Working fathers in Spain entitled to “breastfeeding leave”

LONDON – Working fathers in Spain are now entitled to take “breastfeeding leave” everyday even if the mother of the child is not employed after a ruling by Europe’s top court.

The European Union Court of Justice in Luxembourg said in its ruling on September 30 that the Spanish law caused an “unjustified discrimination on … Read more »»».

10 things men should never ask women

WASHINGTON – An author has come up with a list of 10 top dating tips to guide men on what they should never say to women.

David DeAngelo, author of “Double Your Dating”, says there is nothing worse than making mistakes that will later be regretted and one way to avoid them is to remember … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 10 things men should never ask women.

Malaysian-Indian Congress President Samy Vellu’s 30-yr reign to end in January

KUALA LUMPUR – After more than 30 years and 11 consecutive terms at the helm of the The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), S. Samy Vellu has declared that he would step down in January next year and hand over the presidency to his deputy G. Palanivel.

According to The Star, Vellu made the surprising announcement at [..] Read the original article: here.

Missing Indian millionaire’s brothers to seek higher authority over Malaysian police’s foul play

KUALA LUMPUR – The brothers of missing Indian millionaire A. Muthuraja have said that would seek the assistance of higher international authorities to record their dissatisfaction with the Malaysian police.

“We are also looking at the possibility of seeking the assistance of the World Court, but we will consult the Indian High Commission here first,” The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Missing Indian millionaire’s brothers to seek higher authority over Malaysian police’s foul play.

Colleagues hold out hope balloonists missing during Europe race will be found

Balloonists hold out hope for missing pair

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On the eve of a major world balloon festival came word that two of the sport’s most acclaimed pilots were missing in a European race, leaving friends and colleagues in the tight-knit community fearful but holding out hope that they would turn up safe.
Veteran pilots Richard … Read more »».

After delays and problems, the attention in New Delhi turns to sports at Commonwealth Games

Attention turns to sports at Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – Fears about unhealthy conditions at the athletes’ village have abated and the venue preparation appears to be going smoothly, leaving athletes a few days to actually concentrate on their sports before the Commonwealth Games open on Sunday.
Preparation for the games have been plagued by problems, and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

20 years after unification, some Germans still think in east-west terms

20 years on, Germans reflect on reunification

BERLIN – Angela Merkel, the leader of Europe’s richest country, still hoards food.
That’s how much power Cold War-era habits still hold over Germans like Merkel who grew up in the communist east, a full two decades after reunification.
The chancellor still does her laundry with an East German liquid detergent, …. Original source  : 20 years after unification, some Germans still think in east-west terms.

Mich. assistant attorney general’s blog targeting gay student leader raises free speech issues

Mich. assistant AG’s anti-gay blog free speech?

LANSING, Mich. – An assistant attorney general is using his personal blog to target the openly gay leader of the University of Michigan’s student assembly, calling him a racist with a “radical homosexual agenda.” The lawyer claims that when he’s not at work, he has the right to say … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mich. assistant attorney general’s blog targeting gay student leader raises free speech issues.

Sweden raises terror alert because of increased threat of attacks

Sweden raises terror threat alert
STOCKHOLM – Sweden has raised the country’s terror threat alert to its highest level ever because of an increased threat of terror attacks, security officials said Friday.

The intelligence agency said the alert had been upped from level two to level three on a five-point scale for the first time in the … Read : Sweden raises terror alert because of increased threat of attacks.

N.Korea, S. Korea military talks break down over ‘The Cheonan’ sinking controversy

BEIJING – The first military talks in two years between the North Korea and South Korea reportedly ended without progress on Thursday, as Pyongyang refused to apologize for the sinking of ‘The Cheonan,’ an ROK warship.

According to China Daily, the talks were held with an intention to ease the prevailing tensions between the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dhaka cautious about sending troops to Afghanistan

DHAKA – The US has said that it has intensified discussions with Bangladesh about that country sending its troops to Afghanistan, but Dhaka is ‘cautious’ about it.

The United States has intensified its discussion on Bangladesh’s engagement in Afghanistan for global peace and stability, Nicholas Dean, the current charge d’affaires of the US mission …. Read the original article  : Dhaka cautious about sending troops to Afghanistan.

Colourful penguins didn’t don trademark black and white swimsuit 36m yrs ago

WASHINGTON – Newly discovered fossil feathers have revealed that the trademark black and white swimsuit of penguins came later in evolution-an evolutionary development that could have also made them better swimmers.

Until then, the giant ancestors of today’s penguins were grey and reddish-brown.

These findings come from a remarkably complete 36-million-year-old fossil discovered in the … Read more : Colourful penguins didn’t don trademark black and white swimsuit 36m yrs ago.

Fall is best time to rejuvenate the skin

WASHINGTON – Fall months are the best time to rejuvenate and repair the harm done to the skin by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

“Overexposure to the sun accelerates the aging process and takes its toll on our body’s largest organ,” said Victor Cimino of the Loyola University Health System.

“Some of the most immediately visible [..] Read the original article: here.

China still a developing country, claims top legislator Wu Bangguo

BEIJING – A top Chinese legislator, Wu Bangguo, has claimed that despite achieving remarkable economic growth over the past 30 years, the country is still a developing one.

According to Xinhua, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau … Read more : China still a developing country, claims top legislator Wu Bangguo.

US in talks with Pak for reopening NATO supply route following air strike standoff

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has expressed hope that Pakistan would reopen the key supply route for US-led forces in Afghanistan, which was closed in retaliation against air strikes staged by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Pakistani territory.

The Pentagon is holding talks with Pakistani officials to resolve the issue of blocking NATO supply trucks … Read more : US in talks with Pak for reopening NATO supply route following air strike standoff.

England to be most expensive place to earn a college degree

LONDON – England is likely to become the most expensive place in the world to take a degree under plans to increase student tuition fees, according to research.

University tuition fees of 5,000 pounds would make England the most expensive country in the world to earn a degree.

An analysis of international data reveals that …. Source article  : England to be most expensive place to earn a college degree.

Netherlands to ban burka, halve immigration: Anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders

WELLINGTON – The Netherlands will ban the ‘burka’ and halve immigration under measures agreed in a pact to form a minority coalition government, according to Geert Wilders, the anti-Islam MP whose party is part of the deal.

“We want the Islamisation to be stopped,” The Telegraph quoted Wilders, who will go on trial in Amsterdam next …. Original article  : Netherlands to ban burka, halve immigration: Anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders.

Chocolate diet helps morbidly obese US man lose 200lbs in 16 months!

LONDON – An American man achieved an astonishing feat of losing 200 lbs in just 16 months – by eating chocolates.

Morbidly obese Peter Ajello credited his unusual diet with saving his life after it helped him to beat life-threatening diabetes and gout in his legs.

After suffering a stroke, the bulky man turned to an unconventional … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chocolate diet helps morbidly obese US man lose 200lbs in 16 months!.

Obama meets freed US hiker Shourd

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has met Sarah Shourd, the American hiker who was detained for more than a year in Iran.

During the meeting, Obama also vowed to press for the release of two US men who are still under detention in Iran, The Telegraph reports.

Sarah Shourd, was one of three Americans arrested and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama meets freed US hiker Shourd.

Japan PM warns China against widening maritime activity as 3 Japanese freed by Beijing return

Japan PM warns on China as 3 freed Japanese return

TOKYO – Japan’s prime minister has raised concerns about China’s widening maritime activity across Asia, including waters near disputed islands where a ship collision ignited a bitter diplomatic feud.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s comments came in a major policy speech Friday before parliament as three Japanese held … Read : Japan PM warns China against widening maritime activity as 3 Japanese freed by Beijing return.

Brit sleuths recover weapons used in MQM leader’s murder in London

LONDON – Detectives from the Specialist Operations Counter Terrorism Command, investigating the murder of a London based Pakistani politician have reportedly found a knife and a brick used in the attack.

Fifty-year-old Dr Imran Farooq died from stab wounds and head injuries after he was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mohsin admits finding substitutes for Pak’s tainted trio “really tough”

KARACHI – Pakistan’s former Test opener and incumbent chief selector Mohsin Khan has acknowledged that it will be “really tough” for the selectors to find replacements of the tainted trio- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir- if they are ruled …. Read the original article  : here.

Rajinikanth’s latest blockbuster ‘Enthiran’ a big hit in Malaysia

BUTTERWORTH – Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited film ‘Enthiran’ (Robot in Telugu and Hindi) has opened to packed theatres in Malaysia.

The film features Rajinikanth in dual roles, as a science professor and a super-intelligent android robot. Aishwarya …. Read the original article  : Rajinikanth’s latest blockbuster ‘Enthiran’ a big hit in Malaysia.

Gandhi Jayanti Being Celebrated Today

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The 141nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being celebrated all across the nation today. Political leaders hailing from different parties paid their homage to the ‘Father of the Nation’ at his memorial in Raj Ghat earlier on Saturday. Some of the prominent leaders who visited Raj Ghat to pay … Read more >>.

Indonesian women caned in public for selling food during Ramadan under sharia law

JAKARTA – Two Indonesian women were caned in public on Friday for selling food during Muslim festival of Ramadan.

According to The Telegraph, both the women were found guilty of selling food during the fasting hours of Ramadan, thereby violating Islamic sharia law.

Hundreds … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian women caned in public for selling food during Ramadan under sharia law.

Death of office jokes with Brit law that lets ‘anyone sue for anything’

LONDON – Brit MPs yesterday announced that the Labour’s controversial Equality Act would be implemented immediately, which will allow office staff to sue for almost any perceived offence they receive in the workplace – a sure-fire way to the death of office …. Original article  : Death of office jokes with Brit law that lets ‘anyone sue for anything’.

Syrian president holds talks with ally Iran expected to focus on international sanctions, Iraq

Syrian leader holds talks with close ally Iran

TEHRAN, Iran – Syrian President Bashar Assad is in Iran for talks that are likely to include the effect of international sanctions on Tehran and the political struggles in neighboring Iraq.
Syria and Iran wield considerable influence in Iraq among different groups – Syria with Sunnis and Iran among … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Syrian president holds talks with ally Iran expected to focus on international sanctions, Iraq.

Air India flight makes safe emergency landing in Kochi

KOCHI – An Air India 901 Kochi-Kozhikode-Riyadh flight with 197 passengers on board, made an emergency landing here today as it was diverted after a smoke alarm went off.

According to Airport sources, the pilot made the emergency landing after the …. Source  : Air India flight makes safe emergency landing in Kochi.

Delhi Metro to have separate coach for women

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reserved the first coach of every train exclusively for women from today.

The reserved ladies’ coach will be the first after the driver’s cab in every train.

Children up to 12 years, accompanied by women passengers, will also be allowed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Metro to have separate coach for women.

Forest officials rescue python in Durgapur

BURDWAN – The forest officials of the Burdwan Muchipara region in West Bengal’s Burdwan district rescued an eight-feet long python from a residential colony.

The python was found near a factory in Durgapur town on Friday.

“This python was found in the premises of PCBL Company. The people there caught it and handed it over to the …. Source  : Forest officials rescue python in Durgapur.

JK Rowling sparks hope for more Harry Potter books in future

LONDON – A ray of hope for die-hard Harry Potter fans – J.K. Rowling has said that there could be more Harry potter books as she felt bereaved after completing the seventh and final book, ‘Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows’.

The best-selling author made the above revelation during a taping in Edinburgh for an episode [..] Read the original article: here.

Miraculous Brit girl plays five musical instruments despite being deaf

LONDON – The old adage, ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way’, was literally proved by a deaf girl, who plays five musical instruments and went on to win top marks in her music exam recently.

The 18-year-old girl from King’s Lynn in Norfolk was inspired to take up the saxophone after watching the cartoon character … Read more >>>.

Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala gear up for polls

DHARAMSALA – Tibetans in-exile in Dharamshala are all geared up for the first round of general elections of Tibetan Parliament and Cabinet to be held on Sunday.

The prominent candidates who are contesting the polls include Harvard University Professor Lobsang Sangey, Tibetan diplomat Tenzin Thethong Namgyal, former President of Tibetan Youth Congress Tsetan Norbu, Speaker Pempa … Read : Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala gear up for polls.

Joint training exercise for Indian Armed Forces in Andaman and Nicobar

PORT BLAIR – With an objective to streamline and strengthen joint operations, the newly set up Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a unified exercise for the personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force.

This was first of its kind training in Andaman Nicobar Island that is not … Read : Joint training exercise for Indian Armed Forces in Andaman and Nicobar.

India, Afghanistan to further strengthen ties

NEW DELHI – Appreciating India’s efforts to help restore normalcy in Afghanistan, country’s Ambassador to India, Nangyalai Tarzi has expressed desire to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Speaking on the occasion of a screening of a short film ‘Humsaye-Two Nations, Two Neighbours’, … Read more »»».

CRPF personnel, police official injured in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh

SUKMA – A security personnel from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a police official got injured in a Maoist attack that occurred in Sukma block of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada District.

Anil Tondon and Ashok Yadav, the two who got injured have been admitted in Ram Krishna Hospital.

The attack took place about 100 meters away from a …. Original source  : CRPF personnel, police official injured in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh.

UK charity commission to classify Druidry as a religion

LONDON – Druidry is flourishing more now than at any time since the arrival of Christianity to Britain.ruidry is to become the first pagan practice to be given official recognition as a religion.

The Charity Commission has accepted that druids’ worship of spirits arising from the natural world could be seen as a religious activity. The …. Original source  : UK charity commission to classify Druidry as a religion.

‘Incredible India’ festival opens for Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – Ahead of Commonwealth Games Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has opened the ‘Incredible India’ festival in the city.

On Friday, various cultural groups assembled e from across the nation to give the festival an Indian flavour.

“The cuisines of the entire country and the special things made, will be available at one place and …. Source  : ‘Incredible India’ festival opens for Commonwealth Games.

NYPD preparing to combat ‘Mumbai-style terror attack’ in city

NEW YORK – The New York Police Department had reportedly sent selected officers around the world to analyse Mumbai-style of terror attacks with an intention to prevent such attacks from taking place in the city.

According to The New York Daily News, counter-terrorism officers believe [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak lodges protest with NATO over cross-border air strikes into its territory

ISLAMABAD – Reacting to the recent NATO and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) intrusions into its territory, Pakistan has formally lodged a protest in this regard with a senior official at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

“Pakistan’s … Read more : Pak lodges protest with NATO over cross-border air strikes into its territory.

Latvian voters give ruling coalition green light to forge ahead with painful reforms

Latvian gov’t wins election, painful reforms ahead

RIGA, Latvia – Latvia’s center-right government is poised to stay in power after voters backed its plans to continue painful reforms required by an international bailout program to fix the Baltic country’s crippled economy.
A near-complete vote count Sunday shows Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis’ coalition winning more than 57 percent …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Latvian voters give ruling coalition green light to forge ahead with painful reforms.

Churchill becomes first ever British PM to enter UK pop charts

LONDON – Winston Churchill has made pop music history from beyond the grave.

He has become the first ever British Prime Minister to enter the UK pop charts.

Churchill who inspired Britain to victory in the Second World War is also the oldest person to make the charts.

‘Winnie’ is one of the performers in Reach for the … Read : Churchill becomes first ever British PM to enter UK pop charts.

Terror outfits in Af-Pak border area now seeking global reach: Admiral Mullen

WASHINGTON – Top US military official Admiral Mike Mullen has again warned that the Afghan-Pak border area remains the ‘epicentre of terrorism,’ and added that many of the militant outfits based in that region are now seeking global reach.

“The reason we’re focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan is that living in that border area are the … Read : Terror outfits in Af-Pak border area now seeking global reach: Admiral Mullen.

UK held secret war talks with U.S. general 11 months before Iraq invasion

LONDON – America’s senior most general Tommy Franks flew into Britain for top secret talks on the invasion of Iraq 11 months before the attack on the Saddam Hussein’s regime, according to secret Pentagon documents revealed about the details of the classified meeting, held at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

According to the Daily Mail, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UK held secret war talks with U.S. general 11 months before Iraq invasion.

Richard Curtis’ climate change video featuring exploding kids sparks fury

MELBOURNE – A bloody climate change campaign video sparked controversy after it featured children being blown up.

According to the Telegraph, the 4-minute video made by ‘Love Actually’ writer Richard Curtis shows a teacher is blowing up two schoolchildren with a detonator because they display little interest in a project to cut carbon emissions.

Former soccer star … Original source on Gaea Times at : Richard Curtis’ climate change video featuring exploding kids sparks fury.

Taking cue from mom Sarah Palin, Bristol hits public speaking circuit

NEW YORK – Bristol Palin seems to be following in the footsteps of her Tea Party mom, Sarah Palin.

Bristol is now on Facebook and is hitting the public speaking circuit to spread her brand of family values.

The move is sure to fuel speculation that Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012, reports the New … Read : Taking cue from mom Sarah Palin, Bristol hits public speaking circuit.

Citing increased terror threat, US set to warn Americans in Europe to be more vigilant

US to warn Americans in Europe to be vigilant

WASHINGTON – The State Department plans to caution Americans traveling in Europe to be vigilant because of heightened concerns about a potential al-Qaida terrorist attack aimed at U.S. citizens and Europeans.
The travel “alert” will be issued Sunday for travelers’ guidance and is general in nature and will …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Citing increased terror threat, US set to warn Americans in Europe to be more vigilant.

A ‘perfect’ wedding date: 10th day of the 10th month of 2010

SYDNEY – A Parramatta couple will tie the knot next Sunday: the 10th day of the 10th month of 2010, which they believe is the perfect wedding date for them.

Kat Chong and David Tran visited a numerologist who said getting married on October 10 would ensure a happy life together.

“In Chinese culture, numbers can be …. Original source  : A ‘perfect’ wedding date: 10th day of the 10th month of 2010.

Malik passes NRO accountability buck to Musharraf

KARACHI – Pakistan Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik has stated that former president Pervez Musharraf will not only have to face a number of criminal and civil cases registered against him, but also answer on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case, if he decides to return to the country.

According to a news channel, Malik made … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Malik passes NRO accountability buck to Musharraf.

NHS hospital trust rejects bedside Bible ‘germ’ ban in UK

EDINBURGH – A bedside Bible ban, considered by a National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust that feared they could spread germs, has reportedly been rejected.

According to the Scotsman, a research by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust had claimed that the Bibles could pose a risk of cross-infection if not cleaned properly.

The trust, however, rejected … Read more >>.

After women, bum-lift pants to boost men’s confidence

LONDON – Those body-conscious men who want to squeeze into tight jeans without showing themselves up have something to be happy about-Marks and Spencer has come up with a with a new range of control pants for men.

M and S launched their Bodymax undie range this month.

The 15-pound bum-lift pants apparently raise bottoms [..] Read the original article: here.

Stuxnet worm ‘nuclear spies’ arrested, claims Iranian Minister Moslehi

TEHRAN – Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi has said that an unspecified number of ‘nuclear spies’ were arrested in connection with a damaging ‘Stuxnet worm’ that had infected computers in its nuclear program.

According to The New York Times, Moslehi also said …. Original article  : Stuxnet worm ‘nuclear spies’ arrested, claims Iranian Minister Moslehi.

Metro to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium rolls out today

NEW DELHI – The Central Secretariat-Sarita Vihar corridor of the Delhi Metro, which is a crucial link to the XIX Commonwealth Games main venue, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, rolled out to the public on Sunday morning, hours before the opening ceremony … Read more : Metro to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium rolls out today.

Bihar Police arrest three Maoists

GAYA – Bihar Police has arrested three Maoists including a zonal commander of a banned outfit called Revolutionary Communist Centre (RCC) during a search operation in Gaya District on Saturday.

Acting on a tip off, the police launched a search operation in Shastri Nagar area from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bihar Police arrest three Maoists.

Attacks on NATO trucks could see alternate route to Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD – Incensed over the terror attacks on NATO supply trucks travelling to Afghanistan through Pakistan, US-led allied forces have warned Islamabad they would abandon Pakistan as a major supply route to the war-torn country if such assaults are not prevented.

The increase in the number of terror attacks on NATO convoys coupled with the … Read : Attacks on NATO trucks could see alternate route to Afghanistan.

Cebu Pacific Airlines cabin crew give safety demo while dancing to Gaga!

LONDON – Unlike many of us who do not pay attention during a routine safety demonstration aboard an aeroplane, passengers flying to the Philippines had an interesting reason to do so.

Cabin crew on board a Cebu Pacific Airlines flight had …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Donald Trump’s business partner charged with running prostitution ring

NEW YORK – Donald Trump’s business partner Tevfik Arif has been charged for his role in pimping out Eastern European models for decadent sex parties aboard a Turkish yacht.

Turkish prosecutors have reportedly hit Arif and five others with charges related to organizing a criminal …. Original source  : Donald Trump’s business partner charged with running prostitution ring.

Prince Charles to read Queen’s message, President Patil to deliver CWG opening address

NEW DELHI – The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, will read out the Queen’s message and President Pratiba Devisingh Patil will deliver an address to signal the commencement of the XIX Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of the 2010 Games, during …. Source article  : Prince Charles to read Queen’s message, President Patil to deliver CWG opening address.

3 killed by militants in Pakistan in apparent retaliation for recent US drone strikes

3 killed in Pakistan following US missile strikes

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The bullet-riddled bodies of three men were found Sunday by a road in Pakistan’s restive northwestern tribal region, killed by suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in apparent retaliation for recent U.S. drone strikes in the area, officials and a villager said.
The corpses were discovered in North …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 3 killed by militants in Pakistan in apparent retaliation for recent US drone strikes.

Love of meat stopped me from joining Hare Krishna sect, says O’Donnell

WASHINGTON – In a previous interview, the Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell had said that before becoming Christian she tried her hands on various religions, but skipped becoming a Hare Krishna – as she didn’t want to be vegetarian, it has emerged.

Maher aired a clip of O’Donnell on his show ‘Real Time with Bill …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bus Strike In Chennai Cripples Normal Life

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The commuters in Chennai had to face a harrowing time on Monday morning as a section of the city’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation decided to go on a strike in order to protest against a recent incident in which an altercation broke out between a bus driver and some autorickshaw operators. According … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bus Strike In Chennai Cripples Normal Life.

Kazakhs competing to prove Genghis Khan descent

LONDON – As Kazakhstan wakes up to a new prestige post the country’s former aristocracy, thousands of Kazakhs are competing to prove their descent from feared warlord Genghis Khan.

