Politics

Soldiers killed in Debaltseve withdrawl, Ukraine calls for peacekeepers

"It's over"... proclaims one Ukrainian soldier. He's one of thousands of troops now back in government-controlled territory after withdrawing from the strategically important city of Debaltseve. But

Feb 19, 2015

Looting leaves S.Africa shopkeepers too scared to return to work

One month after the looting of foreign-owned shops in townships around South Africa's economic capital Johannesburg, many shopkeepers are still too scared to go back to work. Duration: 02:26

Feb 19, 2015

More than 400,000 rally in Buenos Aires over Nisman death

More than 400,000 people demanding justice marched in symbolic silence in soaking Buenos Aires to mark a month since the suspicious death of a prosecutor who was ready to accuse the Argentine president of a massive cover-up. Duration: 01:45

Feb 19, 2015

BJP hopes to iron out differences with PDP on AFSPA

New Delhi/ Jammu, Feb 19 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party said on Thursday that proper discussions are important before reaching a conclusion on the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. Many civil rights activist and political parties like Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC) have long been demanding to revoke AFSPA. However, the army has opposed their demands saying they are not even in favour of "partially withdrawing" the rule as it is essential to root out militants. PDP wants AFSPA removed while BJP is strongly against Article 370, which accords special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This could make the tie-up between the two parties uneasy. However, BJP is hopeful of resolving all differences and moving ahead on a positive note. Meanwhile, chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party, Bhim Singh said the act is important for state's protection.

Feb 19, 2015

Thailand's Attorney General files charges against former PM Yingluck over rice subsidy scheme

Bangkok, Feb 19 (ANI): Thailand's attorney general filed charges against Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday over a bungled rice subsidy scheme. The former Premier in indicted in the case that could see her jailed for up to a decade if found guilty. However, Shinawatra denies charges. The Supreme Court will decide whether or not to accept the case on March 19. The ex-premier has defended the rice scheme as a necessary subsidy to help poor farmers who historically receive a disproportionately small slice of government cash.

Feb 19, 2015

Patna HC bars 8 JD (U) MLAs from voting during floor test

Patna, Feb 19 (ANI): In a major setback for Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Patna High Court barred eight JD (U) MLAs from voting in the upcoming floor test in the Assembly on Friday.

Feb 19, 2015

Mahadalit 'Samman Sammelan': Manjhi asks people to question JD (U) MLAs, why they were opposing him

Patna, Feb 19 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday while addressing a Mahadalit 'Samman Sammelan' in Patna asked people to question JD (U) MLAs, as to why they were opposing him when he always worked for the downtrodden. Both Manjhi and senior JDU leader Nitish Kumar are in talks with MLAs to secure their support. Claiming support of majority of MLAs, Manjhi plans to organize a show of strength of those supporting him on Thursday evening. Just ahead of the floor test on Friday, Manjhi will also be holding a Cabinet meeting today.

Feb 19, 2015

Aircraft avert disaster as maneuver goes awry at Aero India Show

Bengaluru, Feb 19 (ANI): Two Red Bull aircraft averted a major disaster at Aero India Show on Thursday after they glided into each other, causing one's wing to clip. The incident happened when three aircraft were attempting to loop in midair and the central one went into the one below it. Though no injury was visibly caused to either pilot, the planes were forced to land and fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The Aero Show is being organized by Defence Exhibition Organization under the aegis of Ministry of Defence and 54 ministerial and other high-level delegations from several countries are scheduled to attend it. The exhibition has 'Make in India' as its major theme.

Feb 19, 2015

Rajiv Pratap Rudy flies first BrahMos-integrated Sukhoi-30 MKI

Bengaluru, Feb 19 (ANI): Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Thursday flew first BrahMos-integrated Sukhoi-30 MKI in Bengaluru city of Kolkata. Rudy said that this is the finest aircrafts that is there with Indian Airforce and that it reflects total strength of the Airforce. Meanwhile, his wife Neelam Pratap Rudy said that it's after ten years that Rudy is flying such an aircraft. She said that it is exciting for her to witness the same.

Feb 19, 2015

Exiled Tibetans in Dharamsala mark New Year with prayers

Dharamsala, Feb 19 (ANI): Tibetans living in-exile in India's Dharamsala began celebrations for three-day New Year, Losar, with prayers on Thursday. Exiled Tibetans and monks gathered at the Buddhist temple, Tsuglagkhang and prayed in front of statues of their deities. Year 2015 is regarded as the Female Wood Sheep year as per the lunar calendar. Traditionally, celebrations begin with Tsedor or Losar Prayers focusing on worship to the official protecting deity Palden Lhamo. Hymns are chanted and fire torches passed through the crowds as monks play traditional drums and blow horns. The celebrations will conclude on Saturday. Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay wished everyone on the occasion.

Feb 19, 2015

PM Narendra Modi launches the 'Soil Health Card' scheme

Suratgarh, Feb 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the "Soil Health Card" (SHC) scheme for analyzing the soil in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. Speaking at the launch, Modi said transforming agriculture through scientific methods is very important. The step to issue soil health cards to farmers will ensure that they are aware of the quality of soil and use right fertilizers. Also, the scheme will help in keeping a check on overuse of fertilisers on farm land and will be provided to over 14 crore farmers.

Feb 19, 2015

Poroshenko's calls for deployment of UN peacekeepers in Eastern Ukraine have met with Russian criticism.

Russia: Ukraine Aims to Destroy Minsk Peace Deal by Seeking UN Peacekeepers

Poroshenko's calls for deployment of UN peacekeepers in Eastern Ukraine have met with criticism by Russia

Feb 19, 2015

Taj Mahotsava: All You Need to Know About This 10-Day Cultural Extravaganza

The 10-day long festival started on 18 February at Taj Mahal in Agra

Feb 19, 2015

BJP terms Congress support for Anna as 'pure hypocrisy'

New Delhi, Feb 19 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit out at the Congress party for supporting social activist Anna Hazare's agitation on the Land Acquisiton Bill, terming it pure hypocrisy on the part of the party. BJP leader Sambit Patra added that his party respected Anna Hazare and would take view of the suggestions made by him. The Congress party had earlier welcomed Hazare's move against the ordinance passed by the Centre. Hazare will stage a protest in the national capital on February 24 against the Land Acquisition Bill and request the government to withdraw the ordinance. The protest would be organized by the farmer unions and as per reports, social activist Medha Patkar, along with 70 other organizations across the country, will participate in it.

Feb 19, 2015