News

Father Alexis thanks PM, government for his release

New Delhi, Feb 23 (ANI): Indian national, Father Alexis Prem Kumar Ananthaswamy, who was abducted in Afghanistan, thanked the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his release after his arrival in New Delhi. The 47-year-old Jesuit priest was kidnapped by unknown gunmen from Herat in June last year and was being held as a captive. However, he refused to divulge his experience in captivity. The Indian foreign ministry had said it was difficult eight month period and India had pursued the matter quite relentlessly and thanked everybody involved in the process.

Feb 23, 2015

Sushma Swaraj meets Bahrain foreign minister in New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 23 (ANI): Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, arrived in New Delhi at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. Khalifa co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission with Swaraj. During the meeting both the leaders discussed issues of common interest including militancy. In a tweet, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said “India-Bahrain Ministers discuss issues of common interest in 1st meeting of High Joint Commission in Delhi.” He further tweeted “Terror on top of agenda as Minister @SushmaSwaraj discusses regional situation with counterpart from Bahrain.” India and Bahrain are known to share cordial relations marked by regular high level political exchanges. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain had come to India on his first state visit to the country in February 2014.

Feb 23, 2015

Familes of London girls thought to be headed to Syria appeal for their return

The families of three teenage girls from London who are believed to be on their way to Syria are pleading with the girls to come home. The three girls left their east London homes last Tuesday and

Feb 23, 2015

Pope asks pilgrims to pray ahead of spiritual retreat

Pope Francis is preparing for a five day spiritual retreat. But not without first greeting pilgrims in St. Peter's square during his weekly Angelus prayer. He's calling on them to pray that the

Feb 23, 2015

Ahead of Lent, a 'pagan' festival in eastern Ukraine

The fighting in parts of east Ukraine goes on, but in the rebel-held town of Donetsk, there is still time and spirit for an annual celebration just before Lent. Ukrainians are marking the last day of

Feb 23, 2015

Crime report for week ending Feb. 22

A guilty plea from Rabbi Barry Freundel on charges that he secretly videotaped dozens of women in a ritual bath, in Washington D.C.'s historic Georgetown neighborhood. Facing decades in prison, he

Feb 23, 2015

"It's fabulous" -- London resident on Lunar New Year

Get your martial arts moves ready because the Lunar New Year is here -- and the festivities in London aren't like any other. Thousands from all walks of life ring in the 'year of the sheep' in this

Feb 23, 2015

"It's fabulous" -- London resident on Lunar New Year

Get your martial arts moves ready because the Lunar New Year is here -- and the festivities in London aren't like any other. Thousands from all walks of life ring in the 'year of the sheep' in this

Feb 23, 2015

Aftermath of deadly blast at Ukraine 'peace' rally captured on video

A deadly explosion at a rally to mark Ukraine's uprising one year ago. Residents of the northeastern city of Kharkiv scramble for safety. But some move towards the bomb blast, dropping their flags,

Feb 23, 2015

Animals in the news around the globe

It is splendor in the snow for this red panda at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Nevermind the frigid near a record low temperature -- it's panda playtime. For these endangered species it

Feb 23, 2015

Animals in the news around the globe

It is splendor in the snow for this red panda at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Nevermind the frigid near a record low temperature -- it's panda playtime. For these endangered species it

Feb 23, 2015

Kharkiv protesters rush to aid wounded following explosion at Ukraine rally

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES. ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) STORY: Kharkiv residents and emergency workers on Sunday (February 22) rushed to the aid of protesters at a

Feb 23, 2015

Rain or shine - the Oscars must go on

Get ready for the glitz and glam with a chance of rainfall on the red carpet at this year's Oscars. Grey skies above Hollywood threaten the perfect "Kodak" moment -- but the red carpet doesn't stand

Feb 23, 2015

Ukraine blast kills 2 during 'peace march' to mark uprising

+++CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES+++ The Ukrainian national flag is draped over the bodies of at least two people reported killed in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Officials say an explosive device was

Feb 23, 2015

Bangladesh ferry capsizes after collision, at least 39 dead

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES Distraught relatives in Bangladesh wait on the banks of the river Padma for their deceased loved ones. Ar least 39 people died when a ferry

Feb 23, 2015