Politics

J&K Govt Formation: Mehbooba Mufti to Meet Governor Vohra

Srinagar, Dec 31 (ANI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is likely to meet Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra today to discuss government-formation in the state following a hung verdict in the recently concluded assembly polls. Vohra had on Friday invited Mehbooba and BJP state unit president Jugal Kishore Sharma for separate meetings to hold discussion on formation of government in the state. Meanwhile, protest erupted in Srinagar on Tuesday against the PDP over its prospect of forming a coalition government with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A civil society group, Kashmir Citizen Forum, demonstrated in Srinagar saying BJP’s policies we.re pro RSS and anti-Kashmir.

Dec 31, 2014

National Investigation Agency to assist Bangalore police in bomb blast case

Bengaluru, Dec 31 (ANI): National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) visited the blast site in India’s IT hub of Bengaluru and said every sort of assistance would be provided in probing the bomb blast, which killed one woman and wounded three others. The crude bomb exploded outside a busy restaurant on Sunday in the centre of Bengaluru packed with evening crowds, prompting a security alert in other cities. The improvised explosive device had been placed between two flower-pots near the Coconut Grove restaurant. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the blast. Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner M. N. Reddi asked people not to worry as security was tightened. According to reports, the City police will use, drone aerial cameras, for the first time, to monitor New Year celebrations on MG Road and Brigade Road in the city.

Dec 31, 2014

Dhoni's retirement from test cricket garners mixed response

Pune/ Ranchi/ New Delhi, Dec 31 (ANI): The third test between Australia and India in Melbourne failed to deliver a nail-biting finish on Tuesday but ended with a draw tinged with controversy and the shock retirement of long-serving India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni from test cricket. The result secured Australia a 2-0 series victory with a match in reserve, but their triumph was quickly overtaken by the bombshell that Dhoni had pulled the pin on his 90-test career to concentrate on the shorter formats of the game. The statement issued by BCCI said, 'One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the Number 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket. Dhoni's first coach, Chanchal Bhattacharyya, said that it was the right decision taken at the right time. Former Indian cricketer Chandu Borde also backed Dhoni's decision. However, another former cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad said Dhoni could have left his captaincy and played. Another former cricketer Kirti Azad said the team would have gained from Dhoni's experience.

Dec 31, 2014

New Draft to Allow Middlemen in Defence Deals: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Procurement Policy will be amended by mid-February to allow middlemen in defence deals.

Dec 31, 2014

Poor infrastructure cripples life in PoK

Muzaffarabad, PoK, December 30, 2014:- Roads in PoK in a bad shape, Pakistan directly responsible for the poor infrastructure, people of Trarkhal waiting for concrete road for last 20 years. This road in Trarkhal is full of potholes, and unfit for travel and transportation. Its dilapidated condition speaks volume about the pathetic state of affairs here. While on papers this road is under construction for the past 20 years, and under constant repair and maintenance, drawing public funds for its annual upkeep without serving its true purpose as a highway. Traveling here continues to remain a bumpy ride. It is a result of ignorance and apathy of officials that infrastructure is so poor. Traditionally this was a trade route and earlier historically as well. Now it's like a 'C' grade city with poor infrastructure, kids here have never seen a concrete road, and during rains this place turn into a dirty well, whereas in winters its snow everywhere. Ultimately, living in this sham of democracy, the common people bear the brunt of this apathy.

Dec 31, 2014

Jammu and Kashmir Government Formation: BJP, PDP Reach Deal; Mehbooba Mufti Meets Governor

Governor's rule will be imposed in the state if an elected government is not put in place by 19 January.

Dec 31, 2014

Northeast region attracts investment in hospitality sector

Guwahati, Dec 31 (ANI): Guwahati, known as the gateway to Northeast, has become a growing hub for trade and commerce activity. In the last few years, the city has witnessed a mushrooming of shopping malls, showrooms, apartment complexes and hotels. The changing face of the city coupled with an expanding tourism sector is attracting many investors. Recently, the first 5-star hotel in the region, Radisson Blu, was officially inaugurated. The hotel group is prospecting to open hotels in the state capitals of Northeastern states. With a booming economy and a steadily growing tourism sector, the hotel industry will only expand further. Three more 5-star category hotels are coming up in Guwahati city. The growth of hospitality sector has also opened new job avenues for the youth in the region.

