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Anti-Pak protest erupts in PoK

Muzaffarabad, Oct 24 (ANI): 'Black Day' was observed by residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to protest against the first attack by the Pakistan security forces on undivided Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. The event also saw an 'anti-Pakistan' protest by activists of the National Students Federation (NSF). Later, NSF leader Mir Afzaal Sulehria addressed a seminar at the Muzaffarabad Press Club. PoK residents, who have been subjected to brutality by the Pakistani regime, observe Black Day on October 22 every year. Moreover, violations of human rights are rampant in PoK, with activists regularly pressing to raise human rights violation issues at the international level.

Nawaz Sharif heckled by Baloch activist in US

Washington DC, Oct 24 (ANI): Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was heckled during his address at Washington by a protester who demanded to free the restive Balochistan province. A man in the audience at the US Institute of Peace stood up and shouted "Free, Free Balochistan!" and accused the Pakistani Prime Minister of being 'friends' with late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, just as Sharif starting his speech. Sharif looked up and paused briefly as the man was led away by the security, but did not comment on the interruption. Separatists have been waging a low-intensity insurgency in poverty-racked Baluchistan for decades, demanding an end to what they see as the exploitation of their gas and mineral resources by people from richer, more powerful parts of Pakistan. Sharif told the think tank audience that India is engaged in a "major arms buildup" which compels Pakistan to respond in equal measure.

Obama, Sharif call for 'resilient' Indo-Pak talks

Washington DC, Oct 24 (ANI): Addressing a news conference after his 120-minute-long meeting with the US President Barack Obama at the White House, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said they had discussed a whole range of issues, from bilateral ties to situation in the region and the world at large. However, stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan's relations with India were the issues on which the two sides focused most. Sharif said he informed the US President about the centrality of the Kashmir dispute in reducing tension between the two hostile countries and Obama agreed that the Kashmir issue needs to be resolved. Also, Obama and Sharif expressed their commitment to the Afghan peace process and called on Taliban leaders to enter direct talks with Kabul, which have stalled since inaugural discussions in Pakistan in July. The talks broke down after the Afghan intelligence agency said Taliban leader Mullah Omar had been dead for two years. According to the Joint Statement, the two

Swedish PM expresses sorrow over school attack

Sweden, Oct 23 (ANI): Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven visited a school in western Sweden, where a masked man killed a teacher and a boy and wounded two others. The man, in his early 20s, stabbed them as he walked from classroom to classroom before being fatally wounded by police marksmen, officers said. The incident took place at the Kronan school in Trollhattan, an industrial town of around 50,000 inhabitants north of Gothenburg. Police arrived minutes after the attack, following trails of blood smeared across the school corridors to find the assailant. They shot the suspect, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Japanese technology contributes to infrastructure and sanitary ware in ASEAN

Indonesia, Oct 22 (ANI): Indonesia has shown significant economic growth in recent years, which led to an increase in energy demand. Many foreign companies, including those from Japan has set up their industries in Indonesia. In order to fulfill need of energy, the government has constructed a 260 km long natural gas pipeline in 2008. Indonesia's natural gas market is also quickly growing for domestic consumption, but the gas distribution and consumption infrastructure is not yet developed. Japan's JFE Engineering is helping in construction of gas pipeline infrastructure including drilling, pipe laying, welding and inspection to the backfill. At the company's local subsidiary office in Indonesia, 150 people are working and promoting business in the field of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC). JFE has carried out many projects in Indonesia, including the setting up of geo-thermal power plant.

PCB to review participation in World T20 after India's reply on series: Shahryar

Lahore, Oct 22 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan said that the PCB will have to review security situation regarding its team's participation in the World T20 early next year. Shahryar, who returned home from India after failing to meet the top bosses of the BCCI, said the ICC President Zaheer Abbas had raised concerns about safety for players and officials in the World T20. India will host the World T20 next year in March-April. BCCI officials cancelled a scheduled meeting with him on Tuesday following protests by Shiv Sena in Mumbai. Shahryar said the PCB would be writing to the ICC and the BCCI to register its displeasure over the way the PCB delegation was treated in Mumbai and New Delhi. He said the December series was important for the future of cricketing ties between the two countries. Shahryar said he would wait for a reply from the BCCI until next week and then decide.

