followers-of-sai-baba-and-shankaracharya-entered-into-clash-in-chhattisgarh

Followers of Sai Baba and Shankaracharya entered into clash in Chhattisgarh

Kawardha, Aug 26 (ANI): Devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba and followers of revered Hindu cleric Shankaracharya Swaroopananda Saraswati clashed during 'dharma sansad' (Religious Parliament) in Kawardha city of Chhattisgarh. The scuffle broke out when two Sai devotees, who had come to express their views on Sai Baba debate, questioned Shankaracharya which upset his disciples. Later, Shankarachrya intervened to pacify them and the police had to deploy extra force to prevent any untoward incident. Another Hindu Cleric, Narendra Giri, threatened to dismantle Sai statutes. Around 400 religious leaders have assembled to discuss whether the status of 'Saint' to be given to Shirdi Sai Baba or not. Aug 26, 2014
uproar-in-jk-assembly-by-opposition-over-ceasefire-violations-by-pak

Uproar in J&K Assembly by opposition over ceasefire violations by Pak

Srinagar, Aug 26 (ANI): Opposition parties in Jammu & Kashmir created uproar in the state assembly on Tuesday over the ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan. National Panthers Party Member Haresh Dev Singh said that the state as well as the central government is showing total apathy towards the villagers along the Indo-Pak international border. He said that the villagers are facing a lot during this time and the government should visit them and provide them with adequate supplies to sustain themselves in this tough time. Aug 26, 2014
sushma-swaraj-emphasizes-on-more-functional-visa-regime-within-asean

Sushma Swaraj emphasizes on more functional visa regime within ASEAN

Hanoi, Aug 26 (ANI): Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj emphasised the need for more functional visa regime within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) while addressing a conference in Vietnam. Swaraj was speaking at the third round table on ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks (AINTT) in Hanoi where she discussed various issues to boost the relationship between the two nations. While emphasising the importance for strong connectivity, Swaraj said there is a need to look at a more 'functional visa regime' in the 10-member grouping. She also stressed on the importance of connectivity for the growth of ASEAN. Swaraj also expressed her happiness towards the focus of third roundtable conference to take the relationship to new heights with increased speed and relevance to our region. Aug 26, 2014
rss-leader-indresh-kumar-challenges-omar-abdullah-to-enlist-benefits-of-article-370

RSS leader Indresh Kumar challenges Omar Abdullah to enlist benefits of Article 370

New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) challenged the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah to enlist benefits of special status. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution provides special status to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir such as separate citizenship, separate constitution and special property rights. The RSS has demanded repeal of this article, claiming that it encourages secessionist tendencies among a section of the population. Kumar also hit out at Kashmiri separatist leaders for meeting Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi ahead of foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan. Aug 26, 2014
family-of-martyred-soldier-killed-during-encounter-with-pak-militants-grieve-on-their-loss

Family of martyred soldier killed during encounter with Pak militants grieve on their loss

New Delhi/ Bulandshahar, Aug 26 (ANI): Family of the martyred soldier, Grenadier Rahul Kumar grieved on their loss as his body reached his village in Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Kumar's relative blamed the central government for their apathy and no policy for the soldiers of the nation. Villagers came to pay respect to the martyr and to support the grieved family. Earlier on Monday, Vice Chief of Indian Army staff, Lieutenant General Philip Campose paid tribute to fallen soldiers, Kumar and Corporal Neeraj Kumar Singh, in Delhi. The two officers lost their lives in two separate encounters between army and militants in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Aug 26, 2014
sushma-swaraj-meets-vietnams-president-to-boost-relationship-between-two-nations

Sushma Swaraj meets Vietnam's President to boost relationship between two nations

Hanoi, Aug 26 (ANI): Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang and discussed various issues to boost the relationship between both the nations. Swaraj, who is on a three-day visit to the country, met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. In an interview with Indian media in Hanoi on August 24, Swaraj said that it was time to replace India's "Look East policy", that aims to link the country's northeast with South East Asia, with an "Act East Policy." Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said both the leaders discussed on enhancing bilateral trade. Swaraj also met Vietnam's Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung. The two countries co-operate in defence, security, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. During her visit, Swaraj is also expected to chair the third round-table of the ASEAN-India Network of think tanks. Aug 26, 2014
nariman-house-in-mumbai-to-reopen-today-six-years-after-26-11-mumbai-attacks

