slums-stand-between-lagos-and-megacity-ambitions

Slums stand between Lagos and megacity ambitions

With a population of 20 million that is projected to reach 30 million by 2025, Lagos has become a true megacity. A massive infrastructure project is underway to ease the gridlock but standing in the way of progress are numerous slums. Duration: 02:35 Dec 19, 2013
there-is-only-one-victim-in-the-case-that-is-devyani-mea

There is only one victim in the case that is Devyani: MEA

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): India retaliated strongly to the US on Thursday, urging it to withdraw the visa fraud case against Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York, suggesting US Secretary of State, John Kerry's expression of regret on the case was not enough. Earlier on Wednesday, the US attorney in Manhattan, Preet Bharara had defended the treatment meted out to Khobragade. Picking points from Bharara's statement, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said that U.S. acted against the Vienna Convention in its treatment towards Khobragade. He also said that there was only one victim in the case and that was Devyani. He added that Barara's statement is a post facto-rationalisation for an action that should never have taken place in the first instance. Dec 19, 2013
anand-sharma-wants-multinationals-to-follow-tescos-lead

Anand Sharma wants multinationals to follow TESCO's lead

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): Trade minister Anand Sharma on Thursday said that he expects other multinational organizations to follow TESCO when it comes to investing in India. The UK-based retail major TESCO will get into a strategic alliance with Tata's Trent to open multi-brand retailing in the country. For the project, they have invested $110 million. Taking a note of different strategies that companies may adopt, Sharma said that it is the prerogative of the companies to initiate and firing up their business plans. When raised a query on what will be the Cabinet's stand on the FDI in the pharma sector, Sharma said that the government's stand is firm on the issue. Earlier in 2002, the government had allowed 100 per cent investment. Dec 19, 2013
pranab-mukherjee-delivers-annual-ib-centenary-endowment-lecture

Pranab Mukherjee delivers annual IB Centenary Endowment lecture

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday delivered the 26th Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture, 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The centenary lecture is presided by achievers, intellectuals, political leaders and thinkers so that the officers associated with the intelligence bureau get to know and adapt to various perspectives. Speaking about the education sector in particular, Mukherjee said that the need of the hour is to come at par with other western countries such as Germany and the United States. Taking a note of the issues plaguing India, the president also said that new and unforeseen challenges should be countered with the improvement in technology and advancement. Speaking about another major challenge that is faced by India, Mukherjee said challenges for the security agencies are increasing rapidly. Directing from where terrorism originates, he said that the nation has to collectively fight terrorism that is receiving support from outside the country by both state and non-state actors. Dec 19, 2013
arvinder-singh-lovely-appointed-new-pcc-chief-in-delhi

Arvinder Singh Lovely appointed new PCC chief in Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appointed Arvinder Singh Lovely as the president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC). Lovely succeeds Jai Prakash Agarwal, who had stepped down after the Congress was routed in the December 4 elections to the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Dec 19, 2013
a-representational-picture-bihar-patna-blasts-before-modis-rally

Narendra Modi On Terror Hit List: Jaish-e-Mohammad Issues Threat

The Bhartiya Janata Party's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi once again figured on the hit-list of a terror outfit that has issued a direct threat stating that the Gujarat Chief Minister will be killed, if he becomes the Indian Prime Minister. Dec 19, 2013
sexual-assault-case-narayan-sai-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody

Sexual assault case: Narayan Sai sent to 14-day judicial custody

Surat, Dec 19 (ANI): Self-styled godman Asaram's son Narayan Sai was on Thursday remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a local Surat court in a rape case filed against him. Two Surat-based sisters had accused Sai and his father Asaram of rape. The elder sister had levelled allegations against Asaram, while the younger sister had charged Narayan Sai of sexually assaulting her. Dec 19, 2013
aap-not-answerable-to-shinde-on-delhi-govt-formation-sanjay-singh

AAP not answerable to Shinde on Delhi govt formation: Sanjay Singh

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): Reacting over Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's statement, AAP spokesperson Sanjay Singh on Thursday said that the party was not answerable to the Home Minister but the public on Delhi government formation. He also said that it will take a final decision on government formation on December 23, after seeking public opinion in the capital until the weekend. Earlier in the day, Shinde said that Centre has asked Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to get time frame from AAP for government formation in Delhi. Dec 19, 2013
politicos-taunt-bjp-for-sidelining-advani-after-mohan-bhagwat-says-bjp-needs-advanis-guidance

Politicos taunt BJP for sidelining Advani, after Mohan Bhagwat says BJP needs Advanis guidance

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): Political parties in India taunted the BJP for sidelining its senior leader LK Advani, after RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said that his experience was indispensable to the party’s success. The Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been crippled by infighting among leaders, with several, including Advani, harbouring ambitions to become India's next prime minister. Dec 19, 2013