Dec 31, 2014

Hill resort of Shimla gears up for tourist rush

Shimla/Manali, Dec 31 (ANI): Authorities in Shimla have stepped up security arrangements in view of an unprecedented rush of revellers for the New Year celebrations. People have been thronging several tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, but capital Shimla has recorded the maximum footfall. Deputy Commissioner of Shimla district administration, Dinesh Malhotra, said additional 200 police and home guards have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident. The snow-bound region is the favourite destination of the tourists from the plains of northern India. Hoteliers are expecting a good business this season after authorities lifted travel advisories following improvement in weather. The state tourism department is organizing an annual winter carnival in the first week of next year in a bid to attract tourists. Every year, the state witnesses a huge rush of tourists during the year-end as people from across India visit the hill resort in anticipation of snowfall.

Dec 31, 2014

Greek ferry tragedy: survivors accounts

Ten passengers dead, dozens unaccounted for and no-one able to say with any certainty how many people were on board the Norman Atlantic when it burst into flames. Duration: 01:09

Dec 30, 2014

Displaced Ukrainians celebrate New Year's far from the bombs

Displaced by the conflict in the East of Ukraine, dozens now live in a volunteer centre in the capital Kiev, where they are getting ready to celebrate New Year. Duration: 00:40

Dec 30, 2014

Economic crisis puts a dampner on Madrid nightlife

The Spanish capital Madrid is known worldwide for its legendary nightlife, nicknamed la Movida. But an economic crisis, record-high unemployment and a rise in sales tax have dealt a hard blow to the city's bars. Duration: 01:57

Dec 30, 2014

Poor infrastructure cripples life in PoK

Muzaffarabad, PoK, December 30, 2014:- Roads in PoK in a bad shape, Pakistan directly responsible for the poor infrastructure, people of Trarkhal waiting for concrete road for last 20 years. This road in Trarkhal is full of potholes, and unfit for travel & transportation. Its dilapidated condition speaks volume about the pathetic state of affairs here. While on papers this road is under construction for the past 20 years, and under constant repair & maintenance, drawing public funds for its annual upkeep without serving its true purpose as a highway. Traveling here continues to remain a bumpy ride. It is a result of ignorance and apathy of officials that infrastructure is so poor. Traditionally this was a trade route and earlier historically as well. Now it’s like a ‘C’ grade city with poor infrastructure, kids here have never seen a concrete road, and during rains this place turn into a dirty well, whereas in winters its snow everywhere. Ultimately, living in this sham of democracy, the common people bear the brunt of this apathy.

Dec 30, 2014

Japanese firms introduces new technology and services to expand base in Asia

Tokyo, Bangkok, Dec 30 (ANI): Alps Electric is a multinational corporation producing a variety of electric components such as units for car device, touch panels for smartphone, censors and switches. Established in 1948, Alps Electric produces a variety of products. The first product was a rotary switch for radio receiver. It then started producing a wide range of products such as variable capacitors, keyboard, remote control, printer and so on. Started as a small factory, Alps Electric is a multinational company and have branch offices the world over, including Asian nations such as India, Malaysia and Vietnam. The company is working on a small communication module to stop cars automatically and avoid car accidents. Many Japanese companies, including the Japan Airlines are expanding their footprints. On December 20, Japan Airlines launched new daily service between Bangkok and Nagoya’s Chubu Airport.

Dec 30, 2014

BJP celebrates Amit Shah's acquittal in Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case

New Delhi, Dec 30 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists rejoiced after the court accepted the acquittal of party president Amit Shah in connection with the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. The BJP President reached his party office in Delhi few hours after the court's decision. In a major relief to BJP president Amit Shah, a special CBI court in Mumbai earlier in the day acquitted him in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. The CBI had charged Shah, the then Minister of State for Home in Gujarat, as an accused in the killing of gangster Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati.

Dec 30, 2014

Indian and Bangladeshi security forces play a friendly soccer match to improve relations

Belonia, Dec 30 (ANI): It was a match with a difference as border forces of India and Bangladesh competed in a friendly soccer match in a bid to improve their relations. The match was played between the 89th battalion of India's paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) and 4th battalion of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in Tripura. In the end, the Indian border forces prevailed over their Bangladeshi counterparts. The lone goal was scored in the second half of the match. BGB Commandant, Zilul Haque, hoped such tournaments had the potential to improve relations. Deputy Inspector General of BSF BS Tolia said the relations between the two forces were on the mend.

Dec 30, 2014