polling-begins-in-13-constituencies-of-jharkhand-amidst-tight-security

Polling begins in 13 constituencies of Jharkhand amidst tight security

Jharkhand, Nov 25 (ANI): More than 3.3 million voters are all set to exercise their franchise as 13 Maoist-affected constituencies of Jharkhand on Tuesday went on polls as the first phase of five-stage assembly election gets underway in the tribal-dominated state. The polls will decide on the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly as the results are to be announced on December 23. People were seen lining up outside the polling booths as one of the local urged people to come out and caste their vote. While the BJP is looking to sustain its victory after having swept the Lok Sabha polls and key states this year, the Congress and big regional players like the JMM are fighting to halt the juggernaut. A total of 199 candidates including nine sitting legislators are contesting in the first phase. About 45,000 security personnel have been deployed at 3,961 polling stations while three helicopters have been pressed into service for aerial monitoring of the election. Nov 25, 2014
indo-bhutan-border-check-post-gates-close-after-unnatural-death-of-indian-girl-in-bhutan

Indo-Bhutan border check post gates close after unnatural death of Indian girl in Bhutan

Jalpaiguri, Nov 25 (ANI): Indo-Bhutan border check post gates were closed after the protesters turned violent over the unnatural death of a 17-year-old Indian girl in neighbouring Bhutan. According to the police sources, the officials of India and Bhutan government took this decision to avoid any untoward incident in the sensitive border area. Violence erupted on Sunday when Bhutan police surrendered the girl dead body to the family members without explaining the cause of death. The villagers had blocked the Chamurchi Indo-Bhutan border check post in Jalpaiguri district. The district police have also arrested five persons in connection with Sunday's violence. However, elder sister of the girl, Sumita Lohar alleged that her sister was raped. The body of the girl has been sent to the Jalpaiguri Sadar hospital for post mortem. Meanwhile, District Magistrate of Jalpaiguri Pritha Sarkar refused to comment on the incident. Nov 25, 2014
india-rubbishes-us-think-tank-finding-on-pakistan-nuclear-weaponry

India rubbishes US think-tank finding on Pakistan nuclear weaponry

New Delhi, Nov 25 (ANI): Indian experts on Monday rubbished US think-tank report on Pakistan's growing nuclear weaponry saying it was being exaggerated as every country had right to equip itself in a bid to ensure security. According to a study by the US based think-tank Council on Foreign Relations, Pakistan's nuclear strength could reach up to 200 nuclear devices in the next six years. It also said South Asia was most at risk from unresolved territorial disputes, terrorism and growing nuclear strength. Defence Expert Praful Bakshi, however, was quick to dismiss the findings of the study. Meanwhile, NCP leader Majid Memon said that Pakistan should refrain from trying to intimidate India. Nov 25, 2014
first-phase-of-jandk-assembly-polls-begin-on-tuesday

First phase of JandK assembly polls begin on Tuesday

Jammu and Kashmir, Nov 25 (ANI): The polling for the first phase in the Assembly Elections of Jammu and Kashmir began on Tuesday as people queued outside polling booths to caste their votes. About 400 companies of security forces have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls in the first phase of the assembly elections. Residents lined up outside the polling booths to exercise their franchise fighting the extreme cold weather as they hoped for better governance in the state. Of the 15 Assembly seats going to polls on Tuesday, 11 segments of Chenab valley and North Kashmir were highly militancy infested areas and some of them still have militant influx. A total of 10,502,50 voters, including 5,00,539 women, will decide the fate of 12 sitting MLAs, including seven ministers among 123 candidates at 1,900 polling stations in 15 constituencies. Nov 25, 2014
j-and-k-residents-throng-markets-to-buy-heaters-to-brave-extreme-winters-in-state

J and K residents throng markets to buy heaters to brave extreme winters in state

Srinagar, Nov 25 (ANI): Residents of the Jammu and Kashmir thronged markets to buy heaters and other equipments to keep themselves warm, as their houses left damp by the devastating floods that hit the state in September, are far colder this winter than in previous years. The main markets of Srinagar were full of people rushing to buying heaters. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of villages were devastated by the worst flooding in decades that ravaged the Kashmir valley recently. Nov 25, 2014
hindus-help-muslims-in-making-tazia-during-muharram-promote-communal-harmony

Hindus help Muslims in making Tazia during Muharram, promote communal harmony

Rajkot, Nov 25 (ANI): India is known for its diversity that is marked by harmonious relations between people of different communities. And examples of this ethos can be found throughout the country. One such example comes from Rajkot, in the eastern state of Gujrat, where Hindus help muslims in making Tazia during Muharram. This Tazia is popular in Rajkot by the name of a Hindu, Patel Tula Ram. A Tazia is a replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain that is carried in processions during Muharram. The first ten days of the month of Muharram commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala. The Tazia makers believe that through their work they are sending out a message of brotherhood and harmony between different communities. The joint participation of people in important events of different communities is an example of interfaith harmony that exists in the country. Nov 25, 2014
muslim-girls-decorate-earthen-lamps-for-hindu-devotees-on-religious-festivities

Muslim girls decorate earthen lamps for Hindu devotees on religious festivities

Varanasi, Nov 24 (ANI): Varanasi, situated on the banks of river Ganga, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is known as the spiritual capital of India. The city is known for Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb or religious harmony between the people of different faiths. This tehzeeb is upheld by the people, who celebrate religious co-existence in the city with utmost devotion. A similar example is witnessed in a Muslims locality where Muslim girls paint and decorate earthen lamps for Hindus during their religious occasions. Their aim is to maintain the age-old culture of religious harmony and promote peace and brotherhood in the city. Besides, these Muslim girls want to gift the decorated lamps to their Hindu sisters as a sign of mutual respect and gratitude. These efforts enlighten the hearts of the people of different communities who work ceaselessly to maintain communal harmony in the region, for which Varanasi is popular. Nov 25, 2014
brazil-unveils-mascots-for-the-2016-rio-olympic-games

Brazil unveils mascots for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games

The Rio Olympic Games have their mascots: a yellow feline animal representing Brazil's rich fauna and wildlife, and a blue and green creature with its head covered in leaves for the Paralympics. Duration: 00:51 Nov 25, 2014