Breaking News – Weekly Newsletter for March 1-7, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
National Food Security Bill to be introduced in Parliament
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday announced that the National Food Security Bill (NFSB) will be introduced in the Parliament during the course of this year.
Presenting the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha, Mukherjee said that the government is close to finalization of this bill after detailed consultations with all … Read more »».
Mukherjee allocates Rs.2,14,000 crore for infrastructure sector
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday proposed an allocation of Rs.2,14,000 crore for infrastructure sector, which is 23.3 percent higher than the current year.
This amounts to 48.5 percent of the Gross Budgetary support to plan expenditure.
Announcing the General Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha today, Mukherjee stated that in order …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Hinduism discussion welcomed in rural Nevada
NEVADA – Well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed spoke about religion in general and Hinduism in particular to a packed house of people belonging to different religions and denominations at “88 Cups Coffee and Tea” in Minden (Nevada, USA) on February 24 evening.
Audience, comprising of both older and younger seekers, including some atheists, had …. Source article : Hinduism discussion welcomed in rural Nevada.
Foreign Direct Investment in India to be more user friendly
New Delhi, Feb 28 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that to make the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy more user friendly, all prior regulations and guidelines have been consolidated into one comprehensive document, which is reviewed every six months.
Presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 in the Parliament, Mukherjee said:”This is reviewed every … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Foreign Direct Investment in India to be more user friendly.
Larry the ratcatcher at Downing Street shows no interest in rodents
LONDON – The newly appointed rat catcher at Number 10, Downing Street, is said to show no interest at all in rodents and is spending most of his time curled up asleep.
Larry, the cat, had been expected to go after the rodents that had been seen scuttling down the street during television reports, but so …. Source : Gaea News Network.
US Army’s syc-ops’ on American lawmakers visiting Afghanistan ‘didn’t affect me’: McCain
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senator John McCain has said that the United States Army’s tactics to use psychological operations on U.S. lawmakers visiting Afghanistan did not have any impact on him.
“That’s been tried on me in the past. I don’t see how it could have affected my positions in any way. So we’ll see what … Read more >>>.
Muslim teaching asst. ‘felt like jumping in front of bus’ after being racially abused at UK school
LONDON – A Muslim teaching assistant in Britain has claimed that he ‘felt like jumping in front of a bus’ after being racially abused by his pupils, and was forced to file a police complaint after a student had threatened to rape his wife and children.
The Daily Mail quoted Khalid Akram as saying that he … Read more : Muslim teaching asst. ‘felt like jumping in front of bus’ after being racially abused at UK school.
PML-N has no place for political schemers, says Nawaz Sharif
LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said that there is no place in the party for those who are trying to undermine the party by joining former President Pervez Musharraf.
“The party’s doors are wide open for those who remained loyal and caused no harm to it,” the News quoted Sharif, as …. Read the original article : PML-N has no place for political schemers, says Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N to continue monitoring PPP’s performance
ISLAMABAD – Two days after expelling the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from its Punjab government, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has said that it would continue monitoring the federal government’s measures to curb corruption.
“The PML-N will continue to monitor the Zardari administration’s performance very closely,” the Express Tribune quoted PML-N spokesperson Ahsan Iqbal, as saying.
“It …. Original article : PML-N to continue monitoring PPP’s performance.
Foreign Direct Investment in India to be more user friendly
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that to make the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy more user friendly, all prior regulations and guidelines have been consolidated into one comprehensive document, which is reviewed every six months.
Presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 in the Parliament, Mukherjee said:”This is reviewed every six months, … Original article on : Foreign Direct Investment in India to be more user friendly.
International Award in memory of Rabindranath Tagore
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today announced that an international award with a prize money of Rs. One crore will be instituted for promoting values of Universal Brotherhood in the memory of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
Presenting the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha, Mukherjee said that national celebrations of 150th Birth …. Original article : International Award in memory of Rabindranath Tagore.