Pakistan's blind cricket team withdraws from Asia Cup

Kochi, Oct 22 (ANI): Pakistan withdrew from the Asia Cup for blind cricketers scheduled to be held in India in 2016, following the protests faced by visiting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials in Mumbai earlier this week. The Pakistan team was scheduled to participate in the Asia Cup from January 17 to 24 in Kochi. Event organisers received a letter from the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) alerting them of the withdrawal. The Pakistan blind team has travelled to India in the past for major cricket events. On Tuesday, the officials of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cancelled a scheduled meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan following protests by Shiv Sena in Mumbai. Members of Shiv Sena had barged into the offices of BCCI chief Shashank Manohar on Monday and demanded cancellation of proposed talks between officials of PCB and the Indian cricket board for resumption of a series between the arch rivals. They stormed into Manohar's office and

India and Russia are natural partners, says EAM

Moscow, Oct 21 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India and Russia are natural partners. Swaraj invited Russia for investment in India in order to increase FDI across different sectors, including trade, energy and aid India's flagship programs viz. Make in India Skill India and Digital India. The International Growth Centre (IGC) aims to promote sustainable growth in developing countries by providing demand-led policy advice based on frontier research. Swaraj and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin co-chaired 21st session of India-Russia IGC in Moscow.

Sushma underscores India's recognition globally

Moscow, Oct 21 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj underscored India's recognition globally on her visit to Moscow. Swaraj said that the acceptance of International Yoga Day proposal with co-sponsorship of 177 nations in the United Nations within 75 days reflects India's presence at the global platform. She reiterated that this acceptance is a classic example indicating that the world is 'listening to India.' The External Affairs Minister is on a visit to Russia to strengthen "special and privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia. The central theme of Swaraj's wide-ranging talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov is to bolster the bilateral-ties of the two countries.

Japan introduces healthy yield and advanced farm technology

Tokushima / Tokyo, Oct 20 (ANI): Farmers in Naruto city of Tokushima prefecture in Japan are cultivating sweet potatoes. Those potatoes grown on well-drained sandy soil near the sea are special bland called "Naruto Kintoki". These are more sweet and expensive than normal sweet potatoes. Farmers are using latest cultivation methods to not only maintain the taste but ensure that they remain healthy and organic. "Naruto Kintoki" is exported to Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore. Different kind of snacks is made of "Naruto Kintoki". The latest among all is "Halal sweets".

India urges Russia to de-classify Netaji's files

Moscow, Oct 20 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Tuesday said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that the Government had India had decided to declassify the files pertaining to Netaji Subhash Chandra, and in this context she sought the Russian cooperation if there were any files in Russia pertaining to Netaji, which could be shared with India. Foreign Minister Lavrov assured Swaraj that Russia would look into India's request, he added. The centre has decided to declassify Netaji's files on his birth anniversary January 23.

Sushma Swaraj in Moscow to co-chair Intergovernmental panel

Moscow/Ashgabat, Oct 20 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Moscow to participate in the annual India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. Swaraj, who is on a three-day visit to Moscow, was received by the Indian Ambassador to Russia P S Raghavan. In the meeting the two countries are likely to discuss key strategic issues including space, defence, energy and trade. Swaraj is also scheduled to hold extensive talks with her Russian counterpart Dmitry Rogozin on various regional and bilateral issues including science and technology. Meanwhile, Swaraj met Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov during refueling halt in Ashgabat while she was on her way to Moscow.

Pak religious communities protest desecration of Guru Granth Sahib

Karachi, Oct 19 (ANI): Many Pakistani Sikhs, along with Hindus and Muslims, staged a protest in Pakistan's biggest city Karachi against alleged desecration of Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib in India. On Monday, more than 100 pages were reportedly found scattered on a street that led to a local Sikh temple, which Sikh leaders claimed to be torn from a copy of Guru Granth Sahib, allegedly stolen in June this year. Violence broke out in Punjab's Kotkapura city on Wednesday after Sikh protesters and police clashed, where reports of stone pelting by the protesters and counter baton charge and open firing by the police came to the fore. Holding banner and placards, the protesters gathered outside Karachi Press Club and shouted slogans. A complete shutdown was observed in the India's Kotkapura, Bathinda, Faridkot, Barnala and Ferozepur on Thursday, said local media. In Amritsar city, shops remained closed amid heavy deployment of police.

Edhi foundation officials to accompany Geeta to India: Pak

Lahore/ Karachi, Oct 19 (ANI): Geeta, the deaf-mute Indian woman stuck in Pakistan for nearly 15 years, will fly back home on October 26 and some officials of her 'old family' from Edhi foundation will accompany her, Indian envoy to Pakistan said. High commissioner TCA Raghavan said that all arrangements have been made for Geeta's return after she identified her family back home. Early this week, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad emailed pictures of a family in Bihar to the charitable Edhi Foundation, where Geeta now lives in the port city of Karachi. She recognised the people in the photographs as her parents and siblings. Raghavan said Geeta's parentage would be proved only through scientific procedures. Raghavan denied any delay in the matter, saying it would take some time before Geeta would be united with her family. Officials of Bilquis Edhi Foundation hoped that she could get back to India at the earliest.

