Politics

PM Modi meets govt officials on 'smart city' initiative

New Delhi, Dec 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with government officials on Smart City initiative in New Delhi. Modi has a vision to create 100 new "smart cities" by 2020, and to make that a reality foreign capital is likely to play a part. One of the aims of this initiative is to improve the quality of urban governance, which will strengthen the overall governance of the county. While inviting identifying factors that could be laid down for building smart cities, Modi asked the government officials to identify the basics of infrastructure, quality of life, and citizen-centric services that are essential to the cities of 21st century. Modi wants the cities to be economic activity hubs with solid-waste management and waste-water treatment playing an important part in the development of those cities.

Dec 30, 2014

Jammu and Kashmir Government Formation: PDP Split on Alliance with BJP

According to sources, at least half a dozen of the 28 PDP MLAs have rejected the idea of an alliance with BJP.

Dec 30, 2014

Search and rescue operation for missing AirAsia flight restarts

The search and rescue operation for the missing AirAsia flight starts again in the Java Sea.

Dec 30, 2014

Tourists throng Manali to explore adventure sports

Manali, Dec 30 (ANI): Thousands of tourists thronged Solang Valley to explore adventure sports after Himachal Pradesh received good snowfall this winter season. Himachal Pradesh, which has turned into a paradise of skiers, is attracting sports lovers from across the country to explore snow sports including trekking, skiing, paragliding and rafting. The snow-covered hill resort has always been the preferred holiday destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists for ice games. Tourists were in high spirits riding on yak and playing with snow. A tourist, Pooja Jain, said her family had visited Solang valley earlier to enjoy the combination of scenery and sports.

Dec 30, 2014

Multi faith workforce dwells in printing and packaging unit in Aligarh

Aligarh, Dec 30 (ANI): Aligarh, located in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is a big industrial city of the state. It is also known as Taala Nagari or the City of Locks as it is amongst the largest manufacturers and suppliers of locks in India. And, it is not just the lock industry, which make the city famous, but also the harmony that exists between people of different religions working in other industries as well. One such unit in the city that exemplifies this fact is the printing and packaging unit where Hindus and Muslims are involved in print and packaging of different commodities. The workers work for long hours and also look after each other and their work like a family. Mutual cooperation is responsible for the success of the business.

Dec 30, 2014

Devotees from different faiths visit mausoleum of 'Passport Baba'

Jamshedpur, Dec 30 (ANI): The state of Jharkhand is known for its rich history, customs and traditions that contribute to its identity as one of the most culturally diverse states in the country. Despite the diversity of religions and cultures, there is amity between people of different faiths in the state. One such example can be found in Jamshedpur at Syed Misrin Shah's mausoleum who is famous by the name of Passport Baba as well. The uniqueness of his mausoleum is that people come here to seek blessings from the saint in order to get there passport in time. It attracts Hindu and Muslim devotees who visit the mausoleum, to pay obeisance to the Sufi saint, in large numbers.

Dec 30, 2014

Syrian rebels fight regime troops near Aleppo

Syrian Islamists rebels from Ahrar al-Sham keep up the fight against regime's troops near the city of Aleppo.

Dec 29, 2014

Greek lawmakers fail to elect president

Greek lawmakers fail for a third time to elect a new president, triggering a snap election that could bring to power a radical anti-austerity party threatening to undo many economic reforms.

Dec 29, 2014

Poroshenko hails Ukraine 'warriors' freed by rebels

More than 220 insurgents were freed during a prisoner swap between Ukraine's government and pro-Russian rebels. They are being housed in a centre where they will be debriefed to make sure there aren't any Ukrainian spies amongst them.

Dec 29, 2014

Palestinian ministers in Gaza to kickstart reconstruction

Around 50 Palestinian unity government officials, including eight ministers, arrived in Gaza Monday to kickstart reconstruction of the territory devastated by a 50-day war with Israel.

Dec 29, 2014

Bengaluru Blast: Police announces reward for informers

Bengaluru, Dec 29 (ANI): Bengaluru Police on Monday announced a reward of Rupees 10 lakh to anybody who gives substantial information helpful in investigation of the blast. Reddi also said that investigating teams from Chennai as well as National Investigation Agency are working in coordination with the Bengaluru Police. He then confirmed that some ex-SIMI activists have escaped from Khandwa jail and the police are looking at whether they are involved in this particular incident.

Dec 29, 2014

BJP welcomes, Opposition condemns govt on passing ordinance on land acquisition

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): The Cabinet on Monday approved ordinance on amendments to Land Acquisition Bill, which drew mixed reactions. BJP leader Sambit Patra congratulated the government and said the Central government is working for the betterment of the common people. Meanwhile, leaders of the opposition parties and Congress condemned the government for passing the ordinance at a time when Parliament session had just ended and the next one is about to start in 2 months’ time. AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said that the government should have waited for the next Parliament session as the land acquisition was not an issue of emergency in the country to require an ordinance. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also condemned the BJP government alleging that BJP is serving industrialists, who helped them win elections, through the ordinance.

Dec 29, 2014

Cabinet approves amendment to Land Acquisition Act- Part 2

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Monday approved the amendment of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, stating that the owners of land acquired via laws exempted under the act will now be eligible for a similar compensation. Speaking on why the decision to amend the Act was taken, Jaitley said that the resolution was made after keeping in mind the interest of the farmers.

Dec 29, 2014

Cabinet approves amendment to Land Acquisition Act- Part 1

Dec 29, 2014

Regularization of unauthorized Delhi colonies: Cabinet clears June 1, 2014 as new cutoff date

New Delhi, Dec 29 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday informed that the Cabinet has extended the date for the regularization of unauthorized colonies in the national capital from March 31 2002 to June 1 2014. The move will benefit 60 lakh population in 895 colonies.

Dec 29, 2014