Finance Minister promises to strengthen regional rural banks
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the regional rural banks will be strengthened to enable them to maintain a Capital to Risk Weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR) of at least nine per cent as on March 31.
Presenting the Union Budget 2010-11 in the Parliament today, Mukherjee said the government will provide … Original article on : Finance Minister promises to strengthen regional rural banks.
Mukherjee announces new tax concession to ‘Aam Admi’
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday raised the income tax exemption limit for individuals from one lakh 60 thousand to one lakh 80 thousand rupees.
The age of senior citizens for tax benefits has been brought down from 65 to 60 years and the exemption limit raised for them from two lakh … Read more >>>.
Washington’s calm response to Gaddafi’s action guided by fears over safety of Americans in Libya
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s calm and diplomatic response towards the massive unrest in Libya, which had left even its reliable supporters stunned, was due to the warnings given by its diplomats in Tripoli saying that forceful messages from Washington could “endanger the security of American citizens” in the disturbed oil rich country.
The Washington …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Washington’s calm response to Gaddafi’s action guided by fears over safety of Americans in Libya.
There “possibly could be” military option for foreign forces in Libya: McCain
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senator John McCain has said the United States or international forces could provide support to Libyans seeking to overthrow Colonel Muammar Gaddafi regime.
On being asked if there is “a military option in Libya” for either the U.S., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the United Nations, beyond a no-fly zone, Politico …. Original article : There “possibly could be” military option for foreign forces in Libya: McCain.
Libyan forces using western arms to deal with anti- Gaddafi protestors: EU
LONDON – Military hardware worth hundreds of millions of pounds, which were supplied to Libya by European and British arms firms, are now being used by the Gaddafi regime in a crackdown against pro-democracy protestors, an EU document has revealed.
The European Union’s latest arms control report, released in January this year, said that … Read more >>.
Pak court seeks govt. response over Raymond Davis’ facilities in jail
LAHORE – A Pakistan court has directed the federal and Punjab governments to submit a reply on a petition challenging the facilities being provided to double murder-accused Raymond Davis in jail.
According to the Dawn, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has asked the governments to submit a response by March 14.
The petition states that jail authorities … Read more : Pak court seeks govt. response over Raymond Davis’ facilities in jail.
Brit oldest dad of twins has 13th child at 72 but still wants more kids
LONDON – A British man, who became the oldest father of twins less than two years ago, has welcomed his 13th child at 72 and insists he wants even more children.
Richard Roden’s 26-year-old wife Lisa, who gave birth to twins Emily and Ruby, delivered another daughter Madison last month.
All three of the couple’s children were …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Brit oldest dad of twins has 13th child at 72 but still wants more kids.
India continues to face inflation, cause for concern: Mukherjee
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said inflation continues to remain a concern, but exuded confidence that the monetary policy of Reserve Bank of India will lead to reduction in inflation numbers in the coming months.
Presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 in the Parliament, Mukherjee said: “It (inflation) clearly remains …. Source article on Gaea Times at : India continues to face inflation, cause for concern: Mukherjee.
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12 (Part-V)
NEW DELHI – Union Finance Minister Pranab Minister on Monday presented the Union Budget 2011-12 in the Parliament.
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12 are as follows:
Allocation to health sector raised by 20 pct to 267.6 billion rupees in 2011/12
Nine lakh ex gratia payment for disabled defence personnel
50 more mega food parks proposed
Allocation for farm development increased
Agricultural …. Original source : Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12 (Part-V).
UK company claims it can ‘grow diesel’
NEW DELHI – A Massachusetts company, Joule Unlimited, has claimed that it can produce diesel using the same ingredients that make grass grow.
A biotechnology company, based in Cambridge, has created a genetically engineered organism capable of producing diesel fuel or ethanol, which can be used to run cars and jet engines, reports English.news.cn.
The organism that …. Original article : UK company claims it can ‘grow diesel’.
