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DCW's actions political & motivated, Barkha Singh from Congress: Somnath Bharti

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): Reacting to the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Barkha Singh's meeting with Lieutenant Governor to seek action against Delhi Law Minster Somnath Bharti, Bharti said that Singh was a member of Congress, and that the decision of the DCW was motivated and political. DCW had summoned Bharti over the controversial midnight raid led by him, in which four Ugandan women were allegedly mistreated.

Jan 25, 2014

Pak suspends Shi'ite pilgrimage to Iran after suicide attacks

Pakistan, Jan 25 (ANI): Pakistan has suspended buses carrying Shi'ite pilgrims from travelling through Baluchistan to Iran due to security concerns after a suicide attack killed at least 27 pilgrims, officials said, as mourners buried their dead. Earlier, a suicide bomber drove his car into a bus killing 27 Shi'ite pilgrims and prompting hundreds of Hazaras to take to the streets to protest against the violence. The leaders of the Hazara Shi’ite community in Quetta called off their protest later after two union ministers, including Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, met with protestors and vowed to launch a ‘targeted operation’ against militants targeting the Shi’ites.

Jan 25, 2014

Muslims across world assemble for Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh

Tongi (Dhaka), Jan 25 (ANI): Muslims across the globe thronged a small village in Bangladesh for the annual Bishwa Ijtema (world congregation), the second biggest mass gathering after Haj, joining their hands in a special prayer to promote peace, tranquillity, spirit of brotherhood and understanding among Islamic nations. Streams of devotees arrived at the venue on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, near Dhaka. The event focuses on prayers and meditation and does not allow political discussion. Another follower from a remote district of Bangladesh, Borhanuddin, said that he was going to pray for the Muslims, who lost their lives in violent clashes or war zones across the world.

Jan 25, 2014

Security tightened at Indo- Nepal border ahead of Republic Day

Siliguri, Jan 25 (ANI): Ahead of India’s Republic Day on January 26, paramilitary forces have been put on high security alert along the Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal. The security was stepped up along the international border near villages in Siliguri district. Inspector general of an Indian paramilitary force, Kuldiep Singh said that the patrolling along border was intensified as a result of the alert issued to check infiltration and ensure safety. This year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations.

Jan 25, 2014

Congress decisions made within house only, No point holding referendum: Sabir Ali

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): Commenting on the Congress's decision to hold a referendum on whether to support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after Lok Sabha polls, Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader Sabir Ali on Saturday said that even if Congress holds a referendum, their decisions will be made within house only.

Jan 25, 2014

Alagiris suspension will never affect DMKs poll prospects: Karunanidhi

Chennai, Jan 25 (ANI): Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) President M Karunanidhi said that suspension of his son MK Alagiri from the post of organizing secretary, would not affect party’s prospects in the upcoming general elections. Earlier, DMK announced its decision to expel Alagiri on charges of going against the party's stand and airing divergent views on the issue of stitching an alliance with Vijaykant's DMDK. Responding to a question on whether Alagiri’s suspension would affect DMK’s election prospects, especially in Madurai where he has been a popular figure, Karunanidhi said many such disciplinary actions were taken before and have never affected the party.

Jan 25, 2014

BJP accuses Congress of lifting Narendra Modis slogan

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): The BJP accused the Congress of copying lines of Narendra Modi’s 2011 slogan in an advertisement featuring Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. The ad appeared in national dailies ahead of general elections in April, with a tagline, ‘not I, we’. BJP pointed out that Modi used this slogan in 2011 by releasing a copy of the event. Congress refuted the charge saying it always believed in collective responsibility. BJP's strong showing in the recent polls in four states has boosted the momentum for Modi in the run-up to the national election due by April 2014.

Jan 25, 2014

Government makes efforts to promote handloom sector in the northeast

Agartala, Jan 24 (ANI): Tripura recently hosted the 15-day-long National Handloom Expo at the Purbasha grounds in Agartala with an aim to encourage the handloom industry. The annual event is organized jointly by the Development Commission for handlooms, under the Ministry of Textiles and the Department of handlooms, handicraft and sericulture of the Government of Tripura. All together 60 stalls from 14 states and one from neighbouring Bangladesh were put up, showcasing the amazing handiworks of weavers and craftsmen. People were excited to get a chance to sample quality products from various places. The Northeastern region has a rich heritage of handlooms and handicrafts and the government has been laying considerable emphasis on uplifting the sector.

