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Indonesia is important in terms of maritime security: Ansari

Onboard, Nov 06 (ANI): Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Thursday said it is pretty self-evident that Indonesia is important for the safeguarding of India's interests in terms of maritime security and strategy. He said that in a range of approximately 100 nautical miles, Indonesia emerges as a significant maritime neighbour, which has three choke points and has to deal with piracy and other forms of extremism. Ansari said that viewed from this perspective and context, it was important for the coast guards and the navies to cooperate more actively and frequently by way of holding joint exercises at regular intervals. Ansari's reiteration of maintaining a stable maritime defence ties with Indonesia came over a month after the Indonesian and Indian navies held a bilateral maritime exercise.

Japan issues maiden 'same sex partnership certificate'

Tokyo, Nov 06 (ANI): A lesbian couple in Tokyo became the first in Japan to receive a certificate recognizing their partnership, a major step forward for gay couples in a conservative country where being openly gay can be difficult. The couple, Hiroko Masuhara and Koyuki Higashi, arrived at Shibuya City Hall, located in Tokyo's trendy district, early in the morning to collect paperwork that will allow them to rent an apartment, visit each other in hospital, and help them claim many other benefits, not as friends, but as a couple. Shibuya district was also the first in Japan to pass measures recognizing same-sex partnership which was voted by the local council earlier April this year. Receiving the certificate however, is merely a symbolic step forward for the two, and does not provide any legal recognition for their union. Shibuya Ward Mayor, Ken Hasebe who ran for office on the back of a pro-LGBT rights campaign and has been considered instrumental in creating the certificate, came ou

Japanese firms eager to tap farming sector across Asia

Japan, Nov 05 (ANI): To promote new farm techniques and equipment, Japan recently organized an expo titled "Agri World". The expo witnessed the participation by agriculture industry professionals from across Japan and Asia. Kantoh-Nohsan Co., a Japanese Agritech firm, showcased the concept of "Science of root environment". Beneficial for garden plants, it helps in spreading healthy roots for a crop. Another company shows damage prevention products from wild animals. Mitsugiron is originally manufacturer of plastics resin. And they didn't make damage prevention products. But they challenged new products for some reason. Meanwhile, Nobuo Azuma, Sales Department, Farmage Inc., expressed his delight to help the farmers with their products. To protect crops from birds and animals, Keyon has introduced a horn-like product which makes annoying noise. The company sells different types of such products.

Happy that I am going back to India: Chhota Rajan

Bali, Nov 05 (ANI): As the decks are clear to deport Gangster Chhota Rajan to India, the underworld don on Thursday said that he was happy that he was returning to his country. Underworld don Chhota Rajan is likely to be deported tonight after air services resumed at the Bali airport. Rajan's deportation has been delayed for two days after Indonesia closed the international airport, due to spewing of volcanic ash from a nearby mountain. At present, the Indonesian police are taking Rajan from Denpasar Police Station to Bali Airport under high security. A special plane has been sent by India to fly back Chhota Rajan.

South Sudan plane crash kills at least 41

South Sudan, Nov 04 (ANI): A Russian-built cargo plane with passengers on board crashed on Wednesday, after taking off from the airport in South Sudan's capital, killing at least 41 people on the flight and on the ground, an official said. A crew member and a child on board survived, presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said. Shortly after taking off from Juba airport, the plane came down on the banks of the White Nile River, leaving a tail fin and lumps of fuselage strewn in vegetation close to the water. The plane may have had about 20 people on board, including crew and probably 10 to 15 passengers, Ateny said, but added that they need to confirm how many people were on board. Earlier, South Sudanese media had said the cargo plane carried five Russian crew and seven passengers. South Sudan Tribune on Twitter also reported two survivors, one of them a child.

India seeks closer cooperation with Indonesia

Bali, Nov 04 (ANI): India on Wednesday called for closer cooperation with Indonesia in meeting common challenges. The comments were made by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, during an address to University of Udayana in Bali. Describing India and Indonesia as the two fastest growing economies of the world, Ansari said there was huge scope for spurt in bilateral trade. Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached$20 billion dollars in 2014-15.

Protesters continue to block supplies from India to Nepal despite police action

India-Nepal Border, Nov 04 (ANI) : The Madhesi community in Nepal's lowlands, many of whom trace their origins to India, continued to impose an economic blockade against the new constitution despite police crackdown. They are against splitting Nepal into seven provinces. Police and stone-pelting protesters clashed in the border region of Birgunj in Nepal on Monday The police were trying to clear protesters whose blockade has strangled Nepal's fuel supplies and badly damaged relations with neighbouring India. The protesters in the lowland south, angered that a new constitution fails to reflect their interests, have prevented supply trucks from entering from India for more than a month, leading to an acute fuel crisis in Nepal. Protesters said they were willing to put their life at stake till their objective is achieved. They want Madhesh region to be declared as one province. Nepali police shot and killed an Indian citizen at a border checkpoint on Monday as they tried to clear proteste

