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Islamabad court grants ex-PM Gilani 7-days' protective bail

Islamabad, Sep 02 (ANI): Former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was on Tuesday (September 01) granted a protective bail for one week by Islamabad High Court (IHC) in eight corruption-related cases, his legal counsel told reporters. The court ordered Gilani to submit bail bonds worth Rs1,00,000 for each of the eight cases, and to appear before the trial courts within one week. However, Gilani's lawyer Farooq H Naek told reporters outside the court that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had lodged another case against his client, and that he will have to approach the IHC once again to obtain an interim bail in that case as well. Last week, an anti-corruption court issued a non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Makhdoom Amin Faheem for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion-rupee Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) corruption scandal and other cases of graft. The senior PPP leaders are accused of being invo

Paramedical Staff in PoK Demand for Health Allowances

Muzaffarabad, PoK, September 01, 2015:- The Crisis-hit healthcare sector in Pakistan occupied Kashmir could crumble any moment as the paramedical staff in the region is on protest. Government employees in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or PoK claim that Islamabad is indifferent towards their long pending demands. People working in the healthcare sector are not provided any incentives or promotions, as opposed to employees in other regions of Pakistan. As a result, they are left with no option but to go on strike. The employees have been demanding healthcare allowances, which Pakistan offers to other provinces. The employees are miffed that the government's apathy is risking the lives of the people of the region. A lack of coordination is seen between the bureaucracy and the government of Pakistan, the consequences of which have to be faced by the people at large. Urging the government to release their health allowances immediately, the employees threatened to intensify the stir if their dem

Egypt sets election date for Oct, after 3 yrs without parliament

Cairo, Aug 31 (ANI): Egypt has been without a parliament since June of 2012 when a court dissolved the democratically elected body. That is now set to change. The head of Egypt's High Elections Committee, Ayman Abbas, announced that the first round of voting will begin on October 18th. Voting was originally scheduled for March of this year, but was delayed when a court ruled part of the election law unconstitutional. The second round of voting is now scheduled for late November. Egypt's transition to democracy has been rocky since the fall of the Mubarak regime. Current President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi toppled Egypt's first freely elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, in 2013.

NASA starts year-long mission to simulate life on mars

Hawaii, Aug 31 (ANI): Think of it as a new reality show - Big Brother goes to Mars. Six scientists are locking themselves inside a 100 square-foot dome in Mauna Loa, Hawaii for the next year. This latest Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) mission is costing NASA $1.2 million. The team will be under constant surveillance via cameras and body movement trackers, and they can only leave the solar-powered dome in a space suit. This mission is part of ongoing research into whether something like a manned mission to Mars is possible. The group consists of a French astrobiologist, a German physicist and four Americans; a pilot, an architect, a doctor/journalist and a soil scientist. Kim Binsted is the team's principle investigator. Andrzej Stewart is the only pilot in the mission. Researchers will monitor the group's physical and emotional behavior for any signs of space madness.

Boat packed with migrants sinks off Libya, up to 200 feared dead

Libya, Aug 28 (ANI): A boat packed with mainly African migrants bound for Italy sank off the Libyan coast and officials said up to 200 might have died. security official in the western town of Zuwara, from where the overcrowded boat had set off, said there had been around 400 people on board. Later, the Libyan coast guard rescued around 201, of which 147 were brought to a detention facility for illegal migrants in Sabratha, west of Tripoli, the official said. he migrants on board had been from sub-Saharan Africa, Pakistan, Syria, Morocco and Bangladesh, the security official said. ne Syrian refugee rescued from the boat, Ayman Tallaal said that he knew the trip was dangerous, but felt he had no choice. spokesperson for the Red Crescent said that 66 people had died in the incident. Libya's coast guard has very limited capabilities, relying on small inflatables, tug boats and fishing vessels.

RAW-affiliated terrorists arrested in Pakistan's Karachi: CTD

Karachi, Aug 28 (ANI): Pakistani authorities in Karachi have arrested four suspected terrorists who, according to police, have confessed to have been affiliated with Indian spy agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), a senior police official said. Senior Superintendent of police CTD (Counter Terrorism Department) investigation unit, Naveed Khawaja said the alleged men were arrested in a joint operation by anti-terrorism unit and an intelligence agency. Khawaja said the arrested men were all Pakistani national and they had been operating a network from India, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai. The arrested suspects were identified as Abdul Jabbar, Khalid, Mohsin and Shafiq. He said the detained men received training of weapon handling in India. Khawaja said the suspected terrorists were planning major attacks on Shi'ites during the coming month of Muharram and also planning to kill some politicians. Khawaja said the suspects belonged to a political party, he did not name. He

