Politics

Dozens dead in new Mediterranean migrant tragedy

Close to 200 shocked survivors were plucked from the sea on Saturday after their overloaded boat sank, claiming more than 30 lives in the latest deadly migrant tragedy to hit the Mediterranean. Duration: 00:40

Oct 12, 2013

'Red alert' as massive cyclone bears down on India

India evacuated nearly half a million people as massive cyclone Phailin closed in on the impoverished east coast on Saturday, with winds already uprooting trees and tearing into flimsy homes. Duration: 00:43

Oct 12, 2013

Classic Cars Challenge kicks off at Great Wall of China

About 20 vintage cars from all over the world start a rally from Beijing to Shanghai as part of this year's Classic Cars Challenge. Duration: 01:20

Oct 12, 2013

BSF helps children with cleft lip in Tripura

Tripura, Oct 11 (ANI): A two-day long medical camp for people with cleft lips was held at Salbagan in the west district of Tripura. At the camp, 14 people, including children and other persons with cleft lips and palates were operated upon by doctors. All patients were from poor families and the funds for organizing the surgical and medical camp were provided by Smile Train. Smile Train, founded in 2000, is an international charity that helps children with cleft lips. All parents were very happy that the BSF helped them in the treatment of their children. The surgeries were performed free of cost. Such camps have been held in the past as well. The initiative gives the children a new lease of life, and a smile on their faces.

Oct 11, 2013

Phailin is likely to be a super cyclone: AP Revenue Minister

Hyderabad, Oct 11 (ANI): As Cyclonic storm 'Phailin', which is classified as very severe by the weather department, is expected to hit coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh at around 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy said that Military, Navy and NDRF are back in action and it is likely to be a super cyclone.

Oct 11, 2013

Bangladesh academician rules out enmity between political parties, highlights clash of ideologies

Dhaka, Oct 11 (ANI): Bangladesh academician, Mesbah Kamal, ruled out enmity between the two leading political parties and highlighted clash of ideologies, as tensions mounted ahead of the general elections. The clash of ideologies could plunge Bangladesh into a cycle of violence as the two main political parties - ruling Awami League led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh National Party (BNP) headed by Begum Khaleda Zia, locked in decades of mutual distrust, exploit the tension between secularists and Islamists ahead of elections that are due by next January. Kamal while talking to the reporter in Dhaka said that there was no personality oriented political rivalry between Hasina and Zia. Kamal also said that a caretaker government was no longer possible under the present constitution.

Oct 11, 2013

Chandrababu Naidu evicted from Andhra Bhavan, taken to hospital

New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu who is on an indefinite hunger strike for five days in Delhi against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, is being moved by the Delhi Police to a hospital amid high drama. Delhi police entered AP Bhawan, evicted him by force and took him to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital for the treatment. The TDP supporters tried to prevent the police from taking Naidu away, but, the police dispersed them and put him onto an ambulance and drove him away. The protesters blocked the way for the police and the ambulance, waved flags and shouted slogans. Some even stood in front of the ambulance in which Mr Naidu was being taken to prevent it from moving

Oct 11, 2013

It happens: Sikh Guru Birth Anniversary

Amritsar, Oct 11 (ANI): Devout Sikhs hailed the birth anniversary of fourth Sikh Guru, named Guru Ramdas across India on Wednesday. They chanted hymns in his praise while the illuminated Harmandir Sahib better known as Golden Temple at Amritsar in northern state of Punjab presented a grand spectacle. Hundreds gathered at this prominent Sikh temple to offer prayers on this auspicious day. Guru Ramdas is the fourth spiritual leaders of the Sikhs and he is believed to be the founder of the city of Amritsar. The Sikh religion originated with Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD) who was succeeded by nine other prophets, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 AD) being the last. Followers of Sikhism are identified by five visible symbols namely Cachucha (underwear), Kasha (uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kara (iron bangles) and Kiran (dagger). Most Sikh men sport a beard and wrap their uncut hair in turban. Most take the surname 'Singh', which means lion, after their Guru exhorted them to shed fear and defend their honour.

