Politics

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

Chile's Bachelet moves swiftly on social change agenda

Chile's new socialist President Michelle Bachelet moved swiftly Wednesday on promises to tackle inequality, submitting a bill to provide grants to poor families one day after taking office for a second time. Duration: 00:34

Mar 13, 2014

NYC mayor confirms gas leak caused building collapse

A gas leak was responsible for a major explosion that destroyed two buildings in Manhattan, killing two people and injuring 18 others, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Duration: 01:15

Mar 13, 2014

Turkey protesters mourn teen death

Protestors clashed with police in Turkey as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to mourn a teenage boy who died from injuries suffered during last year's anti-government protests. Duration: 00:53

Mar 13, 2014

Cycling fans to follow in tracks of London's Olympic champions

London's Olympic Velopark was officially opened Wednesday by Olympic and Paralympic medalists Laura Trott and Mark Colbourne. The centre opens to the public at the end of March and includes a velodrome and BMX track. Duration: 01:09

Mar 13, 2014

Inmates are moved from Ciudad Juraez to different prisons

More than 300 inmates were moved in five buses from the CERESO (Social Rehabilitation Centre) state prison in Ciudad Juarez on March 11, 2014, to different penitentiaries of the country. Duration: 00:43

Mar 13, 2014