Govt. launches Rs. 350 cr project to set up radar sensors along coastlines

NEW DELHI – In a bid to prevent terrorists entering the country from coastal areas, as they did for carrying out Mumbai terror attack, the Government has launched a 350-crore rupees project to set up radar sensors along the …. Source  : Govt. launches Rs. 350 cr project to set up radar sensors along coastlines.

Vice presidency means no privacy says Joe Biden’s wife

NEW YORK – Jill Biden, wife of the US’s vice president Joe Biden has said that privacy and romantic dinners go out the window when you become Mrs. VP.

“Joe and I went to dinner, just the two of us, and 14 people came up to the table,” the New York Post … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Vice presidency means no privacy says Joe Biden’s wife.

Miner “Super Mario” Sepulveda calls talk of sex ‘wrong’

NEW YORK – Chilean miner “Super” Mario Sepulveda has finally opened up about the ordeal he and fellow miners faced while they were trapped underground for months.

While the miners struggled to survive and seek a way out, depression overcame many of them, he said.

“The …. Source article  : Miner “Super Mario” Sepulveda calls talk of sex ‘wrong’.

Brigitte Bardot to challenge Sarkozy for French Presidency

LONDON – Brigitte Bardot, the sixties sex symbol, has announced that she could be running for French president in the next election in 2012.

The former actress turned animal activist has been asked by France’s Ecology Alliance party to challenge Nicolas Sarkozy for the country’s leadership, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Brigitte Bardot to challenge Sarkozy for French Presidency.

American buries his partner on top of his wife

NEW YORK – A man, who buried his 61-year-old partner on top of his wife at a cemetery here, said that he doesn’t regret it.

Two years back 67-year-old Santos Ellin’s partner Maria, 61, succumbed to cancer and diabetes.
He buried her in the plot he owns at St. Raymond’s Cemetery as her [..] Read the original article: here.

WikiLeaks to release 400,000 US intelligence files

LONDON – WikiLeaks is preparing to release 400,000 intelligence files on the Iraq war and the Pentagon is bracing for its biggest ever security breach of classified documents, it was reported here.

The latest WikiLeaks disclosure will eclipse the recent release of over 70,000 classified US military files on the Afghanistan war, Daily Telegraph …. Original source  : WikiLeaks to release 400,000 US intelligence files.

French military boss meets Antony, Menon

NEW DELHI – Ahead of French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s India visit in December, France’s military boss Monday met Defence Minister A.K. Antony and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon to push forward pending defence deals.

Admiral Edouard Guillaud, the French chief of defence staff, also met Indian Air Force (IAF) head Air Chief Marshal P.V. …. Original source  : French military boss meets Antony, Menon.

One militant killed, one injured in Kashmir gun battle

SRINAGAR – Security forces have surrounded a mosque in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Monday after a militant injured in gunfight took shelter there. Another militant was killed in the gun battle.

“One terrorist was killed and another injured in a gunfight with the security forces in forest foothill village of Dabban in Bandipora district early … Read : One militant killed, one injured in Kashmir gun battle.

Sonia Gandhi calls Nitish Kumar an opportunist

KISHANGANJ – Launching veiled attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday described Nitish as an opportunistic politician.

Addressing an election rally here, Sonia Gandhi attacked Nitish Kumar for aligning with ‘non-secular’ parties.

She said: “Leaders who claim to be secular have joined non-secular parties.”

Echoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement on …. Original source  : Sonia Gandhi calls Nitish Kumar an opportunist.

French Chief of Defence Staff in New Delhi

NEW DELHI – French Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Edouard Guillaud is in New Delhi ahead of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to India in December, in a bid to enhance military ties between the two countries, as Paris looks to firm up its position as a reliable arms supplier to India.

Guillaud’s visit has come …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : French Chief of Defence Staff in New Delhi.

Maoists trigger landmine blast in Orissa

MALKANGIRI – Maoists triggered a landmine blast near a BSF camp in Orissa’s Malkangiri district on Monday.

According to sources, the blast was set off along a road at Sikhapalli near here apparently targeting BSF personnel.

No one was injured as there was no movement near the site when the landmine exploded.

However, a portion …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists trigger landmine blast in Orissa.

Racial profiling undermining moral authority of democracy in UK: Jesse Jackson

LONDON – US civil rights campaigner Jesse Jackson has said that Britain’s image is being damaged by the government’s failure to stop the police from discriminating against ethnic minorities.

Jackson’s comment follows a report which shows that black people in Britain are 26 times more likely than whites to be stopped and searched by police under …. Read the original article  : Racial profiling undermining moral authority of democracy in UK: Jesse Jackson.

Man in Pakistan to marry twice in 24 hours

LONDON – A man in Pakistan is to marry two women in less than 24 hours in an attempt to resolve a dilemma over wedding the woman to whom he had been engaged since childhood or to wed the woman he loves, it was reported here.

Azhar Haidri, a 23-year-old herbal medicine practitioner, had …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

UK college’s ‘charter of dunces’ offers ???5K to A-level failing students

LONDON – A college in the UK has offered a ‘charter of dunces’ that awards 5,000 pounds of taxpayer’s money to every student who fails their A-Level exams.

The principal of Blackburn College claimed that no one would deliberately fluff their exams to receive the cash, reports The Daily Mail.

Campaigners for higher education standards accused the … Read more : UK college’s ‘charter of dunces’ offers ???5K to A-level failing students.

Brit kids get drunk for half the cost of a chocolate bar

LONDON – Youngsters in the UK can get drunk for half the price of a chocolate bar, a new study has revealed.

