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Nepal's ethnic parties threaten to intensify protest if their demands are rejected

Lumbini, Oct 10 (ANI): Nepal's ethnic parties, protesting division of their ancestral homeland under the new constitution, threatened to intensify their agitation if their demands were not accepted by the government. The Madhesi community in Nepal's lowlands, many of whom trace their origins to India, have imposed an economic blockade to oppose the promulgation of the new constitution. They are against splitting Nepal into seven provinces. Protesters blocked around 4,000 trucks at the border with India, the main supply route into landlocked Nepal, while the road to China is still obstructed by landslides. The formal talks between the government and the Joint Madhesi Front (JMF) - the main agitating group - have formally begun in Kathmandu. The key demand of the protesters is that Madhesh region should be demarcated as one province.

PCB chairman says no hope for Pakistan-India cricket series

Lahore, Oct 09 (ANI): The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shahryar Khan said that he did not see any chance of a cricket series between the South Asian neighbours India and Pakistan. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking confirmation as to whether or not India would play two tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 matches in the United Arab Emirates in December and January. But India has so far not replied and 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. Khan said the cricket fans on both sides would be left disappointed if the series did not happen.

Greek government wins confidence vote before first bailout review

Greece, Oct 08 (ANI): Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' government comfortably won a confidence vote on Thursday, starting a race to pass key reform laws before Athens undergoes a crucial first review of its international bailout. Greece has promised to implement the third bailout programme agreed with European Union and International Monetary Fund lenders in August in exchange for 86 billion euros. It wants the first review to be wrapped up soon so it can start talks on a debt relief before the end of the year. Tsipras, who was re-elected on Sept. 20, won the backing of all 155 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament who support his radical left-right coalition. The first set of 48 reforms needs to be turned into law by October 15. Opposition lawmakers heaped scorn on his goals. Tsipras needs the debt restructuring to convince Greeks after seven years of economic hardship that he achieved something in return for performing a spectacular U-turn and accepting austerity conditions he had

Nepal govt tightens security amid protests by ethnic parties over its new constitution

Birgunj, Bhairahwa, Nepal, Oct 08 (ANI): Amid agitation by ethnic parties in Nepal over division of their ancestral homeland under the new Constitution, the government in Kathmandu tightened security at border with India near Bhairahwa village on Thursday. The Madhesi community in Nepal's lowlands, many of whom trace their origins to India, have imposed an economic blockade to oppose the promulgation of the new constitution. They are against splitting Nepal into seven provinces. Protesters have blocked around 4,000 lorries at the border with India, the main supply route into landlocked Nepal, while the road to China is still obstructed by landslides. More than 40 people have been killed in protests in the Himalayan republic since August. Meanwhile on Tuesday, talks were held between Rajendra Mahato, chief of Nepal Sadbhavna Party that championed the cause of Madhesis and the government of Nepal in capital Kathmandu. Results are yet to come.

Ready for dialogue with India with inclusion of Kashmir issue: Pak Foreign Ministry

Islamabad, Oct 08 (ANI): Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah on Thursday said that they are ready for dialogue with India, but maintained that Kashmir issue should be included in the talks. He also said that the four-point peace initiative presented by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during 70th session of United Nations General Assembly is the most suitable way forward for reducing tensions between Pakistan and India. Khalilullah said Pakistan has never shied away from talks with New Delhi. The foreign office spokesperson said that the purpose of handing over dossiers to the UN Secretary General was to present clear picture on terrorism. He said that Pakistan will continue to inform the United Nations about its concerns in this regard.

Attacks on Muslims over cow slaughter in 'secular India' cause of concern for Muslim world: Pak

Islamabad, Oct 08 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah on Thursday said that attacks on Muslims over cow slaughter in a secular country like India is becoming a cause of concern for the Muslim world. He said that the secular state of India should guarantee the basic rights of minorities and take cognizance of the situation.

Tourism expo promotes Japan's culture and heritage sites

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 08 (ANI): At the recently-held "Tourism Expo Japan" in Tokyo, exhibitors from over 150 countries and 47 prefectures of Japan showcased their travel and business potential. The expo provided an open place for networking with the world's travel professionals to build the concrete tourism related business as well as directly interact with general public. Japan's bullet train, popularly known as Shinkansen, will start service to Hokkaido by linking the northern main island with Tokyo scheduled on March next year. The Shinkansen bullet train has started operations to the Hokuriku area, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Known for ancient houses, traditional handicrafts and performing arts the region attracts some 8 million tourists every year. Huis Ten Bosch Park is a popular tourist spot in Kyushu area. The Southern Island of Japan, Okinawa prefecture, also showcased its unique culture and the charm of beautiful seas.