Oct 11, 2013

It happens: Eco-Friendly Navratra

Chennai, Oct 11 (ANI): India's Southern city, Chennai, witnessed extraordinary eco- friendly Navratri celebrations this season, as a handicraft artist introduced her eco- friendly products made of throw- away material. Artist Sowmyalakshmi, said that she liked to create eco- friendly, traditional dolls which helps in keeping the Indian Culture alive. Besides dolls, she also crafts fashion jewellery like Swarovski, Terracotta and attractive, inexpensive jewellery. The onset of winter marks the festive season in India, starting with Navratri and Durga Puja, followed by Dussehra and ending with Diwali. 'Navratri', which literally means nine nights and is observed twice a year, began across India with religious fervour from October 05 this year. A customer and also a teacher, Krishna Priya, said that she appreciated the idea of Sowmyalakshmi and encouraged her for doing more and more.The festival lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations of Durga, the Indian Goddess of power. It is believed that during the Navratri, Goddess Durga descends upon earth to rid it of the demons and blesses her devotees with happiness and prosperity.

Oct 11, 2013

It happens: Durga Puja celebrations

Kolkata, Oct 11 (ANI): The Hindu festival of Navratri also known as Dussera is a period of joy and celebrations for devout Hindus across India. At Kolkata in eastern state of West Bengal where the event is of utmost significance among all including foreign tourists participated in the gala festivities on Sunday.The festival is celebrated with grand fervour in Kolkata with festivities commencing early in the day with consistent prayer sessions along with continuous supply of cultural programmes and mouth-watering delicacies. Devotees assemble at the closest make-shift tent to their home and participate in the elaborate prayer session, where priest chant hymns and perform several Hindu rituals. Several foreign tourists joined him at the function and they were seen playing traditional drums and experiencing the spirit of Navratri for the first time. Elsewhere in the culture-rich city, the state's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee also inaugurated a marquee, housing an idol of Goddess Durga. It is believed that during the days of Navratri, Goddess Durga descends on earth to rid it of demons and bless her devotee subjects with happiness and prosperity. During popular autumn festival of Navratri, nine forms of Devi (Divine Mother) are worshippe

Oct 11, 2013

Stapled visa issue: Arunachal Pradesh archers shocked, saddened

New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): Two young women archers from Arunachal Pradesh, who were issued stapled Chinese visas were prevented from boarding a China Southern Airlines flight at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport last night while they were heading to Wuxi for the Youth World Archery Championship, on Friday expressed shock and sadness over the entire incident.

Oct 11, 2013

JPC report on 2G scam a cover up operation for PM & FM: CPI (M)

Hyderabad, Oct 11 (ANI): After CPI leader Sitaram Yechury filed a dissent on JPC's 2G report saying that the report failed to question Prime Minister and finance minister on 2G scam, he said that A Raja was not given chance to put his point and that the report was just a cover up for the PM and the finance minister. He further said that the report has to go through both the houses in the Parliament, according to the procedures and the final decision will be awaited.

Oct 11, 2013

Pak trying to take full advantage of non-existent Govt in India: BJP

New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): Terming the ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir to be very unfortunate and a sad situation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday said Islamabad is trying to take full advantage of a non-existent government at the Centre. The Pakistani army violated the ceasefire yet again on Friday, targeting several posts of the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, heavy firing was reported from the Hamirpur, Mendhar and Barasingha sectors of Poonch in Jammu. Small arms, rockets and mortars are reportedly being fired from Pakistan. The Indian Army is retaliating in equal measure.

Oct 11, 2013

We are fully prepared to counter the cyclone: Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneshwar, Oct 11 (ANI): As Cyclonic storm 'Phailin', which is classified as very severe by the weather department, is expected to hit coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh at around 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the state is fully prepared to counter the cyclone. The Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Governments have taken all preventive measures to counter the expected cyclone, a warning for which has already been issued by the meteorological department in both states.

Oct 11, 2013

UP is burning, SP just interested in vote bank: Raj Babbar after Raja Bhaiya's comeback

New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): After controversial UP leader Raghuraj Pratap Singh or 'Raja Bhaiya' returned as a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav government, Congress spokesperson Raj Babbar said that the whole of UP is burning in the flames of communalism and corruption and that SP government is only interested in its vote bank. He further said that UP government was responsible for the Muzaffarnagar riots and bringing back Raja Bhaiya in the cabinet is another tactic in the same series.

Oct 11, 2013