Supermarkets and off-licences are selling cider for as little as 10p per unit of alcohol. Lager can be bought for just 26p a pint. The average price of chocolate such as a Yorkie bar …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

School meetings in evening ‘are sexist’, says Human Rights Commission

LONDON – The Equality and Human Rights Commission has released a new guideline for the school and local councils stating that they could be guilty of discrimination against women if they hold parent or meetings in the evening.

According to the Commission, the timing of such events could mean some women are unable to attend – … Original source on Gaea Times at : School meetings in evening ‘are sexist’, says Human Rights Commission.

Islamic students at top UK university ‘ preaching hard-line extremism’

LONDON – Radical Islamic extremism is being openly practised by Muslim students at a leading university campus, according to a report by a UK counter-extremism think tank Quilliam.

According to the Daily Mail, Quilliam has claimed of having evidence of the president of City University’s Islamic Society, (ISoc) openly preaching extremism during prayers held inside …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Islamic students at top UK university ‘ preaching hard-line extremism’.

Community cop ‘ran sleazy sex parlour with wife’

LONDON – A police community support officer has reportedly been charged with running a brothel along with his wife for six years.

Cops allegedly found five prostitutes working at the residential property of Sean and Debbie Griffin, both 44.

The couple was arrested and charged with running a sex parlour and money laundering. PCSO Griffin, of Stevenage, … Read more >>>.

US Charity ‘offering ???200 bribe’ to Brit drug junkies to get sterilized

LONDON – Drug addicts in the UK are now being offered 200 pounds to get sterilized.

American charity Project Prevention is offering to pay 200 pounds to any drug user in London, Glasgow, Bristol, Leicester and parts of Wales who agrees to be operated on.

Founder Barbara Harris admitted her methods amounted to “bribery” but said it … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US Charity ‘offering ???200 bribe’ to Brit drug junkies to get sterilized.

‘Racist’ UK policies behind deaths of 77 asylum seekers, migrants: IRR

LONDON – Racist asylum and immigration policies in the UK have led to the deaths of 77 asylum seekers and migrants over the past four years, according to a report for the Institute of Race Relations (IRR).

According to The Guardian, the IRR has said that the 77 deaths, most … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Racist’ UK policies behind deaths of 77 asylum seekers, migrants: IRR.

Sweden denies Wikileaks founder residence permit

LONDON – Sweden has denied a residence permit to Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing website-Wikileaks.rosecutors are investigating rape and sexual molestation allegations against Assange, 39, by two Swedish women.

Assange, however, has denied the allegations and said they were part of an American plot to discredit him, reports the Telegraph.

The Australian has sought to … Read more : Sweden denies Wikileaks founder residence permit.

New porn laws Down Under confuse travellers

SYDNEY – Travellers to Australia are in bewilderment over what sort of porn they’re allowed to bring into Australia, which has prompted a reworking of incoming passenger cards.

Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor said he had asked the Customs and Border Protection command to change the wording on the declaration cards travellers must fill out when … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New porn laws Down Under confuse travellers.

Welham’s girl to represent Nepal in China pageant

KATHMANDU – In 1957, when Ms H.S. Oliphant, a retired English headmistress, decided to buy the estate of a former nawab in northern India and start a boarding school for girls, she had no idea of the far-reaching wonders it would produce one day.

Next month, an alumna of the Welham Girls’ School she … Read more : Welham’s girl to represent Nepal in China pageant.

Iran joins US for first time for talks on Afghanistan’s future

TEHRAN – Iran took part in high-level discussions on Afghanistan on Monday for the first time after the US assured that it had no “no problem” with its participation.

The international “contact group” reportedly met in Rome amid a renewed push to end the nine-year-old war in Afghanistan, including bringing Taliban into peace talks. Discussion on … Read more »»».

Shahbaz Sharif confesses to corruption existing at all levels in Pak Punjab province

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has accepted the presence of departmental corruption at every level in his province, and given an assurance that he is determined to bring all the looted money of the nation back from corrupt people.

Shahbaz made these comments while addressing the provincial assembly in response to a [..] Read the original article: here.

Australia’s 14 million dollar high-tech ‘War Room’

SYDNEY – The Australian government has forked out 14 million dollars for Parliament House’s new high-tech ‘War Room’ modeled on the White House ‘Situation Room’.

It was recently completed, after being commissioned by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

A Senate estimates committee revealed that 131,000 dollars were forked out on 45 German-designed armchairs at 3000 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Australia’s 14 million dollar high-tech ‘War Room’.

Pak Interior Ministry denies Blackwater’s presence in country

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has denied the presence of Blackwater, a US private security contractor, in the country.

Additional Secretary in the Interior Ministry- Asif Nawaz Warriach- disclosed this while giving a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, The Nation reported.

However, the parliamentarians present in the meeting were not ready to digest … Read more >>.

Four convicted for plotting attacks on New York synagogues

LONDON – Four men have been convicted in New York for plotting to blow up synagogues and shooting down military aircraft after being caught in a 2009 FBI sting.

According to the BBC, the men were found guilty after an informant’s testimony and recordings of them discussing the plot were heard in the court.

James Cromitie, …. Read the original article  : here.

Double Decker Train In India Chugs Out

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has reasons to smile now as she has kept a promise she had made earlier. The first ever Double decker Train is now ready and it is fully air conditioned. It rolled out from Punjab’s Kapurthala Rail coach factory on Saturday. This train will ply between …. Original article  : Double Decker Train In India Chugs Out.

Gunmen storm Chechnya parliament, three killed

LONDON – At least three people killed by Chechen militants after the latter stormed the Chechnya Parliament and shooting broke out in cabinet room.

The Guardian quoted reports from Moscow as saing that the shooting broke out this morning and that several people had been killed and injured.

According to the news agency Interfax, citing sources in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gunmen storm Chechnya parliament, three killed.