Nariman House in Mumbai to reopen today six years after 26/11 Mumbai attacks

Mumbai, Aug 26 (ANI): Nariman House, a Jewish community centre which was one of the targets during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 along with the Taj Mahal hotel and other famous Mumbai landmarks, is gearing up to open once again on Tuesday, nearly six years after the deadly attack when it was forced to shut down. Formally known as the Chabad House, the five-storey building will be reopened on Tuesday (August 26). Several people were held hostage for three days before the National Security Guards (NSG) commandos killed the militants in the siege as they undertook 'Operation Black Tornado.' Six of the occupants of Nariman House or Chabad House including Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his wife Rivka were killed when terrorists attacked the building. Aug 26, 2014
muslim-artists-prepare-dresses-and-accessories-for-idols-of-hindu-gods

Muslim artists prepare dresses and accessories for idols of Hindu gods

Mathura, Aug 26 (ANI): Mathura, the land of lord Krishna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh has presented some of the exuberant examples of inter- faith harmony. The brotherhood can be seen in the nook and corner of the region. And this oneness is not limited only in living together but they also display the same love for each other’s faith. Here, Muslims make dresses for Hindu idols and feel specially chosen by the almighty. The vibes are such that during the Hindu festivals, the Muslims gear up themselves to help them offer prayers easily. The devotees believe that they never feel any differences and people from far flung come here to seek blessings from lord Krishna. Aug 26, 2014
shankpal-temple-in-ramban-attracts-devotees-from-all-religion

Shankpal temple in Ramban attracts devotees from all religion

JandK, Aug 26 (ANI): Besides natural beauty, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is known for religious tolerance between different communities. A land of religious diversity, the state, from centuries, has witnessed people celebrating, participating and offering services in each other's fairs and festivals. This ethos comes alive during the annual fair at Shankpal Temple in Ramban district of Jammu. The temple attracts devotees belonging to different communities in large number from across the region. Every year people offer prayers and perform various rituals with utmost devotion and faith. While Hindu devotees perform prayers, Muslims here establish stalls for providing eatables, water and horse-riding service. Aug 26, 2014
leonardo-dicaprio-narrates-climate-change-documentary-carbon

Leonardo DiCaprio narrates climate change documentary 'Carbon'

New Delhi, August 26 (ANI): Leonardo DiCaprio recently narrated a documentary ' Carbon' that focused on climate change and the impact of carbon emissions. In the 8-minute environmental project, he said that humans, who were responsible for the climate change, should put "a price on carbon" now so that the fossil fuel industry won't be able to make billions at their collective expense, a leading magazine reported. He will also be narrating three other upcoming short documentaries focused on climate change, 'Green World Rising', 'Restoration', and 'Last Hours'. Aug 26, 2014
bjp-accepts-bihar-bypoll-results-will-review-what-went-wrong-sushil-modi

BJP accepts Bihar bypoll results, will review what went wrong: Sushil Modi

Patna, Aug 25 (ANI): BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Monday said that his party accepts the verdict in the bypoll in ten Bihar assembly seats. He said that the party would review and make amends in its efforts to win the assembly elections next year. The Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress Party combine has won six out of 10 seats in Bihar that went to polls last week. The BJP has won four seats. Aug 25, 2014
a-womens-rights-group-expresses-solidarity-with-victim-of-love-jihad-in-jharkhand-demand-arrest

A womens rights group expresses solidarity with victim of love jihad in Jharkhand, demand arrest

Ranchi, Aug 25 (ANI): Members of ‘Nari Sena’, a women's rights group in Jharkhand, on Monday expressed solidarity with the national level shooter, Tara Sahdev, the alleged victim of a ‘love jihad’ demanding the arrest of the accused. ‘Love jihad’ refers to Hindu girls being allegedly converted to Islam after a love marriage. Jharkhand-born sportsperson, Tara Sahdev had reportedly married a certain Ranjit Kumar Kohli in June, who she alleges concealed his true identity as his real name is Rakibul Hasab. The torture began on the first night of her marriage when Kohli forced her to convert to Islam. She also said that she was kept in captivity for a month and was not allowed to eat properly. She, allegedly, was bitten by dogs as punishment for refusing to convert. Meanwhile, giving it a communal colour, a sister organisation of the ruling BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), called for a shutdown and rampaged across the city protesting against the alleged ‘love jihad’. Aug 25, 2014
govt-ready-to-act-once-final-decision-is-taken-piyush-goyal-on-coal-scam

Govt ready to act once final decision is taken: Piyush Goyal on Coal scam

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Welcoming the Supreme Court’s verdict that all coal blocks allocated between 1993-2010 were illegal, Coal Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that he respects the court's decision and that the nation should accept the final verdict. Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi, Goyal said that the government was ready to act quickly once the final decisions were taken by the court in the case Aug 25, 2014