Politics

Sainthood looms for John Paul II and John XXIII

Popes John Paul II and John XXIII will join the roster of saints at a historic Vatican ceremony on Sunday seen as an attempt to unite conservatives and reformists, with some 800,000 pilgrims expected in Rome. Duration: 02:36

Apr 25, 2014

Life inside Guantanamo Bay detention facility

It’s been over 12 years since inmates first arrived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Conditions have improved since then but rights groups still decry the fact that some prisoners have little prospect of being charged or tried. Duration: 02:57

Apr 25, 2014

Ramdev says Rahul goes to Dalit houses for picnics and honeymoon, Congress condemns

Lucknow/ New Delhi, April 25 (ANI): Yoga guru Baba Ramdev made a shocking statement on Friday that Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi goes to Dalit houses for picnics and honeymoon. Ramdev who is supporting the BJP in the Elections 2014 made the objectionable comments during a press conference in Lucknow. He attacked Rahul Gandhi's 'single' status saying that Rahul wanted to marry a foreigner but was stopped by his mother Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi. He further went on to say that Sonia Gandhi asked Rahul not to get married until he becomes the prime minister. Meanwhile, the Congress party has condemned the statement.

Apr 25, 2014

It happens: Theatre Festival Shimla

Shimla, April 25 (ANI): More than 40 national and international theatre artistes participated in a six-day theatre festival in India's hill town, Shimla, organised to walk down memory lane of the celebratory 150 years of the 'Queen of the Hills,' crowned thus for its sheer scenic beauty and picturesque locations. The hilltown was named 'Queen of Hills' by British colonial rulers and the town still has around 150 British-era heritage buildings and this celebration mainly aims to recreate the historic past. The theatre festival is an initiative of the state government and other cultural agencies like the National School of Drama. A series of other programmes have also been chalked out as part of the celebratory festivities which include mythological ballets, film festivals and display of army bands to showcase the hill town's glorious history and culture.The local young theatre artistes are thrilled and believe that this would be a great opportunity for them as they will get to see well known plays by renowned theatre directors of the country. The authorities here are commemorating this occasion with celebrations across the year.

Apr 25, 2014

It happens: Good Friday

New Delhi/Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, April 25 (ANI): Christians across India thronged churches in large numbers and attended holy masses on the occasion of Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many non-Christians too participated in the mass services and prayed for universal peace and prosperity. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi witnessed huge crowd, as special prayer services were held and devotees performed the church rituals. In Kochi city in India's southern Kerala state, processions were also taken out at some places and pastor priests accompanied by other clergy members conducted the mass prayers. According to Christian theology, Good Friday, also called Holy Friday, Great Friday or Black Friday is a religious event observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Golgotha hill. Devotees in Thiruvananthapuram city of Kerala attended the church rituals and later took out procession holding cross around the church. For Christians all over the world, Good Friday commemorates the act that brought salvation to all who believe in Him.

Apr 25, 2014

It happens: Easter Celebrations

Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi/Mumbai/New Delhi , April 25 (ANI): Devout Christians across India celebrate Easter, the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ, and attend special prayer sessions with religious fervour and gaiety. In India's southern Kerala state, faithful held special mass prayers and processions were carried out with pomp and show. In Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi cities of Kerala, devotees revelled in celebrations and observed special customs and sunrise church services. In Kochi, Cardinal Mar George Allencherry, Major Archbishop and Head of Syro Malabar Church led the midnight mass at St. Mary's Basilica. Meanwhile, Easter celebrations were also marked in India's coastal Goa state in grand manner. In western Mumbai city, people thronged churches early in the morning for prayer services as well as to show their devotion to Lord Jesus Christ. Christian devotees attended Easter prayer services in New Delhi also, enthusiastically. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified after which his body was buried in a cave. This day also marks the end of lent period and fasting by avoiding meat and other luxury items. Later after church prayers, people gather at home and celebrate Easter with their family members.

Apr 25, 2014

Dancing priest brings #2popesaints to Internet flock

A priest dances in a famous piazza in Rome surrounded by four gyrating parishioners. Tourists stare and dozens of children on a school trip from France start to twist and turn to the music. Duration: 00:59

Apr 25, 2014

Taiwan pilots hurt as Apache chopper crash-lands on building

Two Taiwanese pilots are injured after their Apache attack helicopter crash-landed on a building in northern Taiwan during a routine training mission, the military says. Duration: 00:31

Apr 25, 2014

Obama, Kerry warn Russia over Ukraine as sanctions bit

President Barack Obama warns Russia that the US is keeping "arrows" in its "quiver" as tension increases in Ukraine, while Secretary of State John Kerry warns that Russia is making an "expensive mistake". Duration: 01:05

Apr 25, 2014

Obama Nominates 3 Indian Americans to Advisory Commission

Three Indian Americans are going to join US President Barack Obama's 14-member advisory commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Apr 25, 2014

Lok Sabha Elections 2014: Priyanka Accuses Modi of Allotting Lands to Friends at Cheap Prices

Priyanka Vadra on 25 April accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of giving away thousands of acres of land to his friends at throwaway prices.

Apr 25, 2014

Swami Agnivesh praises Modi over his positive works

New Delhi, April 25 (ANI): Social Activist Swami Agnivesh on Friday praised Narendra Modi after he wrote an open letter to the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. Agnivesh said that there is a positive change in Modi’s image as he is speaking against anti-secular elements like Pravin Togadia and Giriraj Singh. He said that Modi should along with working against Pink Revolution and killing of animals, should work against consumption and manufacture of liquor too. The social activist had earlier said that Modi will never become PM to which, his present statement comes as a shock.

Apr 25, 2014

ED files chargesheet in 2G money laundering case

New Delhi, April 25 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate on Friday filed chargesheet in Delhi court against former Telecom Minister A Raja and others in the 2G scam case. The chargesheet has been filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. ED has also named DMK MP Kanimozhi, DMK Supremo M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal and Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa as accused in the chargesheet. Court has fixed April 30 for consideration on taking cognizance of ED's chargesheet.

Apr 25, 2014

Congress is trying hard to stop me: Modi

Pathankot, April 25 (ANI): BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi on Friday while addressing a rally in Punjab’s Pathankot strongly attacked the ruling Congress Party for its weak administration. Modi mocked the Congress saying that it’s for the first time that a ruling government has gathered against the Opposition because they are scared if BJP’s PM candidate comes to power, they will not find any place to exist. He further stated that Congress is shivering in Modi’s fear.

Apr 25, 2014

Residents of Kashmir demand proper medical facilities in hospital

Rajouri, April 25 (ANI): Complaining of a shortage of doctors and medical amenities including equipment in the200-bedded regional hospital, residents of Rajouri in Kashmir are demanding the present or future government to resolve their woes. People complained about lack of basic medical facilities and said that usually they have to rush elsewhere during an emergency. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Rajouri district, Rajiv Sharma, said that the government has assured that proper measures would be taken to upgrade the machinery.

Apr 25, 2014