reactions-flow-after-ttp-accuses-pak-army-of-using-youth-for-blood-game-calls-soldiers-to-join-th

Reactions flow after TTP accuses Pak army of using youth for 'blood game', calls soldiers to join th

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has released a video accusing Pakistan army of using youth for 'blood game' during war of Liberation in 1971 and also various proxy wars against Kashmir. TTP has also asked the Pak army officials to join them in a war against the Pak army which has always attacked Mujahideens. The video purportedly of its senior Commander Adnan Rashid, a former Pakistan Air Force official who was involved in an attack on ex-dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf, calls upon the soldiers of Pakistani Army to join the TTP listing the atrocities committed by the force including "killing of millions" and "raping of own sisters" during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Defence Expert Commodore (Retd) Ranjit B Rai said that Pakistan is not in a condition to bear another attack by TTP. BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao said that TTP's statement only proves the view of India as far as cross border trade is concerned. Dec 29, 2014
bengaluru-blast-experts-say-agencies-should-be-careful-in-naming-accused

Bengaluru Blast: Experts say agencies should be careful in naming accused

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): Security and Defence experts on Monday reacted to Bengaluru blast that took place last night killing one and injuring at least 3. Defence Expert Commodore (Retd) Ranjit B Rai said that the minorities have always been under suspicionwhenever any such incident takes place but added that the investigation agencies should be careful in disclosing the name of the accused. Security Expert Qamar Agha said that it might be an act executed by the Indian Mujahideen because they have always targeted business hubs and metro cities. He added that the final declaration will be made by investigative agencies after proper probe. Dec 29, 2014
politicos-condemn-blast-in-bengalurus-church-street

Politicos condemn blast in Bengaluru's Church Street

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): Political leaders on Monday condemned the blast in Bengaluru's Church Street which killed one woman and injured three others. The blast, which is being said to be a terror attack, occurred around 8.30 p.m. near the Coconut Grove restaurant in Bangalore's Church Street. Dec 29, 2014

IIT-Delhi Director resigned because he was unmasked: Subramanian Swamy

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday alleged that the reason behind resignation by IIT-Delhi director Raghunath K Shevgaonkar more than two years before the end of his term, is because he was unmasked. He said that Shevgaonkar was appointed by UPA government and was caught for failing to inform the government of India of opening a branch of IIT in Mauritius. Swamy also alleged that the IIT Delhi director had violated code of conduct and IIT statutes and later tried to play the victim. Further, he also said that the order of his termination was held null and void and therefore his demand of his due salaries was not uncalled for. Yesterday, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had denied involvement over the resignation tendered by Shevgaonkar, adding that media reports to the contrary were 'factually inaccurate and incorrect'. Dec 29, 2014
investigation-on-in-bengaluru-blast-case-cm-and-home-minister-calls-for-high-level-meeting

Investigation on in Bengaluru blast case, CM and Home Minister calls for high level meeting

Bengaluru/ New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): Following IED blast in Bengaluru which claimed one life and injured three others, police started investigation in he case. Karnataka Home Minister termed the incident as 'terror attack' and appealed the people not to panic. City Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil said that forensic team investigated the area and the police teams will go through the CCTV footage for more details. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conevened a high level meeting with top police officials to review situation post the blast. The meeting is aimed at discussing the further course of the probe. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also called a meeting with the NSA, IB Chief and Home Secretary to review and discuss the situation in Bengaluru. Dec 29, 2014
karnataka-cm-visits-bengaluru-blast-site-announces-compensation

Karnataka CM visits Bengaluru blast site, announces compensation

Bengaluru, Dec 29 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the blast site near a restaurant in Bengaluru, which left a woman dead and three other injured. Siddaramaiah on his visit said that the matter is being investigated. Siddaramaiah even visited the injured at a hospital and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of the woman. Both the victims, one of whom was a woman, were walking past the restaurant when it went off. Bengaluru has been on a general alert since police picked up an engineer for allegedly running a pro-Islamic State Twitter account that had tens of thousands of followers worldwide. Dec 29, 2014
delhi-gangrape-victims-mother-appeals-for-strict-laws-to-reduce-crime-against-women

Delhi gangrape victim's mother appeals for strict laws to reduce crime against women

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): 16 December Delhi gangrape victim's mother on the victim's 2nd death anniversary appealed for stricter laws to reduce crime against women. She added that if the society changes then 50% of the crimes will stop. She further stated that she has hopes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will bring change in the nation. Dec 29, 2014
calendar-launched-to-promote-peace-between-india-pakistan

