrorists have entered Islamabad and Lahore to attack senior police officers, bureaucrats and important buildings, while Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has separately planned to launch terror strikes on religious leaders and activists of two particular sects and their business interests, intelligence reports have revealed.

According to the reports, 23 terrorists had … Read more »»».

Archery coach Lenin dies in Vijaywada car mishap

VIJAYWADA – Archery coach Ch Lenin died in a car accident in Vijaywada on Sunday.

Two Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallists – Ch Jignas and Ritul Chatterjee – were also injured in the mishap.

Initial reports said the car they were travelling in hit a divider en route Vijaywada.

The accident came a day after …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Latest round of Pak-US strategic dialogue ’successful’: Qureshi

LAHORE – Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has termed the latest round of the US-Pak strategic dialogue ’successful’, ‘progressive’ and ‘fruitful’, adding that the talks helped improve ties of the two close allies against the war on terrorism.

Qureshi made these comments while talking to media upon his arrival at Lahore airport, The News reported.

Highlighting … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Latest round of Pak-US strategic dialogue ’successful’: Qureshi.