Japanese technology boosts telecommunication

Myanmar, Nov 03 (ANI): Myanmar, which is one of the last underdeveloped telecommunication markets in Asia, lags behind its neighbours in Southeast Asia. Only few people have access to fixed telephone lines here. Since the first Internet connections were established in 2000, Internet services in Myanmar still remain slow and unstable. Faults due to construction work causes frequent connection failure and are often not repaired. However, the situation has now changed as many people here are getting affordable mobile services as Myanmar Post and Telecommunications (MPT) joined hands with two foreign firms - Qutar's Ooredoo and Norway's Telenor - to build up the country's cellular infrastructure last year. In 2012, only 2.5 percent of the population had access to mobile, but now the SIM cards are easily available at a reasonable price. Following liberalisation, Myanmar's telecommunication service market is widely opening. Over the next year, the government plans to provide a license to the

Sudheendra Kulkarni attends Kasuri's book launch in Karachi

Karachi, Nov 03 (ANI): India's ink attack victim and chairman of Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Sudheendra Kulkarni on Monday attended Pakistan Former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri book launch in Karachi. Kulkarni advocated dialogue process between arch rivals Pakistan and India and said "core issue of Kashmir must be addressed in just and honourable manner". Kulkarni was addressing Kasuri's book launch of 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove'. The Oxford University Press and The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations organised the launch. Some members of the Shiv Sena had sprayed black paint on the ORF chairman for organising the launch of the same book, "Neither a Hawk nor a Dove", in Mumbai for its India launch a few weeks ago. He said both Indians and Pakistanis needed to revisit the complex history of Partition with an open mind and learn from the costly mistakes committed in the past.Kulkarni said Kashmir was a core issue and it must be addressed. On the occasion Kasuri said t

Nepal's Madhesi community continues protest, condemns Indian's death in police firing

India-Nepal Border, Nov 03 (ANI): Nepal's Madhesi community on Tuesday continued its protest against the newly adopted Constitution, a day after an Indian was killed in firing by Nepali police at the border between the two countries. Police on Monday used force on the Madhesi protesters at India-Nepal border and made way for Indian trucks, stranded in the Himalayan country for over two months, to return. However, the Madhesis were confident about continuing their agitation. The protesters condemned the killing of the Indian boy in police firing and sought suspension of the officials involved in it. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart KP Oli to express his concern over the killing of an Indian national in a police firing in Nepal.

Vice President Ansari invites Indonesian companies to invest in India

Jakarta, Nov 03 (ANI): Vice President Hamid Ansari on Tuesday invited Indonesian companies to invest in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors in India. Addressing the India-Indonesia Business Forum in Jakarta, Ansari pitched for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative which has been designed to transform the Asian nation into a global manufacturing hub. Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached $20 billion dollars in 2014-15. A day earlier, the two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in new and renewable energy sector. Meanwhile, Ansari said Indonesia was also a partner in maintaining peace and fighting militancy.

Rajan might be deported to India tonight, says Interpol officer

Jakarta, Nov 03 (ANI): Wanted Gangster Chhota Rajan might be deported to India tonight, Interpol Officer in Jakarta told media on Tuesday. The final lap of Chhota Rajan's deportation process began today as the Denspar Immigration Chief along with the Jakarta Interpol questioned him at the Bali Police Headquarters. In an explosive claim today, Rajan alleged that some officials in the Mumbai Police are working with India's most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. He also appealed to the Indian Government to do justice with him while asserting that all 'cases' against him are false and baseless. Rajan, one of India's most wanted criminals and a leading figure in the Mumbai underworld, was arrested on October 24.

Some cops of Mumbai police colluding with Dawood against me: Chhota Rajan

Bali, Nov 03 (ANI): Arrested gangster Chhota Rajan on Tuesday alleged that 'some in the Mumbai Police' have links with underworld don and wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. He said that Mumbai police has committed a lot of atrocities on him and that they are involved with Dawood. However, when asked whether he was afraid of returning to Mumbai and preferred to be taken to Delhi, Rajan said that he is fine with whatever the government of India decides. He also reiterated that he was not afraid of Dawood and will keep fighting against him and terror. The gangster even claimed that all the cases against him are false and baseless. Rajan is likely to land in India from Indonesia today. According to media reports, Chhota Rajan who was arrested in Indonesia's Bali on October 26 was given consular access on Monday.

India, Indonesia sign agreement, to expand defence cooperation

Jakarta, Nov 02 (ANI): India and Indonesia today signed agreements in the fields of renewable energy and culture and discussed possibilities of expanding cooperation defence, which also entailed maritime security. While mentioning the bilateral trade Minister of External Affairs, Secretary East Anil Wadhwa that look forward to increasing it. Vice President Hamid Ansari, who met his Indonesian counterpart Jusuf Kalla, and emphasized on the ways to diversify and increase bilateral trade as well to encourage investments in each other's country through private sectors were also discussed.

