Politics

Pope prays for South Sudan, Syria on first Christmas

Pope Francis on Wednesday called for humanitarian aid access in Syria and "social harmony" in South Sudan on his first Christmas in the Vatican after months of shaking up the papacy with his humble style and common touch. Duration: 00:46

Dec 25, 2013

Christmas in mud as rain pelts Philippine disaster zone

Survivors of the Philippines' deadliest typhoon spend a gloomy Christmas Day surrounded by mud as heavy rain drives many inside their flimsy shelters, dampening efforts at holiday cheer in the deeply devout nation. Duration: 01:00

Dec 25, 2013

Maoists hack two to death in Jharkhand

Simdega, Dec 25 (ANI): A couple in Jharkhand's Simdega district was hacked to death by Maoists. Although the motive behind the incident remains unknown, police were seen inspecting and interrogating people at the crime scene. The deceased identified as Kanti Aind and her husband Sunil Aind were killed by the Maoists for no apparent reason. Primary reports indicate that the couple was getting ready to celebrate Christmas and then the extremists entered their household and murdered them.

Dec 25, 2013

Puri: Famed Indian artiste Sudarshan makes 35-feet high sand Jesus

Puri, Dec 25 (ANI): Famed Indian sand artiste Sudarshan Patnaik has erected a 35 feet high sand sculpture of Jesus Christ in the scenic beach of Puri, expecting to set a new world record, this Christmas. The 75 feet wide sculpture of Jesus was made using at least 1000 tonnes of sand. Internationally acclaimed Sudarshan made this huge statute in just 3 days before the Christmas Eve and was assisted by 25 students.

Dec 25, 2013

BJP cries foul as AAP set to form govt in Delhi with Congress' conditional support

New Delhi, Dec 25 (ANI): BJP leader Vijendra Gupta on Wednesday claimed that the Congress and AAP have a joint agenda of promoting an anti-Modi sentiment in the country. The AAP in its manifesto has promised that it would send the city's corrupt lawmakers to jail within one year. Meanwhile, the Congress Party said it wouldn't interfere in the functioning of AAP and its internal matters.

Dec 25, 2013

Will 'manage' to pass Jan Lokpal Bill in 15 days: Kejriwal

Kaushambi, Dec 25 (ANI): Aiming to curb corruption in the national capital once he is sworn-in as the Delhi CM on 28th December, 2013, AAP Convener, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday reiterated that his government will manage to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the state in 15 days.

Dec 25, 2013

CBI gives Amit Shah clean chit, Ishrat's family still hopes for justice

Thane, Dec 25 (ANI): Speaking on CBI's decision of not charging former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah in connection with the Ishrat Jahan 'fake' encounter case, sister of Ishrat Jahan, Nusrat Jahan on Wednesday said that she still believed in the law and hoped for justice for her sister.

Dec 25, 2013

Pope Francis celebrates first Christmas Eve mass

Pope Francis holds his first Christmas Eve mass in the Vatican by highlighting the role played by humble shepherds in the Nativity as thousands flock to the historic site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem. Duration: 00:48

Dec 25, 2013

Politicos for appropriate police action against AK Ganguly

New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 25 (ANI): Politicos urged Delhi police to take appropriate action against retired Supreme Court Justice AK Ganguly, who is involved in a sexual assault case. They asked to evaluate facts of the alleged molestation charges by the intern.

Dec 25, 2013

Arvind Kejriwal to take oath as Delhi CM on December 28

Kaushambi, Dec 25 (ANI): Even as President Pranab Mukherjee accepted Delhi Lt Governor's proposal on government formation by AAP, party leader, Arvind Kejriwal will take oath as Delhi Chief Minister on December 28.

Dec 25, 2013

Atal Bihari Vajpayee turns 89 today

New Delhi, Dec 25 (ANI): Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee turned 89 on Wednesday. Regarded as one of the pillars of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vajpayee has been a stalwart in the Indian political arena for over six decades. Vajpayee served as the tenth Prime Minister of India, three times - first for a brief term of 13 days in 1996, and then for two terms from 1998 to 2004.

Dec 25, 2013

Pope presides over first midnight mass at the Vatican

Vatican, Dec 25 (ANI): Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics urged people to shun pride and selfishness and open up their hearts to God and their fellow man. Pope Francis celebrated a solemn Christmas Eve Mass for some 10,000 people in a packed St. Peter's Basilica as hundreds of others watched on large screens in the square outside.

Dec 25, 2013

Beachgoers spend Christmas Day on Sydney's Bondi Beach

Sydney, Dec 25 (ANI): Beachgoers braved the gloomy weather in Sydney on Christmas Day, and headed to Bondi Beach. Lifeguards were on hand to assist in tree decorating and keep an eye on any keen surfers. Despite the drizzle and cooler temperatures tourists managed to enjoy the sea and sand without the sunshine.

Dec 25, 2013

US troops mark Christmas Eve in Afghanistan

Kabul, Dec 25 (ANI): U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan celebrated Christmas Eve with services, prayers and hymns. Soldiers at a military base in the capital, Kabul, attended a special service at the NKC chapel, where they lit candles and thought of their families back home. U.S. soldier, Lieutenant Mark Arther Frederick, who has spent five Christmas holidays in Afghanistan while in service, said he hoped U.S. military presence brought people in the country a sense of security.

Dec 25, 2013

High command should rethink on support to AAP: Ex-Cong MLA

New Delhi, Dec 25 (ANI): Former Congress MLA, Ramakant Goswami on Wednesday strongly hot out at the AAP for their choice of words against the Congress and said the party high command must rethink on giving support to them to form a government in Delhi.

Dec 25, 2013