Politics

Chinese community in Kolkata gears up to celebrate New Year

Kolkata, Feb 18 (ANI): Chinese community in Kolkata is gearing up to celebrate Chinese New Year. This year the Lunar New Year falls on Thursday (February 19) and ends on March 5. In the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by one of twelve animals from the Chinese zodiac. However, this year, there has been confusion around the zodiac. Some are calling it a year of Sheep, while some say it to be a year of Goat. Both are appearing in Chinese decorative material being prepared for New Year. The festival's many customs, observed by millions of Chinese communities around the globe, link back to the idea of inviting good fortune and prosperity, and chasing away bad luck. People of Chinese community residing in Kolkata gathered on streets to watch the celebrations and the famous lion dance, a traditional dance in Chinese culture. The Manager of an authentic Chinese restaurant, Mainland China, Debashish, said to attract more customers, more items have been added to the menu.

Feb 18, 2015

Senior official claims Coast Guard 'blew up' suspected Pak boat, Defence Experts react

New Delhi/ Bhopal, Feb 18 (ANI): In a major controversy with Defence Ministry's statement, a senior DIG of the Indian Coast Guard BK Loshali has claimed in a newspaper report that he ordered to destroy the suspected Pak boat which was found 365 miles off Porbandar coast in Gujarat. Reacting to it, Defence Expert Praful Bakshi said that such statements are always misinterpreted and added that focus should be laid on the fact that Coast Guard prevented a mishap from taking place. Major General (Retired) SR Sinho said that this statement should be taken seriously. The news created flutter in the defence establishment and subsequently Loshali has denied saying what the newspaper has reported. Loshali has issued a statement saying, he was not heading the operation.

Feb 18, 2015

Japanese business leaders call on PM Modi

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): President of Japanese industrial company Hitachi, Toshiaki Hingashihara, called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Hitachi, a leader in construction machinery and air-conditioning systems in India, is expanding in new areas such as information and telecommunication systems, power systems, industrial, transportation and urban development systems. Hingashihara reportedly is willing to contribute towards the development of India as he believes it is becoming an increasingly important country for Hitachi's global growth. The company wants to participate in government-led efforts and provide a wide range of products and solutions, such as social infrastructure systems as advanced medical devices and railways, say reports.

Feb 18, 2015

PM Modi inaugurates 'Aero India-2015', says India reforming defence policies

Bengaluru, Feb 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated 'Aero India 2015' show in Bengaluru. Modi said that the air show reflects a new level of confidence within the country and global interests in India. He added that India has enormous security challenges and the preparedness is also required to be increased. Modi said that India has made its export policies clearer, simpler and predictable. He further expressed confidence that India will emerge as a major global centre for Defence industry.

Feb 18, 2015

Narendra Modi's pinstripe suit auction: Bids reach 51 lakhs

Surat, Feb 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monogrammed pinstripe suit, which he wore during US President Barack Obama's visit is being auctioned in Surat today. Bidders have bid for 51 Lakhs till now for the suit. As per reports, the proceeds of the auction will go to the Namaami Gange Trust Fund for the Clean Ganga project. The auction will take place over three days.

Feb 18, 2015

Syria willing to try ceasefire: UN

The UN's mediator on Syria, Staffan de Mistura, says the government has expressed willingness to test out a ceasefire in Aleppo. He says it'll look to suspend air strikes and shelling there. (

Feb 18, 2015

Bihar Conundrum Continues With Flexing of Muscles From Both Sides

JDU suspends seven ministers loyal to Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi ahead of the trust vote on 20 February.

Feb 18, 2015

Bangladesh PM seeks citizens' support to fight political violence

Dhaka, Feb 18 (ANI): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to citizens to unite against forces igniting political violence in the country. Hasina was participating in a discussion titled, ‘BNP-Jamaat’s Arson Violence-Blood Stained Bangladesh’ when she broke down into tears watching a documentary where the victims of political violence narrated their ordeal. She added that people, who fell prey to the violence allegedly ignited by BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami, need to be recognized as martyrs. The discussion was attended by ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, parliament members, diplomats, heads of different foreign missions, vice-chancellors and teachers of various universities, editors and senior lawyers.

Feb 18, 2015

Swine flu patients complain of inadequate medical facilities in New Delhi

Shimla/ New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Patients undergoing treatment for swine flu in India's capital New Delhi have complained of inadequate medical facilities in government hospitals. India has seen a steep rise in the number of swine flu deaths and reported cases this year, prompting officials to investigate the cause and step up efforts to combat the virus. Annoyed patients and their relatives at government-run hospitals said that they were running out of medicines. Yadav's son, attending him at the hospital, has also got infected with the H1N1 virus. However, spokesperson of Delhi government, Nagendra Sharma, said that the government was doing its bit to augment the availability of medical equipments.

Feb 18, 2015

India can provide clean energy to the entire nation, says Arun Jaitley

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley has said that India has enough raw material to provide clean power to the entire country. Jaitley made the statement at 'RE-Invest', first global renewable energy meet and expo, attended by over 200 investors, 350 exhibitors and 1,000 delegates among senior ministers of the government. The central theme of the conference is to attract large scale investments for renewable energy sector in India. India is seeking investments of $100 billion over seven years to boost the country's renewable energy capacity by 33 times to 100,000 megawatts. RE-Invest will be the first major platform for investment promotion which signals India's commitment to the development and scaling up of renewable energy to meet its energy requirement in a sustainable manner. Many companies have committed to work with the Indian government for the development of renewable energy projects.

Feb 18, 2015

PM Modi's monogrammed pinstripe suit to be auctioned

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monogrammed pinstripe suit, which he wore during US President Barack Obama's visit will be auctioned in Surat today. The auction will take place over three days. As per reports, the proceeds of the auction will go to the Namaami Gange Trust Fund. Prime Minister Modi, in his earlier post as the chief minister of Gujarat, had held similar charity auctions.

Feb 18, 2015

Red Cross convoy attacked in Myanmar

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) Unknown attackers shot and wounded two people in a convoy of eight vehicles marked with the emblem of the Myanmar Red Cross Society that was attempting to transport

Feb 18, 2015

SAARC member countries participate in "South Asian Biotechnology Conference" in New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): The faculty of Life Sciences and Biotech of South Asia University in New Delhi hosts a 3-day long "SouthAsian Biotechnology Conference" in the capital. Delegates from SAARC countries participated in the event to discuss the feasibility and modalities of enhanced cooperation in the area of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. Sameer M. Dixit, the director of Research, Center for Molecular Dynamics, Nepal said the initiative of collaborative research by India will be useful in expanding R and D and other developments in biotechnology. Sharing of research ideas by various countries will bring a new revolution in the field of science. Jamal Ahmad Mahmood from Afghanistan says India will serve as a good platform for Afghan scientists to carry on their research work. The developments made by India in the field of biotechnology are encouraging nations like Bangladesh to come forward and collaborate to work on biotech in India.

Feb 18, 2015

Libyans mark four years after uprising

Thousands of Libyans gather to mark four years after the uprising that toppled former leader, Muammar Gaddafi. The country's transition has been plagued with political infighting, rival governments

Feb 18, 2015

Modi's Pinstripe Suit to be Auctioned, Proceeds to go Towards Clean Ganga Campaign

A total of 361 items gifted to Modi will go under the hammer in Surat today.

Feb 18, 2015