Politics

Militants and security personnel engage in gunbattle in Kashmir

Kulgam, Nov 14 (ANI): A gun battle broke out between militants and security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir late Thursday evening. Acting on a tip-off, security forces launched a search operation at Chounigam village in Kulgam district to nab militants hiding in a house. The militants opened fire upon the approaching soldiers, who retaliated triggering a gunfight. So far, there was no report of any casualty on either side. Militants have been frequently attacking security bases in Kashmir since the 1990s, when there was a full-blown insurgency against Indian rule in a region over which India and Pakistan fought two of their three wars.

Nov 14, 2014

US official stresses on social unity for economically vibrant India

New Delhi, Nov 14 (ANI): United States Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall stressed on the need for unity among every section of society if India hopes to become economically vibrant. Addressing a conference on "Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century" in New Delhi, Sewall, who is also a special coordinator for Tibet issues, said India should recognise openness in social inclusion which is central to the country’s future. Besides sustaining economic progress by investing in skill development and education sectors, and bringing in job opportunities, she added, there is a need to ensure equal protection to all under rule of law. Even societies with the best books on law, she added, can be undermined by the corrosive effects of corruption in upholding the rule of law. Corruption strips away protection of rights and access to justice that a democratic state is supposed to provide to its citizens. Discussing solution to these challenges, said Sewall, not only furthers participatory openness of every section of a society, but it further cements and strengthens the society.

Nov 14, 2014

PM Modi arrives in Brisbane to attend G-20 Summit

Brisbane, Nov 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brisbane as part of the second leg of his three-nation tour, during which he will attend the G-20 Summit on Friday. PM Modi, who was in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw, left for Brisbane, Australia after attending the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia Summit on November 12-13. The Prime Minister was received by the Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman. It is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the event in 28 years. After attending the G-20 Summit in Brisbane, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Sydney, where he will attend a community reception and address the Indian Diaspora. The Prime Minister will then travel to Canberra and address the special joint sitting of the Australian Parliament on November 18. He is also to address a community event in Melbourne.

Nov 14, 2014

Festival promotes cultural heritage of northeast region

Guwahati, Nov 14 (ANI): Be it the Wangla dance of Garos, warrior dance of Nagas or Bihu dance of Assam - the artists at "Discover Northeast Festival" presented the vibrant and varied culture of the Northeast region. Held under the aegis of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), under the Union Ministry of Culture at Shilpgram in Guwahati, it showcased the culture of eight northeastern states and Rajasthan. One among the major attractions of the event was Dhol-Dholak Cholom and Thang-Ta, the martial arts from Manipur. Artists from Garo community of Meghalaya stole the show with their spectacular display of the Wangala dance. The Sho community of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizo dancers from Mizoram and the Chakma community of Tripura also performed their folk dances.

Nov 14, 2014

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to visit Pakistan

Islamabad, Nov 14 (ANI): Pakistan announced that the newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was coming to Islamabad on a two-days' official visit to Pakistan. Addressing a weekly briefing, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam confirmed Ghani's visit. Analysts say Ghani's visit marks a renewed effort by the two neighbours to warm up ties that have been fraught with mutual suspicions. She said issues pertaining to border security will also come under discussion during the 2-days visit. Ghani's visit comes shortly after a recent trip to Kabul by Pakistan's Army chief, General Raheel Sharif, during which he offered to train Afghan security forces. The visit was widely seen as an ice-breaker aimed at addressing deepening suspicion among Afghanistan's security establishment about Pakistan. The visit to Islamabad will be Ghani's third trip abroad since his inauguration in September. He has recently visited Saudi Arabia and China.

Nov 14, 2014