In the last three years, more than 300 Kazakhs have sent gene samples … Read more : Kazakhs competing to prove Genghis Khan descent.

Delhi CM hands over 140 provisional Beghar, UIDAI cards to vulnerable persons

NEW DELHI – The Sheila Dikshit Government has moved one step closer to identifying vulnerable persons of society, by issuing “Beghar” (homeless) cards and provisional unique identification AADHAR document and numbers under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). …. Read the original article  : Delhi CM hands over 140 provisional Beghar, UIDAI cards to vulnerable persons.

Energy drinks ‘just a waste of money’, says expert

LONDON – All those who are spending money on those energy sports drinks are just wasting their money-as they just end up consuming lots of extra calories, warns an expert.

Nick Hudson, national fitness manager for Virgin Active said while the drinks may be suitable for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Energy drinks ‘just a waste of money’, says expert.

How to cure baldness and banish onion breath per the 1856 Victorians’ bible

LONDON – Curing baldness doesn’t need a visit to a dermatologist anymore, as a nearly 150-year-old Victorians’ domestic bible is back to help you.

Victorians’ bible of household management, ‘Enquire Within Upon Everything’ was first printed in 1856, and has … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How to cure baldness and banish onion breath per the 1856 Victorians’ bible.

Company locks out Phoenix bus workers after talks fail

Company locks out Phoenix bus workers
PHOENIX – The company that operates one-third of Phoenix city buses has locked out dozens of workers in a contract dispute.

The Arizona Republic reports that negotiations between Veolia Transportation Services and the Teamsters Union broke down Sunday afternoon and the company locked out 60 unionized employees when the old contract …. Original article  : Company locks out Phoenix bus workers after talks fail.

Oz Catholic teacher jailed for 10 yrs for raping, molesting 13 students

MELBOURNE – A Catholic primary school teacher in Australia who raped and performed indecent acts on 13 students aged nine and ten, has been sentenced to ten years jail though he could be let out in six.

Gerard Byrnes, 61, of Toowoomba, had 44 offences against him, and they included him … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oz Catholic teacher jailed for 10 yrs for raping, molesting 13 students.

First pictures of the secret kingdom of Tibet taken in 1903 up for grabs

LONDON – A number of pictures of the secret kingdom of Tibet that were taken in 1903 during a British Mission to the country has come to light for the first time and are to be auctioned off.

The pictures had been taken during the expedition …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : First pictures of the secret kingdom of Tibet taken in 1903 up for grabs.

Experts liken Ground Zero mosque design to Superman’s HQ

NEW YORK – Futuristic designs for an Islamic centre and mosque near the site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, have been reportedly likened to the Fortress of Solitude, the crystalline headquarters of Superman depicted in comic books, by experts.

According to The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Experts liken Ground Zero mosque design to Superman’s HQ.

Five things you didn’t know about Obama as President

WASHINGTON – A new portrait of US President Barack Obama that has emerged collectively from three books on his presidency reveals less-known secrets of the Obama administration.

Penned by three authors …. Original source  : Five things you didn’t know about Obama as President.

Brit-Indian trainee pilot killed in US plane crash

LONDON – Jaskinder Samra, an Indian origin British trainee pilot, has been killed after a rented plane ran out of fuel mid-air and crashed in Murray County of Georgia in the United States.

According to the Daily Mail, the 21-year-old stewardess was one …. Read the original article  : here.

President Patil to Visit Amritsar to boost “Nanhi Chhaan” girl and tree campaign

AMRITSAR – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will visit Amritsar on Wednesday (October 6) to give a boost to the “Nanhi Chhaan”, a campaign that is aimed at protecting the girl child and trees.

Eminent women leaders, including Sushma Swaraj, Leader … Read more : President Patil to Visit Amritsar to boost “Nanhi Chhaan” girl and tree campaign.

Turkey likely to hold elections in first week of June

Turkey aims for elections in June
ANKARA, Turkey – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is likely to hold elections in the first week of June.

Parliamentary elections are due to be held in July, but Erdogan said late Sunday the government is planning ballots a month early. Erdogan has said his government wants voting to …. Read the original article  : Turkey likely to hold elections in first week of June.

CPI-M top brass meets to finalise Bihar poll strategy

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) top brass will meet here on Monday to give final touches to its poll strategy in Bihar and discuss preparations for the assembly elections in West Bengal and Kerala, which would be held next year.

The verdict pronounced by the Lucknow …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cabbies of Mumbai oppose proposed makeover of their vehicle

MUMBAI – Taxi drivers of Mumbai on Sunday expressed their displeasure over the decision of the State government to change the colour of their taxies.

The drivers said the people can easily identify the iconic black and yellow colour of their Fiat taxis and the proposed change … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cabbies of Mumbai oppose proposed makeover of their vehicle.

Next Glastonbury Festival tickets sell out within four hours

LONDON – All tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2011 have sold out in just over four hours after going on sale.

Thousands of fans flooded the website and phone lines in a bid to secure the tickets for the festival, which starts on 22 June.

The festival’s website and Twitter feed apologised to those who … Read more >>.

With more chefs growing their own fruits, vegetables, gardens are named top restaurant trend

Chefs name gardens top restaurant trend of 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa – Gardens have been named the hottest trend in restaurants this year as more chefs involved with the eat local food movement decide to grow their own tomatoes, herbs and other produce.
A third of the 2,000 chefs surveyed by the National Restaurant Association named gardens …. Source  : With more chefs growing their own fruits, vegetables, gardens are named top restaurant trend.

Musharraf will not be invited to join PML alliance: PML Secretary General

LAHORE – Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will not be invited to join the alliance of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) factions, PML Secretary General Humayun Akhtar has said.

Akhtar said that Musharraf had been conveyed the message that he should start politics only after returning to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Musharraf will not be invited to join PML alliance: PML Secretary General.

Bihar polls: Notification for third phase issued

PATNA – The notification for the third phase of the six-phased State Assembly elections in Bihar was issued here today.

Forty-eight out of 243 Assembly constituencies will go to polls in this phase on October 28.

The districts are East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bihar polls: Notification for third phase issued.

NATO supply tankers attacked in Pakistan; Taliban claims responsibility

Taliban attacks NATO supply trucks in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Monday for a pre-dawn attack on tankers carrying fuel to Afghanistan for U.S. and other NATO forces, vowing to continue raiding supply lines in Pakistan until they are shut down completely.
The attack came on a supply line that has been stalled because …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NATO supply tankers attacked in Pakistan; Taliban claims responsibility.

US tone-down, says ‘al-Qaeda attack alert’ meant for Europe ‘not specifically’ America

WASHINGTON – The U.S. government has clarified that the State Department alert on al-Qaeda backed terror plots were meant for Europe and that there was no indication that America or its citizens were the targets.

According to Fox News, the White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said … Read : US tone-down, says ‘al-Qaeda attack alert’ meant for Europe ‘not specifically’ America.

Bunker removal process starts in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – The process of removing 16 bunkers manned by security forces began here Tuesday with a view to bring peace back to the Kashmir Valley after weeks of street protests and deaths.

“It has been decided to dismantle 16 bunkers from Srinagar city,” a police official said.
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bunker …. Read the original article  : Bunker removal process starts in Srinagar.

Anti-impotence wafer works faster than Viagra?

LONDON – An anti-impotence wafer, similar to breath freshner strips, seems to work faster than Viagra, reports suggest.

Prior to Viagra’s development, the only options were to inject drugs straight into the penis, or use a pump that manually increased blood supply to the organ. But neither was very popular.
The new treatment …. Source article  : Anti-impotence wafer works faster than Viagra?.

Omar government responsible for Kashmir turmoil: BJP

JAMMU – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday blamed the Omar Abdullah government for the turmoil in the Kashmir Valley and wondered at the incompetence of the chief minister for trying to shift the blame onto the armed forces.

Launching an attack on the 21-month-old National Conference-Congress coalition government, BJP legislature party leader Chaman … Original source on Gaea Times at : Omar government responsible for Kashmir turmoil: BJP.

North Korea media say Kim Jong Un joins father in observing military drill

NKorea media say Kim Jong Un joins father at drill

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea’s heir apparent Kim Jong Un appeared Tuesday for the first time in the country’s state media reports on visits by his father, supreme leader Kim Jong Il, to review troops and factories.
The official Korea Central News Agency said in a … Original article on : North Korea media say Kim Jong Un joins father in observing military drill.

Pumpkin Carvings Pattern Available Online

LOS ANGELES (Gaea Times.com) – Halloween is fast approaching and has got people busy in preparing for the festival on October 31st. The demand for craved pumpkins is high among Halloween shoppers with a large variety of pumpkin carvings available. The economic instability of the country has not dampened the spirit of Halloween …. Source  : Pumpkin Carvings Pattern Available Online.

Commonwealth Games organizers consider giving away free tickets to children to fill venues

Organizers consider giving out free Comm Games tix

NEW DELHI – The empty stadiums that marred the first day of competition at the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games may be filled by children and the underprivileged if attendance doesn’t improve.
After weeks of problems and delays in a wide range of areas in the buildup to the games, the …. Original source  : Commonwealth Games organizers consider giving away free tickets to children to fill venues.

Security bunkers being removed in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday started the process of removing 16 security bunkers from Srinagar.

The decision to remove the bunkers was taken at a meeting of the Unified Headquarters in Srinagar last week as part … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Security bunkers being removed in Srinagar.

‘UFO’ collision threat shuts down Chinese airport

LONDON – An airport in China was forced to shut down to prevent packed passenger jets crashing into a UFO.

The ‘flat and tubular’ object hovered two miles from Bootee in Inner Mongolia, a part of China.

Astonished officials said it then zoomed in to circle the airport before suddenly vanishing.

Air … Read more >>>.

“No timeframe” for reopening NATO supply line: Pak FO

ISLAMABAD – In the wake of the Pak-US standoff following a key NATO supply route blockage by Pakistan in retaliation against cross-border air strikes by the ISAF, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit has stated that the concerned route … Read more : “No timeframe” for reopening NATO supply line: Pak FO.

Oz lesbian couple beat odds of 1 in 60m by conceiving quintuplets

LONDON – Two Australian women, who are living together, have expressed their joy at finding that they are expecting quintuplets beating the odds of one in sixty million.

Melissa Keevers, 27, and her partner Rosemary Nolan, 21, who already share a … Original article on : Oz lesbian couple beat odds of 1 in 60m by conceiving quintuplets.

Kenyan man dubbed “Danger” passes away leaving behind 100 widows

WASHINGTON – A Kenyan man, who earned himself the nickname “Danger” because women found him so attractive, has passed away after marrying more than 100 women in his lifetime and fathering nearly 200 children.

Ancentus Akuku, who was Kenya’s most prominent polygamist, was in his late …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kenyan man dubbed “Danger” passes away leaving behind 100 widows.

Giant airships could carry entire buildings 1000 miles

LONDON – An Australian firm is developing an airship that would be able to transport buildings over long distances.

Skylifter is developing a piloted airship that will carry up to 150 tonnes more than 1,200 miles.

They hope that the vehicles could one day …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now, Japan, Sweden warn citizens against al-Qaeda Mumbai-style terror attacks in Europe

TOKYO – In the latest development, Japan and Sweden have now joined the US and Britain by issuing travel warnings of a Mumbai-style attack on major transport hubs or tourist attractions across Europe.

According to the Telegraph, both the countries have warned their … Read : Now, Japan, Sweden warn citizens against al-Qaeda Mumbai-style terror attacks in Europe.

UK civil rights campaigners slam ‘Stasi-style’ CCTV alert website

MELBOURNE – Campaigners have criticized a new website that allows anyone in Europe to monitor commercial CCTV footage live online as a “Stasi-style citizen spy game” that should be banned.

According to the Herald Sun, Internet Eyes will pay up to 1,000 pounds … Original source on Gaea Times at : UK civil rights campaigners slam ‘Stasi-style’ CCTV alert website.

US close to resolving dispute with Pak over blocking of NATO supply route: Gibbs

WASHINGTON – Following a high-level meeting in Washington between US and Pakistani diplomats, the White House has stated that the two countries are close to resolving their dispute over Islamabad’s decision to close a supply route for US-led forces in Afghanistan.

“We are in [..] Read the original article: here.

Well-matched couples mimic each other’s language

LONDON – Well-matched couples mimic each other’s language during conversations, a study has found.

The more your other half copies your slang and speech patterns, the more psychologically connected you are, Daily Mail reported Tuesday citing a study by US researchers.
Couples are most likely to perform this “language style matching”, or LSM, during happier …. Original source  : Well-matched couples mimic each other’s language.

Eight German al-Qaeda terrorists killed in US drone attack in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Eight German militants, who were taking training from the Taliban, have reportedly been killed in a U.S. missile strike close to the Afghan border in Pakistan. ccording to the Daily Mail, the militants were taking training in North Waziristan, the al- Qaeda’s stronghold, when the unmanned drones targeting a mosque, hit them. The … Original article on : Eight German al-Qaeda terrorists killed in US drone attack in Pakistan.

Over 5 out of 10 young Americans back Obama: Gallup Poll

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama remains the preference of young voters, according to a new Gallup poll.

Fifty-seven percent of 18-to-29-year-olds support Obama, reports Politico.

According to the poll, 91 percent of African-Americans approve of Obama, as do 79 percent of self-identified Democrats and 75 percent of liberals.

A majority of Hispanics, self-identified moderates and those with …. Original source  : Over 5 out of 10 young Americans back Obama: Gallup Poll.

Madam charged over Asian prostitute ring on Queensland’s Gold Coast

SYDNEY – A 42-year-old Sydney madam has been charged with running an illegal prostitution ring on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

he woman was arrested after a yearlong covert police investigation dubbed Operation Hotel Caftan. She recruited sex workers through ads placed in Asian newspapers in Sydney and Brisbane, the Herald Sun reports.

Police allege she then organised …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Madam charged over Asian prostitute ring on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Aircraft cabin air ‘no more harmful than office air’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that an aircraft cabin is no more of a health threat to passengers than sitting in an office.

According to the research by the National Research Council, an airplane is as likely to make you sick as any other enclosed environment, such as a cinema or an underground train. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Aircraft cabin air ‘no more harmful than office air’.

Chile miners could be rescued as early as by weekend, claims drilling company

LONDON – The 33 miners trapped underground in Chile could be rescued by Sunday, according to the drilling company, Geotec Boyles Bros.

“We expect to arrive in the gallery on Saturday if there’s no major problem with the drilling,” the Christian Science Monitor quoted Eugenio Eguiguren, executive vice president at the drilling company Geotec Boyles Bros., … Read more »»».

‘US drone attack surge in Pak connected to suspected Europe terror plot’: Haqqani

LONDON – The recent upsurge in US drone attacks in Pakistan is linked to efforts to disrupt a suspected Al-Qaeda plot to launch Mumbai-style attacks on European targets, Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Hussein Haqqani, has acknowledged.

“The activity we see in North Waziristan, in terms of strikes and terms of measures to try to get … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘US drone attack surge in Pak connected to suspected Europe terror plot’: Haqqani.

Yeddyurappa drops four dissident Karnataka ministers

BANGALORE – Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday dropped four dissident ministers from his Cabinet.

The dropped ministers are Venkataramanappa, Shivaraj Thangadagi, DSudhakar and P M Narendraswamy.

The provocation was the recent Cabinet reshuffle in which six new ministers were inducted, leaves several senior BJP leaders unhappy.

According to sources, several rebel BJP MLAs, including a … Original article on : Yeddyurappa drops four dissident Karnataka ministers.

25 tankers carrying NATO fuel torched, driver killed in attack on supply convoy in Pakistan

25 NATO fuel tankers attacked in Pakistan
QUETTA, Pakistan – Gunmen torched more than two dozen tankers carrying fuel to NATO troops and killed a driver Wednesday, the sixth attack on convoys taking supplies to Afghanistan since Pakistan closed a key border crossing almost a week ago.

Islamabad shut down the Torkham crossing along the fabled Khyber …. Source  : 25 tankers carrying NATO fuel torched, driver killed in attack on supply convoy in Pakistan.

Mahalaya Bonanza For Kolkata!

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- There is good news for the residents of Kolkata who use the underground metro rail for commuting within the city! This Mahalaya the Kolkata Metro rail starts AC ride for the commuters. After long wait the AC coaches have arrived and the results of the trial run are also satisfying say … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mahalaya Bonanza For Kolkata!.

Saudi prince ‘kills manservant’ during gay sex session

LONDON – A Saudi prince is said to have battered his manservant to death during a gay sex session in a five star hotel in London.

The court was told that aide Bandar Abdullah Abdulaziz, 32, was bitten on his cheeks, and his blood was discovered on the underpants of Prince Saud Abdulazaziz bin Nasser al [..] Read the original article: here.

5 major check-in areas at European airports were targets of Mumbai-style attacks: US official

WASHINGTON – Check-in areas in at least five major European airports were among the possible targets of a suspected Mumbai-style European terror attack plot, according to a US law enforcement official.

The Daily Mail quoted the official as saying that the terror teams might have staged commando-style attacks on pre-security areas, which are usually packed …. Source article  : 5 major check-in areas at European airports were targets of Mumbai-style attacks: US official.

Fireworks for Hanoi’s birthday bash explode, 1 reportedly killed

Fireworks explode in Vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam – A Vietnamese official says fireworks intended for Hanoi’s 1,000th birthday celebration have exploded prematurely, and state-controlled media have reported at least one death.

A local government official says the blast occurred just before noon Wednesday near My Dinh stadium, one of 29 sites in the capital where fireworks were planned … Read more »»».

As Halloween becomes big business, farmers find people love ugly, odd, warted pumpkins best

Pumpkin farmers profit with odd, ugly varieties

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After decades of trying to grow perfect, round, orange pumpkins, farmers have found many people believe nothing says Halloween like a warty, twisted gourd in a weird color.
“Anything that’s ugly or weird or unusual, it just sells like crazy,” said Randy Graham, who grows 40 pumpkin …. Source article  : As Halloween becomes big business, farmers find people love ugly, odd, warted pumpkins best.

As war enters 10th year, Obama honors Special Forces patrol leader who died in Taliban ambush

Medal of Honor to Green Beret killed in Afghan war

WASHINGTON – With the war in Afghanistan about to grind past another milestone, President Barack Obama is awarding the Medal of Honor on Wednesday to an Army Green Beret killed two winters ago when his patrol was ambushed by the Taliban.
The parents of Staff Sgt. Robert …. Original source  : As war enters 10th year, Obama honors Special Forces patrol leader who died in Taliban ambush.

Musharraf’s ‘Pak trained militants to fight in Kashmir’ statement ‘misunderstood’: Spokesman

KARACHI – Following a huge uproar over former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s candid confession that Pakistan trained underground militant groups to fight against India in Kashmir, his spokesman Fawwad Chaudhry, in a bid to do damage control, has said that the APML founder’s statement on Kashmir was misrepresented in the media, and thus widely misunderstood …. Source article  : Musharraf’s ‘Pak trained militants to fight in Kashmir’ statement ‘misunderstood’: Spokesman.

White House to go green with solar panels

LONDON – White House is all set to go green, for Barack Obama has finally agreed to install some solar panels on the presidential residence.

The solar panels are to be installed by spring 2011, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity.

Campaigners from the climate action group 350.org travelled to Washington … Original source on Gaea Times at : White House to go green with solar panels.

CWG Observer Committee praises Delhi’s transport system

NEW DELHI – Boosting India’s image in the global arena, the Commonwealth Games Observer Committee has lauded New Delhi’s transport system.

A team of committee experts visited the newly constructed grand bus depot near the Games Village, to inspect the working of the transportation system.

Members toured the depot and were briefed on various aspects of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Briton killed by US drone attack in Pak was ‘Islamic Army of Great Britain’ chief

ISLAMABAD – The British terror suspect, Abdul Jabbar, killed in a Pakistan drone strike in September was elected leader of an al-Qaeda group called The Islamic Army of Great Britain, according to a senior Pakistani security source.

Jabbar was reportedly a British citizen who has a British wife and was living in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

The …. Read the original article  : Briton killed by US drone attack in Pak was ‘Islamic Army of Great Britain’ chief.

US runs out of patience with Pak’s toothless military campaign against terrorists

WASHINGTON – The United States has slammed Pakistan over its campaign against terrorists, stating bluntly that its government and military have been unwilling to take action against Al Qaeda and like-minded terrorists as per their ‘political choice’, and in view of the “under-resourced military prioritising its targets”.

The latest White House assessment, which also criticizes …. Read the original article  : US runs out of patience with Pak’s toothless military campaign against terrorists.

Indian Air Force’s first C-130J Super Hercules takes to skies

MARIETTA – The first of six C-130J Super Hercules made for the Indian Air Force took to the skies for its maiden flight on Tuesday at Marietta in Georgia.

To provide the Indian armed forces new special operations capabilities using the world’s most advanced airlifter, India has purchased six stretched-fuselage C-130J-30s from the US …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

12 tankers carrying NATO fuel torched, driver killed in attack on supply convoy in Pakistan

12 NATO fuel tankers attacked in Pakistan
QUETTA, Pakistan – Gunmen torched a dozen tankers carrying fuel to NATO troops and killed a driver Wednesday, the sixth attack on convoys taking supplies to Afghanistan since Pakistan closed a key border crossing almost a week ago.

Islamabad shut down the Torkham crossing along the fabled Khyber Pass last …. Original source  : 12 tankers carrying NATO fuel torched, driver killed in attack on supply convoy in Pakistan.

US says Ahmadinejad’s upcoming visit to Lebanon is not a good idea

US: Ahmadinejad trip to Lebanon is not a good idea

BEIRUT – The U.S. has raised concerns about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Lebanon next week.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters in Washington on Tuesday that Iran is undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty through its association with groups like Hezbollah.
He said U.S. Secretary of State …. Original article  : US says Ahmadinejad’s upcoming visit to Lebanon is not a good idea.

Missing Indian student in Sydney wanted to ‘test his physical ability’, claims pal

SYDNEY – One of the friends of Abhijeet Swami, a 20-year-old Indian engineering student who has been missing for almost a week in Sydney, has claimed that Swami was “not happy” and wanted to spend time in the mountains instead of studying.

