Page 256 - Video Gallery

Beijing issues second smog 'red alert'

Beijing, Dec 18 (ANI): Beijing has issued the second ever 'red alert' for pollution, as the government pledged to crack down on the hazardous levels of smog. Authorities in the Chinese capital warned the city would be shrouded by heavy pollution from Saturday until next Tuesday. China's leadership has vowed to tackle heavy air, water and soil pollution after decades of unbridled economic growth. Beijing's second red alert comes after a historic climate agreement was reached in Paris in December, setting a course to move away from a fossil fuel-driven economy within decades.

Sikhs in Southall celebrate Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

London, Dec 18: Chanting verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs in London's Southall area carried out Nagar Kirtan or procession to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Over 15 thousand people, many of them from various parts of UK, Europe and India, participated in the colourful parade. The colourful procession started from the Havelock Road Gurudwara and concluded at the Park Avenue Gurudwara.The youth displayed Gatka, a Sikh martial arts during the procession and also distributed langer, a free-community meal to the passers-by. Guru Nanak Dev Ji remains an icon of truth, compassion and righteousness through his noble teachings. His divine teachings would forever inspire people to follow the path of righteousness and show respect for the entire humankind irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Japan's car sharing model can help reduce CO2 pollution and traffic congestion

Tokyo, Dec 17 (ANI): Traffic congestion and vehicular pollution becomes a global concern. Now, one can follow the Japanese way of car sharing to reach your destination. In Japan, car sharing business is expanding since 2012 since ORIX group develops a technology to allow people share cars. For any large facility like a factory or shopping mall, it requires efficient supply of water, especially for the air conditioning unit. "APiTA", a shopping mall uses pumps of Ebara. And, it succeeded in saving energy. UNY group accepts the energy saving proposal from Ebara in more than 30 stores. And in total, we cut electricity consumption by 4,550,000 KW every year. This reduced quantity of electricity equals to the quantity used by about 1,000 normal family units a year. Also it equals to the reduction of 1,588 tons of CO2 emissions. EBARA has its presence in many countries, and their contribution to save energy is remarkable.

US Federal Reserve raises interest rates by 0.25 percent

United States, Dec 17 (ANI): The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 0.25 percent, its first increase in nine years. This was announced on Wednesday after a two-day policy meeting between officials with stocks rallying in early trading in Europe and the US. The rate, which stands at 0.5 percent after the increase, was kept the same throughout the global credit crunch so that financial institutions could borrow cheaply and in turn allow them to lend at lower rates. The US central bank cited as the reasons for its action increased household spending and investment by business, along with a continued low rate of inflation. The bank also raised its projection for its economic growth next year slightly, from 2.3 percent to 2.4 percent. That suggests the bank does not think the rate increase will damage growth. US share markets jumped in response. The move is likely to cause ripples around the world. It could also mean higher borrowing costs for developing economies, many of whic

Madhesi protesters opposing President's visit injured in clash with police

Janakpur, Dec 16 (ANI): Around 40 Madhesi protesters and Indian tourists sustained injuries in clashes with Nepal Police in Janakpur city. The protesters were opposing Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari while she was on a brief visit to the Janaki Temple on the occasion of Ram-Janaki Bibaha Mahotsav. Police had to use tear gas shells to disperse the protesting mob. Around 20 protesters sustained injuries in the clashes and are undergoing treatment at various local health facilities. Nepal Police had made security arrangements in the wake of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha announcing plans for staging a protest program to disrupt President Bhandari's visit to Janakpur.

Sri Lanka to renew engagements with UN

Colombo, Dec 16 (ANI): In a bid to strengthen the relations with the United Nations, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Dr. Rohan Perera, has said that the new administration in the country will engage with the global body with a renewed vigour. The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in New York on Monday celebrated the 60th anniversary of the admission of Sri Lanka to the UN. In his address at the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's admission to the UN, Perara said that the relationship between the UN and his country has undergone stresses and strains especially during the conflict and in its immediate aftermath. Further, Perara claimed that the nation has been contributing significantly to the UN Peacekeeping operations to maintain peace and security around the world.

LA schools closed over unspecified threat

Los Angeles, Dec 16 (ANI): An unspecified threat was reported in Los Angeles, which resulted in closing of all the schools in the district on Tuesday. Officials asked parents to keep all of the system's 643,000 students at home to allow time for a full search of more than 1,200 schools, from primary through high schools. It was the first closure of the full district in at least a decade, Reuters reported. The threat came days after a heavily armed US-born county health worker and his Pakistan-born wife killed 14 people and injured 17 others during a holiday party in California.

