homophobic-attacks-on-the-rise-in-russia-hrw

Homophobic attacks on the rise in Russia: HRW

Human Rights Watch sounds the alarm over an increase in homophobic attacks in Russia, slamming Vladimir Putin's government for "inaction" and urging a crackdown on hate crimes. Dec 15, 2014
prisoners-of-war-put-to-work-in-east-ukraine

Prisoners of war put to work in east Ukraine

On the snowy roof of a music school in eastern Ukraine, workers are busy fixing damage from artillery shelling. When their shift ends, they line up in single file to return to their cells. Dec 15, 2014
ukrainian-nationalists-gear-up-for-battle-near-donetsk

Ukrainian nationalists gear up for battle near Donetsk

Members of the Organisation of Ukraine Nationalists are seen on the frontline near the town of Donetsk, as the eight-month-old conflict between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine wears on. Dec 15, 2014
home-minister-rajnath-singh-on-sydney-hostage-crisis

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sydney hostage crisis

New Delhi, Dec 15 (ANI): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the government of India is ensuring full security in the country in wake of the Sydney hostage crisis. He also added that the government would take all the necessary steps on the matter. Earlier in the day, India's second largest IT services provider Infosys confirmed that one of its employees has been taken hostage. Dec 15, 2014
hindus-and-muslims-come-together-to-seek-blessings-during-urs-of-lassa-bab-in-j-and-k

Hindus and Muslims come together to seek blessings during Urs of Lassa Bab in J and K

Jammu and Kashmir, Dec 15 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir state is a mix of varied religious beliefs, and people here enjoy this diversity. The state houses a sizeable population of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians and they have always lived in peace and amity, besides celebrating each other's fairs and festivals. A similar example is seen during the annual Urs of Ghulam Rasool Bhat alias Lassa Bab in Srinagar where devotes from different religious communities pray together to seek blessings of the saint. The devotees, who come from different parts of the valley, hold the day-and-night-long prayers to pay obeisance to Lassa Bab. Women, men and children all form the part of celebrations, which is marked by prayers and chanting hymns to please the God at the holy place. Dec 15, 2014
hindus-muslims-perform-community-wedding-under-one-roof-in-rajkot

Hindus-Muslims perform community wedding under one roof in Rajkot

Rajkot, Dec 15 (ANI): The City of Rajkot, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is known as the colourful city of India. A multicultural city, people here are living together peacefully. To give further impetus to this age-old ethos, a mass wedding was held here recently, in which around 101 Hindu and Muslim couples got married. The aim was to spread the message of love and brotherhood across the country. The couples mostly belonged to economically backward classes. During the marriage ceremony, Hindu priests and Muslim clerics conducted the respective rituals in front of hundreds of invitees. The couples were happy with the arrangement, as the marriage ceremony was held in a unique way. Dec 15, 2014
bengaluru-police-commissioner-says-threats-by-islamic-state-taken-seriously

Bengaluru Police commissioner says threats by Islamic State taken seriously

Bengaluru, Dec 15 (ANI): Police in Bengaluru on Monday said that threats by Islamic State on Twitter about carrying out Sydney-like siege in the city were being taken seriously after an armed man walked into a downtown Sydney cafe, took hostages and forced them to display an Islamic flag, igniting fears of a jihadist attack. Bengaluru police commissioner MN Reddy said they were investigating threats by Islamic State militants, who have warned of taking Bengaluru hostage. Meanwhile, Reddy said that they had sent a notice to Twitter Corporation in India regarding information on a company executive suspected of operating a pro-Islamic State Twitter account. Police on Saturday arrested a company executive suspected of operating a pro-Islamic State Twitter account that pumped out a stream of updates on the violent group's military campaign from his base in Bengaluru. Dec 15, 2014
no-efforts-spared-to-secure-indian-cricket-team-goi-monitoring-situation-mea-on-sydney-attack

No efforts spared to secure Indian cricket team, GoI monitoring situation: MEA on Sydney attack

New Delhi, Dec 15 (ANI): MEA Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Monday gave updated information about the attack on a café in Sydney, Australia. Akbaruddin said that the Indian cricket team is a national treasure and no efforts will be spared to secure the players. He added that the Government of India is in constant touch with the government representatives and the local authorities in Sydney which are giving all possible information. He added that at this stage it would be best to allow the Australian authorities to do their work effectively. Dec 15, 2014
despite-changes-delhi-women-still-fear-for-safety

Despite changes, Delhi women still fear for safety

Two years after the fatal gang-rape of a student on a Delhi bus and a week after a female passenger was allegedly raped by her Uber taxi driver, the issue of women's safety is again under the spotlight. Dec 15, 2014