Politics

Funeral prayers for Saudi king Abdullah offered in Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 25 (ANI): Pakistani people, including senior government and embassy officials, offered funeral prayers-in-absentia for Saudi king Abdulla who died after a short illness early on Friday (January 23). Prime minister's advisor on national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, senior government and embassy officials attended the prayers led by minister for religious affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. The prayers were offered in Islamabd's Faisal Mosque which is named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the project. A one-day official mourning was observed in Pakistan on Friday on the sad demise of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The national flag flew at half mast. In a condolence message, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the King's demise, saying that being the custodian of the Holy Mosques he had a special place in the heart of every Pakistani.

Jan 25, 2015

Barack and Michelle Obama reach Delhi, PM Modi welcomes

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on Sunday reached New Delhi for a three day visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself went to receive Obama at the Palam Airport where Air Force One aircraft of United States landed. Modi greeted Obama and US First Lady at the airport and shook hands with both. Indian Ambassador to US S Jaishankar and Power Minister Piyush Goyal were also present at the airport to receive President Obama. Obama will be the Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations this year on the invite of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will be staying at Hotel Maurya Sheraton in Delhi where security has been highly tightened for their stay.

Jan 25, 2015

Outcome of Obama's India visit will be historical: MEA

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): MEA Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said on Sunday that the outcome of US President Barack Obama's visit to India will be historical in all respects. Being questioned about the Nuclear Liability Law, Akbaruddin said that substantial progress has been made on that issue. He added that the meeting of Obama with PM Narendra Modi will be a win-win situation for both India and the United States.

Jan 25, 2015

One dead, 15 injured in bus accident in Chennai

Chennai, Jan 25 (ANI): One girl was killed and 15 others sustained injuries when a bus turned turtle in Tamil Nadu state. A government bus en route to Salem district from Chennai toppled near Thiruneermalai town on the bypass road. The girl identified as Sathya Dharshini died on the spot. She hailed from Tiruchirappalli, around 300 kms from Chennai. The injured were rushed to a nearby government hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

Jan 25, 2015

Karnataka artisans prepare traditional wooden toys for Barack and Michelle Obama

Bengaluru, Jan 25 (ANI): The government of Karnataka state wishes to gift US President Barack Obama and his family traditional wooden toys as a token of affection during their visit to the country for Republic Day celebrations. The Channapatna town in Karnataka is famous for its wooden toys, painstakingly crafted by skilled artisans.The toys are made of special wood in a variety of colours. The artisans use ivory wood of a special tree grown in the old Mysore city for making these toys and dolls, which are also exported worldwide. US First Lady Michelle Obama had brought some toys crafted by artisans from this shop in Channapatna town during her last India visit in November 2010.

Jan 25, 2015