Politics

Aspirants outside Parliament protest over changed UPSC norms

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Hundreds of civil service aspirants gathered outside Parliament house in New Delhi on Monday to protest against a change in the format of Indian administrative examinations by the civil services selection body. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had submitted a proposal to the union government last year suggesting certain changes in the existing format of Civil Services (Main) Examination to make it more relevant with the present day, global as well as internal scenario. The civil service aspirants took to street protesting the new pattern of examination, and demanded return to the old procedure and increase in the number of attempts for them.

Dec 9, 2013

Continuing violence by the BNP-and its Islamist allies is holding the nation to ransom

Dhaka, Dec 09: Amid the political deadlock and turmoil, the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League has paved way for the creation of an all-party national government to oversee the parliamentary elections. But by refusing to join it, BNP has made its intention clear of fighting the battle on the streets rather than through political dialogue. Those favouring elections scheduled for January 5 next year are urging an end to violence in the country.

Dec 9, 2013

Frustrated Cat scratches the Pole: BJP on Nitish's Narendra Modi 'blower effect' remark

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Reacting to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's remark that there was no Narendra Modi wave in the country, the BJP on Monday said that Nitish was reminiscent to a frustrated cat that was scratching a pole at every instance.

Dec 9, 2013

Poll debacle: Hope for stable Delhi Govt, says Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Even as Congress suffered a dreadful washout in the Delhi assembly polls, former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday said she hoped for a stable government in the state following a hung assembly outcome.

Dec 9, 2013

Jamaat-e-Islami taking advantage of political unrest in Bangladesh: Expert

Dhaka, Dec 09 (ANI): Bangladeshi economist and political activist, Anu Muhammad said that the Jamaat-e-Islami was propagating its agenda and taking advantage of the political turmoil that has led to violent protests in Bangladesh. Violence has gripped Bangladesh as protests and a series of shutdowns with transport blockades led by the main opposition party, BNP demanding next year's election be held under a non-party administration.

Dec 9, 2013

Bihar government asks Maoists to shun violence, announces new surrender policy

Patna, Dec 9 (ANI): After the Maoists went on rampage killing 15 people in Aurangabad in the last two months, the Bihar government has launched a two-prolonged strategy to keep them in check. They have intensified the hunt to capture its members while simultaneously offering big money for those who surrender. Top Maoist leaders would get Rs 2.5 lakh if they renounce arms. This would include members of the state, regional, central committee and politbureau of the Maoist party. The offer is a huge jump from the 2001 policy which promised Rs 10000 first and Rs 3000 in due course. The Bihar government strategy comes close on the heels of the killing of eight policemen December 3 by suspected Maoists in Aurangabad district, 163km from Patna. Those surrendering would be paid more if they lay down sophisticated arms and ammunition. The Maoists, who have been fighting for a Communist state for several decades, are mainly active in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Bihar and Bengal.

Dec 9, 2013

Delhi Polls: Nitish Kumar says BJP taking advantage of anti Congress wave

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday took a dig at the BJP and said that the party is taking advantage of the anti Congress wave prevailing in the country. Talking about the Delhi Polls, Kumar stated that the election proves that if the people of the country get options other than the BJP and the Congress, they will opt for it.

Dec 9, 2013

French troops deploy in C. African Republic to disarm fighters

French troops on Monday began disarming fighters in the Central African Republic after a swell in sectarian violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and terrified inhabitants.

Dec 9, 2013

Thousands take part in London Santa Run

Thousands of runners dressed as Father Christmas take part in the charity fundraising "Santa Run" in Victoria Park, north London, on Sunday, with similar events taking place across Britain.

Dec 9, 2013

Kim Jong-Un cements his power with purge of uncle: expert

North Korea said Monday that the powerful uncle of young leader Kim Jong-Un has been purged, with state TV airing images of Jang Song-Thaek being dragged away by uniformed officers. An analyst in Seoul says the purge can be seen as Kim cementing his position as head of the country.

Dec 9, 2013

Thai PM calls elections as 140,000 join protest

Thailand's premier calls a snap election to try to defuse the kingdom's political crisis, but protesters keep up their fight to topple the government with an estimated 140,000 demonstrators flooding the streets of Bangkok.

Dec 9, 2013

Won't indulge in horse trading: Harsh Vardhan on Delhi Polls

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan on Monday reiterated his party’s stand that he will not stake claim to form a government in Delhi as his party is short of a clear majority and would prefer to sit in the opposition than indulge in any horse trading.

Dec 9, 2013

BJP & AAP should form a new type of govt in Delhi: Kiran Bedi

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Social activist and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi said on Monday that the onus to provide good governance in Delhi is on both the BJP and AAP even though both parties are nowhere near the majority mark. Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi, Bedi appealed to both BJP and AAP to form a new type of government by joining hands together. She also said that it is very unfair for Delhi to not get a stable government and if no party stakes the claim there will be no choice but to go for another election.

Dec 9, 2013

After 4-assembly poll washout, humbled Congress heading for introspection

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Following a dreadful washout in the 4 state assembly polls, a humbled Congress on Monday accepted its defeat and called for much needed introspection to rethink their strategy ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Dec 9, 2013

After Cong's 4-assembly poll washout, UPA members rethinking on alliance?

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): Even as NCP President Sharad Pawar lashed out at Congress over the recent 4-state assembly poll washout, calling upon Congress and other allies to ponder over the outcome which is being seen as reflection of anger against the UPA Government at the Centre other allies have also been made to rethink over the alliance.

Dec 9, 2013