News

Field trial of GM crops a recommendation by expert panel, not decision: Javadekar

New Delhi, July 30 (ANI): Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that the field trial of 15 genetically modified (GM) crops approved recently by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) is just a recommendation and no decision has been taken yet on the contentious issue. Apparently, the Modi government is coming under pressure from the RSS, as two outfits linked to the Sangh have now demanded that the Centre put a ban on field trials of the GM crops. Sources said that the outfits have been assured that the government will tread with caution on this issue.

Jul 30, 2014

Swiss nationals detained in Kerala for alleged Maoist links

Kannur, July 30 (ANI): Two nationals from Switzerland were detained by police in Kerala for their alleged links with the nation's Maoist outfits. They were arrested in Valappad area in Thrissur district after they attended a function organized by a rebel group in the memory of former Maoist activist, Sinoj, who died while making bombs in Andhra-Karnataka border recently. The detained, Jonathan and a lady, Valerie, who arrived in Kerala on a tourist visa, attended the function and were caught having documents related to the rebel outfit. The Swiss nationals arrived in Kerala on July 10 and were staying at a hotel, Meridian Palace, near Kannur district.

Jul 30, 2014

Politicos slam Modi government for keeping mum on arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka

Chennai, July 30 (ANI): Political leaders from Tamil Nadu have slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for remaining silent even as neighbouring Sri Lanka continue arresting Indian fishermen. Reportedly, Sri Lankan navy arrested 50 fishermen from Nagapattinam and Karaikal towns in Tamil Nadu and seized seven Indian boats. Regional Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) slammed the Modi government for being a mute spectator on the issue and said the former Congress-led UPA government had helped the fishermen more than Modi did.

Jul 30, 2014

Families of Indian nurses stranded in Libya eagerly wait for their safe return

Alappuzha, July 30 (ANI): Families of Indian nurses, who are stranded in war-torn Libya, prayed for safe and early return of their loved ones. Libyan forces on Tuesday battled Islamist militants with rockets and warplanes for control of an army base in the eastern city of Benghazi after at least 30 people were killed in overnight fighting. Worried over the tense situation, the Indian mission in the conflict-ridden country has suggested its citizens to evacuate Libya and avoid going to conflict zones. India is also preparing for the safe return of its people and is even assuring to arrange for those who cannot afford to come back. Husband of a stranded nurse Shineymol, Rajeev Kurian, in Alappuzha district of Kerala, said the situation was worsening.

Jul 30, 2014

Civil war films help exorcise demons of Lebanon's dark past

A quarter of a century after Lebanon's devastating civil war ended, the country's filmmakers remain fixated with this dark period, seeing their movies as a form of catharsis. Duration 02:12

Jul 30, 2014

Here are reactions from five Muslim leaders who are among world Islamic figures who reject ISIS' 'caliphate'.

Masked Men Wave Isis, Al-Qaeda Flags and Banners in Kashmir During Eid Day Gaza Protest

The appearance of the two pan-Islamic jihadi organisations on Kashmir streets spells fresh troubles for the state.

Jul 30, 2014

'Slaves' in the Gulf: Malagasy women lured to Middle East

Women from Madagascar lured to the Middle East to work as domestic servants often return home to denounce horrific, slave-like working conditions. Duration 02:29

Jul 30, 2014

South Asia Newsline - July 29, 2014

Jul 30, 2014

Manipuris want bollywood biopic on boxer Mary Kom to be released in the state

Manipur, July 30 (ANI): Theatres in Manipur have not screened any Hindi film since the year 2000, following the imposition of a ban by the outlawed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF). Because of this ban, cinema houses in the state may not screen a biopic on boxer M.C. Mary Kom, which is set be released in theaters across the country on September 5. The film starring Priyanka Chopra traces Mary's life from her humble roots to her achieving several world titles. Produced by well known Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is directed by Omung Kumar. Film enthusiasts in Manipur want the film to be screened in the state. Mary Kom, who also runs a boxing academy in Manipur, is an inspiration for budding sportspersons in the state. They wish to watch the biopic on the boxing legend.

Jul 30, 2014