Liberia gives clean chit to Indian Consul General
MONROVIA – The Liberian Foreign Ministry has said there is no record of Upjit Singh Sachdeva, India’s Honorary Consul General in Liberia, of seeking or being granted political asylum by its government.
It described media reports and documents being circulated in India confirming Sachdeva’s move to seek asylum as fake and forged.
It said that Liberia’s Bureau …. Read the original article : Liberia gives clean chit to Indian Consul General.
Brit man jailed for filming couple having sex then showing it to friends
SYDNEY – A man in Britain has been jailed for one year after he filmed a couple having sex through their bedroom window and showed it to his friends at a pub.
Sean Bailey, 27, from Hampshire, was found guilty of voyeurism after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.
The court heard that Bailey had crept up …. Original article : Brit man jailed for filming couple having sex then showing it to friends.
Solid proof of foreign elements’ involvement in Balochistan turmoil: Gilani
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani has said there was solid evidence that foreign elements and powers were involved in aggravating the situation in Balochistan.
Speaking in the National Assembly on the Balochistan situation, Gilani said that targeted killings of settlers in Balochistan could not be overlooked, as it had further aggravated the law …. Source article : Solid proof of foreign elements’ involvement in Balochistan turmoil: Gilani.
Beer gets makeover in Oz with infusion of different flavours
MELBOURNE – For those who love to experiment with their drinks, now comes an array of beers that have been infused with different flavours.
This year’s Sydney Royal Fine Food Show saw brewers offering up everything from the Longshot coffee-infused dark ale to a chocolate porter and a ‘Christmas beer’ brewed with a mix of dried …. Source article : Beer gets makeover in Oz with infusion of different flavours.
Mindfulness mitigates fears of dying
WASHINGTON – Being mindful, which means being open, receptive and attentive to whatever is unfolding in the present moment, can mitigate the fear of dying, new research shows.
George Mason University psychology professor Todd Kashdan wanted to find out if mindful people had different attitudes about dying, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology …. Source : Gaea News Network.
New Zealand extends National State of Emergency over Christchurch quake
WELLINGTON – New Zealand has extended its National State of Emergency, which it had declared after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake had hit Christchurch last month.
Civil Defence Minister John Carter said that the National State of Emergency was likely to remain for several more weeks.
“This declaration ensures coordination and cooperation between central and local …. Original source : New Zealand extends National State of Emergency over Christchurch quake.
Anwar al-Awlaki plotting attacks on UK
LONDON – The trial sessions of a Bangladeshi British Airways computer engineer who had plotted to blow up a plane have revealed that Anwar al-Awlaki, the American born leader of the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), is plotting to send operatives to Britain to launch attacks.
Woolwich Crown Court has convicted BA engineer Rajib …. Original article : Anwar al-Awlaki plotting attacks on UK.
Indian evacuees from Libya say they were beaten up by army
NEW DELHI – The fourth batch of 331 evacuees, who returned to New Delhi from protest-hit Libya, today said that they were beaten up by army personnel who alleged that they were mercenaries.
“In the bus, they took away all our money and the children’s stuff as well. The army people were beating us up and … Read more : Indian evacuees from Libya say they were beaten up by army.
70 percent Chinese preferred imported milk powder due to safety concerns
NEW DELHI – Nearly seventy percent Chinese people preferred imported milk powder and had little confidence in domestic brands because of food safety concerns, even though the latest official test report said there is “no significant difference” between domestic dairy products and their overseas rivals.
A market survey held by the State broadcaster China Central Television …. Source : 70 percent Chinese preferred imported milk powder due to safety concerns.
Russians confirm Iran nuke reactor damage
MOSCOW/TEHRAN – In a statement, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, which is building the reactor in Bushehr, Iran, said it found damage to one of the reactor’s four main cooling pumps.
That breakdown, it said, necessitated removal of the fuel core and an inspection of the reactor and its fuel assemblies to make sure …. Original source : Russians confirm Iran nuke reactor damage.