Brit musician named world’s fastest violinist

MELBOURNE – A violinist in England has smashed the record for the fastest performance of Flight of the Bumblebee.

Professional musician, Oliver Lewis, 39, completed his fast fiddle rendition of the Rimsky-Korsakov piece live on the long-running BBC children’s program Blue Peter overnight.

His time of one minute 3.356 seconds, witnessed in the studio by a Guinness … Read more >>.

Poland to build world’s largest Jesus Christ statue to attract tourist

LONDON – A small Polish town is all set to build the world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ in order to attract tourist.

Swiebodzin, a Polish town of 21,000 near the German border, will soon be home to a 33-metre effigy of Christ, which, along with a crown that adds a further two metres and its …. Read the original article  : Poland to build world’s largest Jesus Christ statue to attract tourist.

Russian spies awarded top Kremlin honours

LONDON – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has given a group of undercover Russian spies, who were exposed by the FBI in June, top Kremlin honours.

Medvedev honoured their controversial work as sleeper agents in the United States by giving them all medals.

“A ceremony took place in the Kremlin today to hand top state honours … Read more >>.

Iran doesn’t need nuclear weapons: Pak FM

WASHINGTON – Pakistan has said Iran has no justification for pursuing nuclear weapons, and that it should embrace overtures from the United States.

Strongly criticizing Iran’s controversial nuclear program, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he wanted to avoid “another major crisis in the region.”

“In my view, I don’t think they have a justification … Read more >>>.

Pakistan to preserve 2,400-year-old Buddhist caves in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan government has decided to preserve the archeological beauty of the city by approving a plan to protect the 2,400-year-old caves.

According to Xinhua, the remains of the over 2,400-year-old Buddhist era are lying silently in the lap of Margalla Hills on the northwestern side of Islamabad.

Murals of Buddha appear on the walls … Read more : Pakistan to preserve 2,400-year-old Buddhist caves in Islamabad.

Headley helped Lashkar prepare for 26/11 attacks, reported to ISI about its activities

LONDON – David Headley, a 48-year-old Pakistani American incarcerated in a Chicago jail for his role in the November 2008 terror strikes on Mumbai, has reportedly told his Indian and American interrogators that he helped the Lashkar-e-Taiba prepare for the attack and simultaneously relayed information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) about the militant outfit’s activities.

According … Original article on : Headley helped Lashkar prepare for 26/11 attacks, reported to ISI about its activities.

Taliban power growing in northern Afghanistan

KABUL – The Taliban’s influence in northern Afghanistan has expanded in recent months in response to NATO’s surge in the south.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Taliban stops traffic at checkpoints at night on the way from Kabul to Uzbekistan, and frequently blows up fuel convoys and captures government employees and those working … Read more >>>.

India, Russia to hold army exercises in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN – Two hundred soldiers each from the Indian and Russian armies will share warfare techniques during joint counter-terrorism exercises in Uttarakhand from Wednesday, an official here said.

Both the armies would conduct warfare exercises in the mountainous terrains of Ranikhet’s Chobatiya area. These will continue till Oct 23, a mountain brigade official posted at … Read more »»».

‘Awaaz Do’ digital campaign urges Indians to speak for 8 million out-of-school kids

NEW DELHI – The “Awaaz Do” online campaign was launched today to mobilize Indian society to speak up for the more than eight million children currently out of school in the country.

The landmark passing of the Right of Children to …. Original source  : ‘Awaaz Do’ digital campaign urges Indians to speak for 8 million out-of-school kids.

Pawar to inaugurate agriculture ministers’ conference in Jaipur

JAIPUR – Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will inaugurate a two-day conference of agriculture, animal husbandry and food-civil supplies ministers of eleven states in Jaipur today.

Agriculture, animal husbandry and food and civil supply ministers of Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pawar to inaugurate agriculture ministers’ conference in Jaipur.

Future Of Work: No Place For Office

SAN JOSE, (Gaea Times.com) The changing face of technology has impacted every sphere of a man’s life. Work and work places are no exception and have been influenced by modern technology to a good extent. A study of 2,600 workers by Cisco, split between IT managers and enterprise users, has revealed that a large … Read more »»».

Wear Purple Oct 20: A GLAAD Initiative

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Today is being held as a special day for those victims of homophobic bullies who lost their lives after incessant torture and humiliation by the peers or classmates. The number of gay and lesbian teenagers who have been led to end their lives tragically after bullying is rising with time. September in … Read more >>>.

Former Pak President Farooq Leghari passes away

WASHINGTON – Former Pakistan President Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari is no more.

Leghari, who had been a cardiac patient, died at the age of 70 on early hours today, the Dawn reported.

He was elected the eighth President of Pakistan in 1993. During his term, Leghari dismissed Benazir Bhutto’s …. Source  : Former Pak President Farooq Leghari passes away.

Traffic jams mark day of normalcy in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Heavy traffic jams marked yet another day of normalcy in the Jammu and Kashmir summer capital Wednesday as no curfew was imposed and separatists froze their protests for a day as their top leader Masarat Alam is under arrest.

“No curfew or restrictions have been imposed anywhere in Srinagar today. The situation …. Read the original article  : here.

World’s strongest 6-year-old boy is a mini Arnie

LONDON – A six-year-old boy has become the world’s strongest for his age and his dad wants him to be as famous as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Giuliano Stroe and brother Claudiu – just four- train with weights two hours a day.

Both have mastered a backbreaking feat called the “flag” – gripping a pole and holding their bodies …. Read the original article  : World’s strongest 6-year-old boy is a mini Arnie.

Cabinet approves health insurance scheme to cover street vendors

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for extension of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to the street vendors.

