Politics

Social activists protest kite flying with glass strings due to birds killing

Vadodara, Jan 14 (ANI): Social activists protested in Gujarat against the killing and maiming of hundreds of birds with glass coated kite strings during the celebration of International Kite Festival. During the kite festival in Vadodara city, scores of bird's died that were hit by harmful glass coated string used by participants who try to cut opponents' kite strings. The activists took to streets and spread messages of saving birds while holding banners reading 'Do not kill the birds, let them live'. A social activist, Bhagwan Bharwadh said that people should fly kites late in the day to save birds. The kite festival attracts enthusiastic kite makers and flyers from across the globe. Kites in various shapes dot state's skyline as foreign and local kite flyers compete with each other.

Jan 14, 2015

Centre removes DRDO chief Avinash Chander

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): The government has removed Defence Research and Development Organization Director General Avinash Chander from his post, 15 months before his contract was to end. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi "approved the termination" of the contract of Avinash Chander with effect from January 31, an official notification said. Chander was Secretary, Defence Research and Development-cum-Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. He had retired on November 30 last year after he turned 64, but was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year. He is considered to be the chief architect of Agni series of ballistic missile systems.

Jan 14, 2015

Nearly 50 bodies found in River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh

Unnao, Jan 14 (ANI): Nearly 50 bodies have been found in River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. The administration has ordered a probe in the matter. Dogs, crows and vultures dug into bodies as they had reached the bank due to low water level, posing major environment challenges in the areas under Unnao District. A district official, Suraj Prasad, promised action after probe. Residents blamed the state as well as the government at the centre for it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, elected to represent the 3,000-year-old riverside city of Varanasi, has taken personal responsibility to clean up the Ganges, as part of a broader push to India's scarce water resources and improve standards of public health and hygiene.

Jan 14, 2015

Black buck poaching case: SC quashes suspension of Salman Khan's conviction

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the Rajasthan high court order which stayed actor Salman Khan's conviction in the blackbuck poaching case. The apex court asked the HC to decide Khan's plea afresh in which the trial court had sentenced him to five-year jail term. The SC also said that the actor can approach the HC if he really needs to travel abroad.

Jan 14, 2015

Devotees take holy dip in River Ganges to mark 'Makar Sankranti'

Varanasi/ Allahabad/ Haridwar, Jan 14 (ANI): Devout Hindus in India converged on the banks of holy River Ganges on Wednesday to take holy dip to mark harvest festival, ‘Makar Sankranti’. The festival marks the arrival of spring. Large number of devotees gathered in Allahabad and Varanasi cities of Uttar Pradesh to take a dip in River Ganges. The pilgrims camp by the riverside and in the evening they decorate the entire riverbank with earthen oil lamps. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended best wishes on the occasion. He tweeted saying, “I convey my heartfelt greetings to our fellow countrymen & women on the various festivals across the Nation. The festive spirit across India is gladdening. It celebrates the diversity of India that we cherish & are extremely proud of.”

Jan 14, 2015

Pope set for huge welcome in Philippines

Pope Francis’ second visit to Asia takes in the Philippines, a stronghold of Christianity in the region, where he is set to attract one of the biggest gatherings ever for a head of the Catholic Church. Duration: 02:17

Jan 14, 2015

PM Modi attends 'Chuda Dahi Bhoj' at Paswan's residence on Makar Sankranti

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended a 'Chuda Dahi Bhoj' at the residence of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The Prime Minister greeted Paswan, his family members, and a large number of people who had gathered for the occasion. Meanwhile, earlier in the day Hindu devotees converged on the banks of holy River Ganges to take holy dip to mark harvest festival, ‘Makar Sankranti’.

Jan 14, 2015

Vikaspuris church vandalised by unknown miscreants

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): A church in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area was vandalised by unknown miscreants early on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident came to light when officials of Our Lady of Graces church noticed broken shards of glass and statues inside the premises and informed the police. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the church and the footage show two men approaching the church at 4:19 AM. Police officials rushed to spot and are currently scrutinizing the CCTV footage for more details.

Jan 14, 2015

Recommended that very senior positions should not be on contract, there is no controversy: Parrikar

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that former DRDO Chief Avinash Chander's tenure had finished in November and Chander was on contract for the next three years. Parrikar said he had recommended that such a senior position cannot be held by a person on contract. He further stated that no new name has yet been decided as Chander's successor. Meanwhile, Indian Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan said that removal of DRDO chief was government's decision. The government has removed Defence Research and Development Organization Director General Avinash Chander from his post, 15 months before his contract was to end.

Jan 14, 2015

Pope leads joyous million-strong mass on Sri Lanka seafront

A million worshippers pack the Colombo seafront to greet Pope Francis as he canonises Sri Lanka's first saint in the biggest public celebration the city has ever witnessed. Duration: 01:16

Jan 14, 2015

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