Quake Victims in Gilgit Baltistan Facing Government's Apat

Gilgit Baltistan, December 15, 2015: People of Gilgit Baltistan have been badly hit by the harsh winters. With no government help, especially after the October 26 earthquake, the residents brace up for the extreme weather conditions. A children's group, sitting in the open over the snow, is enjoying eating snacks. It is for the first time an NGO- Alamgir Welfare Trust International has reached the far-flung district of Ghizer in Gilgit Baltistan after the October 26 earthquake, distributing food packs and blankets. However, the woes of the locals will not end with this little relief measure - the food packets will not last long and blankets will not help them to face the chill in the harsh climatic conditions that have engulfed the region. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had, after the earthquake, announced a relief package for Gilgit-Baltistan- Rs 0.2 million for completely damaged houses, while Rs 0.1 million for the partially damaged. Till now, the locals have received 2 Kgs of rice, 2

Japan launches H-IIA rocket, contributes to space tech

Tokyo, Dec. 15 (ANI): Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully launched H-IIA rocket and put the 29th telecommunication satellite on orbit. On December 1, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries disclosed the core body of its next H-IIA rocket. The H-IIA is one of the most thriving rockets in the world with 97 percent successful launch rate. The latest H-IIA rocket enabled high performance and cost effectiveness by various engineering reforms. With the introduction of the H-IIA rocket, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will contribute to the space industry all over the world. Not only space, but the Japanese companies are gearing up to contribute for a social cause. Toshiba Corporation encourages participation in charity and other voluntary activities with the help of their employees. On December 5, the company celebrated International Volunteer Day in their offices around the world. In Tokyo, some 15 companies located at Toshiba headquarter building sponsored a fair trade market. A volunteer expressed

Madheshi leader accuses Nepal Government of suppressing their demands

Nepal, Dec 15 (ANI): Rajendra Mahato, the leader of Nepal Sadbhawana Party has accused the Nepal government of suppressing their demands and warns of serious consequences if their voice went unheard. On Sunday (December 13), the tripartite talks between the government, the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and opposition Nepali Congress (NC) remained inconclusive as all parties stuck to their previous stances. Madhesi parties have forwarded an 11-point list to the government that includes fresh demarcation of federal boundaries and proportionate representation is all state organs. While addressing the party members in Birgunj, Mahato said that things will worsen if the government fails to address their demands. For almost four months, the plains of the Nepal Terai have been simmering with protests against the country's new Constitution that was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on September 20. The demands of Madhesis include redrawing of the boundaries of the provinces, resto

Madhesis continue protest against new constitution in Nepal

Janakpur, Dec 14 (ANI): Members of Nepal's ethnic Madhesi community continued their protest, about four months after a new Constitution was adopted by the Himalayan nation which they consider being discriminative. Madhesis have been protesting against the seven-province model of the new constitution and are demanding redrawing of boundary. In Janakpur city, the Madhesi community organised a rally and protested on roads while shouting slogans. Protesters have blocked trucks from India for more than three months, leading to acute shortages of fuel and medicine in the country but Madhesis have declared to not end their protest till their demands are met. The nascent republic, wedged between China and India, has been in turmoil since September when it adopted a new Constitution. People from ethnic Madhesi groups living along the border with India, began protests saying Nepal's first republican charter did not accommodate their interests. Madhesis have called the seven-province model of the

India can't prove my role in 26/11 Mumbai attacks: Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi, Dec 14 (ANI): Days after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan, Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has dared India to prove his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. According to a video posted on his Twitter account, Saeed is seen saying, "Our government remained silent, but let me respond to Sushma. It's been seven years but they could not prove who was behind the Mumbai attacks and Insha Allah (if Allah wills it) they will never be able to prove it until eternity." "India has failed to provide any evidence of Mumbai attacks, while on the other hand Modi has confessed for worst terrorism of 1971," Saeed's statement comes after India was assured of steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of 26/11 Mumbai trial, after Swaraj visited Pakistan last week.

India to work with Turkmenistan to combat militancy, says Ansari

Ashgabat, Dec 13 (ANI): Vice President Hamid Ansari has said New Delhi would continue to work for the development and stability of Central Asia and work with Turkmenistan to combat cross-border militancy, fundamentalism and extremism faced by the resource-rich nation. Addressing a conference on 'Permanent Neutrality' in Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat, Ansari lauded Turkmenistan's efforts in building harmonious relations with its neighbours and in promoting peace and security in the world. Ansari along with other dignitaries would flag off the ground-breaking ceremony of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on today. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who also attended the conference, said he hoped for peaceful relations with his neighbouring countries. But, hopes of progress rose after the national security advisers (NSA) from both sides met in Bangkok last weekend.

