Politics

Lavish procession to enshrine Cambodian ex-king

Cambodians line the streets of Phnom Penh as the remains of former king Norodom Sihanouk are transported through the capital atop a golden float shaped like a mythological bird for his enshrinement. Duration: 00:39

Jul 12, 2014

Small Kurdish town overflows with displaced north Iraqis

Tens of thousands of people fleeing militants have sought refuge in the small northern Iraqi town of Sinjar, cramming into schools and mosques. But now, there is simply no room left. Duration: 01:02

Jul 12, 2014

Ground war threat as Gaza, Israel tensions mount

An escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas may increase the likelihood of a ground incursion by Israeli forces, bent on dealing a fatal blow to the rocket-firing militants in Gaza. Duration: 02:35

Jul 12, 2014

Zambia parliament concerned over President' Sata's health

The health of Zambian President Michael Sata came under scrutiny in parliament Friday with opposition lawmakers requesting a meeting with the ailing leader, who has not been seen in public for three weeks. Duration: 00:29

Jul 12, 2014

Kerry in Kabul hopes for end to Afghan election crisis

US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Afghanistan on Friday for meetings on the disputed presidential election, with candidate Ashraf Ghani again calling for a full audit of results. Duration: 00:50

Jul 12, 2014

Facebook becomes outlet for religious anger in Myanmar

Facebook is coming under scrutiny in Myanmar as an unwitting platform for a rising tide of hate speech following a new wave of Buddhist-Muslim bloodshed in the former junta-run country. Duration: 02:24

Jul 11, 2014

It Happens: Kashmiris throng historical Hindu shrine to perform traditional fire ritual

Kulgam, July 11 (ANI): Hundreds of Kashmiri pundits thronged ancient Hindu shrine of Mata Katyayani to perform the traditional fire ritual 'Mahayagya' amid special prayers on communal harmony and peace. Believers assembled at the historical temple at Kakran in Kulgam district of northern Jammu and Kashmir state. Around two thousand Pundits thronged the ancient temple on the 3rd annual Mahayagya. Joining them were many Muslims who despite fasting during the month of Ramadan participated with enthusiasm.

Jul 11, 2014

It Happens: Three- day painting exhibition brings cheer to specially-abled

Siliguri, July 11 (ANI): Anubhab, a voluntary organisation in eastern India organised a three- day painting- cum- sale exhibition to bring cheer to the specially- abled. A specially- abled boy, Pradip Nag, attending the programme, said that he was happy to be there. The organisers will be showcasing more than 30 paintings by an eminent painter, Binit Sinha, from Kolkata who told the reporter that it is the duty of society to look after the specially- abled people. The organisation was started in 1998 and since then it has devoted voluntary service in support of Round Table India, 232. The organisation provides the inmates with mid-day meals and special education.

Jul 11, 2014

It Happens: Devotees participate in seven-day long Hindu festival

Tripura, July 11 (ANI): Thousands of devotees gathered in India's northeastern province of Tripura to celebrate the festival of fourteen gods, 'Kharchi Puja'. The festival, celebrated annually during the months of June-July, claims to be the pride of Tripura, a state also known as the 'Land of Fourteen Gods'. A unique feature of the festival is the worship of heads of the fourteen gods. Unlike traditional methods of Hindus worshipping the entire body of a god, people here offer prayers only to the heads of the fourteen deities, which were carved from an alloy of eight metals during King Kalyan Manikya's reign. Another important feature of Kharchi Puja is that the deities worshiped are all Hindu gods and goddesses and both, the tribal priest 'Chantai' and the Hindu priest, perform the rituals together. An essential trait of the festival is the deities are locked in a room throughout the year and are brought to open for the devotees to see only during the seven-day period. Visitors who witnessed this unique festival said Tripura has its own communal conflicts between the tribals and non-tribals in the past, but now it's a very peaceful state and such festival helps in restoring peace in this state.

Jul 11, 2014