Nine killed as truck auto-rickshaw crash in Bihar
GAYA – Nine people were killed and 10 others injured in Gaya, Bihar, on Tuesday, when a truck rammed into two autorickshaws.
The incident happened near Bodh Gaya International Airport.
Superintendent of Police, Ratna Mani Sanjay said: “The mishap occurred when the speeding truck lost control and hit the autorickshaws carrying passengers.”
“The injured have been admitted to …. Source : Nine killed as truck auto-rickshaw crash in Bihar.
UN official claims Zimbabwe activists may have been tortured
JOHANNESBURG – A United Nations torture investigator has confirmed that he had written the Government of Zimbabwe to express concern about allegations that state security agents had assaulted the 45 activists who, after watching reports of the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, were recently detained and charged with treason.
The police arrested the 45 activists, … Original article on : UN official claims Zimbabwe activists may have been tortured.
Fourth batch of Indian citizens arrive in India from Libya
NEW DELHI – A fourth special Air India flight carrying 331 Indian citizens, has arrived, here from Libya.
Air India flight AI-170 landed at the Terminal-2 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 4:30 a.m.
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi, who is also the Overseas Indian Affairs Minister, was present at the airport to receive …. Source : Fourth batch of Indian citizens arrive in India from Libya.
Bangladeshi BA computer engineer convicted on terror charges
LONDON – Woolwich Crown Court has convicted Rajib Karim, an Asian-origin British Airways computer engineer who had plotted to blow up a plane, of four terror charges, including sharing information of use to hate groups.
Thirty-one-year-old Karim from Newcastle, who is originally from Bangladesh, had used his job to access information for radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, …. Source : Bangladeshi BA computer engineer convicted on terror charges.
UK restaurant’s breast milk ice cream confiscated amid health concerns
LONDON – A restaurant in London, which was selling ice cream containing human breast milk, has had its supplies seized by council officials amid fears it is unsafe.
The Baby Gaga ice cream will now undergo tests to see if it is safe for adult consumption.
Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk.he Icecreamists, … Read : UK restaurant’s breast milk ice cream confiscated amid health concerns.
Siddle, Nannes and Pattinson likely replacements for injured Doug Bollinger
MELBOURNE – Victoria pace bowlers Peter Siddle, Dirk Nannes and James Pattinson are firming up as favourites to replace injured Doug Bollinger in the Australian World Cup squad.
Cricket Australia is in no hurry to send in a replacement for Bollinger, who has been sent home from the World Cup with an ankle injury.
UK ’s Advertising Standards Authority gets power to monitor website text
LONDON – Britain’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has been given the power to monitor claims made by companies on various websites and social networks from March 1.
Earlier, the ASA had the power to monitor only paid-for ads online, but now, with its new powers it will tackle complaints about the way companies sell themselves on …. Read the original article : UK ’s Advertising Standards Authority gets power to monitor website text.
Women more likely to buy clothes if models look like them – curvy, short
NEW YORK – Women are more likely to buy clothes if the models are more reflective of them – curvy, short, ethnic, according to a researcher from Cambridge University.
Using fake magazine advertisements with models of different sizes, shapes and ethnicities, Barry surveyed 3,000 women in the UK, US and Canada.
“The vast majority of women significantly …. Original source : Women more likely to buy clothes if models look like them – curvy, short.
Secret video shows Gaddafi’s rifle brandishing son urging supporters to fight ‘to the last bullet’
TRIPOLI – A secret video filmed on a mobile phone has revealed Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s son calling opponents of his father’s regime as ‘b******s’ and brandishing a semi-automatic rifle in the air while simultaneously urging supporters to fight for their homeland ‘until the last bullet’.
The chilling footage, shot in Tripoli at the weekend, makes a …. Source : Secret video shows Gaddafi’s rifle brandishing son urging supporters to fight ‘to the last bullet’.