“He changed in the last three weeks, he said he didn’t know what …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Environment official says toxic sludge has reached Danube

Official: Toxic sludge reaches Danube
KOLONTAR, Hungary – A government official says the toxic sludge that flowed from a metals plant reservoir earlier this week has reached the Danube.

Emergency services spokesman Tibor Dobson told the state MTI news agency that the red sludge reached a western branch of Europe’s second-largest river early Thursday. But he says …. Read the original article  : Environment official says toxic sludge has reached Danube.

Environment official says sludge has reached Danube

Official: Sludge reaches Danube
KOLONTAR, Hungary – A government official says the toxic sludge that flowed from a metals plant reservoir earlier this week has reached the Danube.

Emergency services spokesman Tibor Dobson told the state MTI news agency that the red sludge reached a western branch of Europe’s second-largest river early Thursday. But he says that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Andhra fishermen threaten self-immolation

VISAKHAPATNAM – Tension prevailed at Gangavaram port near Visakhapatnam Wednesday after fishermen affected by the newly-developed all-weather port staged a protest and clashed with the police alleging the government’s failure to rehabilitate them.

Alleging that the port authorities had not provided them jobs under the rehabilitation package, at least 15 protesters poured kerosene over themselves …. Source article  : Andhra fishermen threaten self-immolation.

Fuel shortage in Manipur

IMPHAL – People in Imphal are reeling under an acute fuel shortage for the past many days as a result of the recent economic blockade of the National Highway.

Thousands of two-wheelers, cars, trucks and buses have been queuing up at outlets across Manipur to receive their ’share’ of fuel.

Fuel is being rationed by the State …. Read the original article  : Fuel shortage in Manipur.

Snoring killing Oz women’s sex lives

WELLINGTON – Sleeping with a snoring husband wipes off sex from the minds of Aussie women, who say that their partners’ night time wheezing, gasping and snorting is choking their love lives.

And the noise is often so offensive that they would rather listen to possums mate.

Trying to nod off to the sound of a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Reliance to be asked to roll back tariff hike in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Following protests from various political parties, Stateovernment has decided to get the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to order Reliance Infrastructure (Rinfra-D) to roll back the increase in power tariffs for consumers in Mumbai suburban areas of the city.

According to sources, Textile Minister and guardian minister for Mumbai’s suburbs Nasim Khan, Revenue … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Reliance to be asked to roll back tariff hike in Mumbai.

Angry Zardari calls media a ” dragon” that feeds on “nice juicy democratic government”

KARACHI – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has berated the Pakistani media for unnecessarily raising the issue of a civil-military disconnect in the flood management efforts by the government following the natural disaster in the country, equating it to “a dragon that needs to be fed everyday”.

In an exclusive interview to the Herald, Zardari said …. Original article  : Angry Zardari calls media a ” dragon” that feeds on “nice juicy democratic government”.

For female spies, ’sleeping with enemy is kosher’, say rabbis in Israel

LONDON – Sleeping with the enemy is legitimate, at least for rabbis in Israel, who have said that it is kosher for female spies to have sex with enemy agents in missions against terrorism.

In a rabbinical study entitled ‘Forbidden Sex for the Sake of National Security’, the practice of sleeping with the enemy is … Read : For female spies, ’sleeping with enemy is kosher’, say rabbis in Israel.

Brit woman ’sexually assaulted 5-mth-old baby while paedo beau took pics’

LONDON – A British woman has been accused of sexually assaulting a five-month-old baby while allowing her paedophile boyfriend to take photographs on his mobile phone.

Tracy Dawber, 44, of Southport, Merseyside, allegedly let Colin Blanchard take the indecent images as she sat the youngster on her lap at her home in Southport, Merseyside.

At the Winchester …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brit woman ’sexually assaulted 5-mth-old baby while paedo beau took pics’.

Hillary Clinton, White House deny ‘Vice President-switch’ speculations

WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has dismissed speculations that she may switch roles with Vice President Joe Biden.

“I have absolutely no interest and no reason for doing anything other than just dismissing these stories and moving on,” The Politico quoted Clinton, as saying.

“I think the Vice President is doing a wonderful job. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Complaints flood in following Kiwi anchor’s racial slurs against Indians, Dikshit

WELLINGTON – The racial comments made by a New Zealand television station breakfast show host Paul Henry has sparked a record number of complaints to TVNZ and drawn criticism from the Race Relations Commissioner, politicians, ethnic and community organisations and thousands of people.

The [..] Read the original article: here.

Taliban claim responsibility for attack on NATO tankers in Quetta

MIRANSHAH – The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the arson attack on the NATO tankers near the Akhtarabad terminal in Quetta.

“We claim responsibility for attacking and torching NATO tankers in Quetta today,” the Daily Times quoted Tehreek-e-Taliban Spokesman Azam Tariq, … Read more : Taliban claim responsibility for attack on NATO tankers in Quetta.

Woman’s gallbladder removed through her vagina

WASHINGTON – A 42- year-old woman has had her gallbladder removed through her vagina in a rare procedure.

The procedure was done in August by a surgical team at Ohio State University Medical Center and was part of a pilot program comparing laparoscopic and transvaginal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman’s gallbladder removed through her vagina.

Brazilian student expelled for mini dress wins ???15k in court case

LONDON – A student who was expelled from her university for wearing a mini dress has won 15,000-pounds payout from her university.

Geisy Arruda was thrown out of Bandeirante University in Sao Paulo for sporting the red outfit in class, leading to a massive public outcry.

She was expelled for disturbing classes through “a flagrant lack of … Read more »».

Wild monkey kills 4-day-old Malaysian-Indian baby

KUALA LUMPUR – An Indian-origin family in Malaysia was devastated when a wild monkey stole into their living room; snatched their four- day-old child and fled up the roof of the house. The baby fell to the ground and died.

The mother, V. Revathy, 26, had left her first-born child in the living room of the …. Source article  : Wild monkey kills 4-day-old Malaysian-Indian baby.

US apologises to Pak over NATO cross-border helicopter attack

ISLAMABAD – The United States’ Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne Patterson, has apologised for last Thursday’s NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cross-border helicopter attack that killed two Pakistani soldiers close to the Afghan border.

The attack had provoked an angry response in Pakistan, following which a key supply route for US-led forces in Afghanistan was shut … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US apologises to Pak over NATO cross-border helicopter attack.

Hungarian prime minister vists sludge-hit village, declares worst-hit part a write-off

Hungarian premier visits sludge-hit village

KOLONTAR, Hungary – Hungary’s prime minister has visited one of three villages inundated by red sludge and declared the worst-hit area a write-off.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he sees “no sense” in rebuilding in the same location houses made uninhabitable by the torrent that poured Monday from a breached reservoir at …. Original article  : Hungarian prime minister vists sludge-hit village, declares worst-hit part a write-off.

UFO Over China: Airport Shuts Down

BAOTOU, CHINA (GaeaTimes.com)- The buzz surrounding the UFO’s hovering the skies of China has been re-ignited once again after a leading British tabloid reported that an unidentified object has again reappeared in the northeastern region of the country. According to the report, an airport in Baotou which is part of Inner Mongolia had to …. Source article  : UFO Over China: Airport Shuts Down.

Data overload shuts down electronic tracking of sex offenders, others for 12 hours nationwide

Data overload block tracking of sex offenders

MADISON, Wis. – A company that provides electronic monitoring to track sex offenders, parolees and others said its system shut down after unexpectedly hitting its data storage limit, leaving authorities across 49 states unaware of offenders’ movement for about 12 hours.
Prisons and other corrections agencies were blocked from getting … Original source on Gaea Times at : Data overload shuts down electronic tracking of sex offenders, others for 12 hours nationwide.

‘Tony Blair: A Journey’ top seller yet again (IANS Books)

NEW DELHI – The autobiography “Tony Blair: A Journey” is at the number one position in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list for the fourth consecutive week while “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen tops the fiction list for a second time.

The top 10 in each category are:
Non-fiction
1. “Tony Blair: A Journey”
Author: …. Original source  : ‘Tony Blair: A Journey’ top seller yet again (IANS Books).

NATO helicopters kill 6 Afghan militiamen who allegedly opened fire in eastern Afghanistan

6 Afghan militiamen killed in NATO chopper strike

KABUL, Afghanistan – Firing from NATO helicopters in an eastern province Friday killed six Afghan militiamen who had allegedly shot at the aircraft, an Afghan official said.
The incident in Khost province sparked angry protests. Hundreds of villagers shouting “Death to America” and “Long live the Taliban” carried the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NATO helicopters kill 6 Afghan militiamen who allegedly opened fire in eastern Afghanistan.

Israel Consul General visits GCMMF, Amul Dairy

Anand (Gujarat), Oct. 8 (ANI-Business Wire India): Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, Orna Sagiv, visited Amul Dairy and the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. to understand the Amul model of cooperatives which is currently synonymous with the White Revolution in the country.

Sagiv met R. S. Sodhi, the Managing Director of GCMMF and Rahul … Read : Israel Consul General visits GCMMF, Amul Dairy.

‘Kickbacks and killings’ arms deal scandal back to haunt Sarkozy, Zardari?

PARIS – France is all set to launch an investigation into the alleged embezzlement by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari, from arms deals between the two countries.

According to a judicial source, investigating magistrate, Renaud van Ruymbeke, is to probe allegations that a company set up with French President Nicolas … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Kickbacks and killings’ arms deal scandal back to haunt Sarkozy, Zardari?.

Chinese farmers fuelling galloping Internet users growth: Blue paper

BEIJING – Chinese farmers would become a “major driving force” in the growth of the country’s internet users, as the net connections in rural areas grew by 71.6 per cent in the last three years outpacing the growth in urban areas by more than double, according to a blue paper recently released by a publishing …. Original article  : Chinese farmers fuelling galloping Internet users growth: Blue paper.

Correction: Turkey-Emergency Landing story

Correction: Turkey-Emergency Landing story

ANKARA, Turkey – In an Oct. 5 story about a Korean Air plane that was diverted to Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the plane made an emergency landing.
An airport official initially told the AP that the plane made an emergency landing, and later explained that the Airbus 330, …. Read the original article  : here.

IAF chief describes security situation in India’s neighbourhood volcanic

HINDON – Describing the current security situation in India’s neighbourhood as a volcano waiting to erupt anytime, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik on Friday asked the Indian Air Force to be prepared to meet any internal as well as external threats.

“Current security scenario is like a volcano … Read : IAF chief describes security situation in India’s neighbourhood volcanic.

Parrikar meets Karnataka dissidents MLAs, says crisis will be solved by Saturday

PANAJI – Former Goa Chief Minsiter and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manohar Parrikar met Karnataka dissidents MLAs here on Friday and exuded confidence about the crisis being solved in the state by Saturday.

Talking to reporters [..] Read the original article: here.

BJP MLAs stage protest in Srinagar against Abdullah’s speech

SRINAGAR – The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Panthers Party MLAs on Friday staged a dharna outside the state Assembly over a speech delivered by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the prevailing law and order situation …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australian Immigration Minister cautions against migration scams

NEW DELHI – Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, has warned prospective migrants and visa applicants to Australia to be wary of migration scammers.

“It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters’ tricks before handing over money for immigration assistance which is … Read : Australian Immigration Minister cautions against migration scams.

Cleavage enhancing bra sends M and S sales soaring

LONDON – British retailer Marks and Spencer has reported a huge boost in their sales of cleavage enhancing bras.

The bras had been introduced in stores during the summer, and since then the bra, which costs 20 pounds, has been snapped up by many women, who wish to enhance … Read more : Cleavage enhancing bra sends M and S sales soaring.

Crews drain surplus from second sludge reservoir in wake of toxic red mud flood

Surplus drained from second sludge reservoir

KOLONTAR, Hungary – An official says caustic water is being drained from an industrial reservoir near the one that ruptured in western Hungary and sent a torrent of red sludge into hundreds of houses and waterways leading into the Danube.
Tibor Dobson told the state MTI news agency that 100,000 cubic …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistan-US tensions unlikely to abate soon, says Dawn

ISLAMABAD – The rise in tensions between Pakistan and the US “is not likely to abate any time soon”, a leading daily here said editorially as a key route to Afghanistan remained closed following a NATO helicopter attack that killed three Pakistani troopers.

NATO convoys bound for Afghanistan “continue to be attacked in parts … Original article on : Pakistan-US tensions unlikely to abate soon, says Dawn.

1 step forward, often 2 back at Commonwealth Games

1 step forward, often 2 back at Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – The pool water is clean, but the toilets in the aquatic venue are blocked. Ticket sales are on the increase but the stadiums still seem mostly empty. There was a “major communications blunder” at the track that nearly resulted in athletes presented with their … Original article on : 1 step forward, often 2 back at Commonwealth Games.

2,000-year-old Roman helmet fetches 2.2m pounds at auction

LONDON – A 2,000-year-old Roman helmet-dug up in 30 pieces by a treasure hunter who thought it was a broken Victorian ornament-has been sold for 2.2 million pounds at an auction.

Frenzied bidding for the ultra rare bronze cavalry headgear-featuring a facemask-astonished London auctioneers Christie’s, reports the Sun.

The helmet, expected to fetch 300,000-pound, was discovered in … Read more >>>.

Kingfisher aircraft makes emergency landing in Mumbai after bird hit

MUMBAI – An air mishap was averted when a Kingfisher aircraft made an emergency landing at Mumbai Airport on Friday after a bird hit.

Kingfisher flight IT 331, carrying 120 passengers had taken off from Mumbai for Delhi, but returned to the airport after 15 minutes following the bird hit.

All passengers and crew members safe, …. Original source  : Kingfisher aircraft makes emergency landing in Mumbai after bird hit.

Kayani, Qureshi to attend upcoming US-Pak strategic dialogue

WASHINGTON – The next round of the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue will be held in Washington later this month, and Islamabad will send a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi as well as Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, for the talks.

Diplomatic sources disclosed that the Pakistani delegation would arrive in Washington on …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brit model weighing just 8 stone branded ‘too fat’ for catwalk

LONDON – A blonde model from West Midlands was told that she was too fat for the catwalk – despite weighing just eight stone.

Stunning Natasha Price from Coven was instructed by ruthless fashion bosses to lose a stone from her slim size 8 figure.

Natasha, 22, who has modelled for Selfridges and Marks and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brit model weighing just 8 stone branded ‘too fat’ for catwalk.

Italy set to be next European country to ban burka for ’security reasons’

ROME – Italy is all set to become the next country in Europe to ban the burka ‘ for ’security reasons,’ after the government presented a draft proposal to the parliament.

According to the Daily Mail, MPs from the anti-immigration Northern League party, a member of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s ruling right wing coalition, have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pak Army vows to ‘retaliate’ against US ‘hot pursuit’ within border in future

ISLAMABAD – In a corps commanders meeting, the Pakistani military leadership has vowed to take retaliatory action in the event of any incident of territorial violation in future.

The cross-border strikes’ issue came for discussion during the 134th Corps Commanders’ Conference, which was chaired by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, and …. Original source  : Pak Army vows to ‘retaliate’ against US ‘hot pursuit’ within border in future.

Pak beginning to believe supporting terrorism can pose existential threat to it: US

WASHINGTON – Acknowledging ‘Pakistan’s support for terrorists in the past,’ the United States has said that it believes the country has now changed its view in this regard.

“We have worked diligently with the Pakistan government. We have seen a shift in the Pakistani thinking,” the Daily Times quoted Philip J Crowley, State Department Spokesman, as … Original article on : Pak beginning to believe supporting terrorism can pose existential threat to it: US.

EU-India “free trade agreement” will allow flood of Indian skilled workers into Britain

LONDON – A new European Union trade deal with India, which is scheduled to be signed in December, would reportedly allow thousands of Indian workers to enter Britain.

According to The Telegraph, the planned “free trade agreement” would allow skilled Indian IT workers, engineers and managers come to Europe in return for European companies gaining access …. Source  : EU-India “free trade agreement” will allow flood of Indian skilled workers into Britain.

Kashmir issue ‘tough nut’ to crack: Musharraf

LONDON – The Kashmir issue is a “tough nut” to crack because it requires ’sincerity’, “boldness” and ‘flexibility’ from both India and Pakistan to amicably reach a solution, former President Pervez Musharraf has stated.

“I’ve been saying it needs sincerity on both sides by leaders, and government on both sides. It needs flexibility by both sides, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kashmir issue ‘tough nut’ to crack: Musharraf.

Oz Foreign Minister, HC condemn Victorian police racism against Indians

NEW DELHI – The Australian High Commissioner, Peter Varghese, today condemned the racist email targeting Indians circulated by two members of the Victorian Police force.

After a series of attacks on Indian students in Australia, a racist e-mail scandal has been unearthed that showis Victoria Police officers joking about a video which shows an Indian passenger … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oz Foreign Minister, HC condemn Victorian police racism against Indians.

Contradictions thrive in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remark on the floor of the state Legislative Assembly on October 6 that Jammu and Kashmir acceded and not merged with the Indian Union has led to yet another heated debate on the fractured politics of Jammu and Kashmir.

The controversy is being used by different political parties …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Contradictions thrive in Jammu and Kashmir.

Obese workers cost more to the company than medical expenditure

WASHINGTON – A study has shown that total loss of job productivity due to absenteeism of obese people at workplace is more than their medical expenditure.

A Duke University obesity researcher has revealed that the cost of obesity among U.S. full-time employees is estimated to be 73.1 billion dollars.

This is the first study to quantify … Read more : Obese workers cost more to the company than medical expenditure.

US wants aid to Pak linked to results of ‘execution by soldiers’ video probe

ISLAMABAD – In the wake of video clips showing Pakistani soldiers executing a group of blindfolded men in civilian dresses circulating on the Internet, the chairman of the US Appropriations Subcommittee for funding foreign aid programs has stated that he expects action from Pakistan in this regard.

The chairman, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is also …. Source  : US wants aid to Pak linked to results of ‘execution by soldiers’ video probe.

US student, 18, could lose $33K scholarship for appearing in porn video

LONDON – A university student in the US may end up losing her 33,000 dollars scholarship after it was revealed that she had appeared in an internet porn video.

Elizabeth Hawkenson, 18, who is a first year studying geology at the Arizona State University, says she performed in the movie to raise funds for her course.

“The …. Original article  : US student, 18, could lose $33K scholarship for appearing in porn video.

Zimbabwe women are raping men for ritual purposes

LONDON – Women in Zimbabwe are said to be abducting and raping men for ritual purposes.

In the past 11 months six men have been gang-raped by women, and as per the police the figure could be much higher, as victims are often too embarrassed to report the crime.

According to the official Chronicle daily, a 26-year-old …. Original article  : Zimbabwe women are raping men for ritual purposes.

82-year old US man kills girlfriend with flashlight and battery

WASHINGTON – An 82-year old man, has beaten his girlfriend to death with a flashlight and a battery, it has emerged.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies said that Al Infosino called 911 just before 7 a.m this week.

Investigators said his girlfriend, 77-year-old Rita Chirel, was found in the back bedroom of a home in the 1500 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

“Stasi-style” CCTV alert website reignites civil rights row in UK

LONDON – A new website that allows anyone in the United Kingdom to monitor commercial CCTV footage live online as a “Stasi-style citizen spy game” has reignited the row over whether it is more important to protect the public or defend civil liberties.

Internet Eyes will pay up to 1,000 pounds to subscribers who … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : “Stasi-style” CCTV alert website reignites civil rights row in UK.

Canada wary of third Tamil immigrant ship entering country’s waters

OTTAWA – After concerns were raised in the past two years over two vessels carrying Tamil immigrants reaching Canada, officials are now reportedly investigating whether a third ship is attempting to ferry Tamil migrants from Sri Lanka to the country.

According to The BBC, authorities are using satellites to determine the location of the ship.

Public …. Original article  : Canada wary of third Tamil immigrant ship entering country’s waters.

Indians continue to suffer as ETOA issues alert on slow visa processing

NEW DELHI – With the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) condemning Cologne’s spontaneous culture tax and pointing out that European Union countries are missing out on 500 million a year in income from tourists because of visa processing problems, Schengen countries have …. Source article  : Indians continue to suffer as ETOA issues alert on slow visa processing.

‘Extremism in Pak’ fuelling terrorism, linkage with Taliban: Musharraf

PESHAWAR – Former Pakistani military ruler and now the head of the newly established All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), Pervez Musharraf has acknowledged that extremism in Pakistan is responsible for the rise in terrorism in the country as well as its …. Original source  : ‘Extremism in Pak’ fuelling terrorism, linkage with Taliban: Musharraf.

Hindus critical of Swiss campaign maligning Roma

NEVADA – Hindus have strongly criticized the advertising campaign in Switzerland reportedly likening Roma migrants to rats and thieves, calling it racist and xenophobic.

Renowned Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, demanded that this campaign should be [..] Read the original article: here.

East Coast Railway to run special trains during Puja

BHUBANESWAR – The East Coast Railway Friday said it will run one pair of weekly special train service to avoid rush during the Durga Puja celebrations.

The special trains would run from Bhubaneswar to Pune and from Puri to Hyderabad and also in the return direction, a senior official of the Bhubaneswar-headquartered East Coast Railway … Read more >>.

Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary to be observed globally

MUMBAI – Mahatma Gandhi’s 141st birth anniversary will be celebrated around the world Saturday with a series of programmes, an official said.

Head of the Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal T.R.K. Somaiya said that Canada’s McMaster University will organise the 18th Annual Gandhi Peace Festival at Hamilton City Hall on “The Power of Non-violence”.
Various public programmes …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary to be observed globally.

Musharraf does a volte-face on ‘Pak trained militants to fight in Kashmir’ statement

LONDON – Days after candidly admitting that Pakistan trained underground militant groups to fight against India in Kashmir because it felt that was the only way to bring India to address the issue, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has done a volte-face on his controversial statement, saying that he had never said so!

“All these ‘Mujahideen’ …. Source  : Musharraf does a volte-face on ‘Pak trained militants to fight in Kashmir’ statement.

Kiwi TV presenter Henry’s ‘job’s on the line’ following Dixit slur

WELLINGTON – After being urged by many, including Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, that controversial TV presenter Paul Henry’s should be sacked for his ‘racist’ comments against New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, TVNZ’s chief executive Rick Ellis today said that he would decide Henry’s future over the weekend.

According to the New Zealand …. Source article  : Kiwi TV presenter Henry’s ‘job’s on the line’ following Dixit slur.

