Politics

Early Christmas bells for President Pranab Mukherjee as he crosses Arctic Circle to meet Santa Claus

Finland, Oct 17 (ANI): Christmas bells rang two months earlier this year for Pranab Mukherjee as he became the first Indian President to cross the Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus's official workplace in Rovaniemi in Finland and met him in person. Mukherjee, accompanied by his daughter Sharmistha, was warmly greeted by Santa as they spent a 'fairytale' day with a host of activities including meeting Santa's elves, watching reindeers in action, besides crossing the Arctic Circle. Mukherjee and his daughter received a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle. Crossing the Arctic Circle is a highly popular ritual among tourists visiting the Santa Claus Village from across the globe. Mukherjee saw the gifts and letters sent to Santa Claus from across the world.

Oct 17, 2014

Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus go on sale in India as enthusiastic buyers thronged retail outlets

Kolkata/ Mumbai/ Bangalore, Oct 17 (ANI): Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have finally arrived in India as the clock struck 12 on October 17. Apple fanbois lined up at retail outlets across the country on Friday morning to get their hands on the newly launched Apple smartphones. The 16GB version of Apple iPhone 6 is available at Rs 53,500, while the 64GB version is priced at Rs 62,500. The 128GB version of the phone sells for Rs 71,500.The 16GB version of Apple iPhone 6 Plus is available at Rs 62,500, while the 64GB version is priced at Rs 71,500. The 128GB version of the phone sells for Rs 80,500. Some of the lucky ones to have got the brand new phones expressed happiness in Mumbai. Enthusiastic costumers also thronged electronic retail stores selling iPhones in national capital, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore.

Oct 17, 2014

Satisfied with Norway and Finland visit: Pranab Mukherjee Part -2

On Board, Oct 17 (ANI): While on his way back from official visit to Norway and Finland, President Pranab Mukherjee said that the trip was satisfactory as both nations expressed need to cooperate in various aspects. Mukherjee said that the aim of his visit to Finland and Norway was to seek expansion in education, research, innovation, investment and trade with India. He said that while on his visit to Finland, he expressed the need to cooperate against terrorism as terrorism knows no boundary and also urged the government to look at India as an investment destination and talked about the maiden 'Make in India' project. President Mukherjee also expressed gratitude on being awarded with the Helsinki Medal of Honour, a gesture which he said was 'honouring the people of India'. Finally, he said that both the countries saw great potential to enhance India's economy.

Oct 17, 2014

Shiv Sena to Ally with BJP? As Hung Assembly Looms, Parties Keep Options Open

Since Maharashtra is likely to see a hung assembly, the two parties may have to revisit the alliance.

Oct 17, 2014

Shoppers in Gujarat throng gold markets ahead of Diwali

Rajkot, Oct 17 (ANI): Gold jewellery sales doubled as shoppers thronged markets to mark the auspicious occasion of the Guru Pushya Nakshatra. Jewellery retailers attracted customers through massive discounts. Ahead of Diwali, shoppers in Rajkot city of Gujarat rushed to jewellery shops to make purchases. As per Hindu traditions, the Guru Pushya Nakshatra is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures or business and for buying gold or silver jewellery. It is believed that any new venture undertaken on this day guarantees good results. A shopper, Shivangi Rajguru said buying gold on the auspicious occasion of Guru Pushya Nakshatra brings good luck. Gold price for this year is Rs. 27,000 per 10 grams, which is lower as compared to Rs. 30,000 per 10 grams during the same period last year.

Oct 17, 2014

Syrian Envoy lauds India's policy of non aggression into Syria to fight against ISIS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (ANI): Syrian Envoy to India, Riad Kamel Abbas lauded India's foreign policy of non-aggression into Syria to check Islamic State (IS) militants. Islamic State (IS), which controls swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, has been making inroads into South Asia, which has traditionally been dominated by local Taliban insurgencies against both the Pakistan and Afghanistan governments. Abbas told reporters in New Delhi that Syria appreciates India's efforts to find a political solution and execute aspirations of Syrians. Blaming America for creating Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Abbas said it was its Iraq invasion which gave birth to the extremist group there.

Oct 17, 2014

France keen to invest in India's smart cities project

Shimla, Oct 17 (ANI): French envoy Francois Richier stressed on the importance of France's investment in line with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to create 100 smart cities across the country. While addressing mediapersons in Shimla, Richier said that French government can provide help in sectors like power and transport to make India's smart cities project a success. French envoy added that his country was keen to invest in urban services to make smart cities in Himachal Pradesh state.

