fortress-delhi-awaits-obama-security-tightened

Fortress Delhi awaits Obama, Security tightened

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): India's capital turned into a virtual fortress as US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will land soon for three-day visit, with heightened security measures, including an extended no-fly zone, to protect the world's most powerful leader. Obama will arrive in New Delhi for a highly symbolic parade and to nurture friendship with a prime minister who until last year was persona non grata in Washington. Obama will be the first US President to attend India's Republic Day parade and will host a radio show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up, with extra police patrols and checks at metro stations. Snipers are being deployed at more than 70 high-rise buildings around central Delhi, the security official said. Security has been highly tightened at Hotel Maurya Sheraton where Obama will be staying. Also, red carpet has been laid at Palam airport in Delhi where Obama will shortly land. 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
drc-senate-backs-down-on-electoral-bill-after-deadly-clashes

DRC Senate backs down on electoral bill after deadly clashes

After days of deadly protests, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Senate backs down on a hotly-contested electoral bill, which opposition claim would have enabled President Joseph Kabila to extend his hold on power. Duration: 01:28 Jan 24, 2015
us-president-barack-obama-leaves-for-india

US President Barack Obama leaves for India

Andrew's Airbase, Jan 24 (ANI): US President Barack Obama along with US First Lady Michelle Obama left for their three day landmark trip to India from Andrews Air Force Base on Saturday. 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. Earlier in the day, US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle's visit to Agra was cancelled. They were to visit the Taj Mahal and spend an hour before leaving for Washington DC. Jan 24, 2015
cpi-m-holds-nationwide-protest-against-president-obama-visit

CPI (M) holds nationwide protest against President Obama visit

Chennai, Jan 24 (ANI): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday held a nationwide protest against the upcoming visit by US President Barack Obama, stating that the America seeks to change India's economic, security and strategic policies for its own benifits. President Obama, who will arrive in the national capital on January 25 to take part in this year's Republic Day celebrations on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be the first US president to attend the Republic Day celebrations. Jan 24, 2015
us-president-has-warned-pak-because-of-indias-diplomacy-approach-says-rajnath-singh

US President has warned Pak because of India's diplomacy approach, says Rajnath Singh

Haridwar, Jan 24 (ANI): Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday while speaking on US President Barack Obama's warning to Pakistan, said that it is the result of India's diplomatic approach. Reportedly, Obama has asked Pakistan to ensure that there is no cross-border terror incident during his trip to India and had subtly warned of "consequences" if any such attack is traced back to the country. Obama will arrive in New Delhi on January 25 to take part in Republic Day celebrations on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the first US President to attend the grand celebrations on January 26. Jan 24, 2015
us-president-barack-obama-cancels-agra-visit-no-internal-reason-for-the-same-agra-dm

US President Barack Obama cancels Agra visit, no internal reason for the same: Agra DM

Agra, Jan 24 (ANI): Agra District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar on Saturday confirmed that US President Barack Obama cancelled his visit to Agra. The news of the cancellation of the scheduled visit comes a day before Obama is to visit India as the guest of honour for the 66th republic day celebrations. Obama was to visit Agra with his wife Michelle on January 27. They were to visit the Taj Mahal and spend an hour before leaving for Washington DC. However, Kumar said that the reasons for sudden change in programme are not known and that the reason is definitely not internal. He also assured that all security measures are in place for the now-cancelled visit. Jan 24, 2015