Breaking News – Newsletter for December 16, 2010

Indian Army remembers fallen heroes of 1971 Battle of Basantar

MATHURA – The Indian Army Thursday remembered its fallen heroes in the 1971 war with Pakistan by celebrating a hard-won victory in a fierce tank battle of Basantar in western sector.

The next of kin of two winners of the Param Vir Chakra – the highest war-time gallantry award – were felicitated at the ceremony …. Original article  : Indian Army remembers fallen heroes of 1971 Battle of Basantar.

Pak holds nuclear weapons to ensure peace, stability: General Wynne

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) Chairman, General Khalid Shameem Wynne, has said that the country is compelled to maintain strong conventional forces backed up by nuclear weapons because of its regional environment.

“Our nuclear … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pak holds nuclear weapons to ensure peace, stability: General Wynne.

China stops short of endorsing India’s permanent UNSC seat bid

NEW DELHI – China on Thursday stopped short of endorsing India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Recognizing common interests and similar concerns on major regional and international issues, India and China decided to enhance … Original source on Gaea Times at : China stops short of endorsing India’s permanent UNSC seat bid.

Two Brit Muslim converts killed in drone attacks in Pakistan

LONDON – Two British Muslim converts working for al Qaeda have been killed in a drone attack in Pakistan’s mountainous region, according to reports.

The militants, who were aged 48 and 25 and using the pseudonyms Abu Bakr and Mansoor Ahmed, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two Brit Muslim converts killed in drone attacks in Pakistan.

Nigeria drops corruption charges against Cheney after oil firm agrees to pay fine

LONDON – Nigeria has dropped corruption charges against former US Vice-President Dick Cheney, after Halliburton, the oil firm he used to run, agreed to pay 250 million dollars in fines, according to reports.

The bribe scandal concerned the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in …. Read the original article  : Nigeria drops corruption charges against Cheney after oil firm agrees to pay fine.

Pilot recalls bombing mission in 1971 liberation war

DHAKA – A pilot who deserted the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to fight the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971 Thursday recalled having bombed the Chitttagong port and damaging two Pakistani ships, while flying a transport aircraft lent by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

In a midnight mission dubbed “Operation Kilo”, Flight Lt. Shamsul Alam took …. Original source  : Pilot recalls bombing mission in 1971 liberation war.

Apparition of Virgin Mary spotted on side of apartment building in US

LONDON – Residents of an apartment building in a city in the US have reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, which they believe is a sign for them to mend their ways.

New Braunfels in Texas, which has a population of just over 50,000, is notorious for its high unemployment levels, poverty and crime, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Apparition of Virgin Mary spotted on side of apartment building in US.

India, China identify new opportunities to realize vast potential for future growth

NEW DELHI – Expressing satisfaction over the growing quantum of bilateral trade and investment ties, India and China on Thursday agreed to further broad base and balance trade and economic cooperation, and identify new opportunities to realize the vast potential for future growth.

Towards this objective, both sides agreed to establish a Strategic Economic Dialogue …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India, China identify new opportunities to realize vast potential for future growth.

Having sex more often ‘could ruin your marriage’

LONDON – Think having sex with your partner would improve you married life? Well, you may want to reconsider that idea after reading this.

Rosie, who tried indulging in sex for a complete month, every day, found herself unhappy for the first time in eight-year relationship, reports the Daily Mail.

Being a journalist, she experimented to have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Having sex more often ‘could ruin your marriage’.

Al-Qaeda repeats call to take revenge over Pak neuroscientist’s US sentencing

DUBAI – Al-Qaeda has repeated calls to avenge Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui, who was sentenced to 86 years in prison by a US federal court for trying to kill American agents and military officers after Afghan police detained her in 2008.

In a video published by US-based SITE Intelligence Group, Al-Qaeda leader Abu Yahya …. Source  : Al-Qaeda repeats call to take revenge over Pak neuroscientist’s US sentencing.

China looking to build mutual trust, cooperation with India: Wen Jiabao

NEW DELHI – China is looking to build mutual trust and cooperation with India, said the country’s visiting Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday.

In an opening statement ahead of bilateral level talks between the two countries, Premier Wen said: “Ihope my visit promotes the deepening of mutual trust and cooperation” with India.

He further went on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China looking to build mutual trust, cooperation with India: Wen Jiabao.

India, China reiterate desire to resolve boundary question through talks

NEW DELHI – India and China on Thursday reiterated their firm commitment to resolve outstanding differences, including the boundary question at an early date through peaceful negotiations.

In a joint communiqu??? issued after bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House here, both countries reiterated that the resolution of the boundary question is one of the ten-pronged strategies …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

China welcomes India’s decision to introduce Chinese as foreign language

NEW DELHI – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday welcomed a decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) of India to introduce Chinese as a foreign language in the curriculum of schools in India from the next academic session.

In a joint communiqu??? issued after bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House here, Premier Wen …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China welcomes India’s decision to introduce Chinese as foreign language.

Swiss bank orders female staff to wear loose-fitting skirts, flesh-coloured undies

LONDON – One of the world’s top investment banks has issued a 44-page dress code to its staff, and it includes female workers being ordered to wear loose-fitting skirts and flesh-coloured underwear.

The guidance from Swiss firm UBS was very clear in specifying that flashy jewellery, coloured artificial nails, tight skirts and coloured underwear are not …. Original source  : Swiss bank orders female staff to wear loose-fitting skirts, flesh-coloured undies.

Bad Weather Leads To School Closings In Georgia

ATLANTA (GaeaTimes.com)- Many schools remained closed on Wednesday in North Georgia and Atlanta following bad weather conditions in the region. School closings were decided by the school authorities keeping in mind the cases of accidents that are very common on the roads owing to extreme weather condition. The region has been steeped in snow and … Read more >>.

Family pawns children for a loan

LUCKNOW – Poverty has driven a family in an Uttar Pradesh village to give away their three children in bondage against a loan of Rs.42,000.

The children have to now toil for 12 hours a day to make up for the loan taken by the family, a distraught relative said.
This followed a request by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US seeks to build case for conspiracy by WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON – Federal prosecutors in America are seeking to build a case against the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for his role in the huge dissemination of classified government documents.

According to the New York Times, they are looking for evidence of any collusion in his early contacts with an Army intelligence analyst suspected of leaking the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

WikiLeaks reveals Thai leaders doubt suitability of prince becoming king

LONDON – Three senior members of Thailand’s powerful privy council, a group of advisers appointed by the king, have made clear their preference for an alternative to Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is considered a political liability because of his extra-marital affairs in several European countries.

According to diplomatic cables leaked by the whistle blowing web site … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : WikiLeaks reveals Thai leaders doubt suitability of prince becoming king.

Guyanese-American Muslim jailed for life over JFK Airport fuel plot

NEW YORK – A Guyanese-American Muslim, who was one of the two men convicted for plotting to blow up fuel tanks at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport, has been sentenced to life in prison.

A US District Court judge said the plan involving Abdul Kadir, a former member of Guyana’s parliament, would have caused “unimaginable” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Guyanese-American Muslim jailed for life over JFK Airport fuel plot.

Fines, not death, top worry for speeding drivers: Oz study

MELBOURNE – A Queensland University study has found that speeding drivers are more concerned about getting caught than being hurt or killed.

Judy Fleiter, from the Centre for Accident and Road Safety Research, says a survey of 800 Queensland drivers show they lack regard for the risk speeding poses to their personal safety, reports the Age.

Fleiter …. Original source  : Fines, not death, top worry for speeding drivers: Oz study.