migratory-siberian-birds-grace-holy-waters-in-varanasi

Migratory Siberian birds grace holy waters in Varanasi

Varanasi, Nov 15 (ANI): Tourists from across the world are flocking to the holy town of Varanasi to see migratory Siberian birds swim in the river Ganges. During winters Siberian birds, like their name suggests, fly thousands of miles away from the cold Arctic regions of Siberia as they begin to freeze over, preferring to move to warmer climates. These birds travel through Afghanistan and Central Asia before arriving at India, where they breed. A tourist, Anirudh, said the birds migrate back to their country after the harvest festival in February. Nov 15, 2014
afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-to-visit-pakistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to visit Pakistan

Islamabad, Nov 14 (ANI): Pakistan announced that the newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was coming to Islamabad on a two-days' official visit to Pakistan. Addressing a weekly briefing, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam confirmed Ghani's visit. Analysts say Ghani's visit marks a renewed effort by the two neighbours to warm up ties that have been fraught with mutual suspicions. She said issues pertaining to border security will also come under discussion during the 2-days visit. Ghani's visit comes shortly after a recent trip to Kabul by Pakistan's Army chief, General Raheel Sharif, during which he offered to train Afghan security forces. The visit was widely seen as an ice-breaker aimed at addressing deepening suspicion among Afghanistan's security establishment about Pakistan. The visit to Islamabad will be Ghani's third trip abroad since his inauguration in September. He has recently visited Saudi Arabia and China. Nov 14, 2014
morcha-band-from-afghanistan-performs-at-8th-south-asian-bands-festival

Morcha band from Afghanistan performs at 8th South Asian Bands Festival

New Delhi, Nov 13 (ANI): The cultural diversity of SAARC member countries was showcased at the 8th South Asian Bands Festival held at Old Fort in New Delhi. Among the many groups was Morcha Band from Afghanistan, which thrilled the audience with rocking Afghani and Indian songs. The Band performed in India for the first time. The band received an overwhelming response from the audience. The Director of Sehar (an NGO) and South Asian Bands Festival, Sanjeev Bhargava, who has organized the show, said that the idea behind this festival was to bring the people from different nations together and promote cultural integration. He also appreciated the Afghani musicians. India and Afghanistan have strong cultural ties and the music binds the two nations together. Nov 13, 2014
nepalese-rock-band-enthralls-audience-at-the-8th-south-asian-bands-festival-2014

Nepalese rock band enthralls audience at the 8th South Asian Bands Festival 2014

New Delhi, Nov 13 (ANI): Bands from SAARC countries performed at the 8th South Asian Bands Festival 2014 in New Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and NGO Seher. The Nepalese rock band, 'Mukti and Revival' mesmerized the audience with their performance. Members of the band believe that culture of India and Nepal is very similar and such events help to strengthen it further. A total of 14 rock bands from across the Subcontinent performed at the Festival. Besides Nepal, bands from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India (SAARC) and observer country, France played music from across various genres. The three day festival was concluded on November 9. Nov 13, 2014
experts-say-former-anti-india-u-s-diplomat-facing-spy-probe-acted-on-state-policy

Experts say former anti India U.S. diplomat facing spy probe acted on state policy

Washington D.C., Nov 11 (ANI): Experts have said that former US Assistant Secretary of State, Robin Raphel, who is under the scanner for espionage allegations, did nothing to suggest she was anti-India but merely acted on state policy under the Clinton administration. Robin Raphel, a retired ambassador who had been an adviser to the State Department's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP), was stripped of her security clearance and is part of a federal counter intelligence investigation, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. Raphel, who has been a controversial figure in India-U.S. ties, has been a hot topic in the Indian media ever since reports of her house being searched surfaced. She openly made remarks on Kashmir's accession to India in the 1990s, enraging many Indians. Indian media reports have even gone far enough to call her 'India-baiter', a 'pro-Pakistan partisan' and a 'Pakistan spy'. Assistant Professor Christine Fair, Center for Peace and Security Studies, Georgetown University, said Raphel was merely executing state policy when it came to India and Pakistan though she made inflammatory statements on India. Meanwhile, Pakistani journalist Raza Rumi claimed it was a routine inquiry and the Indian media had blown up the issue. Nov 11, 2014
two-security-personnel-hurt-in-militant-attack-in-kashmir

Two security personnel hurt in militant attack in Kashmir

Qazigund, Nov 09 (ANI): At least two personnel of paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured in a militant attack in Qazigund town of Kashmir’s Kulgam district, said police. The militants escaped taking advantage of darkness, added police. They also said search operations had been launched in the area to nab the assailants. The injured troopers were shifted to a nearby medical facility. The militants also opened fire at the bus in which the CRPF personnel were traveling. India has been bolstering its defences along the de facto border with Pakistan, fearing militant groups fighting the US-led coalition in Afghanistan will turn their energies to Kashmir, where it is trying to end a 25-year insurgency. Nov 9, 2014
nato-chief-vows-afghan-support-as-combat-mission-ends

NATO chief vows Afghan support as combat mission ends

NATO's new chief Jens Stoltenberg pledged Thursday that Afghanistan would not be abandoned when the alliance's combat mission ends next month after 13 years of fighting against resilient Taliban insurgents. Duration: 00:57 Nov 7, 2014