The RSBY scheme, which presently extends to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families (a unit of five) is smart card based cashless health insurance scheme.

Street vendors … Read more : Cabinet approves health insurance scheme to cover street vendors.

Two in three 2008 Obama backers unlikely to vote this year: Poll

NEW YORK – A new CBS News/Knowledge Networks survey has found that two in three likely voters who say they voted for President Obama in 2008 are less enthusiastic about voting this year. Just one in three are more enthusiastic than they were in 2008.

According to CBS News, three of the key groups that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two in three 2008 Obama backers unlikely to vote this year: Poll.

Enemy Property Act, 1968 amendments approved

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs to introduce the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Second Bill, 2010.

The amendments, among other things, provide for the following:

The enemy property shall continue to vest in the Custodian till it is divested by the Central Government.

The enemy property could …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Enemy Property Act, 1968 amendments approved.

US military welcomes end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law on Pentagon’s orders

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military has welcomed the Pentagon’s decision to end the controversy over the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which it says will allow recruiters more freedom when it comes to selection of gay recruits.

“Recruiters have been given guidance, and they will process applications for applicants who admit they are openly gay …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

6-yr-old Muslim girl banned from riding bus for bullying boy over hijab abuse

DARWIN – A six-year-old Muslim girl has been banned from the school bus because she dacked a boy (pulled down his pants in front of other students) after he repeatedly told her to take off her hijab.

Darwin firm Buslink sent a letter to Middle Point School at Fogg Dam stating that class one student … Read more >>>.

120 million dollar ADB grant to help Assam tackle floods, land erosion

MANILA – The north eastern Indian state of Assam will receive Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance to combat flooding and erosion, which regularly cause large economic losses and social upheaval in one of the country’s poorest regions.

ADB’s Board of Directors approved a loan package of up to 120 million dollars for the Assam Integrated …. Read the original article  : here.

Central Reserve Police to remain in Lalgarh

WEST MIDNAPORE – CRPF Director General K. Vijay Kumar has said the Para- military forces will remain in Lalgarh and operations against Maoists will be intensified if necessary in West Bengal.

Talking to reporters after meeting force’s local commanders and senior Bengal police officers here on Tuesday, Kumar said: “The operations against the Maoists would continue …. Original source  : Central Reserve Police to remain in Lalgarh.

Noted Pakistani musician shuts centre after threat

ISLAMABAD – A well-known sarod player of Pakistan shut his newly-opened music training centre here after his 12-year-old son was threatened. He was told to “stop teaching music”.

Sarod player Asad Qazilbash was shocked when his son, playing in the street with his friends, was approached by a group of young men who told him … Read more : Noted Pakistani musician shuts centre after threat.

Rajasthan CM satisfied with alertness of forces against terrorists

AJMER – Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed satisfaction over the working and alertness of the state police particularly the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) and said the state security agencies were capable to deal with terrorists threats and foil terror designs.

Talking to the media here on Tuesday, Gehlot said it was the state security …. Original article  : Rajasthan CM satisfied with alertness of forces against terrorists.

Arms recovered from Maoist hideout in Bihar

SHERGHATI – Bihar Police have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from a Maoist hideout near Sheraghati in Gaya District

In a joint operation launched by state police and the Special Task Force (STF), security forces recovered three sacks of ammonium nitrate, 275 detonators and 15 bundles of fuse wire from a hideout … Read more »»».

Meira Kumar calls all-party meet today

NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will meet leaders of all political parties on Wednesday to ensure the ’smooth functioning’ of the house during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, Trinamool Congress leader …. Read the original article  : Meira Kumar calls all-party meet today.

Mysterious ghostly image taken at haunted museum in Nottingham

LONDON – A couple visiting the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham, which are supposed to be one of the most haunted locations in Great Britain, has captured a photo of a mysterious ‘eerie mass of white, like an evil male figure.’

Scores of highwayman, murderers and thieves were subjected to public hangings from within its walls. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sri Lanka rejects gory Tamil massacre pics as rebel propoganda

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s foreign minister GL Peiris has cast doubt on the photographs released by the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) showing a massacre of Tamils during the country’s civil war, saying that it is a step taken by rebel sympathisers to tarnish the country’s image.

GTF, a group that includes former supporters of the Tamil …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sri Lanka rejects gory Tamil massacre pics as rebel propoganda.

‘Situation not ripe’ for US to mediate over Kashmir issue: US Foreign Policy official

WASHINGTON – The current situation is not apt for the United States to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, even if India and Pakistan accept its intervention, a senior US official has said.

Dr Isobel Coleman, an official for the US Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, made … Original article on : ‘Situation not ripe’ for US to mediate over Kashmir issue: US Foreign Policy official.

Largest Passenger Plane In Gatwick Soon

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (GaeaTimes.com)- Gatwick Airport has been given the permission to operate the Airbus A380 super-jumbo which is the largest passenger plane of the world as of now. The permission means that both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways the airlines that have placed order for the huge sized aircraft will start operating from … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Largest Passenger Plane In Gatwick Soon.

Clinton ‘lost vital White House nuclear codes’

WASHINGTON – For months during Bill Clinton’s administration, the White House lost the card with a set of numbers for opening the briefcase containing codes for a nuclear attack, a former military officer says.

Gen Hugh Shelton, who was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time, said in his new memoir, “Without … Original source on Gaea Times at : Clinton ‘lost vital White House nuclear codes’.

Remington 700 Documentary Revelations

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The most popular hunting rifle named Remington 700 series has come under the scanner after a disturbing documentary revelation. The company is famous for this particular model which has been used by veteran hunters and others for several decades. The company simply stopped short of issuing recall of the models. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian leaves British home, only to find squatters on return

LONDON – An Indian origin hotelier left his 700,000 pounds five-bedroom home in Britain while it was being refurbished and on return he was shocked to find that 15 jobless Italians had moved in.