What stroke of luck does 10/10/10 have in store for you?

LONDON – If you want to confess love to someone or waiting for result of your dream job’s interview, Sunday may be the day to test your good fortune.

As the tenth day, of the tenth month, of the tenth year, October 10, 2010, has been hailed as one of the luckiest of the century.

Numerologists have …. Source  : What stroke of luck does 10/10/10 have in store for you?.

Go to church, stay thin and curb career blues to stay happy

LONDON – Dump those self-help books, which claim to make you happy-as scientists have now revealed the true secret to happiness.

Scientists have suggested that people who go to church, stay thin, avoid worrying about their careers and have emotionally stable partners should be well on their way to achieving the sought-after state of mind.

Researchers of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Go to church, stay thin and curb career blues to stay happy.

Talal Bugti announces bounty on Musharraf’s head

QUETTA – Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) President Talal Bugti has announced a bounty of one billion rupees and a hundred acres of farmland on former President Pervez Musharraf for his crimes against humanity.

Bugti made this announcement during a news conference in the presence of …. Source article  : Talal Bugti announces bounty on Musharraf’s head.

“Nawaz worried with APML’s very first bouncer”: Musharraf

MANCHESTER – Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has stated that while his political career has just begun, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif is visibly looking a worried man.

“It’s only the beginning of play and we are batting. As the game progresses, we will hit sixes, … Read more >>>.

Portland Marathon 2010 To Start Today

PORTLAND (GaeaTimes.com)- This is something that every resident of Portland wait for all through out the year. The annual Portland Marathon 2010, is about to begin today on October 10, Sunday. This annual event has been recognized as one of the top ten marathon events and local road race events in United States. The marathon … Read : Portland Marathon 2010 To Start Today.

Pumpkin Carving Stencils Available Online

SAN FRANCISCO (Gaea Times.com)- Halloween celebrations without scary and spooky Jack-o-lanterns is just not possible. For those who prefer to sweat a little and carve their own pumpkins, many sites have come up with a variety of pumpkin carving stencils. Though some of the material is available for free, one needs to pay …. Original article  : Pumpkin Carving Stencils Available Online.

US bride-to-be discovers her own mother abducted her 26 years ago

LONDON – An American bride-to-be had the shock of her life when she discovered she was abducted by her own mother 26 years ago.

Melissa Reed aged 32 – whose real name is Eva Fiedler – disappeared with her mother during a bitter … Read more >>>.

Iconic tuk tuk coming to Scotland streets for the first time

LONDON – Tuk tuk-a common sight on the streets of Mumbai and Bangkok- could be coming to Scotland for the first time.

They will be used to take tourists on sightseeing trips around the streets of Glasgow.

Taxi driver Pat Donnelly is awaiting delivery from Thailand of a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iconic tuk tuk coming to Scotland streets for the first time.

Earning wives brought home almost half of the bacon in 2009: Report

WASHINGTON – In the second year of global recession, women’s contribution to family earnings increased by two percent, says a new report.

The jump of two percentage points from 45 percent in 2008 to 47 percent in 2009, marks the largest single-year increase in 15 years.

This rise has been documented … Read more : Earning wives brought home almost half of the bacon in 2009: Report.

Karnataka crisis remains on boil

BANGALORE – With just 36 hours left to prove his majority on the floor of the House, there was no relief for Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, as the rebel MLAs holding their ground behind JD (S) leader … Read more »»».

‘Dumped’ Prince Harry ‘moves on’ with Chelsy Davy lookalike

LONDON – It seems Prince Harry has moved on from his split with Chelsy Davy.

The royal has found a stunning new girlfriend only weeks after he was reportedly dumped by Davy.

Harry has been on a series of dates with blonde-marketing girl Gemma Wilkinson – an uncanny lookalike of … Read more >>>.

Trapped Chile miners ask rescuers ‘what took you so long’

LONDON – A single ringing bell and a roar of delight from exhausted rescue workers signalled the moment on Saturday, when a 2,067feet shaft broke through to the 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped for 66 days. The miner’s … Read more >>.

Prince William to announce wedding plans within months?

LONDON – Prince William is said to have assured his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton he will announce their wedding plans soon.

The couple this week began their tenth year together after meeting as students at St Andrews University in Scotland.

“She can …. Original article  : Prince William to announce wedding plans within months?.

Indian Railway Wins Over CWG OC

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Indian Railway has achieved what the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) has failed to do. The delegates and athletes who have come to the capital have expressed their satisfaction after traveling in the Taj Commonwealth Special Shatabdi train. The train runs between Agra and Delhi and it is already a [..] Read the original article: here.

Musharraf’s U-turn: Terrorists not trained during my rule

LONDON – Days after candidly admitting that Pakistan trained underground militant groups to fight against India, former President Pervez Musharraf has said that militant groups who entered Jammu and Kashmir were not trained during his rule.

Musharraf refuted that the Pakistani security establishment …. Original source  : Musharraf’s U-turn: Terrorists not trained during my rule.

Pak will hopefully avoid becoming next US military target: James Jones

WASHINGTON – Pakistan will “hopefully avoid” the ‘unfortunate eventuality’ of becoming the next US military target, US National Security Adviser James Jones has stated.

In an interview to Spiegel Online, Jones said that the US had been “working very closely with the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pak will hopefully avoid becoming next US military target: James Jones.

Prince Harry’s ex Chelsy Davy back in touch with old flame

LONDON – Prince Harry’s ex Chelsy Davy seems to have quickly moved on from her split with the royal.

The law graduate, 24, is back in touch with old flame property developer Dan Phillipson.

She wants to rekindle their romance, say sources.

“She’s at her wit’s end with Harry. She’s … Read more >>.

Kiwi Commissioner slams radio host for calling Governor-General ‘fat Indian man’

WELLINGTON – A New Zealand radio host has been criticised by the Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres.for calling Indian origin Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand a “large, fat man” who has “never left” the buffet table.

The remarks were made by Michael …. Source  : Kiwi Commissioner slams radio host for calling Governor-General ‘fat Indian man’.

Zealand PM to continue to front ‘Indian racial-slur-hit’ TVNZ’s Breakfast show

WELLINGTON – Despite calling the country’s TV presenter’s comments against New Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, as ‘racist’, that has embarrassed his country, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has said he would continue to appear on the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NY Gov. Paterson gets laugh with Tiger Woods joke on Al Sharpton’s b’day

NEW YORK – Governor of New York David Paterson praised Rev. Al Sharpton for “doing for justice what Tiger Woods did for cocktail waitresses” during a birthday party for the civil rights leader in Harlem.

Sharpton said he appreciated the comments but added, “I …. Source article  : NY Gov. Paterson gets laugh with Tiger Woods joke on Al Sharpton’s b’day.

Pak mulls imposing tax on supply convoys for NATO in Afghanistan

LAHORE – The Pakistan government is cogitating about imposing a tax on NATO supply trucks going into Afghanistan from Pakistan, a TV channel has reported.

According to the channel, the government said it was considering imposing a tax on their supply, since numerous highways had been adversely affected due to the … Read more »»».

300-year-old Chinese vase sells for $32 mn

BEIJING – A 300-year-old vase from China’s Qing dynasty has sold for a whopping $32.5 million at Sotheby’s.

The vase, made during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), was among a selection of rare works that went under the hammer at Sotheby’s autumn sale in Hong Kong.
It fetched 252.6 million Hong Kong dollars ($32.5 million), a … Read more : 300-year-old Chinese vase sells for $32 mn.

India expresses concern over China supplying nuclear reactors to
Pak

NEW DELHI – Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan has expressed concern over China supplying nuclear reactors to Pakistan, and urged the global community to look at the collaboration considering Islamabad’s track record on nuclear technology.

“Our concern … Original article on : India expresses concern over China supplying nuclear reactors to
Pak.

Most Britons have no idea when UK fruit and veg are in season

LONDON – A new survey has revealed that most Britons have no idea when UK fruit and vegetable are in season, what traditional varieties are or even how they grow.

Despite people keen to eat healthy food and slash their carbon footprint on fresh foods they … Read : Most Britons have no idea when UK fruit and veg are in season.

500-yr-old rare Michelangelo painting ‘found tucked behind a sofa’

NEW YORK – Most art lovers would be overjoyed to find a rare, unfinished artwork of Michelangelo’s, but not when they find out that it was tucked behind a sofa for 27 years.

Called ‘The Mike’ by the Kober clan, the painting remained in the house, wrapped and kept in …. Read the original article  : here.

5 mutinous trapped Chillean miners threatened to plot ‘their own escape’

LONDON – The 33 Chillean miners appear to have lost patience and unity among themselves after being trapped for almost two months underground, with reports claiming that a mutiny broke out when a group decided to find their own way out.

With … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 5 mutinous trapped Chillean miners threatened to plot ‘their own escape’.

Karnataka Government asks Centre to recall Governor Bhardwaj

BANGALORE – Karnataka Government on Monday asked the Centre to recall Governor H R Bhardwaj accusing him of attempting to destabilise the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Government in the State.

State BJP President K S Eswarappa warned that the Party …. Source article  : Karnataka Government asks Centre to recall Governor Bhardwaj.

Kashmir an integral part of India, say Deoband clerics

DEOBAND – Upholding India’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir, several Ulemas and intellectuals in Deoband have declared the State as an integral part of the country and urged the government to start dialogue process to restore peace in the State.

Addressing …. Original source  : Kashmir an integral part of India, say Deoband clerics.

‘Kidnapping for ransom main source of Taliban’s income’

PESHAWAR – The Taliban has reportedly changed its war strategy in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and has adopted a new approach of kidnappings for ransom and target killings.

According to sources, the Taliban is now planning to kidnap high-value targets to collect funds for their … Read : ‘Kidnapping for ransom main source of Taliban’s income’.

National Coming Out Day Celebrated

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- With six university students taking their own lives owing to the constant taunts they faced in the school underscored the difficulties the gays faced after they came out about their sexual preferences. Yesterday, National Coming Out Day was celebrated all across United States to celebrate the pride of coming out and … Original article on : National Coming Out Day Celebrated.

China puts 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo’s wife under house arrest

BEIJING – The wife of Liu Xiaobo, the winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, has reportedly been put under house arrest in Beijing following her meeting with her husband on Sunday at the prison in north-eastern China where he is serving an 11-year sentence, according … Read more : China puts 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo’s wife under house arrest.

Now, ears too can be used for airport security ID checks

LONDON – A study has found that just like finger printing, passport photos and eye recognition, our ears too can be scanned at airports to prove our identity.

Researchers have discovered that every person has uniquely-shaped ears and have formulated a way to scan them to compare them with images already …. Read the original article  : Now, ears too can be used for airport security ID checks.

Britain’s biggest ever lottery winner yet to claim #113m prize

LONDON – The winner or winners of Britain’s biggest lottery are yet to claim their more than 113 million pounds prize.

The draw, which had taken place on October 8, has made the EuroMillions ticket-holder the country’s 589th wealthiest person, richer even … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Britain’s biggest ever lottery winner yet to claim #113m prize.

Pak’s secret nuclear weapons programme infuriating US

WASHINGTON – Pakistan’s secret nuclear weapons programme is reportedly infuriating the United States which is trying to cap worldwide stocks of fissile material.

According to the Daily Mail, the Obama administration is disturbed by revelations that … Original article on : Pak’s secret nuclear weapons programme infuriating US.

Scotland reclaims world porridge prize after chef uses innovative spoon

LONDON – The title for the world’s best porridge has once again been won by Scotland after a chef used a double-backed spoon called a Spon, which he had invented.

Scotland had lost the World Porridge Making Championship last year to the United States.

Neil Robertson, …. Source article  : Scotland reclaims world porridge prize after chef uses innovative spoon.

Victorian police”racist emails’”unhelpful” for country’s image, warns Oz diplomat

CANBERRA – The Australian High Commissioner to India, Peter Varghese, has warned that the racist email scandal involving Victorian police officers was “unhelpful” for the country’s image and will distract from steps being taken to improve the safety … Original article on : Victorian police’ ‘racist emails’ “unhelpful” for country’s image, warns Oz diplomat.

Death toll in Buxar boat tragedy rises to 36

PATNA – At least fourteen more bodies were fished out from the river Ganga on Monday taking the death toll to 36 into the boat tragedy that took place in Bihar’s Buxar District.

“A National Disaster Response Force team and local divers fished out 14 more bodies from the river early …. Source  : Death toll in Buxar boat tragedy rises to 36.

Mull of Kintyre, immortalised by Macca, on the market for 3m
pounds

LONDON – The country estate made famous in Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘Mull of Kintyre’ is on the market for 3 million pounds.

After more than 40 years as a family holiday home, the owners of the stunning 7360-acre Argyll estate are putting Carskiey House and its surrounding land … Read : Mull of Kintyre, immortalised by Macca, on the market for 3m
pounds.

Rebel Karnataka MLAs demand dismissal of Yeddyurappa Govt.

BANGALORE – After B S Yeddyurappa-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government survived the ‘Trust Vote’ amid complete chaos in the State Assembly, the rebel MLAs staged a protest outside Karnataka Governor HR Bharadwaj’s residence here on Monday demanding the dismissal of the Government … Original article on : Rebel Karnataka MLAs demand dismissal of Yeddyurappa Govt..

Chilean miners ‘must prepare to be henpecked at home’

LONDON – Chilean miners, who are about to be rescued after months-long ordeal under ground, should prepare themselves to face another at home. former submarine commander who survived months under the sea has warned that the men could become involved in power … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chilean miners ‘must prepare to be henpecked at home’.

Conker Champion thanks ‘kinetic energy theory’ for his success

LONDON – All it takes is a mathematical equation to win the World Conker Championships, the winner revealed yesterday.

Ray Kellock, who took the title at the 46th contest for the second time, said he had perfected the ‘kinetic …. Original article  : Conker Champion thanks ‘kinetic energy theory’ for his success.

Probe begins as 500 NATO tankers go missing in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A probe has been initiated into the disappearance of 500 NATO oil tankers and vehicles carrying supplies in Pakistan, an official said.

Five hundred oil tankers and vehicles carrying supplies had left Port Qasim in Karachi for Kandahar in Afghanistan, but they didn’t reach the Pakistan-Afghanistan border near Chaman, Dawn Sunday quoted a … Read : Probe begins as 500 NATO tankers go missing in Pakistan.

Delhi Metro Expansion In Progress

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- On Monday the Delhi Government gave its nod to the expansion of Delhi Metro at a cabinet meeting. The work for the third phase of Delhi Metro will start. The DMRC has proposed that the new phase of Delhi Metro will have six corridors. The corridors will require INR … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Metro Expansion In Progress.

‘Vampires’ in US arrested for stabbing man who refused them blood

LONDON – A couple in the US has been arrested after they stabbed a man for refusing to let them drink his blood.

Robert Maley, 25, told cops that the two vampires, Aaron Homer, 24, and Amanda Williamson, 21, were interested in “vampire stuff and paganism”, and that he had let them drink his blood before, … Original article on : ‘Vampires’ in US arrested for stabbing man who refused them blood.

Teen in US beaten, called a ‘terrorist’ by classmates for being Muslim

NEW YORK – A teenage Muslim boy in America has revealed how his life was made a living hell by four classmates, who called him a ‘terrorist’ and beat him up every chance they got.

The victim, a 16-year-old high school freshman, had been afraid to tell anyone of the incidents at the Staten Island …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Teen in US beaten, called a ‘terrorist’ by classmates for being Muslim.

Smart shopping key to happy shopping, says dream shopping job finalist

MELBOURNE – A Brisbane woman, who has become one of the finalists for the 100,000 pounds-a-year job to blog about shopping, has revealed that the key to happy shopping lies in smart shopping.

Brooke Lowther, 29, who was one of the 1450 hopefuls who applied for the position of the Westfield Insider, earned her place as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mandela never wanted to become South African President, says book

JOHANNESBURG – Nelson Mandela never wanted to become the South African President, his new book entitled ‘Conversations with Myself’ has revealed.

Mandela states in the book that he only accepted the post after senior leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) put pressure on him.

“My installation as the first democratically elected president of the Republic of … Read more >>>.

India asks ADMM Plus for cooperation to secure sea-lanes

HANOI – Defence Minister AK Antony today called for adoption of ‘cooperative approaches’ for ensuring the security of sea-lanes in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Addressing the first ever ASEAN Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi today, Antony said India is participating in two projects together with the Malacca countries, within the framework of IMO, to …. Original article  : India asks ADMM Plus for cooperation to secure sea-lanes.

‘Won’t allow uniformed people, political actors to play joke with Pak again’: Zardari

NAWABSHAH – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that uniformed people played a joke with the country when they came into power, adding that they would no more be allowed to take Pakistan’s reins into their hands.

Addressing a public gathering, Zardari said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not go even one step … Read : ‘Won’t allow uniformed people, political actors to play joke with Pak again’: Zardari.

Palin’s ‘dummy-run’ on how to beat Obama in 2012 presidential race

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has publicly outlined what she sees as the themes for the next presidential elections, and laid down for potential Republican candidates what they should push for to counter US President Barack Obama.

“These two elections, 2010 and 2012, go hand-in-hand. The theme of 2010 has got to be …. Original source  : Palin’s ‘dummy-run’ on how to beat Obama in 2012 presidential race.

French finance minister claims women make better politicians than men

LONDON – France’s finance minister Christine Lagarde has claimed that women make better politicians than men because they are not prisoners to their libido and testosterone.

Lagarde said that her 30-year career as a high-flying lawyer and the world’s most powerful female finance minister left her convinced that men’s sex drive, testosterone and ego made them …. Source article  : French finance minister claims women make better politicians than men.

Blow-by-blow account of trapped Chilean miners’ rescue plan

LONDON – The Chilean authorities are reportedly making the final preparations for the rescue of 33 trapped miners who would be brought to the surface tonight after having spent over two months underground.

The first miner is expected to be brought to the surface early Wednesday morning,

According to Sky News, bulldozers have been used to cut … Read more : Blow-by-blow account of trapped Chilean miners’ rescue plan.

Global warming ‘the most successful pseudoscientific fraud ever’: US physicist

WASHINGTON – An American professor has branded global warming as “the greatest and most successful pseudoscientific fraud” he has ever seen.

Professor Harold Lewis claimed that man-made climate change has become a “scam” driven by “trillions of dollars” which has “corrupted” scientists.

Lewis made the remarks after formally resigning from the American Physical Society (APS).

He compared … Original article on : Global warming ‘the most successful pseudoscientific fraud ever’: US physicist.

Holbrooke warns against expecting too much from secret ‘Taliban-Afghan govt’ talks

BERLIN – The United States welcomes the Afghan reconciliation efforts but believes that the recent reports about secret talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government are exaggerated, Richard Holbrooke, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, has said.

Holbrooke said that Afghan President Hamid Karzai had made it clear that his government had been in … Read more : Holbrooke warns against expecting too much from secret ‘Taliban-Afghan govt’ talks.

500,000-year-old human remains show ‘hunter-gatherers cared for elderly’

LONDON – Scientists at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain have uncovered remains of the most elderly ancient human ever – 500,000-years-old – in Atapuerca, northern Spain, who was too old to hunt and fend for himself but was still a member of a family.

The individual of the species Homo heidelbergensis has been named “Elvis” …. Original source  : 500,000-year-old human remains show ‘hunter-gatherers cared for elderly’.

China says its defense development no threat to anyone

NEW DELHI – Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said on Tuesday that China’s defense development is not aimed at challenging or threatening anyone, and added that non-traditional security issues pose grave challenges to regional security.

Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defecse Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADAMM-Plus), Liang said China’s defense development aims to … Read more : China says its defense development no threat to anyone.

Britain’s agony aunt dead

LONDON – Claire Rayner, who was Britain’s most widely read agony aunt, is dead. She was 79, a family member said.

Claire campaigned extensively for patients’ rights, Sky News reported Tuesday.
She knew death was imminent so she told relatives that she wanted her last words to be: “Tell (Prime Minister) David Cameron that if …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Britain’s agony aunt dead.

Oz man jailed for 17 yrs after sexually abusing 6 girls, including daughters

MELBOURNE – An Australian man, who sexually abused six girls, four of whom were his daughters and two that he had raised as his own, has been sentenced to do just 17 years of jail time.

Townsville District Court was told the man, 53, who cannot be named, as it would identify his victims, was guilty … Read more >>.

Himachal witnesses record apple production

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh has witnessed record apple production this year, as per the data given by the State’s Horticulture Department.

As per the preliminary data, apple production was expected at 27.5 million boxes but this year the production has reached a record level of 37.5 million boxes to 40 million boxes.

“Till today, the maximum production …. Original source  : Himachal witnesses record apple production.

Curfew imposed in Kashmir valley to prevent separatist march

SRINAGAR – Curfew was imposed across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday to scuttle a protest march in Srinagar called by separatists.

Hurriyat leader Masarrat Aalam has given the call for the march to protest the house arrest of the Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Gilani, who has been under house arrest for almost a month now

According to … Original article on : Curfew imposed in Kashmir valley to prevent separatist march.

‘Obama’s Wars’ reveals US hard-talk on Pak’s deadly double game in war on terror

WASHINGTON – US journalist Bob Woodward’s book “Obama’s wars” has made a volley of startling revelations, including hot pursuit by 3,000 US troops inside Pakistani territory from the Afghan side, Pakistani airbases still being used for drone attacks, US not trusting the ISI, Zardari stating to CIA chief that civilian deaths did not worry him … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Obama’s Wars’ reveals US hard-talk on Pak’s deadly double game in war on terror.

Al-Qaeda calls for terror attack on crowded Washington restaurant at lunch hour

WASHINGTON – Al-Qaeda has called on American jihadis to carry out a terror attack on a crowded restaurant in Washington to massacre US government workers.

The terror threat was unearthed from the second edition of Al-Qaeda’s English-language magazine ‘Inspire’.

“A random hit at a crowded restaurant in Washington, D.C., at lunch hour might end up knocking out …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar, Ansari named Kashmir interlocutors

NEW DELHI – Naming eminent journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, Information Commissioner M.M. Ansari and academician Radha Kumar as the interlocutors who would re-start peace talks in troubled Jammu and Kashmir, the government Wednesday urged Kashmiris to engage with them.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters here that “we have appointed the group of interlocutors”, calling …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Missile sent to Britain through ordinary post!

LONDON – A missile was sent to Britain through ordinary post by military engineers in Afghanistan, triggering a full-scale alert.

