dabbawalas-wield-broom-on-mumbai-streets-as-part-of-swachh-bharat-abhiyan

'Dabbawalas' wield broom on Mumbai streets as part of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'

Mumbai, Dec 26 (ANI): World renowned 'dabbawalas' (lunch box carriers) of Mumbai on Friday wielded brooms to sweep streets after Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated them to join 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. The 'dabbawalas' are city's lifeline as the team of around 5000 people supply food to around 200,000 office goers every day. They carry hot food in lunch boxes from the houses of Mumbai residents in the morning and deliver them at their workplace. A group of lunch box carriers assembled at Lower Parel area and swept the streets and footpaths with a promise to involve their customers also in this campaign. The dabbawalas, world-famous for their efficiency, co-ordination and hygiene, said they would do their best to ensure cleanliness around. Dec 26, 2014
sushma-swaraj-to-visit-seoul-for-india-republic-of-korea-joint-commission-meeting-mea

Sushma Swaraj to visit Seoul for India-Republic of Korea joint commission meeting: MEA

New Delhi, Dec 26 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Friday while addressing a press conference said that External Affairs Minister Shushma Swaraj will be travelling to Seoul from 28th to 30th December for India-Republic of Korea joint commission meeting. He added that efforts to increase bi-lateral trade will be the key subject of the meeting. He further stated that industrialists will be invited to join "Make In India" campaign. Dec 26, 2014
it-happens-hundreds-of-students-take-part-in-yogathon

It Happens : Hundreds of students take part in Yogathon

Chennai, Dec 26 (ANI): Hundreds of students took part in a "Yogathon" to create awareness about the ancient practice at an event in Chennai on Monday. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 'Art of Living Foundation' organized the event. Organizers said the event was being organized across the country, especially in schools and colleges, to create awareness among the people about the benefits of Yoga. Senior Faculty of Art of Living Foundation, Ayush Doshyam, said the idea behind the event was to spread awareness about the positives of Yoga. Dec 26, 2014

It Happens : Decorated churches, carol singing usher in warmth of Christmas

Bengaluru, Dec 26 (ANI): Christians across different cities of India soaked in festive spirit as they sang carols in decked up churches while attending special midnight mass prayers on the Christmas Eve. Marking the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is celebrated across the world on December 25. The midnight mass precedes the Christmas day and the church resounds with joyful singing of Christmas carols and thanksgiving. The people of Bengaluru in Karnataka also soaked themselves in the festive spirit as Christmas brings with it goodwill and festivity, which seemed to overwhelm people as they make merry. In Kolkata New Delhi and Chennai, devotees gathered to attend the special mass and sang carols to celebrate the Christmas spirit. A large number of people gathered at the San Thome Church in Chennai and participated in the Christmas celebrations with fervour. The priests performed rituals and organized the prayer session with an aim to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. The churches were decorated with colourful lights and idol of baby Jesus Christ along with Mother Mary and Joseph placed in the Christmas stable. Christmas celebrations are complete only with carols, cakes, candles and glittering Christmas trees. Dec 26, 2014
choosing-a-non-tribal-cm-shows-bjp-does-not-trust-tribals-nitish-kumar

Choosing a non-tribal CM shows BJP does not trust tribals: Nitish Kumar

Bihar, Dec 26 (ANI): JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar said on Friday that since the formation of Jharkhand, it was traditional to choose a tribal as the state Chief Minister who originally belongs to the land. He said that by naming a non-tribal CM, BJP has showed that it does not trust tribals. Kumar added that BJP has hurt the sentiments of the people of Jharkhand by breaking this tradition. Dec 26, 2014
our-role-is-border-guarding-working-to-sensitize-forces-ssb-on-assam-violence

Our role is border guarding, working to sensitize forces: SSB on Assam Violence

New Delhi, Dec 26 (ANI): Even as the death toll in Assam attacks rose to more than 80, Sashastra Seema Bal Director General BD Sharma on Friday said that the role of SSB is border guarding and the forces are doing the same. He said that the SSB is working to make it better and are taking the help of Army and police in the same. Further, he also said that 20 more companies are dent at the spot apart from nine battalions already there. Dec 26, 2014
politicos-react-after-pdp-mla-ashraf-mir-fires-ak-47-to-celebrate-his-victory

Politicos react after PDP MLA Ashraf Mir fires AK-47 to celebrate his victory

New Delhi/Jammu/Srinagar, Dec 26 (ANI): Politicos reacted on Friday after Peoples Democratic Party MLA Ashraf Mir fired from an AK-47 assault rifle to celebrate his victory against National Conference leader Omar Abdullah from Sonawar Assembly seat in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leader Sunil Sharma said that it is a condemnable event if it has happened. Congress leader JP Aggarwal demanded strict action against Ashraf Mir. National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq said that the firing celebrations show the arrogance of the leader on his victory. JandK NPP Chief Bhim Singh also condemned the celebrations. Dec 26, 2014
arun-jaitley-promises-simplified-tax-regime

Arun Jaitley promises simplified tax regime

New Delhi, Dec 26 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday (December 26) promised a simplified tax structure, but did not specify any deadline. Jaitley made the comments while addressing recruits of the Indian Revenue Service in New Delhi. Jaitley also called upon the taxmen to be both "firm and fair" while calculating taxes. Jaitley will be presenting the first full budget during the Narendra Modi led BJP government in February. Dec 26, 2014
life-disrupted-as-mercury-level-continues-to-dip-in-northern-india

Life disrupted as mercury level continues to dip in Northern India

New Delhi/Moradabad, Dec 26 (ANI): The intense cold climate in northern India continues to affect normal life as trains run late by several hours. In capital New Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday (December 26) stood at five degrees centigrade with the maximum going up to 16 degrees. The cold has inconvenienced locals on the streets as they struggle to find means to keep themselves warm, often burning scraps of rubbish to create a bonfire. According to reports, at least seven people have died in Uttar Pradesh due to the cold. Fog conditions accompanying the cold wave have also disrupted road, air and rail services. In Moradabad, railway passengers had a tough time as several trains were running late for hours. The sudden dip in temperatures is said to have been caused by snowfall in the Himalayas and has adversely impacted the upper half of the country. Dec 26, 2014