Oct 17, 2014

Lyricist Santosh Anand's son and daughter in law commit suicide

Mathura/ New Delhi, Oct 17 (ANI): Son and daughter-in-law of renowned Indian lyricist Santosh Anand jumped in front of a moving train in Mathura and committed suicide. Sankalp Anand and his wife Nandini died on spot, however, their four-year-old daughter, Garima, who was also made to jump, survived with serious injuries. She was immediately rushed to a hospital. Sankalp was a resident of Delhi and a lecturer in Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science since 2011. He added that an eight-page-long suicide note was recovered from the car. As per media reports, they committed suicide due to financial problems. There are also allegations that the note had names of some staff members of the institute where Anand taught. However, the present director of the institute, Reena Mitra, declined any such allegation.

Oct 17, 2014

PM Modi meets Sachin Tendulkar, applauds his interest in adopting a village

New Delhi, Oct 17 (ANI): India's cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ways to carry forward the initiative of nationwide cleanliness mission, 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan'. Tendulkar also expressed his intention to adopt a village under 'Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana'. Modi had launched Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), under which each member of the parliament would adopt three villages and ensure their physical and infrastructural development by 2019. PM Modi tweeted saying, "Met at sachin rt. He talked about his contribution towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. His efforts towards a Clean India are phenomenal! I am delighted to know that the sporting legend will adopt a village under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana."

Oct 17, 2014

South Asia Newsline - Oct 17, 2014

South Asia Newsline - Oct 17, 2014

Oct 17, 2014

Young Naga designer makes a mark in the fashion world

Manipur, Oct 17 (ANI): Asa Kazingmei, a young Tangkhul Naga fashion designer, has become a sought after name in the Indian fashion industry and is one of the most promising designers to look out for. Hailing from Lunghar village Ukhrul district in Manipur, Kazingmei had a keen interest in fashion from a very early age and came to Mumbai in 2008. After working with several designers, he launched his own label 'Asa Kazingmei Haute Couture' in 2012. He made his debut as a Gen Next designer at Lakme Fashion Week 2012 and within a short span of time has been able to establish his foothold in the industry. His collections include a variety of garments and accessories like leather bags, jeans, jackets, dresses, boots, belts and wrist bands. Naga traditional patterns and motifs feature extensively in Kazingmei's work and is a major inspiration for him. He combines traditional Naga designs into contemporary styles and draws heavily from the customs of his tribe to create his designer collections. He launched his new collection titled "Changvei" at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 in August and received a good response.

Oct 17, 2014

Terracotta 'diya - makers' face loss as people in West Bengal opt for Chinese lamps ahead of Diwali

Siliguri/ Kanpur, Oct 15 (ANI): With cheaper lighting options flooding the markets, Indian potters complain of slack in the sales of their traditional terracotta 'diyas' or earthen lamps ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights. In recent years, Chinese fairy lights and electric lamps and other similar alternatives to handmade lamps have entered Indian markets, giving fierce competition to the indigenous pottery industry. Potters in a village in Siliguri city of West Bengal complained that their sales have gone down. Repeated complaints to the village council were in vain. The potters do not receive any help from the government either. The major advantage of electric lights is that they are more durable than terracotta diyas, which may break after one use and need constant oil refills which add to their cost. Diwali, which will fall on October 23 this year, is celebrated with great fervour and gaiety all over India as it marks the return of Hindu god Lord Rama to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka.

Oct 17, 2014

CDC warns against travel ban on Ebola-affected countries

US health officials face grilling by lawmakers infuriated over the nation's fumbling response to Ebola, and reveal that the first health care worker infected with the virus will be transferred from a Texas hospital to the NIH near DC. Duration: 00:44

Oct 17, 2014

Serbia gives isolated Putin a hero's welcome

Serbia lays out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a visit to shore up ties with its loyal European ally as Moscow faces increasing international isolation. Duration: 00:42

Oct 17, 2014

Four people hospitalized in Spain over Ebola signs

Four suspected Ebola cases have been hospitalized in Spain. Among them, a passenger from an Air France flight arriving from Nigeria. Duration: 00:43

Oct 17, 2014