Politics

Christie's unveils largest, flawless blue diamond

Christie's auction house presents "The Blue" considered to be the largest flawless vivid blue diamond in the world, weighing in at 13.22 carats and estimated to fetch up to 25 million US dollars when it's auctioned in Geneva in May.

Apr 29, 2014

Alstom staff rally against possible group breakup

As the battle for Alstom heats up, unions call for staff protests against the possible breakup of the French group.

Apr 29, 2014

Blast aboard Gaza activists' 'Ark' intended to break siege

An explosion damaged the Gaza "Ark" on Tuesday in the port of the city. The cargo ship, built by fishermen and activists was planned to be used as part of a voyage bound for Europe from Gaza City to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Apr 29, 2014

Iraqis vow mass vote despite spate of violence

Twin bombings killed 15 people northeast of Baghdad Tuesday, the latest in a wave of deadly violence that has cast a pall over Iraq's first general election since US troops withdrew.

Apr 29, 2014

Mukhtar Ansaris Quami Ekta Dal announces support to Congress's Ajay Rai in Varanasi

Varanasi, April 29 (ANI): Mukhtar Ansari's Quami Ekta Dal on Thursday announced its support to Congress candidate Ajay Rai for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is pitted against Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. Mukhtar Ansari's brother Afzal Ansari during a Press Conference said that the party unanimously decided to support Ajay Rai.

Apr 29, 2014

People fighting for Human rights in Gilgit

Gilgit Baltistan, April 29: Gilgit Baltistan is on the brink… and with no end to the suffering of the people; several NGOs have come forward to fight for Human Rights in the region.

Apr 29, 2014

Election commission bans Ramdevs camp over honeymoon remark

Himachal Pradesh / Punjab/ New Delhi, April 29 (ANI): Election Commission of India on Tuesday (April 29) banned another camp of yoga guru, Ramdev in Himachal Pradesh, over his ‘honeymoon remark’. Ramdev, in Lucknow had said that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visits Dalit households for picnics and honeymoon, which deeply offended the concerned community and triggered a storm. Chief electoral officer of Himachal Pradesh, Narinder Chauhan, said holding yoga camps with an intention to support any political party is prohibited. Following derogatory remarks of Ramdev, the Election Commission earlier banned him from conducting meetings and programmes in Lucknow. Meanwhile, Congress leader Meem Afzal called for Ramdev’s arrest as he violated Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Act. Senior lawyer, Majid Memon, said Ramdev should not make statements, as he is not affiliated to any party.

Apr 29, 2014

Blast in Bihar's Madhubani district ahead of election injures three

Madhubani, April 29 (ANI): At least three people were injured after a crude bomb exploded in Madhubani district of Bihar on Tuesday ahead of the seventh phase of the ongoing general election. The cause of the explosion has not been ascertained yet. But it is suspected that the crude bombs, which were being made in a house, exploded while making them.

Apr 29, 2014

Subramanian Swamy backs Modis comment on Mamata

New Delhi, April 29 (ANI): BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, on Tuesday backed the comment made by party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During an election rally in Serampore Modi had accused Banerjee, also the party chief of Trinamool Congress (TMC) of pocketing rupees 1.8 crores by selling her painting.

Apr 29, 2014

Ramdev terms Nehru Gandhi family as plunderer

Himachal Pradesh/ Punjab/ Karnataka, April 29 (ANI): Ramdev, termed Nehru-Gandhi dynasty as plunderer and accused Congress’ first family of treating the country as their personal property. Ramdev, while addressing a news conference on Tuesday in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, said that Gandhi family used to think that no one can point finger at them. Ramdev, who came under flak for his ‘honeymoon’ remark earlier on April 25 over Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, now faces scrutiny by National Commission for Schedule Caste.Vice chairman of National Commission for Schedule Caste, Dr Raj Kumar Verka said that strong action would be taken against Ramdev for his controversial remark.

Apr 29, 2014

Kargil martyrs family upset over Modi using dil maange more phrase, BJP clarifies

New Delhi/ Sujanpur, April 30 (ANI): BJP leader Narendra Modi during a rally in Mandi referred to Kargil Martyr Vikram Batra over which his father has showed objection. GL Batra said that such statements should not be used for political purpose. Meanwhile, BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi has said that martyrs are sons of motherland and they can be recognized and praised by anybody and denied any political aim.

Apr 29, 2014

US Pact with Philippines to Promote Peace and Stability: Obama

Wrapping up his four-nation Asia trip to Japan, South Korea, Malasia and Philippines, US President Barack Obama on 29 April said America's security pact with Philippines will help promote peace and stability in the country, which is unsettled with China's claims on its disputed territories.

Apr 29, 2014

Congress allies worried over defeat: BJP

New Delhi, April 29 (ANI): The BJP, on Tuesday said that Congress party and its allies had accepted their defeat before the results of general elections which is why they were making provocative statement. Commenting on statements of NC chief Farooq Abdullah, BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that Congress party allies have got one target to attack PM candidate Narendra Modi. Abdullah said that proposal of single law for all religions by Modi was not acceptable to Kashmiri Muslims. He had also stated that people who vote for Modi should drown themselves in the sea.

Apr 29, 2014

Anti-US protest in Manila as Obama's visit ends

Philippine police use water cannon to disperse anti-US protesters near the American embassy in Manila as President Barack Obama's visit to the capital winds down.

Apr 29, 2014

Nigerian community fights Shell in UK court hearing

Legal arguments begin in court on Tuesday in a compensation claim brought by about 15,000 members of Nigeria's Bodo community against oil giant Shell for the damage caused by two spills in 2008.

Apr 29, 2014