Connan Gupta felt that he deserved a week-off while refurbishing his Victorian home in Camberwell, London. So, he shifted to his …. Read the original article  : here.

Penthouse founder dead

LONDON – Bob Guccione, who started Penthouse magazine, is dead. He was 79, it was reported here Thursday.

Guccione created an erotic corporate empire that crumbled as his investments soured and the world of pornography turned toward video and the internet, Daily Telegraph reported.
He died at Plano Specialty Hospital in Texas, US, after … Read more >>.

113m pounds EuroMillions winner tops UK’s National Lottery Rich List

London, 0ct 21 (ANI): A 113 million pounds EuroMillions Lottery jackpot won earlier this month has been paid out to the claimed UK winner.

The winner, from the draw on Friday October 8, is deciding whether or not to go public with the windfall, reports the Sun.

The 113,019,926 pounds jackpot is the biggest lottery prize to … Read more »»».

World’s hottest chilli is ‘hot enough to strip paint’

London, 0ct 21 (ANI): Brit growers continue to hold the record for the world’s hottest chilli for the third time in a year.

The new record holder is the Naga Viper chilli from Cumbria’s Chilli Pepper Company, reports the Sun.

The variety is a cross between searing Bhut Jolokia, Naga Morich and Trinidad Scorpions chillies.

Tests by Warwick …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : World’s hottest chilli is ‘hot enough to strip paint’.

Pilot refuses to go through full body X-ray scanner at airport, walks off job

LONDON – A Houston-based pilot walked off his job because he didn’t want go through a full body scanner every time he had to report to work.

ExpressJet Airlines first officer Michael Roberts was chosen to go through the X-ray scanning machine at Memphis International airport before getting into the pilot seat to fly a commercial … Read more : Pilot refuses to go through full body X-ray scanner at airport, walks off job.

Yemeni Qaeda leader Al-Awlaki dined at Pentagon months after 9/11

WASHINGTON – Yemen based American origin Al Qaeda leader Anwar Al-Awlaki, who is on the CIA’s kill or capture list, was a lunch guest of the military brass at the Pentagon soon after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

According to documents obtained by Fox News, Awlaki was taken to the Pentagon as part of the …. Original article  : Yemeni Qaeda leader Al-Awlaki dined at Pentagon months after 9/11.

Petite 20-yr-old college girl takes ‘most dangerous’ police chief job in Mexico

LONDON – A town in Mexico has left most astonished after it appointed a college going mother-of-one to head a police force in the heart of a traditional route for narco-traffickers.

Marisol Valles, 20, who is studying criminology, has been appointed as chief of police of the northern Mexican border town of Praxedis Guadalupe Guerrero, in … Original article on : Petite 20-yr-old college girl takes ‘most dangerous’ police chief job in Mexico.

CWG infrastructure to be launching pad for future events, says Kumari Selja

NEW DELHI – Union Minister of Tourism and Housing Kumari Selja said today that the infrastructure that has been developed in Delhi for Commonwealth Games would serve as the launching pad for future events in the country.

Inaugurating an International Hospitality Fair here, Selja said that the range of events that can be organized in Delhi …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CWG infrastructure to be launching pad for future events, says Kumari Selja.

Key US officials in India to firm up Obama visit agenda

NEW DELHI – US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O. Blake are leading a delegation to India in advance of President Barack Obama’s expected visit to India.

According to a US Embassy press release, the officials met with a wide range …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chilean miner considered suicide over confronting wife and mistress

NEW YORK – A Chilean miner, who had been trapped underground along with others, is said to have considered death after he came to know that his wife had discovered that he had a secret mistress.

According to myFOXphilly.com, Yonni Barrios did not want to be rescued after he realised that the two women would …. Source article  : Chilean miner considered suicide over confronting wife and mistress.

Chandigarh hotels, multiplexes to install CCTV cameras

CHANDIGARH – In an effort to ensure safety of public and to keep an eye on anti-social elements, the Chandigarh administration Thursday directed hotels, restaurants, guest-houses and multiplexes to install CCTV cameras on their premises.

The district magistrate has issued directions to the owners and managers of all hotels, restaurants, guest-houses, cinemas and multiplexes … Read more »»».

Top Maoist commander surrenders in Jharkhand

KHUNTI – A top Maoist commander surrendered before the police on Wednesday in Jharkhand’s in Khunti district.

Sampat Meena, Deputy Inspector General of Police, said that the surrendered Maoist, Pratap Singh, was a top commander of Bharatiya Communist Party, a banned outfit and was wanted in several criminal cases.

“Pratap Singh was wanted since 2008 in three … Read : Top Maoist commander surrenders in Jharkhand.

Now, ‘marijuana sodas’ to get you high without the smoke!

WASHINGTON – A Colorado company has created a line of sodas with the main ingredient as marijuana.

Dixie Elixirs has made the drink available to anyone with a prescription for medical marijuana. The sodas come in eight different flavours, including pink lemonade, root beer and grape, reports Discovery News.

The drink makers said that part of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Now, ‘marijuana sodas’ to get you high without the smoke!.

Intensified CIA operations in Pak ‘taking serious toll’ on Al-Qaeda: Panetta

WASHINGTON – The stepped-up pace of CIA operations in Pakistan “is taking a serious toll” on terrorist group Al-Qaeda’s operational abilities, the spy agency’s director, Leon Panetta, has stated.

“The basis for that increased pace is intelligence, weather and also just the threat streams we’re getting on potential attacks in Europe,” the Los Angeles Times quoted …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Intensified CIA operations in Pak ‘taking serious toll’ on Al-Qaeda: Panetta.