Pakistan arrests 18 Indian fishermen for violating its waters

Karachi, Nov 02 (ANI): Pakistan's Maritime Security authorities arrested 18 Indian fishermen along with three boats for allegedly trespassing into Pakistan's territorial waters, a police official said. The fishermen, who were arrested on Saturday, had been handed over to Docks Police Station in port city of Karachi on Sunday for necessary legal action. The arrested fishermen have been charged under Foreign Act and Fisheries Act. Police will present them before a magistrate on Monday (November 2), who will send them to jail. The fishermen belonged to Saurashtra region, located on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat. The South Asian rivals frequently arrest each other's fishermen for encroachment.

India, Indonesia to exchange notes on pending extradition agreement

Onboard/ Jakarta, Nov 02 (ANI): India and Indonesia are likely to exchange notes to complete the formalities of the pending extradition pact, said Vice President Hamid Ansari. Hamid Ansari left from New Delhi on a two-nation visit to Indonesia and Brunei along with his wife Salma Ansari. Addressing a news conference onboard to Jakarta, Hamid talked about the extradition treaty, a stepped up effort by the Indian government to bring back gangster 'Chhota Rajan' from Indonesia. India's wanted underworld don, Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, alias Chhota Rajan, was arrested in Indonesia's Bali on October 25. Meanwhile, Hamid Ansari arrived in Jakarta on the first leg of his two-nation tour and was greeted by Indonesian officials. Hamid along with his wife Salma visited the famous Istiqlal mosque. He is to inaugurate a bust of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi at Uddiyana University on November 03 in Bali.

Trick or Treat: Bevy of costumed people take to streets on Halloween

West Hollywood/ Caracas, Nov 1 (ANI): Thousands of costumed revelers took to the streets of West Hollywood for what organizers say is the world's largest Halloween festivity Among the party-goers were eight identical versions of Star Wars heroine Princess Leia, who said they landed at the West Hollywood celebration after their home planet of Alderaan exploded. The Belschner family transformed themselves into 'The Incredibles' superhero family from the hit 2004 Disney-Pixar film. Aram Kay was dressed as Mother Nature, in gold pants, a furry cape and a head-dress of branches surrounded by leaves and butterflies. Jeff Scott spent eight months constructing an elaborate dinosaur skeleton out of recycled plastic bottles, which he painted white and wired up to a remote control to allow him to move the dinosaur's head and neck. The honorary guest at the event was actor Tim Curry, who played transvestite scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. He was named honorary mayor

Islamist al Shabaab attacks Somali hotel, kills at least eight

Mogadishu, Nov 1 (ANI): At least eight people were killed the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday morning after two bombs ripped into a hotel and police fought Islamist al Shabaab gunmen who stormed inside the building, police and witnesses said. Al Shabaab, which has frequently launched attacks in Mogadishu in its bid to topple the Western-backed government, said it was behind the assault on the Sahafi hotel. The hotel is often frequented by Somali government officials and business executives and it has been targeted before. Major Ahmed Nur, a police officer, said that a car bomb rammed the entrance to the hotel and was followed by second blast, which a security guard said was a second vehicle bomb. Nur said at least eight people were killed, including the hotel owner, guards and civilians, but maintained the toll could rise. Police were still exchanging fire with attackers inside the hotel about two hours after the assault began. The hotel lies near a busy area in Mogadishu known as

Avijit Roy's book publisher hacked to death in Dhaka

Dhaka, Nov 1 (ANI): The publisher of author Avijit Roy, who was slain by extremists earlier this year for his critical view on religion, was hacked to death on Saturday in Dhaka. Faisal Arefin's publishing house Jagriti Prakashani had published Roy's book Biswasher Virus (The Virus of Faith). In August, three people were detained by the Bangladesh Police in connection with the murder of Avijit Roy and secularist blogger Ananta Bijoy Das. Das used to write blogs Mukto-Mona, a website once moderated by Avijit Roy. Roy, who moderated the website and spoke out against religious intolerance, was killed in a machete attack while he visited Dhaka in February. His murder had sparked widespread street protests from students and social activists, who accused the law enforcement authorities of failing to protect critics of religious bigotry. Another blogger, Washiqur Rahman, too, was hacked to death in Dhaka in March.

India provides consular access to Chhota Rajan

Bali, Nov 1 (ANI): India provided consular access to underworld don Chhota Rajan on Sunday as the First Secretary at Indian embassy in Jakarta Sanjeev Agrawal met Rajan in Bali. Agrawal is the first Indian official to meet Chhota Rajan after his arrest. Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan, one of India's most wanted underworld don was arrested at Bali in Indonesia on Sunday.