former-foreign-secretary-says-obamas-visit-will-boost-india-us-relations

Former Foreign Secretary says Obama's visit will boost India-US relations

New Delhi, Jan 24 (ANI): Former Foreign Secretary Shashank said on Saturday that US President Barack Obama's visit to India will boost relations between both countries. Shashank said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to US has given an impression to the States that he is not that kind of a leader which its investigation agencies and Pakistan had portrayed. Also, prior to Obama's visit Pakistan has been warned about conducting any terror attacks followed by Pakistan's ban on major terrorist organizations like Jamat-ud-Dawah. Jan 24, 2015
assam-beefs-up-security-ahead-of-republic-day

Assam beefs up security ahead of Republic Day

Guwahati, Jan 24 (ANI): Assam tightened security across all its districts ahead of 66th Republic Day. In a sign of growing warmth between the two nations, US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day glitzy parade which showcases country's military might and rich heritage. The preparation for Republic Day, which is celebrated on January 26, is in full swing. Participants including men in uniform and school students carried out rehearsals in dusty ground, while the state is under security blanket and CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the parade ground. Security personnel are carrying out regular checks at railway platforms, tracks and also conducting frisking of vehicles and commuters on road in Guwahati city. As the northeast is home to several separatist revolts, thousands of troops are deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Director General of Police (DGP), Khagen Sharma said there are intelligence inputs that militants are desperate to create mayhem on the eve of Republic Day. Jan 24, 2015
us-officials-review-security-in-agra-ahead-of-obamas-visit

US officials review security in Agra ahead of Obama's visit

Agra, Jan 24 (ANI): US security officials visited city of Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh to review various aspects ahead of the visit of US President Barack Obama. The US President, along with first lady Michelle Obama, will arrive in New Delhi on January 25 on invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The members stayed for hours and interacted with officials regarding security preparations in Agra city. Officials paid visit to the local Sarojini Naidu Medical College to have a look at the trauma centre and other facilities. Kumar added all arrangements, including the critical care ambulance, are in place. Agra is set to become a fortress ahead of Obama's visit on January 27. The historic monument Taj Mahal will be closed to visitors on that day. Jan 24, 2015
residents-expect-obama-to-speak-on-kashmir-issue-while-on-his-visit-to-india

Residents expect Obama to speak on Kashmir issue while on his visit to India

Srinagar, Jan 24 (ANI): Residents of Jammu and Kashmir expected US President Barack Obama to speak about Kashmir issue and help improve relations between India and Pakistan. Obama will arrive in India on Sunday for the second time during his tenure, to build on what he calls one of the defining relationships of the 21st century. He was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be the first US President to attend Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. Meanwhile, residents of the valley said that Obama could set a peaceful mood between India and Pakistan. Militants have been targeting security bases in Kashmir since 1990s, when there was a full-blown insurgency against Indian rule in a region over which India and Pakistan fought two of their three. Jan 24, 2015
bhopal-gas-victims-urge-us-president-obama-for-justice-ahead-of-his-india-visit

Bhopal gas victims urge US President Obama for justice ahead of his India visit

Bhopal, Jan 24 (ANI): Victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, world's worst industrial disaster, called upon US President Barack Obama to ensure justice for survivors by directing Dow Chemicals to appear for hearings and clean toxic waste. In the early hours of December 3, 1984, around 40 tons of methyl isocyanate gas accidentally leaked from a pesticide factory owned by US multinational Union Carbide Corp. and was carried by the wind into the surrounding slums. Social activist Satinath Sarangi said they have called upon Obama and demanded extradition of John Macdonald, secretary of Union Carbide. Obama will arrive in India on Sunday for the second time during his tenure, to build on what he calls one of the defining relationships of the 21st century. Jan 24, 2015
delhi-witnesses-full-dress-rehearsal-of-republic-day-parade

Delhi witnesses full dress rehearsal of Republic Day parade

New Delhi, Jan 23 (ANI): A full dress rehearsal of this year's Republic Day Parade took place on Friday, and Delhi Police announced a change in traffic movement to facilitate the exercise. The parade started at 9:50 AM from Vijay Chowk and proceeded to the Red Fort ground via Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg. The helicopters were seen up the sky carrying national flags that gave a much boost to the patriotic sentiments of the people present. A well coordinated parade by the Army too was a sight to behold. Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police had stalled the traffic on the parade route from 5:00 AM till 12:30 PM. This year's parade will have US President Barack Obama as the chief guest, and in anticipation of his three-day second visit to India in four years, security has been tightened across the country. Jan 23, 2015
india-contemplates-on-indo-us-nuclear-deal-ahead-of-obamas-visit

India contemplates on Indo-US nuclear deal ahead of Obama's visit

New Delhi, Jan 23 (ANI): India on Friday speculated over the Indo-US nuclear deal as President Barack Obama is set to arrive on January 25 for a three-day visit to India. BJP leader Sambit Patra said that commitment towards the nuclear deal is from both sides of the country. BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said that BJP is committed to social and environmental aspects of the civil nuclear deal. Security Expert Major General (Retd) S R Sinho also appeared hopeful about the Indo-US nuclear deal taking place on Obama's visit. Jan 23, 2015
weavers-in-varanasi-make-traditional-banarasi-saree-for-michelle-obama

Weavers in Varanasi make traditional 'Banarasi saree' for Michelle Obama

Varanasi, Jan 23 (ANI): Weavers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency were busy making traditional attire 'sarees' for US first lady Michelle Obama, who would accompany President Barack Obama on his India visit. Barack Obama will arrive in India on Sunday for the second time during his tenure, to build on what he calls one of the defining relationships of the 21st century. Obama will be accompanied by Michelle Obama on his three-day trip and is expected to travel to tour Taj Mahal, about 200 km south of the capital. Meanwhile, weavers in temple town of Varanasi were busy preparing popular 'Banarasi sarees' for Michelle Obama that will be gifted by Modi to her. The saree, named after Varanasi's old name Banaras, is one of the defining products of the city's handloom sector. Jan 23, 2015

Two killed, at least 14 injured in Bomb explosion at Arrah civil court in Bihar

Arrah, Jan 23 (ANI): Two persons, including a woman, have been killed in a bomb explosion in a civil court in Arrah district of Bihar on Friday. The police said a woman was carrying the bomb and was killed when it exploded. A policeman also died. At least 14 people have been injured. The deceased was yet to be identified as more details about the incident are awaited. There is a nationwide security alert ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India which begins on Sunday. Jan 23, 2015