Politics

CPI (M)s Sitaram Yechury slams Modis Independence Day address as disjointed from reality

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 16 (ANI): Senior CPI (M) leader, Sitaram Yechury, came down heavily upon PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address to the nation and referred to the speech as completely disjointed from reality. Yechury also said that the speech was very high on rhetoric. Referring to Modi’s call to end communal and caste violence, Yechury wondered if the PM was addressing the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Critics say the BJP is the political offspring of the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and has a deep-seated bias against India's 160 million Muslims. The party denies the charges and says it is opposed to the appeasement of any group. Harping on that sentiment, Yechury said RSS is very active in its pursuit of divisive politics, which is a major cause of communal tension.

Aug 16, 2014

Indian scientist generates power from elephant urine

Kayamkulam, Aug 16 (ANI): A young Indian scientist, Dr MG Gireeshan, who explored the formula of generating power in Kayamkulam in Kerela, said that the urine of one elephant can produce enough electricity to serve a single household for four to five days. According to Gireeshan, elephant's urine is high in electrolyte. When the electrodes are inserted into the urine sample, it undergoes electrolysis generating power. An elephant produces 50 litres urine after consuming over 200 litres of water every day.The young scientist said he is willing to offer this technology to the benefit of the general public and provide it to any agency willing to develop it and also wants it to be patented in his name.

Aug 16, 2014

"Lava Mae" shower bus cleans homeless in San Francisco

For San Francisco's homeless, keeping clean is a challenge. The city only has 16 shower stalls available for 3,500 people living on the streets. The shortage has inspired one resident to bring showers on wheels to areas in need. Duration: 02:17

Aug 16, 2014

Missouri violence highlights 'militarization' of US police

From high-powered assault rifles to camouflage-clad police officers perched on top of heavily armored vehicles: the violence gripping the Missouri town of Ferguson has highlighted a growing militarization of US law enforcement. Duration: 02:24

Aug 16, 2014

Mexicans fear for their health, after mine spill

More than 20,000 Mexicans still don't have direct access to clean drinking water in the northen border state of Sonora, August 15, 2014. Duration: 02:11

Aug 16, 2014

EU ministers agree to arm Iraqi Kurd fighters

EU ministers agreed at an emergency meeting on Friday to back the arming of overwhelmed Iraqi Kurd fighters in the face of an onslaught by Islamic State jihadists. Duration: 01:13

Aug 15, 2014

Landslide after heavy rainfall in Dehradun, CM calls for rescue

Dehradun, Aug 15 (ANI): Heavy rainfall on Friday led to landslide causing disruption in commuting for people in Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that priority will be to clear the way in order to ease commutation and then relief operations will be provided to the people.

Aug 15, 2014

Northeast cuisine catches the fancy of food aficionados in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Home to a large number of people from the Northeastern states, New Delhi has become a hotspot for indigenous cuisine from the region. In South Delhi's Green Park area, among the many popular northeast restaurants is Rosang cafe. Established in January this year by a Mizo couple, the outlet offers authentic cuisine from all eight northeastern states. The cafe not only attracts northeastern people settled in the national capital, but is popular among Delhi'ites and other foreign visitors. To give authentic taste of northeast to the people of Delhi, the food is prepared from organic products, herbs and spices procured from Manipur.

Aug 15, 2014

Several doctors fall ill after consuming I-Day sweets at Mumbai's hospital

Mumbai, Aug 15 (ANI): As many as 38 doctors fell ill in Mumbai after consuming sweets distributed at a hospital on Independence Day. Doctor Nivedita explained the situation in which the incident took place. She also stated that the doctors were offered tricolor sweets after which many gave symptoms of ill health.

Aug 15, 2014

Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile wishes success to PM Modi on Independence Day

Dharamsala, Aug 15 (ANI): Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, wished Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a successful term as the country marked its 68th Independence Day on Friday. Sangey greeted Indians and said that India’s rise would mean Tibet’s growth too. Modi, who sworn-in as the PM a little over two months ago, gave his maiden Independence-Day speech in New Delhi, addressing the issues of poverty and sharing his vision of a digital India. India achieved its independence from the colonial British rule on August 15, 1947, ending more than 200 years of rule. Meanwhile, Sangay also aspired for Tibetans’ own land’s independence and for the return of spiritual leader, Dalai Lama to Tibet.

Aug 15, 2014

Bangladeshis observe national mourning day to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Dhaka, Aug 15 (ANI): Hundreds of Bangladeshis paid their respects to the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Friday (August 15), who was killed by a group of army officers 39 years ago, along with most of his family. Events begun at sunrise on Friday, a national holiday in the country, with the national flag flown at a half-mast as hundreds of Bangladeshis waited in line to pay their respects to their former leader. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is one of Mujibur's daughters, visited a memorial in Dhaka to pay her respects, before visiting the Banani Graveyard where her family members are buried. Members of the political establishment were also present to pay their respects.

Aug 15, 2014

AAP's Manish Sisodia hoists Indian flag upside down

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Friday hoisted the Indian National Flag upside down in a local park in New Delhi. The flag was placed in such a direction that, when hoisted, it waved the flag upside down. Sisodia clarified saying that the flag was tied by the organizers in such a manner that it opened in the wrong way and added that it should not be made a political issue.

Aug 15, 2014

Unwed mothers in Morocco struggle against harsh judgment

In Morocco, unwed mother faces harsh judgment where sex outside of the marriage is banned. Duration: 02:27

Aug 15, 2014

Clashes in Pakistan after shots fired at opposition leader Imran Khan

Pakistan, Aug 15 (ANI): Clashes broke out on Friday as tens of thousands of Pakistani protesters from two anti-government movements converged on the capital, presenting the 15-month-old civilian government with its biggest challenge yet. Gunshots hit the vehicle of former cricket star and opposition politician Imran Khan as he led his supporters through the eastern city of Gujranwala. Residents brandishing ruling-party posters attacked his convoy, throwing shoes and stones. Khan was not injured, his spokeswoman said. Khan and populist cleric Tahir ul-Qadri are slowly leading separate processions towards Islamabad where they plan to occupy main streets until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns.

Aug 15, 2014

Soldiers guarding Indian border exchange sweets to mark 68th Independence Day

Punjab/Siliguri, Aug 15 (ANI): Border guards of India and Pakistan on Friday exchanged sweets at the Attari-Wagah joint check post between both the countries on the occasion of India’s 68th Independence Day on Friday. Inspector general, Border Security Force (BSF) Border Range, Ashok Kumar, wished the country on the occasion of Independence Day. People on India’s side waved Indian flags near the border gates as military bands played. The sweets exchange signifies promoting cordial relations between security forces of neighbouring countries.

Aug 15, 2014