Pakistan arrests 27 Indian fishermen for trespassing

Karachi, Oct 18 (ANI): Pakistan's Maritime Security authorities nabbed 27 Indian fishermen and took them into custody along with their four boats for allegedly trespassing Pakistan's territorial waters. The fishermen were handed over to the docks police station in the port city of Karachi. Mohammad Babar, a duty officer at the docks police station told reporters that the fishermen had been caught well within Pakistani jurisdiction. The two nations frequently arrest each other's fishermen, who ignore rules while netting their catch and end up in each other's territorial waters. Fishermen from both sides often spend years in each other's jails before being set free and sent home. In February this year, Pakistan released 172 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture, two days after the Prime Ministers of both countries decided to resume high-level talks. The hostile neighbors have a disagreement over their maritime border in the Arabian Sea.

Ex-Pak minister Kasuri says pressure mounting on PM Modi

Lahore, Oct 17 (ANI): Talking to the media after his return from India, former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of 'vikas' (development) will not come true if there is no political stability in the country because domestic peace and economic progress are inter-linked. It was Kasuri's first interaction with media since he returned from India, where he launched his book, 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove,' in four different cities. During the Mumbai book launch, members of Shiv Sena threw black paint on writer Sudheendra Kulkarni, who organised the launch, in the wake of Shiv Sena's threat to disrupt the function despite appeals to it to give up its protest. Kasuri said those who attended the event, including noted lawyer and historian AG Noorani, journalist Dileep Padgaonkar and film actor Naseeruddin Shah were shocked by the incident. Kasuri said Modi and his government had to become more tolerant because there were millions of M

India invites Israel to participate in its development programmes

Jerusalem, Oct 16 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee invited Israel to participate in India's flagship programmes like Digital India and help build smart cities to transform the country. Mukherjee, who reached Jerusalem on Tuesday after visiting Jordan and Palestine, was accorded a ceremonial reception at the presidential palace by his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin. Delivering a speech at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mukherjee invited Israel to participate in India's key initiatives. Mukherjee also promoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet 'Make in India' programme to encourage foreign direct investments and stimulate the manufacturing sector of the Indian economy. Mukherjee was conferred an honourary doctorate by the varsity. He received the honourary doctorate for his steadfast commitment to higher education, contribution in strengthening the Indian economy and his long-time advocacy of strong Indo-Israel ties, said reports. India and Israel also signed two key Memorandum of

Obama to urge Sharif to resume Afghan-Taliban peace talks after decision to keep troops

Washington DC, Oct 16 (ANI): While addressing the media, United States President Barack Obama said that as he hosts Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif next week, he shall urge him to press Taliban and all the parties in coalition to resume peace talks and do their part in pursuit of peace that the Afghans deserve. Obama declared that he decided with the Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani to retain American forces till they fully train and assist Afghan forces to combat terrorism. Obama has decided to leave 5,500 troops in Afghanistan at least till 2016.

India to reply positively or negatively on December series soon: PCB

Lahore, Oct 16 (ANI): Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shahryar Khan said India would be replying either positively or negatively on the December series soon. Earlier this month, the PCB wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking confirmation as to whether India would play two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 matches in the United Arab Emirates in December and January. However, India has so far not replied and the current political tension between the two countries, with frequent ceasefire violations on the Line of Control in the Kashmir region, has cast serious doubt over the first full series between the neighbours since 2007. He said there was no sign of even a reply earlier, but now things have changed. The BCCI is awaiting government approval on the series, which is very important in any case. Shahryar said he also asked the ICC to play its role in the revival of Pakistan-India cricket matches as it is beneficial for all the parties

Japan develops healthcare and beauty products for global market

Bangkok/Tokyo, Oct 15 (ANI): A scientific study workshop of "Frontier in Biotechnology from Metabolites to Regenerative Cells" was held in Bangkok on Friday. The workshop provided in-depth knowledge about Metabolomics by the most imminent progressive experts from Osaka University Japan, Thai University and Japanese manufacturer, Shimadzu Corporation. This cutting edge biotechnology provides a platform to many applications in agriculture, food and healthcare. Senior Manager at Shimadzu Corporation, Dr Junko Iida, said that his company is working closely with Osaka University to develop innovative technologies and useful applications. Shimadzu Corporation has been developing and manufacturing the analysis equipments for the latest biotechnology research. The company has established a joint venture with Fukusaki laboratory in Osaka University four years ago, inviting many exchange students from Thailand and other countries in ASEAN regions. Along with biotechnology, Japan is also leading