Dawood Ibrahim not in Pakistan: Qazi Khalilullah

Islamabad, Aug 27 (ANI): Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah on Thursday categorically denied reports about the presence of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan. Responding to a question on Dawood, Khalilullah said Pakistan has repeatedly said Dawood Ibrahim is not on its soil and two months back even an Indian minister had admitted the Pakistani stance saying that India had no idea about his whereabouts. In the past India has persistently accused Pakistan of harbouring the fugitive. Khalilullah said Pakistan had informed UN officials about the collapse of peace talks between India and Pakistan hours before they were scheduled to start on Saturday (August 23). Asked if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech to the UN General Assembly in September would have mention of Kashmir, Khalilullah said a Pakistani Premier's speech to the UNGA always mentioned Kashmir.

Summer festivals become major tourist attraction in Japan

Tokushima / Yokohama, Aug 27 (ANI): Japan's biggest summer festival "Awa Dance" was held in Shikoku area of Tokushima Prefecture. "Awa Dance" was started some 400 years ago in Edo era. The festival is observed every year for four days starting from August 12. The group of choreographed dancers and musicians known as Ren enthralled the visitors with their performances. Each Ren group has its characteristics. They include regular participants, employees of certain company, visitors and special performers from abroad. Many foreign performers and dance teachers have specially come to Japan to participate in the event. Hideaki Okajima, the chairman of Tokushima Prefecture Awa Dance Association, has 54 years experience in performing Awa dance. Yokohama city also hosted a massive dance festival in August. A large number of people from across the world visited Yokohama town area to dance with popular animation character "Pikachu".Junichi Yamagiwa, Manager, Event Planning, Pokemon Communicatio

Foreign Minister Swaraj reaches out to Indian Diaspora in Germany

Berlin, Aug 27 (ANI): Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj reached out to Indian diaspora in Germany as she spoke about the opportunities on offer in the "changing" India. Swaraj addressed the Indian community in Berlin as she began a two-day visit to the European nation. She also said how proud it felt on hearing praises about Indians in foreign lands. Earlier in the day, Swaraj met her German counterpart Frank Walter Steinmeier and also called on the Speaker of German Parliament, Norbert Lammert. Swaraj arrived in Germany from Egypt, where she held talks with the leadership to put in place a bilateral framework for enhancing cooperation in key areas of security, counter- terrorism, defence and investments.

Sushma Swaraj meets German parliament speaker and foreign minister in Berlin

Berlin, Aug 26 (ANI): Union Foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj met German parliament speaker, Norbert Lammert in Berlin on Wednesday. Swaraj held talks with Lammert and other German Parliament members. Swaraj is on a two day visit to Germany during which she will hold talks with the German leadership to strengthen bilateral ties with a particular focus on enhancing economic engagement. Swaraj also met German foreign minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Germany in April during which the two countries had agreed to broaden bilateral economic cooperation.

Authentic Japanese food gaining global popularity

Japan/Cambodia, Aug 26 (ANI): If you are traveling by All Nippon Airways (ANA), you can relish authentic Japanese food onboard. Recently, the Japanese airlines introduced a soybeans-based food called "Hiei-Yuba". The food is specially prepared by Yubahachi. ANA has been introducing Japan's local food through its project called "Taste of Japan". Yubahachi is a long-established company of Hiei-Yuba. The company has been promoting its food the world over. Japanese products are reaching the world over as many retail companies from Japan are setting up their facilities in many countries. AEON has recently announced that it will open a second shopping mall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With the opening of the first AEON mall in Cambodia, the residents in Phnom Penh have experienced a wholly new shopping environment, which revealed the new era of consumerism in the country. The mall has drawn over 15 million visitors since its opening a year ago.

Sushma urges Egypt to join hands with India to remove 'scourge of terrorism'

Cairo, August 26 (ANI): Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj called for greater cooperation between New Delhi and Cairo to fight militancy. Swaraj was addressing a gathering of Egyptian policymakers and strategic thinkers in Cairo on the third day of her bilateral visit to the nation. Swaraj added that India was concerned about the growth of militancy and sectarian violence in the region. Later, Swaraj also visited the National Museum near the iconic Tahrir Square where a 2011 revolution toppled the longtime president Hosni Mubarak. Swaraj arrived in Egypt on Sunday to promote ties between the two countries in various fields, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. She held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and met with her counterpart, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, and Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil el-Araby. The two countries signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on scientific and technical cooperation and tourism. Swaraj's visit to Egypt is th

Youth activities picking up in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, August, 25, 2015: The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are talented and full of aspiration. Be it sports or culture - they have been enthusiastically participating to bring the name and fame to their state and the country.