National School of Drama to get regional centres
NEW DELHI – Union Minister of Culture Kumari Selja Tuesday said her ministry was working on a proposal to set up five new regional centres of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) at Bengaluru and Kolkata and in Maharashtra/Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.
The minister said the proposal to create the … Read more : National School of Drama to get regional centres.
CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma sent to Tihar Jail till Mar. 15
NEW DELHI – A Delhi court on Tuesday sent former Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee (OC) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi’s key aides Lalit Bhanot and V.K. Verma to Tihar Jail under 14-day judicial custody in connection with financial irregularities in a contract with a Swiss company.
The court took the decision following a plea by the Central …. Original article : CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma sent to Tihar Jail till Mar. 15.
Zardari says PPP will play democratic role in Pak Punjab
LAHORE – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will continue to play democratic role in Punjab.
During his interaction with Punjab Governor Latif Khosa and Interior Minister Rehman Malik in Karchi, Zardari said the PPP did not believe in ‘lotacracy’. (term used to describe how Pakistani politicians had a … Read more : Zardari says PPP will play democratic role in Pak Punjab.
PPP will expose Shahbaz’s drama of good governance: Raja Riaz
LAHORE – Raja Riaz, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader in Punjab has claimed that his party has “documentary proof” of the so-called “good governance” of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and will bring facts before the people.
He flayed the Shahbaz for his statement against President Asif Ali Zardari and said the Punjab Chief Minister was …. Original article : PPP will expose Shahbaz’s drama of good governance: Raja Riaz.
IAF inducts second SU-30 squadron in northeast
CHABUA – The Indian Air Force Tuesday inducted a second squadron of its frontline Sukhoi-SU30 combat jets in the northeast as part of a strategic deployment of advanced assets close to the Chinese border, an officer said.
A single Su-30 has presently been stationed at the Chabua air base, about 450 km east of Assams … Read more : IAF inducts second SU-30 squadron in northeast.
One million PLEBS in UK are confused by modern everyday tasks
LONDON – A survey has found that one million Britons are left confused and helpless by easy everyday modern tasks like changing a tyre, hanging wallpaper and wiring a plug.
These people, known as PLEBS, People Lacking Everyday Basic Skills, have a tough time figuring out how to calculate credit card interest, and are left stumped … Read more : One million PLEBS in UK are confused by modern everyday tasks.
No early resolution of Sir Creek dispute: Navy chief
NEW DELHI – The Sir Creek maritime border dispute between India and Pakistan is unlikely to be resolved soon, the navy chief, Admiral Nirmal Verma, said here Tuesday.
“Really speaking, I cannot say it is doable because it is a question of both sides willing to follow a certain line of action. As far … Original article on : No early resolution of Sir Creek dispute: Navy chief.
China mulls delaying women’s retirement age
NEW DELHI – The Chinese labour authority is trying to delay the retirement age for women, according to a top official report.
The document, which was issued by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said the possible change to women’s retirement age may be done alongside other improvements to the rights of working women, reports …. Source : China mulls delaying women’s retirement age.
Famous Los Angeles Getty Museum exhibiting Ganesha and Vishnu
NEVADA – Prestigious J. Paul Getty Museum of Los Angeles (USA) is currently exhibiting 13th century Lord Ganesha in its “Gods of Angkor” exhibition, which will continue till August 14.
This exhibition contains intricately detailed 26 historical bronze statues and ritual objects from Cambodia, including 11-12th century Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva’s bull Nandi, etc. Ganesha statue, …. Read the original article : here.
Brit couple find image of E.T. ingrained on chopped tree trunk
LONDON – A retired couple in Britain were surprised when while chopping firewood they discovered the image of E.T. etched on the tree trunk.
Pete Burford, 72, was chopping a poplar tree at Eldersfield, Gloucestershire, when he saw a familiar face staring back at him that reminded him of ET – the famous alien from Steven … Read more >>.