Jan 25, 2014

Manipur fashion extravaganza' - a blend of tradition and modernity

Manipur, Jan 24 (ANI): 'Manipur Fashion Extravaganza 2014' A blend of modern with traditional designs is the creation of Manipur's rising stylist Robert Naorem. Renowned local female models with top models from outside sashayed down the ramp wearing traditional Manipuri costumes, including bridal dress, phanek or wrap and evening gown. Models and designers from Bhutan also participated in the event. The main objective was to promote and raise awareness about the rich culture and traditions of the state. During the event, a renowned designer Rimchong Mareem also showcased the tribal fusion collection.The male models were seen wearing tribal attires.Miss World Runner Up, Parvathy, Former Miss India Shobata and Diana Irrapa, Miss Photogenic titleholder of Femina Miss India 2010 and top model Archana Akhilkumar were crowd pullers at the show. This was the second time that Diana Irrapa walked the ramp in Imphal.

Jan 25, 2014

It happens: Dog Show

Rajkot/Patna, Jan 24 (ANI): Pet lovers were infused with enthusiasm and thronged a dog show with their respective canines. A dog show was organised in Rajkot city of India's western Gujarat province in which around 550 dogs of 26 different breeds took part. The main aim of the dog show was to inform people about different breeds of dogs and which ones can be kept as pet. Various breeds such as Labrador, Golden retriever, Saint Bernard, Pugs, Lhasa Apso, bullmastiff, etc competed with each other during the show. There were several stalls set up to provide information about the medicines given to dogs. Meanwhile, a dog show was held in eastern Patna city where canines participated and displayed their strength and agility.

Jan 24, 2014

It happens: Music Festival

Odisha, Jan 24 (ANI): With the commencement of spring, music lovers thronged the century- old famous Rajarani Temple in India's eastern Odisha state as it reverberated with the rhythm of Indian classical music by eminent classicists. Every year the Department of Tourism organises this festival beginning from January 18 to 20 in the grounds of the magnificent Rajarani Temple. The evening started with the Odissi vocal recital programme by an eminent singer. The music lovers present were deeply engrossed in the superb and impeccable elaboration of different Ragas and musical patterns, clear tonal quality and musical renderings. Each presentation was highly applauded by the people present in the festival. The atmosphere inside the temple premises was musical and thrilled the music lovers. The Rajarani Music festival is organised by Odisha Tourism and Development Corporation (OTDC) in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy (OSNA). The objective of organising the festival is to showcase the cultural heritage of Odisha state and attract more tourists.

Jan 24, 2014

It happens: Theatre Festival

Manipur, Jan 24 (ANI): People in Imphal city of India's northeastern Manipur province got a glimpse of their traditional art and culture as they thronged a nine-day theatre festival in the region. The rich history and culture of the province is being shown through different plays during the 'Khundongbam Brojendro Theatre Festival', attracting prominent artists and theatre groups from across the country. The festival is an initiative of the Khundongbam Brojendro Cultural Trust in collaboration with Department of Arts and Culture, provincial government of Manipur. This is the third edition of festival based on the theme-'Theatre for peace and Friendship'. Besides local theatre groups, the festival also registered the participation of theatre groups from India's IT hub, Bangalore city. A play 'Bor Interview' written by Khundongbam Brojendro and directed by O Joykumar was staged by the Rupmahal Theatre group on the inaugural day of the festival. The festival will conclude on January 28.

Jan 24, 2014

BJP takes on AAP, demands resignation of Somnath Bharti

New Delhi, Jan 24 (ANI): BJP leader Harsh Vardhan, took on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday saying that the party, which won Delhi assembly election on the basis of clean politics, should ask Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti to step down. Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti is involved in a controversy over a midnight raid that he led where four Ugandan women were allegedly mistreated. Meanwhile, Harsh Vardhan slammed Delhi state chief, Arvind Kejriwal, and said if people have chosen the party for clean politics, he should ask Bharti to resign on moral grounds.

Jan 24, 2014

War of words continues as Mulayam Singh Yadav slams Narendra Modi yet again

Lucknow, Jan 24 (ANI): Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav slammed BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, on Friday yet again and called him a liar after war of words began between the two a day earlier at their rallies in Uttar Pradesh. Hitting out at Modi indirectly, without naming him, Yadav called him a liar.

Jan 24, 2014

Rakhi Sawant thanks Uddhav, calls Kejriwal item boy

Mumbai, Jan 24 (ANI): Item girl Rakhi Sawant thanked Shiv Sena party president Uddhav Thackeray for his comment that Rakhi would have been a better administrator than Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Talking to mediapersons in Mumbai, Rakhi said that she felt bad about her name being dragged into everything but she is thankful to Uddhav for the compliment. She also called Kejriwal an item boy.

Jan 24, 2014