Politics

One week into ceasefire, east Ukrainians in disbelief

A week after the ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian rebels in E. Ukraine came into effect, the debris of war still litters the streets of Novokaterynivka, a village about 40 kilometres south of Donetsk. Duration: 00:54

Sep 12, 2014

Syrian rebels dismiss "talk" of US strikes against IS in Syria

The announcement by President Barack Obama of possible strikes against Islamic State positions in Syria does not satisfy rebels in Syria's economic capital. They say they consider the announcement "empty talk." Duration: 00:53

Sep 12, 2014

South Africans react as verdict given in Pistorius trial

After Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide over the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, the National Prosecution Authority of South Africa spokesperson announced he was "satisfied" that "at least there was a conviction." Duration: 01:16

Sep 12, 2014

Ivorian internet users launch 'soap bucket challenge'

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" took social media by storm - now internet users in Ivory Coast have launched their version with a bucket of soapy water to help pass health messages in their fight against the Ebola outbreak. Duration: 01:14

Sep 12, 2014

Russian shoppers react to new EU sanctions

Tough new EU sanctions take effect against Russia in a coordinated action with the United States, triggering a furious response from Moscow that the West is trying to derail the peace push in Ukraine. Duration: 00:56

Sep 12, 2014

Syria, a paradise lost for the Golan's Druze

Rare phone calls are all that remain of the links between Druze in the Israeli-occupied Golan and their families in Syria after fighting across the ceasefire line closed the Quneitra crossing. Duration: 01:27

Sep 12, 2014

United Naga Council in Manipur lifts ban on National projects and Traffic

Manipur, Sept 12 (ANI): The civil organization, United Naga Council (UNC), in Manipur on Friday lifted its indefinite ban on national projects in the state and on vehicular traffic on national highways. The UNC had called for a shutdown from 6 am in Ukhrul district on September 04 to protest against the killings of two civilians, Mayopam Ramror and VS Ramkasing by security forces. An expert, Professor Amar Yumnam, said that the state government imposed 144 CrPC in such a way that it jeopardized the situation. An Inter State Bus operator, Aswinikumar Singh, said that they incurred huge loss due to the ban.

Sep 12, 2014

PM Modi holds meet to review infrastructure sector progress

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Friday reviewed progress of eight major infrastructure sectors in the country. The sectors included Civil Aviation, Ports and Inland Waterways, Railways, Roads, Telecom, Power, Coal, and New and Renewable Energy. The meet was a part of the regular series of reviews on infrastructure, which the prime minister takes every month. Modi stated that accelerated infrastructure development was his top priority, and also stressed the need for creating world-class infrastructure in India. The Prime Minister said initiatives undertaken by state governments as well as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with other countries, including SAARC countries, should also be taken into account while monitoring the progress of infrastructure sectors.

Sep 12, 2014

Maharashtra, Haryana to go to polls on 15 Oct: EC

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the election dates for the Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections 2014. Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said, that polling would be held in Maharashtra and Haryana on 15 October. The results will be announced on 19 October. The Election Commission announced that the notification for the election in the two states will be issued on 20 September. The last date for candidates to file their nominations will be 27 September. The process of scrutiny will be conducted on 29 September and the last date for withdrawal of nominations will be 1 October.

Sep 12, 2014

Katie Holmes set for directorial debut with 'All We Had' adaptation

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): Katie Holmes is all set to make her debut as a director with 'All We Had' book adaptation, it has been revealed. According to the Hollywood Reporter, she will also star in her directorial debut, which will be penned by 'Fault in Our Stars' director Josh Boone. The movie revolves around on a mother played by Katie and her 13-year-old daughter, who live together on the edge of poverty.

Sep 12, 2014

Army constructs Iron Bridge in Kashmir for flood victims across border

Poonch/Reasi, Sept 12 (ANI): The Engineer unit of Army completed the construction of an iron bridge for cross border transportation between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LOC). The engineers worked late night amid heavy rain and thunder for completion of the bridge which is the only link for trade and travel and connect the Poonch and Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on the LOC. Meanwhile, the Army Border Road Organization (BRO) in Reasi district of northern Kashmir intensified road clearance operation so that more and more relief material could be rushed to Rajouri, Poonch areas which were marooned due to the heavy floods.

Sep 12, 2014

Former PM went ahead with corruption knowing it will hurt country's economy: Prakash Javadekar

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): After former CAG Vinod Rai indicted former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his ignorance which led to 2G and Coal gate scam, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that Rai's statement has only proved true BJP's allegations on Congress. He said that Singh was aware of every scam that took place and he still went ahead blatantly, knowing that it will hurt the country's economy and therefore he cannot now plead ignorance. Javadekar further said that although Singh was the prime minister, the power actually resided in 10 Janpath, which is Congress' office.

Sep 12, 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Vietnam

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): The Press Secretary of President Pranab Mukherjee, Venu Rajamony, on Friday said that Mukherjee will be visiting Vietnam from 14th to 17th September. He added that Mukherjee will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers and leaders to the country. Rajamony also said that Vietnam has been a friendly nation to India and President’s visit will enhance ties between the two countries.

Sep 12, 2014

It Happens: Sand Art

Odisha, Sept.11, (ANI): To commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, India's renowned sand artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik, sculpted the twin towers of World Trade Centre on the beaches of Puri in eastern Odisha, with the message 'No Terror, but Peace.' Pattnaik created a five feet high sand replica of the twin towers in the middle of the number nine so as to represent the number eleven. The sculpture was made using five tonnes of sand and took about seven hours to complete. It also carried the message, 'No Terror, But Peace'. So far, winner of Padma Shri, a civilian honour, Sudarsan has participated in more than 50 international sand sculpture championships and festivals around the world and won many prizes for the country.

Sep 12, 2014

It Happens: Bull jumps into swimming pool

Mandsaur, Sept. 11 (ANI): Children practicing for the annual state level swimming competition in Mandsaur district of central Indian Madhya Pradesh received a surprise as a bull suddenly jumped into the pool to join the fun and frolic. Interestingly, instead of being scared, the children were overjoyed to see the bull sharing the pool and swimming with them. According to swimming coach, Vijeta Singh, the children helped the authorities in pulling the bull out of the pool. It took nearly an hour of high drama after the reluctant animal was finally pulled out of the pool, leaving authorities speculating at the source from where the animal entered the premises of the competition.The state level sports meet was being organized by the state education department.More than 450 children from across eight divisions had gathered in the venue to practice for the finals.

Sep 12, 2014