Sibal to launch program initiated by Australia-India Institute, Indian NGOs
NEW DELHI – The Australia-India Institute today announced its new programme with Indian NGO Asha and the Nossal Institute for Global Health called A New India-Australia Partnership to Support the Aspirations of Delhi’s Urban Poor.
The programme is the first of the Australia India Institute’s collaborative research projects to be launched in India. The Institute has …. Source : Sibal to launch program initiated by Australia-India Institute, Indian NGOs.
New “Harbor Shield” technology being developed to protect US ports from terror attacks
WASHINGTON – The United States is reportedly developing a new technology to safeguard its ports from being attacked by terrorists and smugglers.
America, which is the global hub of commerce, receives goods from all over the world. Over 11 million cargo containers enter the United States each year, but the real danger lies below the …. Source : Gaea News Network.
UNHRC poised to adopt report praising Libya’s Human Rights records
NEW YORK – Amid unrest in Libya, where on one side the United Nations has condemned the Muammar al-Qaddafi regime for its crackdown on pro-democracy protestors, the organisation’s Human Rights Council is poised adopt a report praising the oil rich country for its human rights records.
The review praises Libya for improving educational opportunities, for making [..] Read the original article: here.
India releases 20 Pakistani prisoners at Wagah check post
WAGAH – The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday handed over 20 Pakistani prisoners to the Pakistani Rangers at the Wagah joint check post.
The prisoners were logged in various jails of India and were released after the completion of the sentences as per the Indian law.
Most of them were arrested in India on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India releases 20 Pakistani prisoners at Wagah check post.
MQM calls on Pak Army to save country from clutches of ‘feudal lords’
KARACHI – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder-leader Altaf Hussain has called upon the Pakistan Army to save the beleaguered country.
Making a telephonic address from London at the 24th foundation day of the MQM Labour Division, Altaf said he was inviting the army to save Pakistan, and stressed that he had never met the army generals … Read more »»».
IMF to start critical review of Pakistan economy to decide further action
WASHINGTON – Pakistan’s financial managers and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission are set to start the much-awaited fifth review of the economy on Tuesday (today), upon whose successful completion Pakistan would receive 3.6 billion dollars- the remaining portion of the 11.3-billion-dollar Stand-By-Arrangement (SBA).
The IMF mission is expected to conclude its talks with the … Read more : IMF to start critical review of Pakistan economy to decide further action.
Pak media accused of “churning out anti-American conspiracy theories”
WASHINGTON – Most participants of the US-Pakistan Leaders Forum, which was convened by the US-Muslim Engagement Initiative- a non-governmental, non-partisan collaboration of four US-based organizations, agreed that the Pakistani media was “guilty of churning out a steady diet of anti-American conspiracy theories and rhetoric,” noted South Asian affairs analyst Lisa Curtis has said.
Amid the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pak media accused of “churning out anti-American conspiracy theories”.
Evacuation of Indians from Libya going smooth: Krishna
NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said the vacuation of Indians from strife-torn Libya is going on smoothly, and added that over 3,500 people would have returned home by Wednesday.
“The evacuation of Indians who are wanting to come back is going smoothly. And so far by tomorrow, I think 3500 …. Original article : Evacuation of Indians from Libya going smooth: Krishna.
IAF ready to evacuate Indians from Libya: Antony
NEW DELHI – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready to evacuate, if called on to do so, the Indians stranded in Libya by the violent anti-government protests in the north African country, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Tuesday.
“The navy has sent its warships. The air force is also ready (with its aircraft). … Original source on Gaea Times at : IAF ready to evacuate Indians from Libya: Antony.
Foreign tourists do not now need special permits for visiting Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram
IMPHAL – The Central Government is leaving no stones unturned in its effort to develop the northeastern region. Recently it excluded Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram from the protected area permit to promote tourism in the region.
A team of 19 NRI’s from Kenya and Britain were in Manipur after the protected area regime notified under the …. Source article : Foreign tourists do not now need special permits for visiting Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram.