The 70mm Flechette rocket travelled 3,500 miles from Afghanistan to an RAF base inside an ordinary package, The Sun reported Wednesday.
The package was opened at Wattisham Airfield, in Suffolk, where over 70 defence … Read more »»».

Brit man given 6 months to live sells all his belongings and then lives

LONDON – A British man sold all his belongings after being being given just six months to live – only to be told later: “It was a mistake. You won’t die.”

Malcolm McMahon, 55, flogged heirlooms and premium bonds, gave his beloved dog away and put his four-bedroomed house up for sale after being informed he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Brit man given 6 months to live sells all his belongings and then lives.

UK’s angriest motorists drive BMWs

LONDON – A poll has revealed that Britain’s angriest motorist drive BMWs.

They are more likely to tailgate, make offensive gestures and break speed limits than any other road users, the survey found.

More than half of 3,000 drivers questioned said they had suffered a bad experience at the hands of a Beamer user, reports the Sun.

White …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Mines to Market’ diamond conference begins in Mumbai

MUMBAI – ‘Mines to Market’, the bi-annual International Diamond conference begins in Mumbai.

The conference was inaugurated by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia welcomed the overseas delegations and expressed the hope that the conference would further cement ties between the Indian industry and the participating companies and countries.

Outlining India’s leading …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Victory for gays as judge orders U.S. military to halt ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law

WASHINGTON – A federal judge has ordered the United States military to stop enforcing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that prohibits homosexuality in the armed services.

According to the New York Times, Judge Virginia A. Phillips of Federal District Court for the Central District of California issued an injunction banning enforcement of the law … Original source on Gaea Times at : Victory for gays as judge orders U.S. military to halt ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law.

Pizza Express teaching staff how to flirt with customers

LONDON – Family-friendly restaurant Pizza Express is teaching its staff the art of flirting with patrons in a bid to relax them, it has emerged.

The restaurant has recruited classically trained actor Karl James to teach flirting and the art of chit-chat to staff to help them butter up the customers.

James is running a series of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘World will come to India asking to join UNSC in next 15-20 yrs’

SYDNEY – India should not push for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council as the world will come forward and ask New Delhi to join the UNSC as a permanent member in next 15-20 years, according to a top former diplomat.

India was elected a non-permanent member at the UNSC on Tuesday after a [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Indian-hate-slur’ host Henry’s departure doesn’t see drop in TVNZ viewership

WELLINGTON – Despite the departure of the controversial and popular host Paul Henry from the Television New Zealand, the ratings of the breakfast show reportedly remains high, but experts claim that the actual effect of his absence would be known only after a few months.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Henry’s departure has divided … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Indian-hate-slur’ host Henry’s departure doesn’t see drop in TVNZ viewership.

US teachers ‘fired for complaining about on-campus sex toys’

SAN ANTONIO – Three former teachers at a school in the US are suing their employer, claiming that they were fired because they complained about on-campus sex toy parties.

The three teachers, Deanna Allen, Janice Mireles and Rosalinda Padilla, had taught high school and junior high-level classes at the small Gabriel Tafolla Academy.

They are seeking damages …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US teachers ‘fired for complaining about on-campus sex toys’.

Poster girl of Taliban oppression unveils new nose

LONDON – The woman, who appeared on the cover of Time Magazine without her nose and accompanied by an article highlighting the plight of women in Afghanistan, has unveiled a new nose.

Aisha, 19, who became the poster girl of Taliban oppression in Afghanistan after being mutilated by her husband, prompted a worldwide outpouring of … Read more : Poster girl of Taliban oppression unveils new nose.

NATO choppers again violate Pak airspace days after formal apology

QUETTA – After assuring Pakistan of no more intrusions into its territory, two NATO helicopters again violated Pakistani airspace in Chaman area, a bordering town of Balochistan with Afghanistan.

“Two NATO helicopters crossed 200 yards into our territory and went back after a moment,” the Dawn quoted an officer, as saying.

The helicopters were seen over …. Source article  : NATO choppers again violate Pak airspace days after formal apology.

Six Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

MAHASAMUND – Security forces have gunned down six Maoist rebels in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund District.

The security personnel also managed to seize huge cache of explosives during the encounter that took place on Tuesday.

It has been reported that the security personnel were deployed in the region on a month-long anti- Maoists operation.

Special Task Force … Read more : Six Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter.

Now, ‘Zork’ your bubbly to keep the fizz from going flat

LONDON – Popping open a bottle of champagne is always fun, but not so much when the bubbly fizzes out – well, not any more – thanks to a clever device called ‘zork’.

Tesco is initially rolling out the plastic cap, reckoned to be a hi-tech alternative to the traditional champagne cork – with the added … Read more »».

Photog captures lightening-struck Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK – A photographer has managed to capture an amazing moment – the Statue of Liberty hit by a lightening streak.

Jay Fine, who has hoped to snap a shot of lightning hitting the statue for years, was waiting in Battery Park City on Sept. 22, reports The New York Post.

Fine spent nearly two hours … Read more >>>.

Germany has become new breeding ground for jihadi Islamic radicals: Report

BERLIN – Despite being spared of terrorist attacks like those that have hit the United States, Britain and Spain, Hamburg in Germany still remains the breeding ground for Islamic radicals, according to security officials.

Recent arrests and terrorism warnings in Europe and Afghanistan have reportedly claimed that a small number of Germans under the influence …. Read the original article  : Germany has become new breeding ground for jihadi Islamic radicals: Report.

India to help Vietnam enhance, upgrade its armed forces

HANOI – To further boost India’s Look East Policy, Defence Minister AK Antony said that New Delhi will provide support to Vietnam to enhance and upgrade the capabilities of its three services in general and its Navy in particular.

Antony announced India’s help at the bilateral meetings with the top Vietnamese leadership including President Nguyen Minh …. Original source  : India to help Vietnam enhance, upgrade its armed forces.

Miracle as first of 33 trapped Chilean miners pulled to safety

LONDON – A feeling of victory and happiness erupted across Chile as the first of 33 Chilean miners, trapped for more than two months was brought out to the surface.

According to the Daily News, strapped into a specially-made steel capsule, 31-year-old Florencio Avalos stepped out of a torpedo-shaped capsule that lifted him over 2,000 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Miracle as first of 33 trapped Chilean miners pulled to safety.

Even passengers’ phone calls are a danger to drivers

LONDON – A study on the dangers of talking on a mobile while driving has found that even a passenger’s phone call is enough to distract the driver.

Researchers say that hearing one side of a phone conversation can affect concentration more than being part of it, as a ‘halfalogue’ is up to three times as …. Original article  : Even passengers’ phone calls are a danger to drivers.

Row over inviting Lankan President Rajapaksa for CWG closing

LONDON – Activists have opposed India’s decision to invite Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Rajapaksa accepted a “joint” invitation from the Indian government and the event organisers, and would be flying to India on Wednesday

The Lankan government confirmed that Rajapaksa would … Original article on : Row over inviting Lankan President Rajapaksa for CWG closing.

Airline captain dies while flying plane from Philippines to Qatar

LONDON – An airline captain passed away midair as he was flying a plane from Philippines to Qatar, forcing the plane to be diverted to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Qatar Airways captain, whose name has not been revealed, had been in charge of Flight QR645, operating from Manila to Doha, the Daily Mail reported.

The … Read more >>>.

Shiny objects hovering over Chelsea spark UFO speculation

NEW YORK – Chelsea got its round of its excitement after a dozen shiny objects were seen hovering in the skies, sparking speculations of UFOs on the West Side.

The NYPD and Federal Aviation Administration began receiving calls from people reporting strange, silver objects flying high in the sky over Manhattan on October 13.

“Some people saw …. Original article  : Shiny objects hovering over Chelsea spark UFO speculation.

Canada seeks Pakistani bases after eviction by UAE

TORONTO – With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shutting the Canadian secret military base near Dubai next month, Ottawa has requested Pakistan to let it use its military bases before its scheduled pullout from Afghanistan next year.

Canada, which has been using Camp Mirage near Dubai for the past seven years as a forward base … Original source on Gaea Times at : Canada seeks Pakistani bases after eviction by UAE.

Three militants killed in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – Three separatist guerrillas were killed in a south Kashmir gunfight with security forces, police said Thursday.

Three militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in Keller village of Shopian district. On a tip, troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of police cordoned off a house in Keller village …. Read the original article  : Three militants killed in Kashmir gunfight.

Nepalese teen becomes world’s smallest man after celebrating 18th b’day

MELBOURNE – A Nepalese teenager-whose tiny stature has made him a celebrity in his homeland-has entered the record books as the world’s shortest man, as he celebrated his 18th birthday.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, who stands just 65.5cm tall and weighs 5.5 kilos, takes over from 24-year-old …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepalese teen becomes world’s smallest man after celebrating 18th b’day.

Birt hairdresser’s nose collapses ‘after decades of inhaling tiny lippings’

LONDON – A British hairdresser was horrified when her nose collapsed after decades of breathing in tiny hair clippings.

Edwina Phillipson from Northumberland said tiny fragments of hair lodged themselves in the skin inside her nose.

This caused an infection that eventually caused a hole to …. Source article  : Birt hairdresser’s nose collapses ‘after decades of inhaling tiny lippings’.

Trapped Chilean miner emerges to be greeted by wife, mistress at same time

LONDON – One of the 33-trapped Chilean miners who came out after 69 days apparently called his wife and mistress to greet him on reaching the surface-both at the same time.

Yonni Barrios married Marta Salinas 28 years ago and has been in an extra-marital affair with Susana Valenzuela too, reports the … Read more : Trapped Chilean miner emerges to be greeted by wife, mistress at same time.

Prakash Karat criticises Centre for failing to curb inflation

PATNA – Ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) General Secretary Prakash Karat slammed the Central Government for its inability to tame the inflationary situation in the country.

“It is true that the responsibility for controlling … Read more >>.

Mukesh Ambani builds world’s first billion-dollar home in Mumbai

LONDON – The richest man in India and the fourth richest in the world, Mukesh Ambani, has built world’s first billion-dollar home in Mumbai, India.

Ambani is having a few friends round to celebrate moving into his new Mumbai pad. But as the home has 27 storeys, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mukesh Ambani builds world’s first billion-dollar home in Mumbai.

Guinness gives best Dussehra gift to Nepali teen

KATHMANDU – Organisers had a tough time controlling the crowds and photographers at a hotel in Nepal’s picturesque Pokhara city Thursday as local lad and now, a global celebrity, Khagendra Thapa Magar celebrated his 18th birthday and attained adulthood by winning the title for the shortest man in the world.

The boy from a little-known … Read more »».

Life normal in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – Life returned to normalcy for a day Thursday in the Kashmir Valley Thursday with the separatists asking people to resume regular activities.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani made the appeal as part of his groups ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign that has paralysed life in the valley for over four months.
Shops, educational institutions, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Life normal in Kashmir Valley.

India home to world’s 42pc underweight children

NEVADA – “India is home to 42 percent of the world’s underweight children and 31 percent of its stunted children”, according to 2010 Global Hunger Index report.

The 2010 Global Hunger Index was calculated for 122 developing countries and countries in transition … Original source on Gaea Times at : India home to world’s 42pc underweight children.

NY judge gives Anand Jon a break in serial sex assault case

NEW YORK – Anand Jon, accused of rape and sexual abuse against several women including minors, got a break from a Manhattan court when the judge dismissed some of the charges against the Indian-American fashion designer.

The judge dismissed charges against Jon, …. Source article  : NY judge gives Anand Jon a break in serial sex assault case.

Brit couple beats odds of 48m to 1 with 3 kids born same day, different years

LONDON – A couple in Britain has three children who were born on the same day but different years, beating the odds by an astonishing 48 million to one.

Jennifer and Driss Allali welcomed their latest child, Sami, born on October 7, and he shares the same birth date as his …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Majority of Pakistanis see US drone attacks “as their liberator,” finds new study

WASHINGTON – Amid reports of civilians in Pakistan’s tribal areas opposing US drone attacks in their country, a study carried out by an American professor may astonish the world, as it argues …. Source  : Majority of Pakistanis see US drone attacks “as their liberator,” finds new study.

Yeddyurappa to seek ‘Trust Vote’ in Karnataka Assembly today

BANGALORE – Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa will be seeking a vote of confidence in the State Assembly for the second time in four days on Thursday to prove the majority of his Government in the House after a controversial trust …. Read the original article  : Yeddyurappa to seek ‘Trust Vote’ in Karnataka Assembly today.

Cornwall chef’s perfectly round egg is a billion-to-one discovery

LONDON – A hotel chef in Cornwall preparing breakfast was left stunned after he found a perfectly round egg.

James Church was working the early shift in Newquay, when he made the billion-to-one discovery. He was about to crack the freaky egg to make a fry-up …. Source article  : Cornwall chef’s perfectly round egg is a billion-to-one discovery.

Sarah Palin is ’sexiest politician in US’

NEW YORK – Sarah Palin is the politician most American men would love to invite to tea, a poll has indicated.

32 percent of U.S. males believe the Wasilla moose killer is the hottest U.S. female politico, ahead of Delaware Senate hopeful Christine O’Donnell, with 22 … Read more >>>.

Pak mulling Canada’s request to use its bases during Afghan-bound troops withdrawal

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is reportedly considering a request from Canada to use its military bases to remove troops and supplies during the scheduled withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

Mian Gul Akbar Zeb, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, disclosed that [..] Read the original article: here.

TVNZ apologises to Kiwi-Indian Gov Gen for Henry’s racial slurs against him

WELLINGTON – Television New Zealand chairman Sir John Anderson and Chief Executive Rick Ellis have personally apologised to Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand for remarks by broadcaster Paul Henry, suggesting he did not look or sound like a New Zealander.

Henry had to resign after asking New …. Original source  : TVNZ apologises to Kiwi-Indian Gov Gen for Henry’s racial slurs against him.

17 Delhi monuments will continue to shine at night

NEW DELHI – The 17 monuments, illuminated 24×7 for the benefit of the Commonwealth Games visitors, will continue to shine at night even though the mega-sporting has come to a close.

The permanent illumination of the 17 monuments in the capital introduces a new dimension on whether they should be thrown open to people, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 17 Delhi monuments will continue to shine at night.

Human rights groups snub ‘flawed’ Sri Lankan war crime panel

COLOMBO – Three international human rights organisations have reportedly declined to appear before a Sri Lankan inquiry into the end of the country’s civil war, saying the procedure is flawed and lacks credibility.

According to the BBC, the International Crisis Group (ICG), Human Rights Watch (HRW), and Amnesty International (AI) have all refused to appear before …. Original source  : Human rights groups snub ‘flawed’ Sri Lankan war crime panel.

Another Pak Taliban terrorist reaches US to rectify Times Square bombing failure

WASHINGTON – Recent intelligence has indicated that the Pakistani Taliban, which orchestrated the failed Times Square bombing, may have successfully placed another operative inside the United States to launch a second attack in the ‘Target Number One’ country for terrorists, sources revealed.

While senior US officials are concerned over recent intelligence, authorities, however, know very little …. Original article  : Another Pak Taliban terrorist reaches US to rectify Times Square bombing failure.

Now, take a ‘naturist holiday’ with 7-night naked cruise

SYDNEY – A London-based tour operator has come up with a new idea to holiday – a seven-night naked cruise for 22 bold holidaymakers.

eWaterways, which specializes in river and coastal cruises, will run its first cruise for naturists in August 2011, exploring the Croatian coastline.

Highlights on the 500 pounds (807dollars) holiday include a visit to [..] Read the original article: here.

Pakistan, China irritants for India: Army chief

NEW DELHI – Calling Pakistan and China “irritants” for India, army chief General V.K. Singh Friday said the terror infrastructure across the western border and Beijing’s rising military prowess were a worry for the country.

“We have two irritants. One, mainly in terms of how the situation is, in Pakistan where there is a problem …. Original source  : Pakistan, China irritants for India: Army chief.

150 Mercedes cars sold in a day in Aurangabad

AURANGABAD – Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district is now in the limelight for the affluence of its residents evident from the fact that they franchised 150 Mercedes Benz cars in one day.

A group of young entrepreneurs comprising builders, industrialists, doctors, and other professionals had booked these cars on a single day. These cars would be delivered to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 150 Mercedes cars sold in a day in Aurangabad.

Thursdays best for sex and Wednesdays to find love

LONDON – Did you know Thursday is best for having sex? Or Wednesday is the best bet to find the love of your life? If not, then here’s a new study that tells you the special thing attached to each day of the week.

A latest research from the London School of Economics has stated that … Read more : Thursdays best for sex and Wednesdays to find love.

Booze now cheaper than water in Kiwiland!

WELLINGTON – You may as well drink alcohol, and not water anymore -as a new study suggests that booze is the cheapest drink available in New Zealand – even more than water.

The research conducted by Otago University found that alcohol has become increasingly affordable within the span of last 10 years.

The Government said that the …. Read the original article  : here.

Family comes first for ‘Mama Grizzly’ Sarah Palin

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin will be seen on her own reality television show on TLC called ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’.

The ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ is a reality style television show in which, she and her family are shown spending time together in their home state.

The trailer shows Ex Vice Presidential Candidate indulging into cross-country …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Mysterious floating objects’ in NYC were birthday balloons, not UFOs

NEW YORK – Students of a Westchester elementary school rubbished claims of UFO sightings, saying that they were just a bunch of balloons.

The students believe that the puzzling orbs floating over Chelsea were likely a bundle of balloons that escaped from an engagement party they held for their teacher.

“UFO? They’re crazy – those are our …. Original article  : ‘Mysterious floating objects’ in NYC were birthday balloons, not UFOs.

Obama’s support waning among college goers ahead of Nov mid-term polls

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama’s support among college students is waning, with only 44 percent approving of the job he is doing while 27 percent claiming that they are unhappy with his job performance, according to an Associated Press-mtvU poll.

According to the New York Daily News, the current figure is a significant dip from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama’s support waning among college goers ahead of Nov mid-term polls.

Air New Zealand’s ‘racist and sex-ad campaign’ kicks up controversy

MELBOURNE – Air New Zealand’s latest advertising campaign is raising eyebrows yet again as it is riddled with sexual innuendo and racial puns.

Featuring a vampire-like animal puppet by the name of Rico, the ads are meant to focus attention on the airline’s new premium economy spaceseat on the 777-300 aircraft, reports News.com.au.

Lines from Rico, the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Air New Zealand’s ‘racist and sex-ad campaign’ kicks up controversy.

Condoleezza Rice ‘won’t chirp’ in private meeting with Obama in White House

WASHINGTON – Condoleezza Rice, the former Secretary of State and national security adviser in former US President George W. Bush’s government, is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Barack Obama in the Oval office to discuss “a range of foreign-policy issues,” according to a White House spokesman, Tommy Vietor.

The Washington Post quoted Vietor, …. Read the original article  : here.

US eyeing expanding its war on terror formally into Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD – Despite the furore over a series of cross border strikes by US-led forces in Pakistan, and the subsequent US apology for the killings of three troops in one of those attacks, recent reports suggest that US officials may be eying a repeat of the cross-border incident by seeking raids into Balochistan.

According to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US eyeing expanding its war on terror formally into Pakistan?.

‘Scantily-clad’ Carla Bruni too risqu??? for Pope and Vatican City

LONDON – Pope Benedict XVI has refused to let Carla Bruni visit the Vatican as Italian media might publish racy photos of the French first lady.

Officials have sent a clear message to French Ambassador concerning the French First Lady’s presence during her husband’s 30-minute meeting with the Pope.

The message was titled, “Carla Sarkozy is not … Read : ‘Scantily-clad’ Carla Bruni too risqu??? for Pope and Vatican City.

Teens text every 10 mins every waking hour of every day of the year

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that teenagers on an average send and receive text messages every 10 minutes of every waking hour of every day of the year.

According to the report released by Nielsen on cell phone use in the second quarter of the year, teenage girls are thumbing their way to new …. Original source  : Teens text every 10 mins every waking hour of every day of the year.

Obama streaker agrees to strip again

NEW YORK – A man-who ran naked in front of President Obama-has reached an agreement with his billionaire benefactor to shed his clothes once again, but this time it’s not for one million dollars.

In exchange for an undisclosed sum, Juan Rodriguez has agreed to try to streak again, in front of another undisclosed head of …. Source  : Obama streaker agrees to strip again.

Michelle Obama far more popular than US President: Poll

WASHINGTON – The US First Lady, Michelle Obama’s approval ratings have soared to 65 percent, twenty points higher than the president, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll.

According to the Daily Mail, Michelle Obama is seen as a saviour for the Democratic party, and her popularity among voters and candidates has given the Democrats a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Michelle Obama far more popular than US President: Poll.

French ‘burka rage’ teacher faces jail after ripping off Muslim woman’s face veil

PARIS – A retired teacher is facing three years in prison for ripping off a Muslim’s face veil in the world’s first known case of ‘burka rage’ in France.

According to the Daily Mail, 63-year-old Jeanne Ruby appeared before the Paris Correctional Court on Thursday to defend her attack on Shaika al-Suwaidi, 26, who is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : French ‘burka rage’ teacher faces jail after ripping off Muslim woman’s face veil.

Musharraf’s ‘fish, duck and wine’ lunch with Israeli MPs in London

LONDON – Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is stated to have shared a lunch with a couple of members of Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, at a Chinese restaurant in Kensington area of central London a few days ago.

The Israeli parliamentarians included Silvan Sahalom and Brigadier General (retired) Ephraim Sneh, also the chairman of the subcommittee …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Musharraf’s ‘fish, duck and wine’ lunch with Israeli MPs in London.

Free house in US up for grabs for anyone who will move it

LONDON – A Pennsylvania town has offered prospective homeowners a good deal-a free house, if they can remove and take it away.

East Manchester acquired the three-bedroom ranch-style house for the land it is made on. It needed this land for future expansion of municipal facilities.

Officials found it cheaper to give the house away than refit … Read more >>.

Outrage over UK decision to implement ‘Sus’ laws allowing police to target minorities

LONDON – According to a new proposal, British police would now be allowed to implement the ‘Sus law,’ which was scrapped in the 1980s after the alleged targeting of black people by police led to race riots in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

The Sus law was the informal name for ‘a stop and search law’ in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Outrage over UK decision to implement ‘Sus’ laws allowing police to target minorities.