Oz attacker says “Indian dog” slur against Indian student in Melbourne was not racist

MELBOURNE – A 20-year-old Australian man, facing jail for bashing and robbing Indian student Lucky Singh in Melbourne last year, has said that despite the ‘Indian dog’ slur, the attack was not racially motivated.

Comensoli told the Victorian County Court that he did not dispute Singh’s account of the bashing, in which the 23-year-old was also … Read more »»».

More and more youngsters in China opting for divorce

New Delhi, 0ct 21 (ANI): Experts have revealed that China is witnessing a rising divorce rate among youths belonging to the “post-1980s generation”, single children who are the product of China’s 1979 family planning policy.

According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, 1.71 million couples filed for divorce last year, up 10.3 percent over 2008, reports … Read more >>.

Congress wins Goa’s Valpoi bypoll

PANAJI – Congress wrested the Valpoi seat from the BJP with its candidate Vishwajit Rane winning the election by a margin of over 8,000 votes on Thursday.

Congress polled 11,642 votes while BJP’s Santosh Haldankar could get only 3,237 votes.

The by-poll in this constituency was necessitated after Rane an independent candidate, resigned as member …. Read the original article  : here.

Bush was ‘cleaning dog poo within 10 days of leaving White House’

NEW YORK – George W. Bush is known for his warped sense of humour but this time the former President outdid himself, saying that he was back to cleaning his dog Barney’s poo within ten days of leaving the White House.

“Ten days out of the presidency, there I was with a plastic bag in my … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bush was ‘cleaning dog poo within 10 days of leaving White House’.

sex.com sold for $13 mn after firm goes bust

LONDON – The internet web address sex.com has been sold for a record $13 million.

The distinctive name was put up for auction in July 2010 when its former owner, Escom LLC, went bankrupt.
Clover Holdings, a company registered on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, put in the highest bid for the domain.
At …. Original article  : sex.com sold for $13 mn after firm goes bust.

Pak troops linked to abuses could lose American aid

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration plans to refuse to train or equip about a half-dozen Pakistani Army units that are believed to have killed unarmed prisoners and civilians during recent offensives against the Taliban.

The New York Times quoted senior administration and Congressional officials as saying that while the White House has not told Pakistan of …. Source article  : Pak troops linked to abuses could lose American aid.

Italian town considering ban of miniskirts, low-cut tops for clean image

MELBOURNE – Officials at a seaside town in Italy have, in an effort to clean up the raunchy image of the place, threatened to ban miniskirts and low-cut tops.

The locals of Castellammare di Stabia would also be barred from using blasphemous language and playing soccer in public parks, and offenders would face fines of up … Read more >>.

Brit prison governor’s wife accused of naked romp with inmate serving life

LONDON – A British prison governor’s wife has been accused of romping naked with an inmate who is serving a life sentence.

Nikki Colley, 38, who was an instructor in “thinking skills”, aimed at convict rehabilitation, which involved one-to-one counselling, was allegedly found with convicted gunman Abidan Raphael, 30.

Raphael had shot security guard Robert Tough four …. Original source  : Brit prison governor’s wife accused of naked romp with inmate serving life.

Chaperone for sex addicts tops odd hotel requests list

LONDON – A list of strange requests that hotels get from their guests has revealed that asking for a chaperone for a group of sex addicts takes the cake.

Hotel chain Best Western revealed the list, which also included a group of animal-lovers requesting reiki classes for their pets, and another asking for twin rooms, so …. Original article  : Chaperone for sex addicts tops odd hotel requests list.

Shared all information on Headley with India: Robert Blake

NEW DELHI – US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Robert Blake, who is in Delhi to finalise the agenda for US President Barack Obama’s November visit to India, said today ‘all the information they had regarding David Headley was shared with India.’

Talking to reporters here, Blake said: “Whenever the United State has had …. Read the original article  : Shared all information on Headley with India: Robert Blake.

Rajasthan anti-terrorism squad arrests three Lashkar suspects

JAIPUR – Rajasthan’s Anti-Terrorist squad has arrested three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba men.

They have been identified as Babu alias Nishachandra Ali of Bikaner, Arun Jain of Nagaur and Hafiz Abdul Majid of Jhalawar.

They were arrested on Thursday under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967.

The state criminal investigation department said that preliminary investigations have revealed that Lashkar … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rajasthan anti-terrorism squad arrests three Lashkar suspects.

Three Army personnel killed in landslide in Baramulla

BARAMULLA – Three army personnel, including a captain, who had laid an ambush near the LoC were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Uri sector of Baramulla District.

Acting on a tip-off that a group of militants might try to sneak into the Valley, the troops of Sikh Light Infantry had laid …. Source article  : Three Army personnel killed in landslide in Baramulla.

Six different types of smiles identified

SYDNEY – In a new study, researchers have identified six different types of smiles.

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, a neuroscientist and Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor, have described the smiles and their distinctive characteristics.

The Duchenne smile, a genuine grin, it’s named for 19th-century French scientist Duchenne de Boulogne, whose name …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Six different types of smiles identified.

Nitin Garg murder case: Oz teen pleads guilty

MELBOURNE – More than nine months after Indian-origin student Nitin Garg was murdered while going to his part-time workplace, a 16-year-old Australian boy has pleaded guilty to his stabbing in a juvenile court here.

The unnamed teenager has also been charged with stealing Garg’s mobile phone and making a false statement to police in which he …. Original article  : Nitin Garg murder case: Oz teen pleads guilty.

Worried US demands China nuclear pact details from Pak

LAHORE – The United States has asked Pakistan to give a detailed account of its nuclear pact with China, US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has said.

