Politics

Edible insects

Caterpillars, crickets, wasps and ants -- insects are eaten by a third of the world's population. Supplementing diets as an environmentally-friendly and nutritious food source, nearly 2,000 types are currently consumed, with trade thriving in cities like Bangkok and Kinshasa. The trend is even taking hold in Europe, where some high-end restaurants are serving up beetles, grasshoppers and other insects as delicacies. VIDEOGRAPHIC

Mar 13, 2014

Khurshid faces flak for mocking SC & EC

New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has heaped scorn on the Supreme Court and the Election Commission. Speaking at an event in London, Khurshid mocked the EC, saying the directions issued by the organization only ensure that a party will lose elections and not win them. Reacting on the same, former Congress leader Jagdambika Pal said that only a mentally bankrupt person can make such comments on judiciary and the election commission. Former JD (U) leader Shivanand Tiwari also said that when Khurshid is in Congress then they don’t need anybody else to ruin it. BJP Leader Prakash Javadekar said that Khurshid's diatribe against the EC is nothing but his sheer desperation. Meanwhile, Retired Justice R S Sodhi said that it is not wrong to criticize the Apex Court but it should be constructive.

Mar 13, 2014

BJP says everything okay with all-weather friend Shiv Sena

New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javadekar has ruled out the possibility of there being any strained relationship with long standing ally Shiv Sena (SS). The Shiv Sena, in its political mouthpiece ' Saamana', had reportedly taken a swipe at the BJP, over the latter striking deals with new parties such as the rival Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which is led by Raj Thackeray, while keeping existing allies in the dark. The editorial cited examples of how the party has spoken to Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Om Prakash Chautala without speaking to Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) chief Kuldeep Bishnoi, and how former Congress leader from Andhra Pradesh Purandeshwari Devi was inducted into the BJP without speaking to the TDP. The editorial also warns that ties may be strained in the future, despite Modi, Rajnath Singh and Rajiv Pratap Rudy mending fences at present.

Mar 13, 2014

Chhattisgarh Naxal attack: Families mourn death of victims

Meerut /Ranchi /Bhopal, March 13 (ANI): The families of 16 people who were killed in an attack by Maoists in Chhattisgarh mourned the death of the victims and sought government’s help in supporting them. Maoist rebels on March 11 ambushed and killed 16 security personnel involved in a mine clearing operation near Tongpal in Sukma district, a remote part of Chhattisgarh, as the insurgents demonstrated their strength ahead of the general election next month. The victims were clearing mines laid by rebels on a road through a densely forested area in resource-rich state when the rebels attacked from all sides. Out of the 16, one person was a civilian, 11 persons belonged to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and four were from district police. CRPF’s head constable Neeraj Singh was one of the security officials killed in the attack. His family and his wife, who are shocked by his sudden death, expressed their grief and sought government’s help.

Mar 13, 2014

Kejriwal says will choose Modi as PM only when someone puts gun on his head, politicos react

New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal recently said that he will choose BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narenda Modi as the PM of country only when somebody puts a gun on his head and asks him to do the same. Reacting to the same, Congress Leader Kapil Sibal said that nowadays Kejriwal has put his gun on others heads. Meanwhile, BJP Leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said that such statement by Kejriwal shows that he does not have any belief in peaceful democracy.

Mar 13, 2014

Opposition backs Uddhavs criticism of BJP

New Delhi, March 13 (ANI): Various opposition parties have backed Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s veiled attack on the BJP in the party mouthpiece Saamna. Thackeray said that the Saffron Party has angered its allies. There are no saints left in politics these days and everyone is an opportunist. Instead of attacking its enemies, the BJP was hurting itself. Ali Anwar of the JDU hit out at the BJP and accused it of not abiding by coalition dharma. He said that this is precisely the reason behind the JD (U)’s decision to sever ties with the BJP. Meanwhile, Naresh Agarwal from the Samajwadi Party has said that the Modi wave is entirely a creation of the media and his association with small regional parties is testimony to his insecurity with regard to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Congress, however, refused to comment on the issue.

