News

Death toll in Nepal blizzard that engulfed Annapurna trail rises to at least 39

Himalayas, Oct 19 (ANI): An amateur video filmed by a British survivor of the deadly blizzard that engulfed Nepal's popular Annapurna trail in the Himalayas showed hikers amid heavy snow and blasting winds which made sighting close to impossible. The death toll in the blizzard has risen to 39, police and army sources said. Authorities rescued 60 more people on Saturday, when the army deployed troops on a ground search. More than 40 people were still missing after unseasonal weather in the peak trekking season unleashed avalanches on the 240-km (150-mile) route around Annapurna, the world's 10th-tallest peak, which takes enthusiasts three weeks to complete. The bodies of two hikers of Indian and Japanese nationality were recovered from the Himalayas on Saturday and taken to a post mortem ward in Kathmandu. Paul Sherridan, a British survivor of the blizzard said that deaths could have been avoided had safety measures been put into place at the appropriate time.

Oct 19, 2014

Counting for Maharashtra and Haryana assembly polls begins

Maharshtra/ Haryana, Oct 19 (ANI): Amid anticipations and apprehensions, counting of votes for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly and 90-member Haryana assembly has begun in the two states on Sunday. The two states went to polls on October 15. Haryana had recorded its highest-ever turnout of 76.54 % while Maharashtra recorded 63.13 % polling. Tight security has been maintained as the counting started for assembly seats of two states. The fate of the major parties in Maharashtra as well as Haryana is being decided across 288 centres at 269 locations in the state, while for the Haryana assembly polls, counting is underway at 90 centers set up in 57 places in the state. However, most exit polls has shown BJP at and advantageous position

Oct 19, 2014

Modi govt's decision to deregularise diesel prices draws reaction from politicians

Bhopal/Kolkata/New Delhi, Oct 19 (ANI): Indian government's announcement of lifting controls on diesel pricing with immediate effect, leading to an immediate fall in pump prices of nearly 6 percent drew flak from the politicians. Criticising the decision, Congress party leader Rashid Alvi said that it was not a good decision keeping in mind the common man as it would increase the burden on their pocket. However, CPI leader D Raja said the decision will have an adverse affect as the fall of crude in the international market will escalate the commodity prices across the country. Meanwhile, BJP leader Shrikant Sharma lauded the government's decision and said it will boost the economy.

Oct 19, 2014

Making righteous citizen joint mission for India and Bangladesh: APJ Abdul Kalam

Dhaka, Oct 19 (ANI): Former President APJ Abdul Kalam said that making righteous citizens is joint mission for India and Bangladesh, while both the nations should work towards achieving value-system. While addressing the 110th founding anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, Kalam said building value-system is a requisite for the development of a nation. Kalam said it is important to construct the psyche of adolescents in the right manner.

Oct 19, 2014

Carnival showcases the rich culture of Arunachal in Guwahati

Guwahati, Oct 19 (ANI): A three-day-long Arunachal Carnival festival was organized in Guwahati under the theme of "Celebrating Oneness". The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. Held under the aegis of Guwahati Arunachal Student Union (GASU) it aimed to bring unity and integrity among students of the north east region. Artists from various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh including Apatani, Adi, Singpho, Nyeshi and Galo performed their traditional dances in colorful attires. During the festival, various competitions were also conducted to showcase the young talents of the state which included a photo exhibition, Film Festival and Cultural Competitions. The major attraction at the venue was the Food Zone where people of the region put up their traditional food stalls. Events like this not only promote culture and tradition of the region but also help to unite the youth.

Oct 19, 2014

Islamic State Air Force Jet Flown by 'ISIS Fighter' Seen Landing in Aleppo: Report [VIDEO]

Amidst claims that 'Islamic State Air Force' has started training its men for flying jet planes, a video that shows an ISIS fighter jet landing in Aleppo has gone viral. The video claims that it is the first footage of a MiG jet flown by an ISIS fighter landing at the captured al-Jarrah military airport east of Aleppo.