Sex survey at D.C. school triggers controversy

WASHINGTON – A Washington D.C. middle school is facing the wrath of parents after distributing a sex survey to seventh-graders, which asked whether they knew how to apply a condom.

The survey, whose respondents were both boys and girls, also interrogated the kids’ sexual orientation among other adult sex based questions.

As per the reports from MyFoxDC.com …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sex survey at D.C. school triggers controversy.

London based photog wins ???82K damages over ‘porn cover’

LONDON – A London based renowned photographer has won 82,000 pounds damages from a US porn firm that used her holiday snap to publish it on a cover of an X-rated film.

Lara Jade, now 21, was only 14 and a keen photographer when she took a self-portrait of herself in Blackpool wearing a top hat …. Read the original article  : here.

NYC woman wants dead hubby’s sperm to raise a family

NEW YORK – A Manhattan widow wants to extract sperm from her deceased husband to fulfil his wish of raising a family.

George Kamau, 37, hanged himself this week and now his widow Victoria Chege is seeking a court order so his sperm can be frozen and eventually implanted in her best friend – who would … Read more : NYC woman wants dead hubby’s sperm to raise a family.

Sonia Gandhi meets CWG medallists, Kalmadi kept out

NEW DELHI – Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday met Commonwealth Games 2010 medal winners here today.

Sports Minister M S Gill and Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent was present on the occasion. However Commonwealth Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi was not invited.

On Friday, the Prime Minister had also invited … Read more »».

Maoist threats loom large ahead of Bihar Assembly polls

GAYA – As polls to the Bihar Assembly draw nearer, Maoist threats in Gaya region have upset the campaigning by the contesting candidates.

In and around Gaya alone, about ten constituencies are under the threat of Maoists.

Balik Ram, a candidate of Congress party said that people would vote only if they were assured of police security.

“Yes, …. Source  : Maoist threats loom large ahead of Bihar Assembly polls.

No curfew, separatist shutdown in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Markets were abuzz and people queued up outside ATMs as life returned to its old self in Srinagar on a rare day Saturday.

The development coincided with the separatists asking people to resume routine activities and the authorities deciding not to impose a curfew.
“No curfew or restrictions are in force anywhere … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No curfew, separatist shutdown in Srinagar.

Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident harms award’s prestige: Pak

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has come out in support of China by questioning the decision to award the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to jailed academic Liu Xiaobo.

Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in jail on December 25, 2009, after a court in Beijing convicted him of an agitation aimed at subverting the government.

The 54-year-old former university …. Original article  : Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident harms award’s prestige: Pak.

Chidambaram willing to give inputs for CWG probes

NEW DELHI – Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said his Ministry was ready to give inputs to the appropriate authorities looking into allegations of corruption relating to the XIX Commonwealth Games.

Talking to reporters here, Chidambaram said: “If we are asked about what went wrong in the Games by the appropriate inquiring authorities, certainly …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pak’s insistence on India-type nuke deal may further strain testy ties with US

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s renewed push to clinch a civilian nuclear deal with the United States threatens to further strain relations that are already tense over Islamabad’s reluctance to go all out in the war on terror on its soil.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Pakistan will again raise their demand for a deal- similar …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US lap dance club pays $650K to customer kicked in the eye by stripper

LONDON – A Florida man has been awarded 650,000 dollars for injuries he suffered during a lap dance at a strip club.

Michael Ireland suffered an eye injury in the Cheetah Club, near West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2008 when he got too close to one stripper during her performance.

The stiletto heel of the woman, named …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US lap dance club pays $650K to customer kicked in the eye by stripper.

Obama’s polygamous half brother in Kenya ties the knot with teenager

LONDON – President Barack Obama’s 52-year-old polygamist half brother in Kenya has tied the knot with a 19-year-old teenager.

Malik Obama, who is Muslim, has two other wives.

The 19-year-old’s mother said that she is furious that her daughter quit high school and married the 52-year-old.

Mary Aoko Ouma says her daughter tried to marry Malik two years …. Read the original article  : Obama’s polygamous half brother in Kenya ties the knot with teenager.

Britain losing battle against Islamic extremists, claims French ‘burka ban architect’ MP

LONDON – French MP Jacques Myard, who is the architect of the burka ban in the country, has said that Britain is ‘losing the battle against Islamic extremism’ by failing to outlaw burqas.

The Daily Mail quoted Myard, a senior member of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s ruling UMP party, as saying that the British policies have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chidambaram congratulates Delhi police for CWG foolproof security

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday praised Delhi Police Commissioner Y. S Dadwal for doing a tremendous job of providing flaw-less security during the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

In a letter to Dadwal, Chidambaram said: “I wish … Read more : Chidambaram congratulates Delhi police for CWG foolproof security.

‘Friends of Pak’ tell it to get its economic reforms in place to ensure survival

BRUSSELS – The Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) has stressed on the need for continued efforts by the Pakistan government for sustained economic revival following the recent devastating floods in the country that affected 20 million people.

FoDP is a …. Original source  : ‘Friends of Pak’ tell it to get its economic reforms in place to ensure survival.

Booker Prize is like backward shining light on all my works: Howard Jacobson (Interview)

NEW DELHI – Novelist Howard Jacobson, who won the Man Booker Prize for his “The Finkler Question”, says the award is like a “backward shining light” that seems to bless all his previous books.

“I feel now that the Man Booker couldn’t have happened at a more wonderful time. It seems to bless all …. Original source  : Booker Prize is like backward shining light on all my works: Howard Jacobson (Interview).

Claims that prisoners being harassed at US “secret jail” in Afghanistan

KABUL – There have been repeated allegations from ex-detainees that prisoners are being abused at a “secret jail” at Bagram airbase, the main American military base in Afghanistan, according to a report from a US policy think tank.

According to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Claims that prisoners being harassed at US “secret jail” in Afghanistan.

Kathua residents suffer due to non-availability of rehabilitation package

KATHUA – Residents of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district are suffering as they have not been provided with the rehabilitation packages announced by the Punjab Government during the construction of the Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Lying across the Ravi River, the Ranjit Sagar Dam is located in Kathua District …. Source article  : Kathua residents suffer due to non-availability of rehabilitation package.

BSF ready to stop cross border infiltration during winter in J-K

KATHUA – Siddharth Chattopadhyay, Inspector General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), has said that strategies are in place to stop cross-border infiltration of militants during the winter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

Talking to …. Source  : BSF ready to stop cross border infiltration during winter in J-K.

NY University Club a hotbed of ‘relentless sexual harassment’

NEW YORK – A Manhattan jury described the University Club as a hotbed of ‘relentless sexual harassment’ for six young waitresses, who were victimised by their boss.

Banquet captain Mel Guzman, 71, sexually handled the women and assigned them shifts depending on how they responded, lawyer Joshua Friedman said in the civil suit’s opening argument.

“Guzman is …. Original source  : NY University Club a hotbed of ‘relentless sexual harassment’.

North Korea ready for resumption of six-party talks

BEIJING – The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has said that it is ready for resumption of the six-party talks, involving China, United States, South Korea, Russia and Japan.

“A spokesman for the foreign ministry of the DPRK said on Saturday that the DPRK was ready for resumption of the six-party talks,” The Xinhua quoted … Original article on : North Korea ready for resumption of six-party talks.

TTP claims Qari Hussain Mehsud alive, brands news report of his death ‘drama’

MIRANSHAH – Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Spokesman Azam Tariq has contradicted news reports about Qari Hussain Mehsud’s death in a US drone strike, describing it as part of a campaign to demoralise the Taliban.

Talking to reporters from an undisclosed location, Tariq termed the death report of Mehsud a drama, saying Hussain was alive and healthy and …. Source  : TTP claims Qari Hussain Mehsud alive, brands news report of his death ‘drama’.

Pak to seek drone technology at upcoming strategic dialogue with US

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani deliberated on the forthcoming Pak-US strategic dialogue in a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Briefing the media, the President’s Spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the government wanted to pursue multi-faceted comprehensive cooperation …. Source  : Pak to seek drone technology at upcoming strategic dialogue with US.

Death toll from Central China’s mine accident reaches 26

BEIJING – The death toll from Saturday’s coal mine gas leak in Central China’s Henan Province climbed to 26 on Sunday with rescuers still battling to reach the eleven miners, who are still trapped inside.

“Rescuers were battling to reach the 11 miners …. Original source  : Death toll from Central China’s mine accident reaches 26.

Under fire Pak says “no lack of resolve to fight terrorism” in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD – Following the accusations made in a leaked White House report to Congress earlier this month that Pakistani forces were avoiding “direct conflict” in North Waziristan, Pakistan has defended its military policy in the northwest of the country, considered a hotbed of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgency.

In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, …. Source  : Under fire Pak says “no lack of resolve to fight terrorism” in North Waziristan.

Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Bhatia face suspension from House of Lords over expenses scam

LONDON – Indian-born British Labour politician Lord Swraj Paul, along with another Indian and a Bangladeshi peer, investigated over the expenses claims face suspension from the House of Lords and repayment of tens of thousands of pounds.

According to the Telegraph, Lord Paul, Lord Bhatia and Baroness Uddin are expected to be officially recommended for censure …. Original source  : Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Bhatia face suspension from House of Lords over expenses scam.

Dussehra being celebrated throughout India

NEW DELHI – The festival of Dussehra, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is being celebrated through out the country on Sunday.

In the months of Ashwin and kartik, Hindus observe a 10-day ceremony of fast, rituals, celebrations and fiests to honor the mother Goddess and triumph of Lord Rama over demon Ravana.

Dussehra … Original article on : Dussehra being celebrated throughout India.

Nelson Mandela ‘awkward in his personal relationships’

LONDON – Former South African president Nelson Mandela- revered around the globe for his warmth-shares a cold relationship with his family, it has emerged.

A collection of his writing, jottings and letters from his long years of captivity on Robben Island in a new book, ‘Conversations With … Read more »».

Employees prefer sex to LinkedIn to get ahead at work: Study

WASHINGTON – A new US poll has suggested that employees prefer using sex to get ahead at work than connecting to a boss on the business networking website LinkedIn.

Adecco Staffing U.S. commissioned a survey of 1,000 American workers.

It reported that six percent said they … Read more >>.

NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg has only six pairs of loafers!

WASHINGTON – New York’s low-key billionaire mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has only six pairs of shoes.

During a speech at shoe sale event Bloomberg joked: “A story emerged recently that shocked many in your industry, leaving them confused, perplexed, maybe even a little bit hurt.”

“I’m talking about the stunning revelation … Original article on : NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg has only six pairs of loafers!.

Whakatane bakers’ world-record cake aim

WELLINGTON – A group of Whakatane bakers have apparently set a record for the biggest cake ever baked.

The cake is in the shape of a snake, measuring 62.34 metres.

The cake was baked in one-metre sections, reports the New Zealand Herald.

As many as eight people prepared the cake in 22 hours.

They used 800 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US says shared information with India after Headley’s another wife’s terror link expose

WASHINGTON – The United States said on Sunday said that the threat information of general nature was shared with India after it appeared that another wife of David Headley, the key conspirator in the Mumbai attacks, informed American authorities …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US says shared information with India after Headley’s another wife’s terror link expose.

Two LeT militants killed in Kashmir encounter

SRINAGAR – Two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in a fierce encounter with the security forces in Budhal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district last night.

Acting on a tip-off, the 60 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group … Read more : Two LeT militants killed in Kashmir encounter.

WikiLeaks expected to release 400,000 secret Iraq War files

LONDON – Whistleblower website WikiLeaks is reportedly preparing to release around 400,000 classified documents relating to the United States-led war in Iraq.

According to Fox News, the release, which could come as early as Sunday, will be the website’s largest publication of classified materials to date.

The files have been leaked to the whistleblower website from … Read : WikiLeaks expected to release 400,000 secret Iraq War files.

Ten killed, several injured in Bihar temple stampede

BANKA – At least ten persons were killed and several others injured in a stampede that broke out at Tildiha village of Bihar’s Banka District on the occasion of ‘Navratri’ festival.

It has been reported that the stampede took place inside the jam-packed temple premises on Saturday after a portion of the sacrificed body of …. Source article  : Ten killed, several injured in Bihar temple stampede.

Indian Army Chief’s statement on Pak ‘jingoistic and unwise’: Pak FO

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has taken serious notice of a recent statement given by the Indian Army Chief about his ‘threat perception’ from the neighbouring nation, and has called it irresponsible, jingoistic and unwise.

“The Government of Pakistan takes serious exception to the reported statement of the Indian Army Chief about his threat perception from Pakistan, war …. Source  : Indian Army Chief’s statement on Pak ‘jingoistic and unwise’: Pak FO.

16 killed, 24 wounded in Karachi target killings ahead of by-polls

KARACHI – 16 people were gunned down and around two dozen wounded in the commercial capital of Pakistan, following the Awami National Party’s announcement to boycott the by-elections due on October 17 (today).

After ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed declared that the party was boycotting the by-polls in Orangi Town, incidents of violence escalated and exposed …. Source article  : 16 killed, 24 wounded in Karachi target killings ahead of by-polls.

Srinagar’s Sunday market buzzes on ‘normal’ day

SRINAGAR – After more than four months, life remained normal for two consecutive days across the Kashmir Valley and the weekly Sunday market here drew large crowds as authorities did not clamp curfew and there was no shutdown call by the separatists.

“No curfew has been imposed anywhere in the Valley today (Sunday). There are … Read more »»».

Mukesh Ambani to shift to his new abode in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Industrialist Mukesh Ambani will soon move into his new mansion valued at 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in Mumbai.

Reportedly, the multi-storeyed glass tower is inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The 27 floor building, houses three helipads, nine …. Read the original article  : here.

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.

Fate of blueline buses in Delhi to be decided today

NEW DELHI – The Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely is scheduled to meet the blueline bus owners today to decide the future of the bus services in the national capital.

Over 1,600 blueline buses ply in the national capital region.

According to the reports, the Delhi government wants replace the private buses with the new fleet of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fate of blueline buses in Delhi to be decided today.

Terrorism high on agenda of Commonwealth Parliamentary conference

RAIPUR – Issues relating to terrorism, naxalism and food security are being discussed during the Fourth India and Asia Regions Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference which began here on Monday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar who is also the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the CPA India Region will preside over the five-day function.

The … Read more »»».

Afghan peace talks only ‘informal’ so far due to shadowy Taliban leadership: Holbrooke

Washington: Although there has been an upsurge in the number of high-level Taliban leaders showing interest in Afghan reconciliation process, the present talks are far from any formal negotiation due to the lack of a clear Taliban leadership structure, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, has said.

In a CNN programme, Holbrooke disclosed … Read more : Afghan peace talks only ‘informal’ so far due to shadowy Taliban leadership: Holbrooke.

Interlocutors meet Shabir Shah’s family in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – The three interlocutors on Kashmir Monday met family members and aides of detained separatist leader Shabir Shah at his uptown residence in summer capital Srinagar.

The chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party is presently under detention and has refused to be let out on parole though the authorities decided to …. Original source  : Interlocutors meet Shabir Shah’s family in Srinagar.

Did aliens create Drumstick – the four-legged chick?

MELBOURNE – A man was travelling through the Northern Territory’s top alien hotspot when his chicken hatched – and it was four legged.

According to the Northern Territory News, owner Kevin Horner said it may have just been a coincidence the chicken with two extra legs was born as he was passing through Wycliffe Well, 1100km … Read more >>.

Brit minister says kids must see women’s rights film full of F-word fusillade

LONDON – Children should be allowed to see a film that contains 17 uses of the F-word as it has vital things to say about women’s rights, says a Brit minister.

Lynne Featherstone, the equalities minister, called on the British Board of Film Classification to lower the rating for ‘Made in Dagenham’ from a 15-certificate to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Brit minister says kids must see women’s rights film full of F-word fusillade.

Fatal car crashes involving teen drivers declining: Report

WASHINGTON – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that the number of fatal car crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers has continued to drop in recent years.

The annual number of deadly crashes with teen drivers fell from 2,230 in 2004 to 1,437 in 2008, a 36 percent decline, researchers from the agency’s Division … Original article on : Fatal car crashes involving teen drivers declining: Report.

18-year-old math whiz smashes all time highest score on ‘Countdown’

LONDON – A Brit teenage genius has stunned viewers by smashing the all-time points record on British game show ‘Countdown’.

Jack Hurst made a whopping final total, highest ever in the 28-year history of the show.

The 18-year-old boy from Desford, Leicestershire, has been appearing on the show throughout the last week.

And on Friday’s episode, his eighth …. Source  : 18-year-old math whiz smashes all time highest score on ‘Countdown’.

Musharraf lists West’s ‘three blunders’ that gave the world scourge of terrorism

LAHORE – Former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharraf has alleged that the West committed three blunders years back, the outcome of which Pakistan and Afghanistan are still bearing in the form of terror threats.

Speaking at the Asia Society’s Texas Centre, Musharraf referred to ‘three blunders’ that contributed to the terror threat in the region, The …. Read the original article  : Musharraf lists West’s ‘three blunders’ that gave the world scourge of terrorism.

Oz man’s record-breaking collection of ‘belly button fluff ‘ in 26 years

LONDON – An Aussie librarian has entered the Guinness Book of Records for collecting 22.1 grams of ‘belly button fluff ‘ over 26 years.

Graham Barker from Perth has saved 22.1 grams of lint after ‘harvesting’ it every day for 26 years and has even considered stuffing a cushion with his bizarre collection.

The 45-year-old plucks the … Read more >>>.

Army protests as soldier dies in Pakistani firing

JAMMU – The Indian Army Monday lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan Army over a ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district that killed an Indian soldier, military sources say.

The soldier was injured in rocket and machine gun fire by Pakistani troops Sunday evening in Krishnaghati sector and succumbed to injuries in …. Source article  : Army protests as soldier dies in Pakistani firing.

US retains options to halt military aid if Pak doesn’t alter its ‘double game’ on terror

LAHORE – While the United States has not attached any conditions to its two-billion-dollar military aid package for Pakistan, it does expect Islamabad to expedite its efforts in uprooting militancy in North Waziristan.

According to diplomatic sources, during the latest round of strategic dialogue that concluded last Friday, the US accepted Pakistan’s position that it did … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US retains options to halt military aid if Pak doesn’t alter its ‘double game’ on terror.

Uphill task for US to help Pak set up nuclear energy plants due to trust deficit: Carmela

LAHORE – It will be a very difficult task for the United States to help Pakistan set up nuclear energy plants for solving its energy crisis, as the latter’s history of attempted nuclear proliferation to Libya and North Korea has created a trust deficit about the country amongst the international community, US Consul General in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Uphill task for US to help Pak set up nuclear energy plants due to trust deficit: Carmela.

Sex-case question prompts WikiLeaks boss to walk out of interview

LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange reportedly walked out of an interview when asked about his personal life.

Australian-born Assange walked out on a CNN interview after the reporter asked him about his often-terse relationship with fellow workers – and an even more serious personal court case in which he was cleared of sex abuse charges …. Original source  : Sex-case question prompts WikiLeaks boss to walk out of interview.

Observers say Karzai-Taliban peace talks ‘mostly hype’

LONDON – Observers of the evolving situation in war-torn Afghanistan have said the recent moves by the U.S.-led NATO coalition force to facilitate peace talks between a council appointed by President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban leaders are mere hype, and scarcely more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Observers say Karzai-Taliban peace talks ‘mostly hype’.

Interlocutors to meet J-K CM Omar Adullah

SRINAGAR – The three interlocutors appointed by the Central Government to seek out various shades of opinion in Jammu and Kashmir, are scheduled to meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and a cross section of people on Monday.

Senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and Central Information Commissioner M. M. Ansari arrived in Srinagar on Saturday.

The [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak violates cease-fire in Poonch district, one soldier killed

POONCH – A soldier was killed in indiscriminate firing by Pakistani troops in Krishna Ghati sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch District on Sunday night.

The unprovoked firing appears to have escalated tension along the border ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India.

Accoding to official sources, Pakistani troops targeted the Indian posts of …. Source article  : Pak violates cease-fire in Poonch district, one soldier killed.

Robert Mugabe’s wife ‘had a fling with his top banker for 5 yrs’

LONDON – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s wife has been having an affair with one of her husband’s best friends, it has emerged.

Grace Mugabe, who is 41 years younger than the 86-year-old president, has spent the past five years cuckolding him with Gideon Gono, head of the country’s central bank, reports the Daily Mail.

The couple would … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Robert Mugabe’s wife ‘had a fling with his top banker for 5 yrs’.

Now, airport scanner can reveal what’s in your bottles

LONDON – Carrying your own drinks on board planes would be possible once again-thanks to a new airport scanner developed by British scientists that can differentiate between water and liquid explosives.

Manufacturers have been given an official EU approval to use the new generation of X-ray machines at all European airports.

The machines could be in place … Read : Now, airport scanner can reveal what’s in your bottles.

Cow is god: Tripura tribals dont milk cattle

BAGMARA – Tribals of the dirt-poor village of Bagmara in Tripura have been holding on to their age-old custom that forbids consumption of cow milk, though nearly each household has at least one milch cow.

“We consider the cows as god; hence we stay away from any act of milking the milch cow,” Bagmara … Read more >>.

What I said is a call for justice, says Arundhati

SRINAGAR – Noted writer Arundhati Roy Tuesday said her speeches supporting the call for azadi were what “millions” in Kashmir say every day and were “fundamentally a call for justice”.

Police are reportedly examining the text of her speech made at a seminar here Sunday in which she said that Jammu and Kashmir was never … Original source on Gaea Times at : What I said is a call for justice, says Arundhati.

Kringle Candle Company Starts Its Journey

FRANKLIN COUNTY (GaeaTimes.com)- Michael ‘Mick’ Kittredge III has started Kringle Candle Company following the legacy of his father Michael Kittredge II. The latter set up the Yankee Candle Company. The new candle company was officially opened on this Saturday and it has got the backing of none other than Kathie Lee Gifford. She [..] Read the original article: here.

Hookers wear fluorescent jackets on Spanish highways for safety reasons

LONDON – Street prostitutes outside a Spanish town have been ordered by police to wear fluorescent jackets while working on the highway, so as to prevent road accidents.

Officers have been fining the sex workers 35 pounds for failing to wear the brightly coloured clothing on the LL-11 highway … Original article on : Hookers wear fluorescent jackets on Spanish highways for safety reasons.