“We have asked Pakistan to provide details about the nuclear pact with China. It is yet to be seen what international requirements Pak-China nuclear pact fulfils,” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Worried US demands China nuclear pact details from Pak.

Curfew imposed to foil separatist march in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Curfew was imposed in the old city areas of Srinagar and some towns of the Kashmir Valley to thwart yet another protest march called by separatists Friday, this time to mark a day 17 years ago when over 40 people were killed in security forces firing.

The hardline Hurriyat group headed by Syed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Curfew imposed to foil separatist march in Kashmir.

Tibetan medicine being upgraded in Dharamshala

DHARAMSHALA – The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM) organised a three-day workshop on continuing medical education in Dharamshala.

The main objective of this programme is to boost the knowledge of Tibetan medical practitioners through lectures and workshops delivered by the senior medical scholars and experts.

“This is an interface for the practitioners first of all, then … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tibetan medicine being upgraded in Dharamshala.

Orionids Meteor Shower Tonight Will Be Less Vibrant

WASHINGTON DC, (GaeaTimes.com)- Orionids Meteor Shower was at its peak yesterday. It will however be less frequent tonight. The experts also say that the sky watchers might have to face a little bit of problems, as it is full moon today and the shower will also be less than yesterday.
The best way to watch the … Read : Orionids Meteor Shower Tonight Will Be Less Vibrant.

Kashmir gets first snowfall of 2010, heavy rains lash valley

SRINAGAR – Temperatures dropped in the Kashmir Valley on Friday after the region’s upper reaches received the first snowfall of the 2010 winter season, and heavy rains lashed the rest of the valley.

State weather department officials confirmed that Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Qazigund areas of the Valley have received the first snowfall of …. Original source  : Kashmir gets first snowfall of 2010, heavy rains lash valley.

Oz teenager pleads guilty of being accessory to murder of Indian student Nitin Garg

MELBOURNE – An Australian teenager has pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the murder of Indian accountancy graduate Nitin Garg, who was killed in Melbourne earlier this year.

Twenty-one-year-old Garg was stabbed to death as he walked to work in Yarraville in January.

A 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in a Children’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oz teenager pleads guilty of being accessory to murder of Indian student Nitin Garg.

JFK told Secret Service to back off days before Dallas assassination

WASHINGTON – Former US President John F. Kennedy told his secret service agents to give him space to campaign days before he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

On the 47th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, his bodyguards, talking for the first time, said the charismatic president was a difficult man to protect.

After years of trying to figure …. Source article  : JFK told Secret Service to back off days before Dallas assassination.

US won’t mediate between India-Pak over Kashmir dispute: Holbrooke

LAHORE – US Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, has reportedly said that Washington would not play a direct role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Holbrooke said that it was upto both India and Pakistan to find a negotiable solution to the dispute.

He further highlighted that the Obama administration does not …. Source article  : US won’t mediate between India-Pak over Kashmir dispute: Holbrooke.

Victoria Police says Melbourne rape suspects have fled to India

MELBOURNE – Victoria Police on Friday confirmed that two men they want to question over a vicious rape that took place in Melbourne earlier this month have fled to India last Sunday.

“Police will liaise with Indian authorities in relation to the investigation,” The Age quoted a police spokeswoman, as saying.

Sexual crimes squad detectives were told …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

The official 50 funniest jokes of all time

LONDON – A team of researchers believe they have identified the 50 best one-liners.

Researchers scoured the web and examined more than 1,000 jokes before whittling them down to a final 50 on which 36,000 people voted.

They include digs at wives, husbands, blondes and foreigners and risqu??? jokes about religion, anorexia – and animal cruelty.

A quarter-century …. Read the original article  : The official 50 funniest jokes of all time.

Lillian McEwen Speaks About Clarence Thomas

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Lillian McEwen, the former girlfriend of Justice Clarence Thomas in one of her recent interviews made a shocking statement when she said that she supports Anita Hill and her testimony. Lillian McEwen said in one of her interviews to a reputed media source that Clarence Thomas was obsessed with pornographic movies when …. Original article  : Lillian McEwen Speaks About Clarence Thomas.

Campaign for second phase of Bihar polls to end today

PATNA – Campaigning for the second phase of Assembly elections in Bihar for the 45 constituencies will end today.

The second phase of Assembly elections is slated for Sunday.

Bihar’s Director General of Police Neelmani said Central paramilitary forces have been deployed at all the polling booths to ensure a free and fair poll.

Neelmani also …. Source  : Campaign for second phase of Bihar polls to end today.

Bankers in UK ’splurging on strippers like credit crunch never happened’

LONDON – While the world is trying to bounce back from the recession, bankers in the UK are recklessly blowing a fortune on lap dancers – even as half a million workers face the axe.

Spearmint Rhino club has noticed a 35 percent rise in the number of city workers rushing to its club in London’s … Read more »»».

Prince William, Kate Middleton’s secret safari in Africa

LONDON – New pilot Prince William and his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton apparently enjoyed a secret safari in Africa.

The couple went for the ten-day trip to Kenya to celebrate William passing his tough RAF helicopter search and rescue course.

It came just days after he completed his first mission in saving an offshore rig worker.

It is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prince William, Kate Middleton’s secret safari in Africa.

Brit siblings are world’s oldest family with combined age of almost 500yrs

LONDON – A British family is set to enter the record books for having the world’s oldest siblings, with their combined ages almost touching 500-years.

The five Bartletts, Kathleen, 102, Gladys, 100, Lillian, 94, Leonard, 92, and Courtney, 86, were born to Victorian parents in the early 1900s, and they have seen off 19 Prime Ministers, …. Read the original article  : here.

