Society News

Crimean leader's 'unexpected visit' to India with Putin likely to trouble United States

New Delhi, Dec 12 (ANI): The leader of Crimea, the former Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, visited India as a member of President Vladimir Putin's summit delegation, in a move that is already "troubling" the United States. India does not back Western sanctions against Russia, but the unofficial trip by Sergey Aksyonov could spoil the mood before Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts US President Barack Obama for Republic Day festivities in January. Aksyonov arrived at the upscale Oberoi hotel accompanied by Russian diplomats to be greeted by Gul Kripalani, a Mumbai-based seafood merchant who wants to boost trade with Russia. Speaking to reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding to promote business, Aksyonov said his visit had "a private character" and he did not take a part in any official events.

Dec 12, 2014

ISIS was Formed in US Prison Camp in Iraq, Says Leader; CIA Letter Reveals Iraq War Was Based on 'Faulty' Intelligence

"If there was no American prison in Iraq, there would be no IS now," an ISIS leader told The Guardian.

Dec 12, 2014

Bengaluru Executive 'Mehdi' behind Islamic State's Top Twitter Account?

Mehdi is believed to have helped ISIS in recruiting people from India and elsewhere.

Dec 12, 2014

RSS Body Dharam Jagran Samiti Sets Fixed Rates for Converting Muslims, Christians into Hindus

It costs Rs 5 lakh to convert a Muslim into a Hindu and Rs 2 lakh to convert a Christian into a Hindu, if one is to go by the pamphlet being distributed by Dharam Jagran Samiti

Dec 12, 2014

Buyers throng Tibetan woollen market in Shimla with onset of winter

Shimla, Dec 12 (ANI): Buyers throng the Tibetan market of affordable winter garments in the hill town of Shimla of Himachal Pradesh as mercury dips southwards. People from all walks of life, particularly youngsters, have been rushing to this market which offers a variety of sweaters, jackets, shawls and coats at reasonable rates. Apart from the local customers, a lot of tourists from across the country are also attracted to the market for their winter shopping spree. Like every year, the exiled Tibetan community here is expecting good business during the winter season. The Tibetan community- in- exile in India is mainly dependent upon the winter garment and wool business for their survival. Most of them move to the plains during this season to have a good business.

Dec 12, 2014

US Pulls up India over Crimean Leader's Visit with Putin Month Ahead of Obama's R-Day Visit

The US is reportedly 'troubled' and wants a 'clarification'.

Dec 12, 2014

Freediving champ teaches at world's deepest pool

Free diving legend Umberto Pelizzari now teaches apnea courses at "Y-40 The Deep Joy", the deepest swimming pool in the world, in Montegrotto Terme, northeastern Italy. Duration: 00:54

Dec 12, 2014

Hong Kong police arrest protesters, dismantle main rally site

Hong Kong police dismantle the city's main pro-democracy protest site, clearing tents and barricades after more than two months of rallies and arresting more than 200 demonstrators, who vow their struggle lives on. Duration: 00:54

Dec 12, 2014

As war rages, some Syrian women look to keep up appearances

The echoes of government air strikes and incoming rebel mortar fire rattle buildings in the distance, but inside a beauty exhibition in Damascus the shoppers try not to notice. Duration: 01:00

Dec 12, 2014

The year Putin tore up the rule book

For years he played the part of the frosty pragmatist, doggedly set on restoring pride and power to a once-great superpower. Then, on February 27, 2014, President Vladimir Putin went rogue. Duration: 02:32

Dec 12, 2014

Modi: India to build 10 more nuclear reactors with Russia

India is to build at least 10 more nuclear reactors with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday after talks with Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. Duration: 00:43

Dec 12, 2014

WWI 'Christmas Truce' football match memorial unveiled

A hundred years after the famous World War I "Christmas Truce," UEFA chief Michel Platini unveiled a memorial Thursday to the football match British and German soldiers played in no man's land as the guns fell silent. Duration: 00:52

Dec 12, 2014

Russia's central bank hikes rate as ruble plummets

Russia's central bank jacks up its key lending rate again, in a bid to stem the ruble's rapid slide and slow rising prices, but the currency swiftly sank to fresh lows. Duration: 00:52

Dec 12, 2014

Shiite Muslims flock to Iraq's Karbala for religious festival

Shiite Muslims are flocking to the Imam al-Hussein shrine in Karbala in preparation for the Arbaeen religious festival marking the 40th day after Ashura which commemorates the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson. Duration: 00:46

Dec 12, 2014

Brennan: CIA was unprepared to detain, interrogate suspects

CIA director John Brennan says the Central Intelligence Agency was unprepared to detain and interrogate Al-Qaeda suspects after the 9/11 attacks. Duration: 00:35

Dec 12, 2014