Suu Kyi says hopes to lead Myanmar despite constitutional ban

Myanmar, Oct 08 (ANI): Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said she plans to lead the next government if her National League for Democracy (NLD) comes to power in the November 08 election, despite being barred from becoming president. The NLD is expected to do well in the election, billed as the country's first free and fair contest in 25 years, but Myanmar's military-drafted constitution blocks Suu Kyi from becoming president because her late husband and two sons are not Myanmar citizens. Suu Kyi denied when asked if she planned to emulate India's Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi, who named Manmohan Singh as prime minister when her party formed the government but retained immense power. She did not elaborate. About a potential nominee, Suu Kyi said that the party would "have a civilian member". During the interview, Suu Kyi said that the one Muslim candidate the NLD tried to field was disqualified by the electoral commission. One of the most outspoken leaders of Ma Ba Th

Kashmiris Aware of 'Untrustworthy' Hurriyat Leaders

Kashmir, Oct 06: They provoke, mislead youth and call for a strike every now and then...Calling themselves as 'Messiah' of Kashmiris, the Hurriyat leaders and separatists are only raising the bogey of 'Kashmir' to remain in the limelight. They provoke, mislead youth and call for a strike every now and then...Calling themselves as 'Messiah' of Kashmiris, the Hurriyat leaders and separatists are only raising the bogey of 'Kashmir' to remain in the limelight. Since its inception on July 31, 1993, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has been leading the separatist movement in Kashmir Valley. But today, its leaders have become a tool in the hands of Pakistan and have been raking up the Kashmir issue at both domestic and international forums. Be it Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, or Masarat Alam Bhat. Other separatist leaders like Yasin Malik and Shabir Ahmad Shah are no better. The more than two dozen conglomerate of political, social and religious organizations, the All

Shivraj Singh addresses South Korean investors in Seoul

Seoul, Oct 06 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed South Korean investors in Seoul on Tuesday. Shivraj underscored the steps of reforms undertaken by their Prime Minister Narendra Modi -led government which ultimately creates conducive environment for business investors.

Japan sets a target to woo 20 million tourists every year

Tokyo, Oct 06 (ANI): Japan is promoting itself a prime tourist destination and to invite visitors, the private and public sectors are teaming up. At a recently held "Tourism Expo Japan" in Tokyo, various events were marked to attract some 20 million foreign tourists to Japan every year. Travel professionals participated in the expo to showcase their expertise in attracting the tourists. Japanese travel agency, H.I.S. showcased new communication tools to be displayed at their new sales offices to attract more tourists to the popular destinations. All Nippon Airways (ANA) also showcased the new STAR WARS coated airplane, which will start operation in this autumn at the international route.

Madhesi people caused blockade, India being maligned by anti national forces, says Nepal's leader

The President of Nepal Sadbhavana Party, Rajendra Mahato said on Tuesday that some anti-Indian forces are blaming India for the blockade at Indo-Nepal border as it has been done by the people of Madhesi community. Mahato said that India has no role in the blockade and such rumours should not be spread. He also added that his party is in favour of going ahead with talks on the matter.

Pakistan arrests 71 Indian fishermen for violating its territorial waters

Karachi, Oct 05 (ANI): Pakistani Maritime authorities have arrested 71 Indian fishermen who were allegedly caught while illegally fishing in Pakistani territorial waters off the coast of Karachi. According to the official Radio Pakistan, the fishermen were arrested by a patrolling party of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) during an operation in the open sea and were brought to provincial capital Karachi. PMSA officials said the men, who were aboard 12 launches, were arrested for violating Pakistani coastal territory. The arrested fishermen were handed over to the Docks police on Monday (October 05). Some of the fishermen said they had fallen asleep while fishing and had unwittingly entered Pakistani territorial waters. For years, fishermen belonging to the two countries have been getting arrested for straying into each other's waters due to poorly marked sea boundary.

Death toll in France flash floods rises to 16

France, Oct 05 (ANI): Flash floods on the French Riviera killed 16 people and five others were reported missing, prompting the government to declare a natural disaster in the southeastern tourist region. Torrential rain struck the Alpes-Maritimes administrative department on Saturday evening, flooding local towns including Cannes and disrupting transport routes. The victims of the floods included three people killed at a retirement home that was flooded in the village of Biot, and seven inhabitants of the town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule who had attempted to reach their cars in a garage, local government officials said. Thousands of homes were still without electricity after as many as 70,000 suffered blackouts the previous evening, power network operator ERDF said. Earlier, French President Francois Hollande visited the devastated region which lies at the eastern end of France's Mediterranean coast and borders Italy.