Calendar launched to promote peace between India, Pakistan

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): A peace calendar was launched in New Delhi in order to improve frosty and tense relations between India and Pakistan. The calendar was launched by Aaghaz-e-Dosti (start of friendship), which is an initiative by India-based social outfit Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based non-profit organization The Catalyst -TC, with an aim to build friendly relations between nuclear-armed neighbours. The launch was organised in collaboration with Indian Council for Talent Search and Competitions from India and SAMAAJ (Social Awareness Media and Art Junction) and SAWAN (South Asian Writers and Artists Network) from Pakistan. The 'Calendar for Peace and Love' features paintings of children from both the counties selected through a competition. This is the third edition of the calendar. Founder of Mission Bhartiyam, Ravi Nitesh, said through this calendar they are trying to connect the people of the two countries for friendship and brotherhood. Dec 29, 2014
bangladesh-information-minister-calls-former-pm-khaleda-zia-biggest-enemy-of-democracy

Bangladesh Information minister calls former PM Khaleda Zia biggest enemy of democracy

Dhaka, Dec 29 (ANI): Bangladesh Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu called former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia as biggest enemy of democracy in the country. He was addressing audience during the inauguration of a documentary film made by human rights activist and journalist Shahriar Kabir, called "Whither Bangladesh" - clash between secular humanism and ideology of Shariah-based statehood in Bangladesh. The function was organised by the South Asian People's Union against Fundamentalism and Communalism. In 'Whither Bangladesh', Kabir attempts to depict fundamentalist militant activities in Bangladesh and its nexus with global militant network. Dec 29, 2014
kolkata-holds-candlelight-vigil-to-condemn-assam-attacks-even-as-normalcy-returns-to-the-state

Kolkata holds candlelight vigil to condemn Assam attacks even as normalcy returns to the state

Kolkata, Dec 29 (ANI): People in Kolkata held a candlelight vigil to condemn militant attacks in Assam that left at least 80 dead. The candlelight demonstration was organised by Paschim Banga Rajya Pratibandhi Sammilani (PBRPS) a non-profit organisation working for specially-abled - to protest against militant attacks by tribal guerrillas early this week. The victims of the attacks were mostly tea-plantation workers from other parts of India. On Saturday, life returned back to normalcy as tea plantation workers in Assam returned to work. However, former Mayor of Kolkata, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, during the candlelight vigil said that in recent times this was one of the ghastly attacks on innocent people. Many visually-impaired and specially-abled people were also part of the protest. Assam police say the leader of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), IK Sonbijit, is based in Myanmar, from where he controls his cadres. Dec 29, 2014
one-killed-another-injured-in-bengaluru-blast

One killed another injured in Bengaluru blast

Bengaluru/ New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): A low intensity IED (Improvised Explosive Device) bomb exploded on Church Street in Bengaluru. The blast occurred around 8:30 pm outside Coconut Grove restaurant on Church Street in which one woman was killed and another sustained injuries. The low-intensity blast occurred in the centre of the city. Police said the device had been placed near a drain behind the Coconut Grove restaurant. Bengaluru Police Commissioner MN Reddi said the woman succumbed to injuries on her head. Preliminary investigation suggested it was an improvised explosive device filled with shrapnel. Meanwhile, MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said they are yet to know who is responsible for the blast but added things are under control. Both the victims were walking past the restaurant when the bomb went off. Dec 29, 2014
manohar-parrikar-calls-for-coordinated-international-effort-to-find-missing-airasia-plane

Manohar Parrikar calls for coordinated international effort to find missing AirAsia plane

Mumbai/New Delhi/Chandigarh, Dec 29 (ANI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar confirmed help to find missing AirAsia plane and also urged international community to join hands for coordinated effort. Meanwhile, retired Air Vice-Marshal, Kapil Kak, said bad weather could have played havoc with the fate of the passengers. Indonesia called off until first light a search for an AirAsia plane carrying 162 people from Indonesia's Surabaya to Singapore, which went missing on Sunday just after pilots requested a change in course to avoid bad weather. There was no distress call issued by Flight QZ8501, operated by Indonesian AirAsia, 49 percent owned by Malaysia-based budget carrier AirAsia, which has had no crashes since it started flying in 2002. Singapore said it would send two planes to join the search for the missing Airbus A320-200 early on Monday, while the United States, Malaysia, Britain, South Korea, Australia and India offered help, from planes and navy boats to experts and investigators. Dec 29, 2014
silk-reeling-center-provides-employment-to-rural-women-in-tripura

Silk reeling center provides employment to rural women in Tripura

Tripura, Dec 29 (ANI): This silk reeling center at Badharghat in the outskirts of Agartala produces some of the finest quality silk which is high in demand. Cocoon from various silk rearing clusters and cocoon collection centers in West Tripura are collected here for taking out silk threads. Over 40 locals, mostly women are engaged at the centre in various stages of silk production and are able to earn well besides availing facilities like health insurance and pension. With help from the Central Silk board, the government-run centre has undergone modernization with eight semi-automatic reeling machines and other facilities. In 2012, the state's first power loom silk production center was started here as well. Over the years, both the Tripura and central government have been giving a lot of priority to boost silk production by introducing a number of schemes to encourage locals to take up sericulture. Dec 29, 2014