Mar 13, 2014

US court dismisses Devyani's indictment in visa fraud case, politicos hail verdict

New Delhi/Lucknow, March 13 (ANI): In major relief to Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, a US court has dropped all charges against her. In a 14 page order, US District Judge said that Khobragade had full diplomatic immunity at the time of her indictment on visa fraud and underpaying her maid. The judge said, Khobragade served as Consular officer in the US from October 26, 2012 to January 8, 2014, a position that cloaked her with consular immunity as per the Vienna Convention. Meanwhile, political leaders welcomed the US court's verdict.

Mar 13, 2014

Exchange of ideas begin @FICCI Frames in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 13 (ANI): Personalities from media and entertainment industry kicked-off Asia's largest convention on business of entertainment, ‘FICCI Frames 2014’, to exchange ideas on the growth of showbiz industry in Mumbai. Bollywood actress, Sonam Kapoor, who dazzled the stage in her stunning outfit, lit the inaugural lamp at the event along with director Ramesh Sippy; FICCI Vice-President Harshvardhan Neotia; Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Bimal Julka; and Australian High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling. The session this year becomes iconic as the event marks 15 years of its inception, with Australia becoming its partner industry. Versatile Bollywood actor, director, producer and singer, Farhan Akhtar, who was present at the event to talk about his award-winning film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ along with director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, said the platform is very important for artists from the industry.

Mar 13, 2014

Media must find ways to correct aberrations: PM

New Delhi, March 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lauded media for its growth but also said that some aberrations have crept into it for which media itself needs to find solutions. Manmohan Singh was speaking at the Quasquicentennial Valedictory Function of media group Malayala Manorama in New Delhi and also observed that vibrant and independent media has been an asset for the nation. Hinting at media’s call for self-regulation, he insisted that it should focus on removing the aberrations as well. Media has often drawn flak for failing to impose self-regulation for most of the times.

Mar 13, 2014

India poised to become third largest global aviation market by 2020: Ajit Singh

Hyderabad, March 13 (ANI): Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said that India was poised to become the third largest global aviation market by 2020, throwing gates open to foreign investors to boost economy. Speaking at inaugural function at India Aviation-2014 in Hyderabad, Singh offered tremendous opportunities to the foreign investors. Singh also said that Indian airports sector was likely to attract an investment of $12.1 billion during the 12th Plan period, $9.3 billion of investment to come from the private sector. While briefing on various reforms implemented in the aviation sector, Singh talked about the privatization of leading Indian airports. Singh also said that the air traffic density of India is very low in comparison to other countries and to fight this situation by promoting regional and remote area connectivity.

Mar 13, 2014

No Modi wave in country: Kejriwal

Mumbai, March 13 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal, attacked main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and said that there is no Modi wave but wave of anger in the country. The AAP chief further accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ruling Congress party for ignoring issue of corruption and doing anything either for Hindus or Muslims in the country.

Mar 13, 2014

Endless torment for Philippine typhoon widow

Jennifer Pulga endured the depths of helplessness as she pumped the last air her husband would breathe into his typhoon-battered body, and her life since has felt barely any more in control. Duration: 02:21

Mar 13, 2014

Thailand celebrates 'National Elephant Day'

Thailand celebrates 'National Elephant Day', aiming at raising public awareness about elephant conservation as the latest elephant census shows that Thailand's pachyderm population has dropped to less than 5,000 elephants countrywide. Duration: 00:32

Mar 13, 2014

Bangladesh journalist urges government to mull over trial of Pakistan war criminals

Dhaka, March 13 (ANI): Bangladesh journalist, Shahriar Kabir, urged the government of the country to consider the long pending demand of trial of Pakistani war criminals, who were released under Simla Agreement in 1972. The Simla Agreement was inked between India and Pakistan in July 02, 1972, which paved the way "for a diplomatic recognition" of Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Haque hinted at the trial of the Pakistani war criminals. Kabir while talking to a reporter in Dhaka said that Bangladesh should try the Pakistani alleged war criminals, accused of genocide during 1971 liberation struggle. Slamming the fundamentalist forces, Kabir said that the Islamist forces pose a major challenge before the present government.

Mar 13, 2014

Netanyahu and Cameron condemn rocket attacks from Gaza

On a visit to Israel, British Prime Minister David Cameron said his country is opposed to any boycotts of Israeli goods. Standing alongside PM Benjamin Netanyahu, he also condemned rocket attacks carried out from the Gaza strip. Duration: 01:07

Mar 13, 2014