Oct 19, 2014

Himalayan snowstorm survivors are discharged from hospital

Himalayan snowstorm survivors, some treated for frostbite, are discharged from hospital before heading to the airport in Kathmandu Saturday. The death toll from the devastating snowstorm climbed to at least 43. Duration: 00:35

Oct 18, 2014

EC to hold further consultations to decide election timings in JandK: VS Sampath

Srinagar, Oct 18 (ANI): The Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath on Saturday said that the schedule of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be decided only after holding a further round of consultations at the national capital. He added that the elections will not interfere with the ongoing relief work in the flood-hit JandK. He further said that the state administration is thoroughly prepared for holding assembly polls in JandK.

Oct 18, 2014

Kurds thwart new jihadist bid to cut off Syria town

Kurdish forces in the Syrian town of Kobane repulsed a new attempt by Islamic State fighters to cut off the border with Turkey Saturday as troops battled the jihadists in neighbouring Iraq. Duration: 01:17

Oct 18, 2014

Black money row: Sambit Patra terms non-disclosure of names as 'technical issue'

New Delhi, Oct 18 (ANI): BJP leader Sambit Patra on Saturday termed the non-disclosure of names of persons having money stashed away in safe havens abroad as a 'technical issue'. While retorting back at Anna Hazare's letter to the Prime Minister, Patra said that BJP respects Anna Hazare and the party is doing its best to bring back the black money. He added that government's intention should not be doubted over the technical issue of non-disclosure of names in the black money case. Earlier, activist Anna Hazare had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his shock over government's inability to divulge names of Swiss bank account holders.

Oct 18, 2014

Diesel prices deregulated, domestic gas price brought down: Arun Jaitley

New Delhi, Oct 18 (ANI): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday briefed media on the cabinet meeting. Jaitley said that the diesel prices have been deregulated and the prices will be according to the market. He added that cabinet has also decided to relaunch direct benefit transfer in a more effective manner. He further said that the price of natural gas has been brought down to $5.61/MMBtu.

Oct 18, 2014

Japan unveils first passenger jet in four decades

The first made-in-Japan passenger aircraft in nearly four decades is being unveiled as its maker pushes into the booming regional jet sector with an eye to taking on industry giants Embraer and Bombardier. Duration: 01:16

Oct 18, 2014

'Modi wave' still prevalent across nation: Anurag Thakur

Jammu, Oct 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) President Anurag Thakur on Saturday said that the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana have proved that a 'Modi wave' is still prevalent across the nation. He added that BJYM will work hard for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir to help the BJP attain full majority. Thakur further explained the problems faced by the state during National Conference's rule.

Oct 18, 2014

Black money row: Left says BJP and Centre stand exposed

New Delhi, Oct 18 (ANI): Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday criticized the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government at the Centre for not disclosing the names of persons having money stashed away in safe havens abroad, and alleged that it exposed the utter hypocrisy and double standards of the BJP. The CPI (M) leader demanded that the government must disclose the names of those wrong doers, who have cheated India. Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja echoing similar sentiments on the issue said it is the hypocrisy of BJP that is getting exposed thoroughly.

Oct 18, 2014

Protesters push for rehabilitation, demand postponement of elections in flood hit Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 18 (ANI): Protesters in Srinagar took to streets on Saturday demanding that the state assembly elections be postponed and first priority be given to the people who have lost their homes and property in the recent floods. The devastation due to floods has also put the state assembly in a dilemma about holding the assembly elections scheduled to take place in December this year. Officials of the Election Commission of India, including the Chief Commissioner, VS Sampath and two commissioners, HS Brahma and Naseem Zaidi, are in the state on a two-day visit to survey the flood-ravaged state and review whether polls can be conducted as scheduled. They are likely to reach a decision later in the day. People of Kashmir, who have lost their livelihoods, however, feel that the government is deviating from the main agenda of rehabilitation.

Oct 18, 2014