Murdered Brit-Indian girl’s ex-boyfriend jailed for life

LONDON – The ex-boyfriend of Indian-origin teen Asha Muneer, who was stabbed to death in Reading, UK, has been jailed for life with a 20-year minimum term for the “deliberate execution”.

A-level student Asha’s 19-year-old ex-boyfriend Gulamyr Akhter had stabbed her to death in January.

She had broken up with Gulamyr in July 2009.

In the … Read more : Murdered Brit-Indian girl’s ex-boyfriend jailed for life.

Pak won’t alter its ‘double game’ on terror even after 2bn ‘conditional’ aid by US: Expert

WASHINGTON – The two billion-dollar military aid to Pakistan announced by the United States during their strategic talks comes with a privately issued warning- that it risks losing this and other American aid if it does not adopt a more aggressive stance toward militants.

But some regional experts say that despite whatever tough words the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pak won’t alter its ‘double game’ on terror even after 2bn ‘conditional’ aid by US: Expert.

Runway opens at world’s first spaceport in US

LONDON – Commercial space travel moved a step closer with the unveiling of a runway at the world’s first spaceport in New Mexico.

The event was marked with a flypast of an aircraft carrying SpaceShip Two.

The vehicle has been developed to take fee-paying tourists on trips to the edge of space and back.

British billionaire Sir Richard … Read more >>.

Iwo Jima: Two Mass Graves Discovered

TOKYO, JAPAN (GaeaTimes.com)- A group of searchers in Japan have unearthed two mass graves on the island of Iwo Jima after an extensive operation was carried out to find the remains of Japanese soldiers who have been missing since Second World War. The discovery of the mass graves hogged the limelight after it was … Read more : Iwo Jima: Two Mass Graves Discovered.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard aided Iraqi militias during second Gulf War

NEW YORK – American intelligence reports have alarmingly revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard and its Lebanese ally, the Hezbollah played a significant role in assisting Iraqi militias at the height of the second Gulf war (2003-06).

According to the New …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Iran’s Revolutionary Guard aided Iraqi militias during second Gulf War.

Law firms ‘are more profitable when led by partners with powerful faces’

WASHINGTON – A study has concluded that law firms are more profitable when they are led by managing partners who have faces that look powerful.

Appearance matters a great deal when it comes to judging people-this includes clothing, posture, hairstyles-but the real window to judging people is the … Read : Law firms ‘are more profitable when led by partners with powerful faces’.

Pope says “God is alive”

NEVADA – “God is alive”, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI stated in a letter to seminarians dated October 18, published at “Vatican: the Holy See” website.

Pope also wrote: “…people will always have need of God, even in an age marked by technical mastery of … Original article on : Pope says “God is alive”.

Bankers got a kick out of the global recession, says academic

WASHINGTON – An academic at Cardiff University have said that the bankers who brought the global economy to its knees two years ago may have enjoyed the sensation of losing hundreds of billions of pounds and plunging the world into recession.

Dr Paul Crosthwaite claims that the willingness of banks to deal in …. Original article  : Bankers got a kick out of the global recession, says academic.

US seeking dramatically expanding CIA ‘ground forces’ in Pak: Report

WASHINGTON – The United States is reportedly pushing for the expansion of a secret Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) effort to help Pakistan target militants in their havens near the Afghan border, as the White House seeks new ways to prod Islamabad into more aggressive action against Al … Read more : US seeking dramatically expanding CIA ‘ground forces’ in Pak: Report.

Lankan Tamil politician asks Rajapaksa government to return seized gold, jewels

COLOMBO – A Sri Lankan Tamil politician has demanded that the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government return gold and jewels seized during the final stages of the war against Tamil Tiger rebels last year.

Mano Ganesan claimed that at least 110 kilograms of gold and jewels had been seized from fleeing Tamil refugees from the Wanni region of …. Original article  : Lankan Tamil politician asks Rajapaksa government to return seized gold, jewels.

Interlocutors to visit Kashmir Valley today

NEW DELHI – The three interlocutors appointed by he Central Government to seek out various shades of opinion in Jammu and Kashmir, are scheduled to visit the Kashmir Valley today.

Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and Central Information Commissioner M. M. Ansari met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday here.

Padgaonkar said the Prime Minister … Original article on : Interlocutors to visit Kashmir Valley today.

Tibetans in Western China protest against proposed language curbs

BEIJING – Thousands of Tibetan students in western China have been staging protests since Tuesday against proposals to curb or eliminate the use of the Tibetan language in local schools.

According to reports from Tibet advocacy groups and photographs and video of the protests circulating on the Internet, the protests are the largest in Tibetan areas …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il tries hand at restaurant designing

LONDON – North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il has bolstered his CV with a new skill – restaurant design.

The 68-year-old Kim personally provided “on-site guidance” during the construction of a new 60,000 sq ft wing at Okryugwan (The Jade Stream Pavilion), the most famous restaurant in North Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The … Read more : North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il tries hand at restaurant designing.

Kerala civic body polls commence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The first phase of the civic body polls began in Kerala on Saturday, as people from seven districts, out of the 14, visited polling stations to cast their votes.

In Thiruvananthapuram, the polls began early on Saturday, but found few takers as there were barely any queues at the polling stations.

Viswanathan, one of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kerala civic body polls commence.

US man slept with decomposed corpse for 2 days

MELBOURNE – A 31-year-old man from the US slept with a rotting corpse of a woman for two days after strangling her to death.

Michael Lenahan has been sentenced to 19 years behind bars for the murder of 24-year-old Lorna Santiago in the Confucius Plaza apartment in Manhattan he shared with his ailing grandmother.

“I’m far from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US man slept with decomposed corpse for 2 days.

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.