Tourism hit due to volatility in Nepal

Nepal, Dec 11 (ANI): Janakpur, the birthplace of Hindu goddess Sita, is one of the historical and religious cities of Nepal which attracts a large number of tourists from India and across the world. Located 120 kms from capital Kathmandu, the tourist city has seen a drastic downfall in number of tourists because of ongoing protests by members of Madhesi community, thereby increasing volatility in the country. Roshan Das, a priest of one of the temples in Janakpur, expresses concern over the recent crisis. Pokhra valley, one of the major tourist destinations of Nepal, is also witnessing a decline in the tourist inflow. Due to shortage of oil and other essential commodities, the tourists are facing problems in commuting to their favourite spots across the Himalayan nation. The hotels are facing losses in their business. Pokhra accounts sixty percent of foreign tourists inflow in Nepal. Around 7 lakh tourists visit Pokhra every year. In the last three months, the Nepal government has fac

Paris attacks: Geneva on maximum alert as hunt for suspects underway

Bardonnex/Geneva, Dec 11 (ANI): Security officials in Geneva have raised the security level to maximum as they have launched a manhunt for suspects in connection with the Paris attacks on 13 November. Policemen armed with submachine guns were posted at important landmarks such as the United Nations institutions as well as the airport and the train station. Following a tip-off from the U.S. intelligence, a picture of four bearded men suspected of being members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has been circulated among the local police. "In the framework of investigations carried out following the Paris attacks, at the international and national level, Geneva police and their partners are actively looking for people whose description has been provided by the Swiss Confederation," the Geneva department of security said in a statement. The ISIS claimed responsibility for the shooting and bomb attacks which killed 130 people in Paris on 13 November and the police in severa

Japan spreads its technological knowhow in Asia

Taipei/Yokohama, Dec 10 (ANI): Taiwanese computer and smartphone maker ASUS recently launched a new 5.5-inch ZenFone Zoom Smartphone at an event held at National Taiwan University in Taipei. ZenFone Zoom is the world's thinnest 3x optical-zoom smartphone with an innovative HOYA optical zoom lens module. ASUS has boasted that it can rival SLR digital camera, and also outshine iPhone 6s. Japanese optical lens manufacturer HOYA invented the Industry's Thinnest Lens Unit "CUBE" module, with 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilization, which is realized in 6mm of thickness. In order to avoid the constraints of the CMOS sensor package size, HOYA introduced the dual Prism structure with Ultra-Extra refractive index glass material. This module achieves the high quality zoom by using the Super Low Dispersion Lens and Extra Low Dispersion Glass Molded Lenses. HOYA also invented the unique automatic optical lens aligning system, which manages the micro orders of assembling accuracy, ensuring

11 killed in suicide bomb attack at Baghdad Mosque

Baghdad, Dec 10 (ANI): At least 11 people were killed and 20 others wounded in a suicide bomb attack at a Shiite mosque here in Iraq. According to police sources, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest yesterday at the entrance of Ahlu al-Baiyt mosque, in Baghdad's al-Obeidi district. The toll could rise further as ambulances and other emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Patients bear brunt of doctors' strike in Nepal

Saptari, Dec 10 (ANI): Patients are suffering in Nepal's Saptari district as doctors went on strike after they were beaten up by police for supporting the Madhesi community that has been protesting against country's new constitution since it was adopted in September 2015. Doctors and medical staff of government and private hospitals and clinics have been on strike for the last 16 days, protesting the act of police officers who thrashed few doctors of Gajendra Narayan Singh Sagarmatha Zonal Hospital for supporting the protesting Madhesi community. People from ethnic Madhesi groups living along the border with India began protests saying Nepal's first republican charter did not accommodate their interests. They have called the seven-province model of the new constitution discriminatory. The medical staff demanded suspension of top police officers of the district to end their strike.

Both countries are ready for Comprehensive bilateral dialogue: Sushma in Islamabad

Islamabad, Dec 9 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a joint statement with her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz said India and Pakistan are looking forward for comprehensive bilateral dialogue. Swaraj said the foreign secretaries of both the countries will work out modalities and schedule of the meetings under the dialogue including peace and security, Jammu and Kashimr, economic and commercial cooperation etc. She will give her statement in Parliament of India on Thursday.

Sushma Swaraj meets Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad

Islamabad, Dec 9 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday as part of efforts to restart a peace dialogue between both Nations. Swaraj is presently on a visit to Pakistan for the Heart of Asia Conference, the two-day ministerial meeting on Afghanistan, which began in Islamabad yesterday.