India rejects Nepal's contention of economic blockade in UN

Birgunj, Oct 04 (ANI): India on Sunday rejected Nepal's contention in the United Nations that New Delhi has blocked a key border trade point with Kathmandu that had resulted in acute shortage of essential goods. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh held talks with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and mentioned the issue. The UN chief expressed his concern over it. Singh has led a delegation to the UN General Assembly. Indian Consulate General in Nepal Anju Ranjan said the economic blockade was imposed by local Madhesi people, who were pressing for incorporation of their demands in the newly adopted constitution. Ranjan said Nepal should have discussed their concerns with India before raising it in the UN. The Indian envoy also appealed to Nepal to resolve the issue though dialogue and negotiations.

59 dead, hundreds missing in Guatemala landslide

Guatemala, Oct 04 (ANI): Rescue workers scrabbled through earth and rubble in search of survivors of a massive landslide in Guatemala that killed at least 59 people, even as hopes began to fade for hundreds of others still missing. Diggers plowed into the mounds of earth that destroyed homes in Santa Catarina Pinula on the southeastern flank of Guatemala City looking for about 350 people who authorities said were still unaccounted for after Thursday night's disaster. Loosened by rain, tons of earth, rock and trees cascaded onto part of the town from the hillside above, flattening houses and trapping residents who had gone home for the night. Julio Sanchez, a spokesperson with the volunteer firefighters, said they had confirmed 59 dead, including three victims whose bodies had just arrived in the past hour. Among the dead were 17 children, and there were at least 26 people reported as injured. Around 1,800 soldiers, firemen and neighbours helped with the rescue efforts, according to a s

Pakistan's Misbah intends to retire after series against England in UAE

Lahore, Oct 03 (ANI): Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq said on Friday (October 2) he was pondering retirement after the upcoming Pakistan-England series in the UAE, but said he had not yet reached a final decision. The 41-year-old said the series against England "could be my last", adding that he wanted to make his game memorable. Misbah told reporters while attending a training camp in Lahore. He said he was considering his options. Pakistan have never lost a series in the UAE and will again play in their adopted home, while England have two warm-up games ahead of the first test in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 13. Misbah retired from Twenty20 cricket in 2012 and left the one-day international game after Pakistan's quarter-final finish in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in March. Last month Misbah had announced he will retire after an upcoming series against India, but the December-January contest is in serious doubt due to tensions between the arch-rivals.

India declares its INDC plan on Non Violence Day of Mahatma Gandhi's 146th Birth Anniversary

New York, Oct 02 (ANI): India declared its INDC plan on Non Violence Day of Mahatma Gandhi's 146th Birth Anniversary on Friday in New York. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said India's support for sustainable development goals under line growth for all, which is in the Gandhian spirit and shows India's commitment to Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). UNGA President Mogens Lykketoft cited his personal experience regarding in reference to Gandhian principles and said it is appreciable to witness increasing commitment and responsibility towards sustainable development. UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon cited his experience on his visit to Sabarmati Ashram and said he still continues to admire Mahatma Gandhi's courage and conviction.

India should respect Nepal's sovereignty, says PM aspirant

Kathmandu, Oct 02 (ANI): Prime Minister aspirant and chairman of Communist Party of Nepal, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, said India should respect the sovereignty of the country. Oli was addressing a news conference in capital Kathmandu. The statement comes days after Nepalese government started rationing fuel for vehicles after hundreds of lorries carrying food and fuel were blocked at the border with India, following agitation by Madhesi community over the Himalayan nation's newly-adopted constitution. India, Nepal's largest trading partner strongly denies a trade blockade, saying its trucks have been hampered from entering Nepal firstly due to security concerns and later because protesters were blocking the roads. Oli said that there were internal problems prevailing in the border region but the blockage of lorries were on the Indian side. Oli said that talks with the Madhesi community and the people living in the Terai region will be initiated and no one will be deprived from their ri

Japanese spa and beauty products catch customer attention

Tokyo, Oct 01 (ANI): More than 300 Japanese companies showcased a variety of products related to spa, cosmetics and food products at the recently-held "Diet and Beauty Fair 2015" in Tokyo. Zero Co. Ltd. has introduced anti-aging formula called tabletop hydrogen generator, which is able to produce the high purity hydrogen. Hydrogen coalesces with the active oxygen in the body and becomes water. Since it's hard to drink a lot of hydrogen water, this is easy as to breathe spontaneously. The machine can incorporate hydrogen 10ml per minute. The equipment called 'water fairy' generates a high concentration of hydrogen by electrolyze purified water. By nasal inhalation for about 10 minutes, it makes the same effect worth for drinking five liters of saturated hydrogen water. By using the method for one month, it improves the tone of the skin and helps improve allergic symptoms.