Fine for women wearing miniskirts in Italian beach town

LONDON – The mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, south of Naples, Italy, has ordered police in the beach town to fine women who wear “very short” miniskirts or who show too much cleavage.

Luigi Bobbio, who was elected on Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party …. Original source  : Fine for women wearing miniskirts in Italian beach town.

Youth activists in Kolkata protest against recent metro train mishap

KOLKATA – Youth activists of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), protested against recent derailment of a metro train in Kolkata.

Protestors held a demonstration outside the Metro Rail Bhavan demanding better safety measures in metro rail services.

DYFI activists on Monday, shouted slogans against the railway authorities and demanded resignation of Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee holding …. Read the original article  : Youth activists in Kolkata protest against recent metro train mishap.

Boycott Bihar Assembly polls threaten Maoists

GAYA – The Maoists have issued new threat to the people of Bihar’s Gaya District to boycott the Assembly polls in the State.

The Maoists pasted posters all across Bihar’s Gaya District on Monday threatening locals with dire consequences if they voted.

“What are we going to do in the elections? On one hand, the Maoists threaten …. Source article  : Boycott Bihar Assembly polls threaten Maoists.

Elect me, I will turn Bihar into a developed State by 2015, promises Nitish Kumar

PATNA – During the ongoing campaign for Assembly polls in the State, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that Bihar will become a completely developed State by 2015 if the people vote his Government back to power.

Addressing a public rally here on Monday, Nitish Kumar urged the public to vote his Government back to power.

“Bihar’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Elect me, I will turn Bihar into a developed State by 2015, promises Nitish Kumar.

Pak police operation to bust terror network targeting shrines ‘a complete failure’

LAHORE – Pakistan police have badly failed to hunt the masterminds and terrorists behind brazen suicide attacks at Islamic shrines located in various districts of the country so far.

A senior lawmaker revealed that although Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had strongly warned Inspector General of Police Tariq Saleem Dogar of swift action after the Data …. Read the original article  : Pak police operation to bust terror network targeting shrines ‘a complete failure’.

Police study Arundhati Roy’s speech

SRINAGAR – Police are examining the text of the speech delivered by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy at a seminar here to decide whether it ‘merits legal action or not’.

In her speech Sunday, Roy had said that Kashmir was never an integral part of India and that British imperialism had been replaced by Indian … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police study Arundhati Roy’s speech.

The old in China have no place to live

BEIJING – Many old people in China have no place to live as the country is in acute shortage of old-age homes, authorities have said.

Meng Xianping registered to get his mother into a local nursing home at the end of 2009, but he and the rest of the family – three generations living under … Original source on Gaea Times at : The old in China have no place to live.

‘Coal India IPO a success because of consumer trust’, claims Shriprakash Jaiswal

NEW DELHI – Coal Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal has said that the success of the Coal India Initial Public Offering (IPO) is due to the increasing trust of investors in the Company.

Shriprakash Jaiswal said that the steady improvement in performance and quality of Coal India has led to the stupendous response.

“The way Coal India has performed, … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Coal India IPO a success because of consumer trust’, claims Shriprakash Jaiswal.

Florida teen with uncontrollable hiccups charged with first-degree murder

WASHINGTON – A Florida teenager, well known as the ‘hiccup girl’, has apparently been arrested and charged with murder.

MyFoxTampaBay.com reports that authorities arrested Jennifer Mee, 19, of St. Petersburg, Fla and two others in the shooting death of 22-year-old Shannon Griffin.

Police said Mee lured the victim to an area of St. Petersburg, where two men, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Florida teen with uncontrollable hiccups charged with first-degree murder.

US will ‘invade volatile Pak to deal with instability there’: Australian MP

SYDNEY – The ‘highly volatile’ situation in Pakistan is increasing the likelihood of a US invasion there, Australian parliamentarian Bob Katter has said.

Independent MP Bob Katter told parliament that the United States would invade Pakistan to deal with instability, and Australia must also send troops there, The Australian reported.

Speaking during the debate on Afghanistan, he [..] Read the original article: here.

Pak calls for ‘real time intelligence’ to preempt terror attacks from its soil on West

ISLAMABAD – Just weeks after security alerts were beefed up all across Europe following reports of planned terror strikes on its cities, Pakistan has called for greater intelligence sharing for taking ‘preemptive measures’ against any possible terrorist attacks against Britain and other western countries emanating from its soil.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani proposed cooperation between …. Source article  : Pak calls for ‘real time intelligence’ to preempt terror attacks from its soil on West.

Musharraf aide seeks FIR against Bugti over ‘billion rupee bounty on his head’ bid

ISLAMABAD – Dr Sher Afgan Niazi, a noted leader of the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s newly formed party All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), has filed an application to register an FIR under Section 7 or the ATA against three people, including Jamhoori Watan Party President Talal Bugti, for announcing a bounty on Musharraf’s head.

However, …. Read the original article  : Musharraf aide seeks FIR against Bugti over ‘billion rupee bounty on his head’ bid.

Gordon Brown branded ’scruffy’

LONDON – Peter Mandelson has dubbed former UK PM Gordon Brown “a cross between a snowplough and a combine harvester”- saying he couldn’t even fix his own tie.

Mandelson, who served as Business Secretary in the last Labour government, was caught commenting on documentary film ‘Mandelson: The Real PM?’ by Hannah Rothschild during the election campaign. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gordon Brown branded ’scruffy’.

Sarkozy ‘most unpopular French President in 50 years’

LONDON – Nicolas Sarkozy is the most unpopular French President in five decades, according to a new poll.

According to the French poll, ahead of another week of strikes, petrol shortages and travel delays, the President’s popularity has gone down to just 29 percent, 3 points less then September, to reach its lowest ever, reports the … Read more »»».

European Union set to open doors to Indian migrants

LONDON – There is good news for Indian immigrants wanting to settle down in European countries.

According to The Sun, a secret agreement has been reached between the Indian Government and the European Union that will open the employment door to an unlimited number of Indian immigrants and foreign specialists, especially in Britain.

Under the deal being …. Read the original article  : here.

Brit police in training for ‘26/11 Mumbai-style’ gun attacks

LONDON – British security chiefs have ordered an acceleration in police training to prepare for any future ‘26/11 Mumbai-style’ gun attacks in the country.

According to the BBC, a series of counter-terrorism exercises are being held with police training alongside units of British Army’s Special Air Service (SAS).

The drills follow the recent threat of Al-Qaeda … Original article on : Brit police in training for ‘26/11 Mumbai-style’ gun attacks.

Rahul Gandhi advocates upliftment of poor in Bihar

CHAPRA/RAMNAGAR – Campaigning for the ongoing State Assembly polls, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has advocated upliftment of the poor for the development in Bihar.

Commenting on the Nitish Kumar-led Government in the State with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as an alliance partner, Rahul Gandhi said Bihar is not shining and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members …. Source article  : Rahul Gandhi advocates upliftment of poor in Bihar.

Diwali Bonanza For Delhi

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The residents of Delhi have reasons to feel good about ahead of the festive season. The capital is gearing up for celebrating Diwali and what can be better than a new Metro track being thrown open for the commuters? The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to open the stretch … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Diwali Bonanza For Delhi.

O’Hare Airport Back To Normalcy

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- Storm coupled with extremely strong winds resulted in unexpected flight cancellation at the Chicago O’Hare Airport and the fliers were put into trouble. The ripple effect continued to hamper regular flight operations. The predictions of the met office do not seem to be on the positive side either. As it is being … Original source on Gaea Times at : O’Hare Airport Back To Normalcy.

BSF delegation arrives in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A delegation of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has reached Lahore city to attend a bi-annual meeting with Pakistan Rangers in which the issues of smuggling and illegal border crossing will be discussed.

The BSF delegation led by Director General Raman Srivastav arrived Tuesday at Rangers Headquarters through Wagah border, Daily Times reported … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BSF delegation arrives in Pakistan.

BSF delegation arrives in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A delegation of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has reached Lahore city to attend a bi-annual meeting with Pakistan Rangers in which the issues of smuggling and illegal border crossing will be discussed.

The BSF delegation led by Director General Raman Srivastav arrived Tuesday at Rangers Headquarters through Wagah border, Daily Times reported … Original article on : BSF delegation arrives in Pakistan.

‘Pak govt must provide immediate justice for Baloch atrocities’: Amnesty International

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan government must investigate the torture and killings of more than 40 Baloch leaders and political activists over the past four months, human rights group Amnesty International has said.

“The Pakistani government must act immediately to provide justice for the growing list of atrocities in Balochistan,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Director.

“Baloch … Original article on : ‘Pak govt must provide immediate justice for Baloch atrocities’: Amnesty International.

UK’s top all-girls school bans skirts as girls wear them too short

LONDON – One of the UK’s top all-girls school has ordered its pupils to wear trousers after a ‘complaint’ about ‘indecent’ length of their skirts.

The head teacher of Sandbach High School, Cheshire, has announced plans to ban skirts from next September because pupils are wearing them too short.

“To remove the problem of inappropriate short shirts …. Read the original article  : UK’s top all-girls school bans skirts as girls wear them too short.

Reluctance to ask for directions makes men drive an extra 276 miles a year

WASHINGTON – A new UK study has shown that men’s reluctance to ask for directions on the road lead them to drive an extra 276 miles a year whereas women settle at 256.

The study conducted by car insurance company Sheila’s Wheels stated that 26 percent men wait for at least half an hour before asking … Read more »».

Tata’s water purifier wins top innovation prize

WASHINGTON – Tata’s inexpensive water purifier, aimed at households that may not have electricity, bagged the top prize in The Wall Street Journal’s Asian Innovation Awards.

The purifier named Swach, which costs just Rs. 999, won the award amid competition from nearly 300 entries.

The Swach prevents water from being dispensed once its filtration capabilities are exhausted.

Journal’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

4 out of 5 applicants for new sickness benefit in UK are ‘fit to work’

LONDON – Tests have revealed that 78 pc of Brits who applied for a new sick benefit were fit to work.

About 824,000 have put in for Employment and Support Allowance since it came in two years ago.

Official figures have showed that almost four in five were either trying it on or withdrew their claim before …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 4 out of 5 applicants for new sickness benefit in UK are ‘fit to work’.

Brit-Indian doc ordered to pay back ???1m after selling dangerous diet pills

LONDON – Corrupt doctor Sudesh Madan who was jailed for 18 months for selling dangerous diet pills to fund her lavish lifestyle has been ordered to pay back more than 1million pounds.

Madan, 58, was jailed in May for selling the Phentermine and Diethylpropion slimming pills at Easy Slim clinics across the UK.

The potentially dangerous … Read more »».

Woman wins men’s dream ‘mud baths and sexy models’ vacation!

MELBOURNE – A contestant has won the ultimate dream vacation for a man – sexy wake up calls from models, mud wrestling, massages by lovely women – only the contestant is a woman.

Deodorant maker Lynx ran the Lynx Lodge contest offering a stay at a resort set to open next month at Lake Macquarie as … Read more »»».

India, Malaysia ink pacts to boost bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR – India and Malaysia have signed an agreement to implement Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which will come into force from July next year.

The two nations have also signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in the areas of information technology and services, traditional medicine, cultural exchanges and research and development.

The pacts were signed after … Original article on : India, Malaysia ink pacts to boost bilateral ties.

Bihar Assembly polls: Election Commission issues notification for final phase

PATNA – The Election Commission on Wednesday issued notification for holding elections to 26 Assembly seats in Bihar going to polls in the sixth and final phase on November 20.

The process of filing of nominations has begun with this process. The last date for filing of nomination papers is November 3 and the scrutiny …. Original article  : Bihar Assembly polls: Election Commission issues notification for final phase.

UK declines Pak request to return ‘visa processing’ to country from Abu Dhabi ‘hub’

ISLAMABAD – Britain is not ready to entertain the Pakistan government’s request for returning visa processing from Abu Dhabi to Islamabad, but has committed to streamline the procedures to ensure swift processing of visa applications from the country.

“The focus is on ensuring processing of applications swiftly and expeditiously,” the Dawn quoted British Home Secretary Theresa … Read more >>.

Follow India’s example, give land to Pak poor to avoid Taliban tentacles

TORONTO – A University of Washington academic has said Pakistan can learn from India’s example of helping landless poor build better lives from themselves.

Roy Prosterman, the founder and chair emeritus of the Rural Development Institute and professor emeritus of law at the University of Washington, believes that the Pakistan Government can solve the backbreaking problems …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Follow India’s example, give land to Pak poor to avoid Taliban tentacles.

Manmohan Singh concludes pacts to boost India-Malaysia bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR – India and Malaysia have signed an agreement to implement Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which will come into force from July next year.

The two nations have also signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in the areas of information technology and services, traditional medicine, cultural exchanges and research and development.

The pacts were signed after …. Source article  : Manmohan Singh concludes pacts to boost India-Malaysia bilateral ties.

Curfew imposed in four districts of J-K

SRINAGAR – Curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir’s four districts on Wednesday to foil a march called by moderate faction of Hurrriyat Conference to the office of the United Nations Military Observers’ Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) here demanding withdrawal of troops from Kashmir Valley.

It has been reported that besides the four …. Source article  : Curfew imposed in four districts of J-K.

Final phase of Bihar Assembly polls on November 20

PATNA – The Election Commission on Wednesday issued notification for holding elections to 26 Assembly seats in Bihar going to polls in the sixth and final phase on November 20.

The process of filing of nominations has begun with this process. The last date for filing of nomination papers is November 3 and the scrutiny … Read : Final phase of Bihar Assembly polls on November 20.

Rally supporting Indo-Naga peace talks held in Senapati District

SENAPATI DISTRICT – A peace rally was organised on Tuesday in support of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks in Manipur’s Senapati District.

The rally was organised under the aegis of the Naga HOHO, a chief tribal council.

It was held to press New Delhi to expedite the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, deferring the proposed rally at … Read more : Rally supporting Indo-Naga peace talks held in Senapati District.

Varanasi residents protest against theft at famous Vishwanath Temple

VARANASI – Residents of Varanasi took out a rally in protest against the administration’s failure to prevent a robbery at the famous Vishwanath Temple.

Sources said that a week ago, a traditional Indian silver Trident was stolen from the temple despite tight security.

The residents said this incident was unacceptable as the temple administration spends huge … Read more : Varanasi residents protest against theft at famous Vishwanath Temple.

Truth ineffective in battling rumours about NYC mosque, study finds

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that the truth about the proposed Islamic cultural centre and mosque near Ground Zero in New York City was not effective at all in battling the rumours regarding its construction.

Researchers at Ohio State University found that fewer than one-third of people who had previously heard and believed one … Original source on Gaea Times at : Truth ineffective in battling rumours about NYC mosque, study finds.

Half of all Brit workers would pay more than ???100 to stay in bed

LONDON – Staying in bed for a day is almost a luxury for the majority of us who work several hours a day.

Now, a survey has revealed that nearly half of all workers would pay more than 100 pounds to spend the day in bed.

Forty-five per cent of full-time workers say they would fork out …. Source  : Half of all Brit workers would pay more than ???100 to stay in bed.

Obama may offer stricter nuke deal to Iran, but it could be rejected: Officials

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration and its European allies are preparing a new offer for negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program, senior administration officials say.

The new offer would require Iran to send over 4,400 pounds of low-enriched uranium out of the country, an increase of more than two-thirds from the amount required under a …. Read the original article  : Obama may offer stricter nuke deal to Iran, but it could be rejected: Officials.

‘Drinking, swearing and beer bellied’ Brits voted ‘world’s ugliest tourists’

LONDON – Drunk, swearing and beer bellied British men have been voted world’s ugliest tourists.

A Real Holiday Reports poll revealed that out of 1,353 people, 242 people branded British men top of the slobs.

“It’s their overall behaviour, which obviously leaves a lot to be desired,” The Daily Express quoted Gary Hewitt, who runs the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Vanity Fair’s McCain calendar branded ‘disgusting’

WASHINGTON – A Vanity Fair calendar has sparked a controversy after it published Republican Senator John McCain’s head digitally added to the body of a male model.

On the verge of upcoming midterm elections, Vanityfair.com released racy 2011′ beefcake’ calendar, whose ‘pinup boys’ – their heads digitally mounted on the provocatively posed bodies of male models …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fingers stuck in bowling ball among worst excuses for not coming to work

LONDON – A survey on the worst ever sick-day excuses workers give to their employers includes one man saying that he cannot come to work as his fingers are stuck in a bowling ball.

The survey by Harris Interactive for job search website Careerbuilder asked employers to list the most unusual reasons for employees not making …. Read the original article  : Fingers stuck in bowling ball among worst excuses for not coming to work.

UN bodies urge Pak to prevent ‘victimisation’ of ‘most vulnerable people’ in flood relief

ISLAMABAD – Three UN human rights bodies have called on Pakistan to ensure that women, minorities and the disabled are spared from “further victimisation” during the recovery from the devastating floods that ravaged the country earlier this year.

“Members of minority communities, Afghan refugees, women, children and persons with disabilities, particularly those living in rural areas, … Read more : UN bodies urge Pak to prevent ‘victimisation’ of ‘most vulnerable people’ in flood relief.

IRCTC Fines Contractor

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Following a complaint that was filed by passengers of Yeshwantpur-Howrah Duronto Express alleging that they were served substandard food during their journey, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have slapped a fine on the contractor who was in charge of suppling the food in the train. IRCTC officials … Original source on Gaea Times at : IRCTC Fines Contractor.

Parts of Obama coalition drifting toward GOP: Poll

NEW YORK – Critical parts of the coalition that delivered President Obama to the White House in 2008 and gave Democrats control of Congress in 2006 are switching their allegiance to the Republicans in the final phase of the mid-term Congressional elections, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

Republicans have wiped out the … Read : Parts of Obama coalition drifting toward GOP: Poll.

Robert Mugabe ‘ready for war’ over allegations his wife cheated on him

LONDON – Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is set to fight the allegations that his wife Grace cheated on him.

Sources close to the president’s camp say he is livid about the claims that his wife, who is 41 years his junior, had a five-year affair with Gideon Gono, one of his closest friends and the head … Read more >>.

Law Minister Moily says Centre not to pursue Bhopal gas tragedy case in US courts

NEW DELHI – Union Law and Justice Minister M Veerappa Moily has said that the Central Government has decided not to pursue Bhopal gas tragedy compensation case in the US courts, observing it was not in interest of the country or victims.

“The Central Government has reportedly decided to not pursue the compensation from the parent …. Source  : Law Minister Moily says Centre not to pursue Bhopal gas tragedy case in US courts.

Pak Army ‘illegally’ gave funds to Bugti’s rivals under Musharraf’s call: Audit report

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Army had distributed illegal funds to the rivals of Nawab Akbar Bugti between 2000 and 2002, according to an audit report.

The Audit department report presented in a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly revealed that around 42 million rupees were distributed among the Kulpar Bugtis of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pak Army ‘illegally’ gave funds to Bugti’s rivals under Musharraf’s call: Audit report.

Senior citizens in village protest non-payment of pension

JHARGRAM – About 2000 old women, hailing from West Bengal’s Paschimi Medinipur District, staged a rally to protest against the non-payment of their pension dues.

“I am old and alone. I manage to get food after selling Sal leaves (used for rolling indigenous smoking tobacco reefers known as Beedis). Next year I wouldn’t be able to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Army chief confirms probe into Mumbai skyscraper scam

NEW DELHI – Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, has confirmed that the army is investigating the alleged role of senior officers in the multi-storeyed Adarsh Co-operative Housing Society scam.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function to mark the formal inauguration of a programme ‘Mission Army’ being produced by National Geographic Channel at New … Read more >>>.

Naked starlets encouraging sexting among Oz teens

SYDNEY – Experts have warned that starlets who promote their naked photos and videos are encouraging teens in Australia to take up sexting.

Child education expert and former police officer Susan McLean, said parents and teachers are at a loss to explain the prevalence of sexting in schools.

But she believes the bombardment of naked photos and …. Read the original article  : Naked starlets encouraging sexting among Oz teens.

Mohammed is most popular name for baby boys in UK

LONDON – Topping the list for the most popular name given to newborn boys in Britain is Mohammed, followed by Oliver, Jack, Harry and Alfie.

Mohammed had been placed third last year, but now has come first after overtaking the name Jack, which had topped the list for the past 14 years and is now in …. Source  : Mohammed is most popular name for baby boys in UK.

Angolan man enters records book for world’s biggest mouth

LONDON – A man from Angola has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the widest mouth.

Francisco Domingo Joaquim, 20, who can even fit a Coke can sideways in his 17cm-wide mouth, was spotted performing on YouTube, the Sun reported.

Ever since researchers tracked him down to his hometown in Angola, his videos have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Angolan man enters records book for world’s biggest mouth.

American Sikhs say ‘Muslim origin’ Obama skipping Golden Temple visit out of fear

WASHINGTON – The American Sikh community has said that President Barack Obama is not visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar because he harbours fears of negative image fallout with him being partially Muslim by birth.

Refusing to buy the White House explanation that India is a huge country and that it would not be possible for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : American Sikhs say ‘Muslim origin’ Obama skipping Golden Temple visit out of fear.

Raising funds for infrastructure development not a big problem: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that raising funds for infrastructure development is not a big problem, and added that progress has been made in the Central Government’s flagship ‘Bharat Nirman’ programme, which aims to upgrade rural infrastructure projects such as roads, water, electricity and telecom connectivity.

“Forty-one lakh crore … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Raising funds for infrastructure development not a big problem: Mukherjee.

CWG scam: Income Tax raids offices of contractors

NEW DELHI – Offices of several contractors, who were involved with the recently held XIXth Commonwealth Games, were raided by income tax officials on Thursday.

Raids are being conducted at the offices of Satya Prakash Constructions, which provided landscaping services for the Games, and at the offices of Shiv Naresh Sports, which provided tracksuits for the …. Source article  : CWG scam: Income Tax raids offices of contractors.

Californian woman spanked at work entitled to $1.4 m settlement

London, Oct 29 (ANI: A 57-year-old saleswoman from California, who won a whopping 1.4 million dollars from her ex-employers after being spanked during a company team-building exercise, finally has the right to get paid.

Janet Orlando was a saleswoman for an Anaheim-based security company when she claimed she was continuously sexually harassed four years ago.

She sued …. Source article  : Californian woman spanked at work entitled to $1.4 m settlement.

