Politics

Ukrainian authorities, rebels evacuate civilians from front line town

In the besieged town of Debalsteve in eastern Ukrainian, residents scurry away with their humanitarian aid .... as government shelling pounds the area nearby. Hundreds of others wait in the town's

Feb 7, 2015

U.S. State Dept says cannot confirm reports hostage killed in Syria

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) STORY: The U.S. State Department on Friday (February 6) said it could not confirm reports that a female American hostage had been killed in a recent air strike

Feb 7, 2015

Brazilian woman thanks her lucky bra after shooting

Ivete Medeiros says she's lucky to be alive after getting struck by a stray bullet during a robbery in Belem, Brazil. Her saving grace? Her bra. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) IVETE MEDEIROS SAYING: "I

Feb 7, 2015

Joe Biden says US and Europe "have to stand with Ukraine"

The United States and Europe must stand together over Ukraine as it battles for survival in the face of escalating Russian military involvement, Vice President Joe Biden said during a visit to Brussels on Friday. Duration: 00:40

Feb 6, 2015

Pavement paintings celebrate 'Modernismo' Nicaraguan poet

Artists made giant 'sawdust carpet paintings' on the street in Leon City Thursday showing the different stages in the life of 'Modernismo' Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario in what is the centenary of his death. Duration: 00:57

Feb 6, 2015

Demonstrators in Gaza protest outside former Egyptian embassy

Demonstrators protested outside the former Egyptian embassy in Gaza City against a decision by an Egyptian court to ban Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, and label it a terrorist group. Duration: 00:43

Feb 6, 2015

Baby orangutan Rieke debuts at Berlin zoo

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) STORY: Berlin Zoo on Friday (February 6) gave the public its first look at Rieke, a baby orangutan that was abandoned by its mother and reared by zoo keepers. Zoo

Feb 6, 2015

Nigerias youth prepare to elect a new president

Corruption, lack of access to education, the fall in the price of oil... Nigeria's young people are having to choose a new president at a tricky time both economically and socially. Duration: 02:27

Feb 6, 2015

Russia flexes muscles as Ukraine talks begin in Moscow

Russian air force helicopters practice 'precision' shooting drills near the Ukrainian border. It's part of a two-week training exercise in an area that abuts eastern Ukraine, now nine months into an

Feb 6, 2015

It happens : Caparisoned elephants attract visitors to temple festival

Kerala, Feb 6 (ANI): : Domestic and foreign tourists thronged Kerala state for annual temple festival to see caparisoned elephants and traditional colourful dance. The temple festival, ‘Thaipooyam’, was celebrated with religious pageantry at Koorkancherry Sree Maheswara Temple in Thrissur district amid drum beats and procession. Main attractions of the festival were decorated elephants and traditional dance, ‘Kavadis’, which enthralled the visitors. People of the region revelled in the celebrations as other temples and houses were also decorated. Thaipooyam festival is celebrated in the name of Lord Subrahmanya, son of Hindu god Shiva. On this day, special rituals are also organised. Another major attraction was ‘Kavadiattam’ or dancing with floral arrangements made on wooden frames. The item is about six to 10 feet high and is carried by men on their shoulders.

Feb 6, 2015

It happens : Bike stunts, car pulling attract people to rural sports festival

Ludhiana, Feb 6 (ANI): Spectators thronged Punjab state to witness various stunts on bikes, cycles and horses during the 79th edition of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Festival. Also known as ‘Rural Olympics’, the sporting festival attracts athletes who compete with each other and perform stunts. The sporting event started in 1933 with just wrestling and athletics. Now the event showcases a plethora of rural and modern sports.The weightlifting event also comes with a twist as instead of standard weights, participants lift tyres, wooden stairs, bicycles and large logs of wood. Over the years, this sporting event has assumed huge popularity with people coming to see and participate from all over Punjab and neighbouring states. The place was packed with audience. Apart from sports, the tournament also saw dance performances as part of cultural events to showcase rich Indian tradition.

Feb 6, 2015