Politics

Muslim artisans make lac bangles for Hindu customers in Jaipur encouraging communal harmony

Jaipur, Mar 31 (ANI): Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is known throughout the world for its magnificent forts, monuments and a variety of handicrafts. And Lac bangles, which are considered a sign of good omen for married women in India, are one of the most famous industries of the city. The industry is known for its highly stylized designs and motifs, and it also provides an example of religious amity. Muslims make these beautiful bangles, which are worn by Hindu married women. Lac bangles are considered auspicious in several parts of the country and are specially used during marriage ceremonies and festivals. They are made plain or with different designs on them or studded with glass, precious and semi-precious stones. Lac bangle making process has managed to retain its individuality and versatility over a period time and the reason for its success is the good relations between Hindu and Muslim communities.

Mar 31, 2014

Urs of Hazrat Hamid Raza- Perfect example of spirit of religious co-existence

Bareilly, Mar 31 (ANI): Bareilly is located in India’s Northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known especially for its rich culture and heritage, especially the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, or the culture of religious harmony, which is upheld by the people of different faiths residing here. And a perfect example of this harmony can be seen during the Urs of Hazrat Hamid Raza. A procession is held to celebrate the occasion, in which people from different religions participate. For centuries people have coexisted peacefully in this country and religion has never come in the way of good relations between different communities. And the procession of Hazrat Hamid Raza is a perfect example of this fact.

Mar 31, 2014

Modi's brand of business is based on crony capitalism: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday stated that the country's economy is much more stable than how it was 20 months ago. Chidambaram also spoke about UPA government's achievements and targeted Narendra Modi's model of business, calling it crony capitalism.

Mar 31, 2014

Chidambaram suffers from selective memory: Ravi Shankar Prasad

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Monday attacked the Congress Party and Finance Minister P Chidambaram in particular accusing them of indulging in crony capitalism. Prasad said that Chidambaram is suffering from selective memory. Further, the BJP leader also stated that Chidambaram’s refusal to contest elections is the first open confession of unwillingness of Congress Party to fight.

Mar 31, 2014

Pranab Mukherjee confers Padma awards

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee today conferred Padma awards on 66 eminent personalities at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Noted scientist Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar received Padma Vibhushan while classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana, actor Kamal Hasan, sportsperson Pullela Gopichand were among those who were honoured with Padma Bhushan. Padma Shri Awardees included sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik and actress Vidya Balan. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

Mar 31, 2014

Wounded Syrian rebels recover in Lebanon border town

The small border town of Arsal has turned into a refuge for more than 100,000 Syrians fleeing the war in their country and a makeshift rehabilitation centre for scores of wounded fighters.

Mar 31, 2014

Bubbling ambitions in China's 'hot pot city'

China's "hot pot city" is campaigning to add its spicy do-it-yourself dish to the national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Mar 31, 2014

President Hollande mulls reshuffle after local election losses

French President Francois Hollande is set to reshuffle his cabinet after the government suffered humiliating losses in local elections.

Mar 31, 2014

Economic growth is stable and there are no downgrade threats: P Chidambaram

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday claimed that the economy of the country today is far more stable and far stronger than it was 20 months ago. He added that the government is hopeful of meeting major fiscal consolidation targets and the country's current account deficit is estimated to come down to Dollar35 billion in the 2013-14 from a record high of Dollar88 billion.

Mar 31, 2014

Sabir Alis wife protests outside Naqvis residence, demands apology

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Sabir Ali’s wife, Yasmin Ali on Monday sat on a protest outside BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi’s residence in New Delhi. Naqvi had alleged that Sabir Ali was not fit to be inducted in BJP for having links with Indian Mujahideen. The party later cancelled his membership. Yasmin Ali is now demanding an apology from Naqvi. She was later evicted from the place by the Delhi Police.

Mar 31, 2014

Rahul Gandhi addresses farmers and tribals in Odisha

Odisha, Mar 31 (ANI): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Nabarangpur district of Odisha, laid stress on the development and upliftment of farmers and tribal people. Blaming the state government, Gandhi said that Odisha is rich in everything still its people are poor. Further Rahul Gandhi gave an insight to the manifesto of the Congress which emphasized on women empowerment.

Mar 31, 2014

Hindus throng temples & river banks to mark onset of Navratri

New Delhi Allahabad/ Varanasi, Mar 31 (ANI): Festive fervour gripped India as thousands of Hindus begin the nine-day fasting festival ‘Navratri’ on Monday. Devotees across the country converged on river banks and queued up at temples chanting hymns and offering special prayers. The festival lasts for nine days in honour of nine manifestations of Durga, goddess of power. Priests in Varanasi performed a yoga exercise, surya namaskar (sun salutation), to pay obeisance to Sun God on the auspicious festival. Devotees also converged at various temples in New Delhi, prominent among them being Jhandewalan Temple to offer prayers prior to dawn and observed fast throughout the day.

Mar 31, 2014

Former Pakistani President Musharraf pleads not guilty to treason

Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Mar 31 (ANI): A court in Pakistan indicted former president Pervez Musharraf for treason on charges relating to his 2007 imposition of emergency -- a crime that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former military ruler pleaded not guilty to five counts of treason on Monday. Musharraf is accused of unlawfully suspending the constitution and instituting emergency rule in 2007, when he was trying to extend his rule as president. Judge Faisal Arab, who heads the special panel of three judges, rejected a defence plea for additional time. Musharraf, who was President from 2001 to 2008, is the first Pakistani army chief to face such a prosecution.

Mar 31, 2014

French serial killer back in the dock

Condemned serial killer Francis Heaulme, in jail for 11 murders, goes on trial for another double murder. Duration: 00:44

Mar 31, 2014

National Front to run at least 11 French towns

France's ruling Socialist Party suffered humiliating losses Sunday in a local vote marked by breakthrough successes for the far-right National Front and the historic election of a first female mayor of Paris. Duration: 00:52

Mar 31, 2014