Nearly a third of Brit women workers are now main breadwinners

LONDON – A new UK study has found that nearly a third of women workers are now the main breadwinners, earning more salary than their partners.

Five years ago, a quarter of women said they earned the most cash in their household; however, the figure has bulged to 29 per cent now.

‘Working Women’, a report …. Original source  : Nearly a third of Brit women workers are now main breadwinners.

US official feels substantial progress has been made in Afghanistan

KABUL – U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn has said that there has been “substantial progress” in the Afghan campaign.

Endorsing optimistic reports from Kabul-based commanders in the U.S.-led coalition, Lynn said that the recent offensives in Helmand and Kandahar have inflicted damage on the Taliban.

“We’ve checked their momentum. Whether it’s reversed-we’re in the … Read more : US official feels substantial progress has been made in Afghanistan.

Delhi Government to monitor upkeep of Commonwealth Games infrastructure

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has constituted a special committee to co-ordinate the efforts of upkeep and maintenance of newly created assets for the Commonwealth Games.

An oversight panel headed by Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta will coordinate this work with various agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Government to monitor upkeep of Commonwealth Games infrastructure.

Ex-IGP gets life imprisonment in Naxalite A. Varghese murder case

NEW DELHI – Former Inspector-General of Police K Lakshmana, who was convicted by a CBI court for the murder of Naxalite leader A Varghese 40 years ago, was sentenced to life term.

The prosecution had sought death penalty for 74-year-old Lakshmana claiming that it was a very rare case of the police shooting a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ex-IGP gets life imprisonment in Naxalite A. Varghese murder case.

Wikimedia to open first non-US office in India

WASHINGTON – Wikimedia Foundation, the owners of online encyclopedia Wikipedia, plans to open an office in India to take advantage of the country’s open internet culture.

The planned office, expected to open in the next few months, would be the non-profit charitable organization’s first office outside the United States.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm for Wikimedia …. Read the original article  : Wikimedia to open first non-US office in India.

Obama to visit South East Asia’s largest mosque in Indonesia

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Barack Obama will visit the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and the third largest Muslim house of worship in the world, during his swing through the country November 9 and 10.

White House national security aide Ben Rhodes said the visit is standard protocol for Obama, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama to visit South East Asia’s largest mosque in Indonesia.

Qantas woman under investigation over ‘mile-high’ sex romp

MELBOURNE – A female Qantas employee is under investigation for a “mile-high” sex romp with a male passenger.

According to the Herald Sun, the two were sitting side by side in business class on a Melbourne-Los Angeles flight on October 6 when they started getting raunchy.

The woman, who is not a flight attendant, was travelling … Read : Qantas woman under investigation over ‘mile-high’ sex romp.

Sarah Palin says Bristol will ‘kick her butt’ in ratings face-off

NEW YORK – Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin Sarah Palin will face off against daughter Bristol for ratings next week.

Palin will go head-to-head with Bristol next week for ratings, as Sarah joins Fox News to cover the midterm elections while Bristol continues to cling to her contestant status on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

“She’ll …. Source  : Sarah Palin says Bristol will ‘kick her butt’ in ratings face-off.

Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement formally signed by both countries

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Afghanistan signed the Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement yesterday for boosting bilateral trade and exports.

Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Afghan Commerce Minister Anwarul Haq Ahadi inked the agreement in Kabul, the Daily Times reported.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke witnessed the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement formally signed by both countries.

Pentagon official charged with setting up unauthorised spy network in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – A Pentagon investigation has concluded that one of its officials, Michael D. Furlong, set up an “unauthorized” intelligence network to collect information in the United States and Afghanistan.

According to the New York Times, Furlong fed information to senior generals and used for strikes against militant groups, while masking the entire operation as a … Read more >>.

Brit couple suspended from work after sex romp at Pizza Express

LONDON – Two workers of a Pizza Express in Britain have been suspended after they were spotted having sex inside the closed outlet by passers-by.

The two were so overcome by lust they forgot they could be seen through the window of the brightly lit restaurant in King Street, Manchester, and they never realised that witnesses … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brit couple suspended from work after sex romp at Pizza Express.

Dating site for ugly people celebrates first engagement

LONDON – A British couple, who met on the dating site set up for ugly people, has become the first to get engaged.

Tom Clifford, 36, and Janine Walker, 31, had met in person just a month ago, and they are planning to marry in December following a whirlwind online romance.

Clifford, a carpet fitter who admits … Read more >>>.

Delhi Metro commuters delayed due to signalling problem

NEW DELHI – Thousands of Metro train commuters had to put up with long delay at various stations in the national capital on Friday as trains on the Noida Line were delayed due to a signalling problem.

Trains were run at a restricted speed causing delay for over 30 minutes following their stoppage at every station … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi Metro commuters delayed due to signalling problem.

US not tracking spending on Afghan projects, audit says

LONDON – The US government has spent about 55 billion dollars on rebuilding in Afghanistan since 2001, but a government watchdog has said that there is confusion about how the money was spent.

The BBC quoted the special inspector general’s office for Afghanistan reconstruction as saying that there is a “confusing labyrinth” of spending.

According to the … Read more >>.

Earthen lamp business picks up in Gorakhpur ahead of Diwali

GORAKHPUR – Potters in Gorakhpur are happy lot these days as their business has picked up ahead of Diwali.

Harivansh, a potter, said he was very happy at seeing demand for his earthen lamps picking up pace.

“We are meeting most of the demands for earthen lamps and pots and we are also exporting them to foreign [..] Read the original article: here.

Indian team visits Poonch trade post to review infrastructure, security

POONCH – A Union Home Ministry team, led by Joint Secretary K Skandan, visited the Poonch trade facilitation centre on Thursday to review trade infrastructure facilities with Pakistan and suggested a tightening of security measures.

The delegation met various officials in the state and asked for refurbishing the infrastructure to enhance the trade.

“The joint secretary went …. Source article  : Indian team visits Poonch trade post to review infrastructure, security.

Bihar police chief says third phase of assembly polls peaceful

PATNA – Bihar’s Director-General of Police Neelmani has said that the third phase of polls in the state was by and large peaceful.

“Barring a few sporadic incidents, the third phase of election concluded, by and large peacefully,” he said.

“As a precautionary measure, 185 arrests were made in the districts going to polls in the third …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Al Gore under fire for leaving car idling for an hour during speech

MELBOURNE – Climate change warrior Al Gore has invited controversy after reportedly leaving his car idling for an hour during an environment lecture in Sweden.

A blogger revealed the Nobel Peace Prize winner arrived for the Gothenburg speech in a rental car (with or without driver is unclear), from the airport, and subsequently left the engine …. Source article  : Al Gore under fire for leaving car idling for an hour during speech.

“Qaeda plotted to take hostages in Mumbai-style ‘Euro Plot’ for release of 9/11 mastermind”

BERLIN – Al-Qaeda planned to take hostages in its Mumbai-style attacks on Britain, France and Germany in a possible ‘Euro Plot’ to demand the release of 9/11 terror mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, according to a former associate of Osama bin Laden.

“I have information that I consider to be reliable, according to which al-Qaida in Waziristan [..] Read the original article: here.

Jharkhand tribals protest against relocation away from tiger reserve area

PALAMU – Villagers in Jharkhand Palamu district protested on Friday against the government’s proposal to resettle them away from the core area of tiger reserve.

Paritosh Upadhyay, Vice-President, Tiger Project, Palamu said that the forest department has already started the talks with eight villages in the area to relocate them at other places.

“There should be no [..] Read the original article: here.

PANAM flight 73: victims Neerja Bhanot’s kin hope for justice from Obama

CHANDIGARH – The kin of Neerja Bhanot, one among the Indian victims of the PANAM 73 flight that was hijacked in 1986 are hoping that justice would be rendered to them when the US President Barrack Obama visits India.

Talking to reporters here on Friday, Akhil Bhanot, brother of Neerja Bhanot said he felt that President …. Read the original article  : PANAM flight 73: victims Neerja Bhanot’s kin hope for justice from Obama.

Arms and ammunition cache captured in West Bengal

BARDHAMAN – Security forces recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in West Bengal’s Bardhaman District on Friday.

In a joint search operation launched by the police and Rapid Action Force (RAF), they recovered five hand bombs, three musket gun, four pipe guns, five rifles and other ammunition.

“We obtained information from intelligence sources about the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists kill special police officer in Chhattisgarh

BHAIRAMGARH – Maoists brutally murdered a Special Police Officer at Bhairamgarh in Chhattisgarh on Friday.

According to the deceased’s father, a group of armed Maoists forcibly took his son, Pramod Yadav out of the house and killed him a short distance away.

The local police officials told mediapersons confirmed that the Maoists ran away into the forests … Read : Maoists kill special police officer in Chhattisgarh.

Maoists torch two vehicles in Jharkhand

LATEHAR – Maoists torched two vehicles in Jharkhand’s Latehar district in revenge for not getting the ransom demanded by them.

Fifteen members of the rebel group of Jharkhand Army Tigers attacked the labourers who were working on the construction site of a road.

Amrendra Singh, an eyewitness of the whole incident, said that few men in civil …. Original article  : Maoists torch two vehicles in Jharkhand.

CCTV footage shows Brit cops pinning down naked mum in cell

LONDON – A mother, who was accused of assaulting cops, has been cleared by the court after watching a CCTV footage which showed cops attacking her.

Stephanie Rutter, 25, from Runcorn, was seen being pinned down by four officers after she was stripped naked in a police cell.

The hairdresser had been arrested after a row …. Original article  : CCTV footage shows Brit cops pinning down naked mum in cell.

US likely to provide additional 400mn-dollar military aid to Pak

WASHINGTON – The United States is likely to provide an additional annual military assistance of 300-400 million dollars to Pakistan, besides the package of 2.029 billion dollars announced last week, after having a “better understanding” of the latter’s position on North Waziristan during the latest round of their strategic dialogue in Washington.

According to diplomatic sources, [..] Read the original article: here.

Now wake up at the crack of a ‘fake’ dawn!

LONDON – Ever looked outside on a wintry morning and sidled back into bed feeling lackluster? Now, a British firm has created an alarm clock that creates an artificial dawn to drive your blues away.

The device, according to the firm, cures depressive illness SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – a depression brought on by a lack …. Source article  : Now wake up at the crack of a ‘fake’ dawn!.

Muslim man told his divorce joke to wife on Skype stands

LONDON – A Muslim man, who jokingly told his wife “talak, talak, talak” (I divorce thee, I divorce thee, I divorce thee) in an online Skype messenger conversation, has been told the separation stands.

The ruling was made in an online fatwa by the Darul Uloom Deobandi seminary in northern India, which is regarded as …. Read the original article  : Muslim man told his divorce joke to wife on Skype stands.

Global terrorist Carlos the Jackal was feted, pampered by Stasi backers

LONDON – Recent evidence on global terrorist Carlos the Jackal has shown that he was not only supplied weapons and given sanctuary by the East German secret police, but also feted and pampered by them.

German news magazine Focus obtained paperwork, which revealed just how extensive the support for Carlos, real name Illich Ramirez Sanchez, was, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US ambassador ‘justifies’ drone attacks in Pak as ‘part of war on terror’

LAHORE – The newly appointed US ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Phelps Munter, has termed drone attacks in its tribal region as part of their war on terror, as they are targeted against militants, a private TV channel has reported.

The ambassador also said that Pakistan was an important ally in the war against terror, and that …. Read the original article  : US ambassador ‘justifies’ drone attacks in Pak as ‘part of war on terror’.

Gawker-Christine O’Donnell Story Creates Buzz

PHILADELPHIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Christine O’Donnell has found herself in the news for all the wrong reasons yet again as Gawker has published a story claiming that she had a one night stand with a man from Philadelphia three years ago. The news comes as a surprise to many as Christine O’Donnell is known for her … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gawker-Christine O’Donnell Story Creates Buzz.

Aircel in Rajasthan Launched by Bipasha Basu

JAIPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Aircel GSM mobile has now reached royal state of Rajasthan. Bollywood diva Bipasha Basu has launched the Aircel service with lowest call rates and packages that also facilitates pocket internet.
The sizzling Bollywood actress was given the honor to make the first call from the newly-launched phone to Aircel chief operating … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Aircel in Rajasthan Launched by Bipasha Basu.

Frenchman who asked Rachida Dati for ‘an inflation’ locked up for 2 days

LONDON – A 40-year-old Frenchman who sent a joke email to the former Justice Minister Rachida Dati, asking for ‘an inflation’, was locked up for two days and is facing criminal charges.he unnamed contacted the MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last week following her appearance on a national radio station when she confused …. Original article  : Frenchman who asked Rachida Dati for ‘an inflation’ locked up for 2 days.

Hillary Clinton arrives for ASEAN Summit in Vietnam

HANOI – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Saturday for the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) Summit, even as the United States gets set to join the East Asia Summit group.

An invitation was extended to the U.S. on behalf of members of the East Asia Summit, even …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hillary Clinton arrives for ASEAN Summit in Vietnam.

At 28, Prince William suffering from ‘hair thinning’

NEW YORK – Prince William, the heir to the throne of England has recently been spotted with his mane, which has become increasingly thin.

Appearing at a naval base in Scotland, Prince William, a commodore-in-chief (also known as an honorary appointment in the Royal Navy), even showed the beginnings of a small bald spot despite being …. Source article  : At 28, Prince William suffering from ‘hair thinning’.

Iran willing to talk about nuclear programme: EU

Brussels, Oct 30 (IANS/AKI) Iran is willing to participate in negotiations regarding its nuclear programme, European Union’s Foreign Affairs chief Catherine Ashton has said.

Ashton said the Islamic Republic would return to talks after Nov 10.
The top Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili “is willing to agree a date and a time after the … Read more >>>.

Here’s the art behind Nobel citations

NEW DELHI – Writer Dorris Lessing’s cats found a way into her Nobel citation! That’s because the prestigious awards, instituted in 1901, carry a rich legacy of art that reflects the recipient’s persona, says artist Annika Rucker who has designed 200 such citations since 1988.

“I have to handcraft nine citations by December. Each citation …. Source  : Here’s the art behind Nobel citations.

Say goodbye to wrinkles with new ‘vampire filler’!

NEW YORK – Doctors have come up with an innovative albeit a bit macabre way of treating wrinkles – vampire fillers.

It is exactly what it sounds like – sucking the blood from a person’s body but there’s more – the same blood is then pumped back into the face to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

Dubbed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Say goodbye to wrinkles with new ‘vampire filler’!.

Canvases with poetry draw applause for young artist

NEW DELHI – Art with poetry on the canvas and installations that included sofas, chairs and even a ladder! Budding artist Trishla Jain certainly left many impressed with her solo exhibition in the capital.

Her first solo exhibition of acrylic and oil paintings, under the title “That Freshness”, was held at Stainless Art Gallery.
Altogether …. Original article  : Canvases with poetry draw applause for young artist.

Al Qaeda’s Al Asiri said to be Yemen parcel bombmaker

LONDON – Ibrahim Hassan Al Asiri, a Yemen-based al-Qaeda terrorist, is being touted as the man who prepared the two parcel bombs that were discovered onboard two US-bound jets in the UK and Dubai.

US intelligence officials say the detonator on one of the devices is almost exactly the same as one he is thought to … Read more >>.

Gay Chinese kids seek acceptance

BEIJING – More and more people in China are now coming out of the closet and are asking their parents to accept their homosexual orientation.

About 200 people – gays and lesbians – along with their parents, gathered in a hotel in Beijing Saturday to call for family acceptance and support for gay people.
Out … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gay Chinese kids seek acceptance.

More than a quarter of Kiwi women ready to pay for sex: Study

WELLINGTON – More than a quarter of Kiwi women wouldn’t mind paying for sex, a new survey has revealed.

Ex-MP Pam Corkery and business partner Rebekah Hay commissioned the survey.

They are also setting up what is believed to be the world’s first male brothel for women, to open in central Auckland next July.

The surveyed women …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

What do Kiwi women want in their men?

WELLINGTON – Well-groomed, easy-going, funny and not cheesy type are the qualities Kiwi women look for in their men, reveals a survey.

Ex-MP Pam Corkery and business partner Rebekah Hay commissioned a survey on what women want in a man.

Unlike many of their male counterparts, New Zealand women don’t want young and adoring.

Women wanted prospective partners …. Original article  : What do Kiwi women want in their men?.

Oz snorkeller grabs white shark’s tail to save teenager

MELBOURNE – An Oz snorkeller became a hero when he pulled the tail of a great white shark that was attacking a teenage girl.

While leading a swim-with-the-dolphins tour south of Perth, Elyse Frankcom was bit into her hip and left buttock by a 3m shark.

The snorkeller who saved Frankcom declined reveal his identity. “All … Read : Oz snorkeller grabs white shark’s tail to save teenager.

Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton quits job as a photog

LONDON – Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton has given up her job as a photographer, fuelling rumours plans are in place for a royal wedding announcement.

Kate quit the role at her parents’ multi-million pound event supplies firm Party Pieces.

Her final assignment was shooting the Christmas catalogue at the firm’s warehouse in Berkshire while proud William, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton quits job as a photog.

Pak ATC releases seven terror suspects owing to lack of evidence

RAWALPINDI – An Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan ordered the release of seven terror suspects on Saturday due to a lack of evidence against them.

Judge of Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi, Malik Akram Awan, ordered to free the suspects arrested for their alleged involvement in suicide attacks on FC check-post and a special police branch, the … Original article on : Pak ATC releases seven terror suspects owing to lack of evidence.

Kiwi father forced daughter to pray after sexually abusing her

WELLINGTON – A NZ father, who made his young daughter pray for forgiveness with him after he had sexually abused her, has been jailed.

Christchurch Court News website reported that the man was a church official at the time, prompting Christchurch District Court Judge Stephen Erber to highlight the hypocrisy of his conduct – working with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kiwi father forced daughter to pray after sexually abusing her.

Lipitor Recalled Again

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Nearly 38,000 bottles of cholesterol drug Lipitor has been recalled by US drugmaker Pfizer Inc. on Friday because of the unpleasant odor relating to the packaging bottles. The company released a statement on Friday stating that the cause of the recall because of the musty moldy odor of the bottles. The company … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lipitor Recalled Again.

Writer recreates horror of Indira’s assassination

NEW DELHI – The assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi 26 years ago is one of the subjects of writer Sudeep Chakravarti’s new book, “The Avenue of Kings”, a set of three novellas.

The book will be published by HarperCollins-India in November end.
Indira Gandhi was assassinated Oct 31, 1984 by two of her …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Writer recreates horror of Indira’s assassination.

Marine Corps Marathon Enforces More Stringent Security

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- The last three shootings at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, The Pentagon complex in Arlington and the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Chantilly, left peril amongst the people. The common factor amongst all the shooting was the US naval department. Therefore, with the Marine Corps Marathon, that … Read more >>.

Lebanon claims record for world’s biggest wine glass

LONDON – Lebanon has unveiled the world’s biggest wine glass, smashing the previous record set in Portugal.

The giant vessel – measuring 1.51 metres in height and 1.46 metres at its widest point – can hold an incredible one hundred bottles.

It was unveiled at a wine festival in Beirut and officially declared a champion by Guinness … Read more >>.

Premature to comment on Adarsh Housing scam: Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is expected to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Tuesday evening, with regard to Mumbai’s Adarsh Society scam, has said that it is premature to comment on the scam.

“Yet to look at the details of Adarsh Housing scam. It is premature to comment on the …. Read the original article  : Premature to comment on Adarsh Housing scam: Pranab Mukherjee.

Chidambaram to meet Omar Abdullah

JAMMU – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who is presently in Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the State, will meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here on Sunday evening.

He will also hold a meeting with senior State Government officers.

Chidambaram had earlier on Saturday visited flood-ravaged Leh to assess the rehabilitation work and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chidambaram to meet Omar Abdullah.

Pakistani man sets martial arts world record with 1110 kicks in 30 mins

ISLAMABAD – A martial arts expert from Pakistan, Ahmed Hussain, has smashed the world record in martial arts kicks with 1110 kicks in 30 minutes.

Hussain, who belongs to Upper Dir district in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province, made this new world record in presence of two judges at Peshawar Press Club, reports the News.

Moreover, he also improved …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistani man sets martial arts world record with 1110 kicks in 30 mins.

Yemen plane bomb plot: Australia on cargo alert

MELBOURNE – Air transport authorities in Australia are on high alert following the discovery of two packages containing explosives on cargo planes bound for the US.

The packages sent from Yemen had been addressed to synagogues in Chicago.

The federal government has stepped up security screening of cargo arriving in Australia from the Middle East following Friday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yemen plane bomb plot: Australia on cargo alert.

‘Supermum’ has 15 kids from last marriage, expecting 16th from new man

LONDON – A 34-year-old man from UK is about to marry a woman, who has 15 children from last marriage and is expecting 16th from her new man.

Leisure centre events co-ordinator Craig Le Sauvage, is all set to tie the knot with 39-year-old Joanne Watson.

Joanne, who still looks gorgeous, has spent almost half of her …. Original article  : ‘Supermum’ has 15 kids from last marriage, expecting 16th from new man.

China’s Asian neighbors linking-up to neutralise its aggressive designs

HANOI – India is promoting itself throughout the Asian region as a counter-weight to China, and so are some other countries located in the area.

China’s military expansion and assertive trade policies have set off jitters across Asia, prompting many of its neighbors to rekindle old alliances and cultivate new ones to better defend their interests …. Original article  : China’s Asian neighbors linking-up to neutralise its aggressive designs.

NGO hosts environment awareness campaign in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR – A non-governmental organisation (NGO) ‘Prerna’ for social service and development of art, literature and culture, organised an environment awareness campaign here on Saturday.

The campaign was aimed at educating people about the need to conserve flora and fauna.

“We are here to, through the art to bring attention to the environment, water, air, trees, to …. Source article  : NGO hosts environment awareness campaign in Bhubaneswar.

Elaborate security in place for fourth phase of Bihar Assembly polls

PATNA – Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure a free and fair polls during the fourth phase of Bihar Assembly elections on Monday.

Voting will take place for 42 Assembly constituencies in this phase.

Of the 42 constituencies, polling will be held between 7 am and 3 pm in constituencies of Alauli (SC), Suryagarha, … Read more : Elaborate security in place for fourth phase of Bihar Assembly polls.