2G scam: Sibal moves motion for JPC in Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI – Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal moved a motion in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday for setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into 2G spectrum allocation.
There will be 30 members in the committee including 20 from Lok Sabha and ten from the Rajya Sabha.
Sibal said that the JPC will look …. Original article : 2G scam: Sibal moves motion for JPC in Rajya Sabha.
India expresses concern over increase in international crude oil prices
NEW DELHI – Grappling with a high rate of price rice, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today expressed concern that increasing prices of crude oil and other commodities in global markets could add to inflationary pressure in the country.
Addressing the 83rd Annual General Meeting of FICCI here, Mukherjee said: “The creeping increase in international … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India expresses concern over increase in international crude oil prices.
Australia-India Institute announces Amitabh Mattoo as its first director
NEW DELHI – The Australia India Institute has announced the appointment of its inaugural Director, Professor Amitabh Mattoo.
Professor Mattoo is one of India’s leading thinkers and writers on international relations. He is currently a Professor of Disarmament Studies at the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament at New Delhi’s
Jawaharlal Nehru University and has been … Read more >>>.
Centre’s initiative for peace working in Northeast
GUWAHATI – If we follow a chronological order of events, the past 18 months have been good for the Northeast with regard to improvement in the security situation, especially in Assam and Nagaland.
Both United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah or NSCN (IM), two of the biggest insurgent groups in …. Original article : Centre’s initiative for peace working in Northeast.
Northeast celebrates seed sowing festival “Lui-Ngai-Ni”
GUWAHATI – The end of harvest season is marked by the celebration of the seed sowing festival “Lui-Ngai-Ni” by Naga tribes in the northeast by offering prayers to the almighty for a prosperous harvest ahead.
During this festival, the God of Crops is invoked to shower his blessing on seeds so that the farmers get a …. Source article : Northeast celebrates seed sowing festival “Lui-Ngai-Ni”.
Floriculture makes Tripura youth a significant contributor to economy
AGARTALA – With the northeastern state of Tripura taking to floriculture, it has given the youth an opportunity to become not only able entrepreneurs, but also makes them able them able enough to contribute significantly to the economy of the State.
Dipak, a Tripura based young farmer, who was on a never-ending job search after completing …. Source article : Floriculture makes Tripura youth a significant contributor to economy.
Indian Army’s skiing expedition flagged in
NEW DELHI – The Indian Army’s skiing expedition that hoisted the national flag at the South Pole on Army Day Jan 15 was Tuesday flagged in here by Defence Minister A.K. Antony.
Receiving the expedition flag from expedition leader Colonel Anand Swaroop, Antony said the ‘coast to pole’ effort, undertaken by army soldiers, had further …. Read the original article : Indian Army’s skiing expedition flagged in.
FBI utilising private spy network’s skills to investigate Afghan aid workers’ deaths
WASHINGTON – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly taking the help of a private spy network operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan to investigate the killing of 10 medical aid workers in northern Afghanistan.
The New York Times quoted American officials and private contractors as saying that the spy network, managed by a former top [..] Read the original article: here.
Republicans face the reality check: Obama hard to beat
WASHINGTON – Republicans in the United States have been given a reality check about the 2012 elections in that President Barack Obama will be a lot tougher to defeat this year as compared to last year.
Former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove said: “I consider him a favorite, albeit a slight favorite”, “Republicans underestimate President … Original source on Gaea Times at : Republicans face the reality check: Obama hard to beat.
Previously unknown Himalayan cave culture discovered
KATHMANDU – A previously unknown Himalayan cave culture has been uncovered through gruelling archaeological research in upper Mustang, Nepal.
According to the Department of Archaeology (DOA), highly skilled archaeologists and other experts came up with the remains of an ancient cave people, their arts and manuscripts, after an extensive 5-year search.OA said researchers discovered the … Read more >>.