Politics

Mexico set to open oil sector to foreign investment

Mexico moves a step closer to implementing an energy reform bill that will open the state-controlled sector to foreign investment for the first time since 1938. Duration: 01:04

Aug 7, 2014

Nirbhaya's parents demand stringent action against Mumbai-based fashion photographer

New Delhi, Aug 07 (ANI): Parents of the 2012 Delhi gang rape victim have demanded stringent action against a Mumbai-based photographer for mocking the plight of a rape victim in his photoshoot. The fashion shoot showing a woman being groped on a bus has triggered nationwide outrage as it reignited memories of the gruesome New Delhi gang rape of a physiotherapy student. However, the underfire photographer Raj Shetye has refused to speak on camera about the incident and maintained that the shoot was just a depiction of the situation of women in the country and not based on this specific rape incident. The 2012 incident sparked riots and led to public outrage across India, bringing thousands of people onto the streets in protest against authorities' failure to ensure women safety.

Aug 7, 2014

FDI in railways and defence draws mixed reactions

New Delhi, Aug 07 (ANI): Expert and political leaders on Thursday said that central government's move to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in railways and defence sectors would not give private sector much control, adding it was not fit for citizens of the country. The cabinet approved a plan to raise the amount of FDI allowed in its defence and railways industries, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to attract more foreign cash and revive the economy. The government is to increase the foreign investment limit in the defence industry to 49 percent from 26 percent. Defence expert, Commodore (retired) Uday Bhaskar, said with 49 percent, bigger companies won't get much control. Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati, said the BJP should hold a discussion on the matter. Senior CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, said the policy would only benefit investors.

Aug 7, 2014

Health minister launches national tobacco control campaign

New Delhi, Aug 07 (ANI): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan , held a news conference in New Delhi on Thursday (August 07) to emphasise the growing need to have effective tobacco control policies in the country. Vardhan was speaking at an event organized to launch a public service advertisement titled "Sunita" and "Resource Website" under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). He also honored tobacco caused cancer survivor Sunita Tomar and her family for their courage and contribution for tobacco control. He also mentioned that various cancer institutes would be set up across the nation to tackle the disease and save lives of the affected people.During the news conference, Vardhan emphasised on WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which has been extremely successful in reducing tobacco use and, thus, saving lives.

Aug 7, 2014

At least 70 students hospitalized after gas leak from Kerala factory

Kollam, Aug 07 (ANI): At least 70 students have been hospitalized in Kollam district of Kerala as a result of a gas leak from a mining company, Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). The students complained of nausea, dizziness and some even puked and were rushed to a private hospital in Karunagapally. About 16 students are in the intensive care unit. The leaked gas is believed to be Sulphur Dioxide. Similar leaks have been reported from the unit earlier in 2007 and 2011. More details are awaited.

Aug 7, 2014

UPSC aspirants continue their protest demanding scrapping of CSAT exam

New Delhi/Allahabad, Aug 07 (ANI): Few civil services aspirants, who were demanding scrapping of the CSAT examination on Thursday, were stopped by police as they tried to crawl to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. IandB Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier accused the former UPA government for introducing the controversial format and added that Modi-led government would address the woes of students. In the wake of protests, the government announced that marks for questions in English comprehension of the examination should not be counted for merit. Meanwhile, protesters in Uttar Pradesh distributed roses to people to send a message to the government.

Aug 7, 2014

Shazia Ilmi refutes rumours of her joining Congress

New Delhi, Aug 07 (ANI): Former Aam Aadmi Party leader Shazia Ilmi on Thursday denied reports of her joining Congress. There were rumours that Ilmi who had quit the AAP due to lack of internal democracy is likely to join the Congress soon. Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi, she said that when she will join a party, she will tell it publicly.

Aug 7, 2014

Goa minister Sudin Dhavalikar says bikinis should be banned in public places, draws flak

New Delhi/ Panaji, Aug 7 (ANI): Goa Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Thursday again insisted that bikinis should be banned on the state's public beaches. Reacting over this, Social Activist, Kavita Krishnan said that Dhavalikar has no constitutional right to ban anything.

Aug 7, 2014

Daily wagers in Kashmir protest to demand regularization of services

Srinagar, Aug 07 (ANI): Daily wagers and casual labourers in Jammu and Kashmir protested against government on Thursday to demand regularisation of their services.A large number of protesters of Kashmir PHE (Public Health Engineering) Joint Employees Association gathered shouting slogans and holding placards to demand that the promise made by the government be fulfilled. Workers have held several protests over the past few months urging the state government to fulfill their long pending demands.

Aug 7, 2014

Dia Mirza unveils cover page of 'Savvy' magazine

Mumbai, August 7 (ANI): Bollywood beauty Dia Mirza was spotted unveiling the cover page of the latest issue of 'Savvy' magazine in the showbiz capital Mumbai recently. She has featured on the cover of the magazine. Clad in a nude coloured top with blue jeans and wedges, she looked pretty. Great going Dia!!!

Aug 7, 2014

At least 18 people rescued from truck stuck in Banas River

Tonk, Aug 07 (ANI): At least 18 people were rescued from a truck stuck in the middle of Banas River in Tonk district of Rajasthan on Thursday. A truck carrying twenty people got stuck in the river, when it was transporting sand mined from the river bed, following a sudden rise in the water level in the wake of incessant rain in the last few days. The group has now been moved to a nearby island. Rescue operations are underway.

Aug 7, 2014