Politics

Pak arrests 58 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing in their territorial waters

Karachi, Dec 12 (ANI): Pakistan maritime authorities arrested fifty eight Indian fishermen and took into custody their ten boats for illegal fishing in the country's territorial waters, police said. The fishermen, who were arrested on Wednesday, had been handed over to Docks Police Station in Karachi for necessary legal action. The arrested fishermen have been charged under Foreign Act and Fisheries Act. Fishermen from both the countries frequently stray into each other territory and end up spending years in their jails. In May, Pakistan had freed 151 Indian fishermen ahead of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Pakistan released another batch of 40 prisoners, 35 of them fishermen, as a "goodwill gesture", last month.

Dec 12, 2014

Two passenger trains collide near Patna, no casualty reported

New Delhi/ Barh, Dec 12 (ANI): Two passenger trains on Friday met collision near Patna at Barh railway station. The Anand Bihar-Guwahati Express and Bhojpur-Mokama shuttle train collided near Patna in Bihar. Two bogies have been derailed in the collision. However, no loss of life has been reported yet. Railway Board Railway Board Arunendra Kumar said that the incident occurred at 06:55 AM today and that rescue operations are in full swing. Reason for the accident is not known yet and further investigation is to take place on the same.

Dec 12, 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee hosts banquet for Vladimir Putin

New Delhi/ Varanasi, Dec 12 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee hosted a banquet in the honour of Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries at the President's official residence. Putin, on his official visit to New Delhi for the 15th Annual India-Russia Summit, is accompanied by a 15-member delegation. Earlier, a team of 16 economists from the US met PM Modi and discussed the various facets of the growing economy of India. Modi told the delegation that his focus was to build 'Team India' through a partnership with all state chief ministers and by encouraging and facilitating states to take initiatives for economic growth. Also present at the meeting was Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who gave an overview to the delegation of the various decisions taken by the Government over the last six months in the economic sphere.

Dec 12, 2014

Pakistan welcomes UN Chief's offer to resolve Kashmir issue

Islamabad, Dec 12 (ANI): Pakistan welcomed the statement of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in which he expressed his readiness to engage with India and Pakistan in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue. On December 9, Ban Ki-moon said that "If both countries request it, I am ready to engage further to assist in resolving this issue." Addressing a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the UN Chief's offer was "deeply appreciated". He called upon the two countries to resume their stalled composite dialogue. Aslam said Pakistan was committed to a result-oriented dialogue with India on the Kashmir issue, because the just resolution of the issue was of paramount importance for ensuring peace, stability and development in the region. Asked if India will agree to the UN chief's offer, Aslam said it was not a matter of choice because the UN resolutions which are applicable had been accepted by both Pakistan and India.

Dec 12, 2014

Current account deficit comfortable despite widening: Raghuram Rajan

Kolkata, Dec 12 (ANI): Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan said that the RBI was comfortable with the current account deficit (CAD) even after it widened in the July-September quarter. Rajan while speaking at a news conference after the central bank's board meeting in Kolkata city, said risks remain to the current account deficit even though he was not apprehensive about it. Rajan said that gold imports had increased in the country which may have resulted in the increase in the CAD. Global oil prices have fallen to a five-year low on Wednesday. Brent crude oil fell to $63.56 a barrel, the lowest since July 2009, on signs of oversupply and waning demand. Indias largest imports are crude oil and gold. Turning to the economy, Rajan said an interest rate cut won't by itself lead to higher economic growth, although he noted it would have an impact. Turning to limits on foreign investments in government bonds, Rajan said it would look at raising the limit at an appropriate time, and would look at expanding it steadily.

Dec 12, 2014

Crimean leader's 'unexpected visit' to India with Putin likely to trouble United States

New Delhi, Dec 12 (ANI): The leader of Crimea, the former Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia, visited India as a member of President Vladimir Putin's summit delegation, in a move that is already "troubling" the United States. India does not back Western sanctions against Russia, but the unofficial trip by Sergey Aksyonov could spoil the mood before Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts US President Barack Obama for Republic Day festivities in January. Aksyonov arrived at the upscale Oberoi hotel accompanied by Russian diplomats to be greeted by Gul Kripalani, a Mumbai-based seafood merchant who wants to boost trade with Russia. Speaking to reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding to promote business, Aksyonov said his visit had "a private character" and he did not take a part in any official events.

Dec 12, 2014

Buyers throng Tibetan woollen market in Shimla with onset of winter

Shimla, Dec 12 (ANI): Buyers throng the Tibetan market of affordable winter garments in the hill town of Shimla of Himachal Pradesh as mercury dips southwards. People from all walks of life, particularly youngsters, have been rushing to this market which offers a variety of sweaters, jackets, shawls and coats at reasonable rates. Apart from the local customers, a lot of tourists from across the country are also attracted to the market for their winter shopping spree. Like every year, the exiled Tibetan community here is expecting good business during the winter season. The Tibetan community- in- exile in India is mainly dependent upon the winter garment and wool business for their survival. Most of them move to the plains during this season to have a good business.

Dec 12, 2014