Sushma holds talks on bilateral relations with Egyptian President

Cairo, Aug 25 (ANI): Union Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and her counterpart, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, in Cairo to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues. Later, Swaraj also called on Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil el-Araby. Spokesperson of foreign ministry, Vikas Swarup, announced India and Egypt had signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on scientific and technical cooperation and tourism. Swaraj arrived on Sunday (August 23) on a two-day visit to promote ties between the two countries in various fields, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Egyptian-Indian trade amounts to almost five billion dollars annually, and Indian investments in Egypt are worth three billion dollars, the Foreign Ministry said.

Sushma Swaraj addresses Indian community in Cairo

Cairo, Aug 24 (ANI): Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed the Indian community in Egyptian capital Cairo soon after her arrival on a two-day visit. Swaraj had arrived in Cairo on Sunday and was received by India's Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya. Egypt is the first destination of the External Affairs Minister's four-day trip. She will also be travelling to Germany. Both India and Egypt are expected to review their bilateral relationship with a particular focus on enhancing economic engagement during Swaraj's visit. India and Egypt have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times.

President of Azad Kashmir lauds Pak's bold stance on Kashmir issue

Karachi, Aug 24 (ANI): A day after India-Pakistan peace talks collapsed and deadlock soared relations, the President of Pakistani Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob lauded bold and principled stance of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. The collapse of planned peace talks between India and Pakistan hours before they were to start on Sunday has raised questions about the arch-rivals' willingness to overcome mutual mistrust, built since their separation almost seven decades ago. The Prime Minister of Pakistani Kashmir, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, said the morale of Kashmiris had been boosted due of bold and principled stance of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Yaqoob said the international community should take notice of the continued cross-border firing by neighbor. In the now-cancelled talks, India wanted to only discuss terrorism-related issues and objected to Pakistan's intentions of meeting separatists from Kashmir. Pakistan wanted a wider agenda. Pakistan's decision to pull out followed Indian F

Conditions of NSA talks not changed by Pak, still prepared to talk without any pre condition: Sartaj Aziz (Part - 2)

Islamabad, Aug 22 (ANI): Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz on Saturday held a press conference in Islamabad to give details about Pak's stand on status of NSA level talks. Aziz said that last year talks could not happen due to the same reason as this year that India expressed concern over Pak's meeting with separatist leaders. He said that if the meeting was to take place, he would have carried dossiers carrying information of RAW's involvement in Pakistan. He accused India of introducing new conditions with its advice that Pak could not meet separatists. He then said that he is prepared to continue the talks without any pre condition. Further Aziz urged PM Narendra Modi to ponder over the most important part of Ufa statement that India and Pak have collective responsibility to ensure peace. He clearly mentioned that according to the statement agreed in Ufa, Kashmir was on the agenda but India is now denying it.

Sad about arrest of separatists; no discussion without Kashmir on agenda: Sartaj Aziz

Islamabad, Aug 22 (ANI): Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz on Saturday said that Pak is quite disturbed with the arrest of separatist leaders because it is in violation of their fundamental rights. He expressed surprise over the fact that India is expecting that discussion on meeting with Hurriyat will become part of agenda adding that it's not a substantial item. He further cleared that Kashmir is the most important agenda of discussion and no talks can be held without that. Aziz also said that India's linking Hurriyat meeting with Kashmir agenda is incorrect. He also said that it was decided to hold discussions on important issues and it is obvious that Kashmir is the core issue.

Conditions of NSA talks not changed by Pak, still prepared to talk without any pre condition: Sartaj Aziz (Part - 1)

Islamabad, Aug 22 (ANI): Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz on Saturday held a press conference in Islamabad to give details about Pak's stand on status of NSA level talks. Aziz said that last year talks could not happen due to the same reason as this year that India expressed concern over Pak's meeting with separatist leaders. He said that if the meeting was to take place, he would have carried dossiers carrying information of RAW's involvement in Pakistan. He accused India of introducing new conditions with its advice that Pak could not meet separatists. He then said that he is prepared to continue the talks without any pre condition. Further Aziz urged PM Narendra Modi to ponder over the most important part of Ufa statement that India and Pak have collective responsibility to ensure peace. He clearly mentioned that according to the statement agreed in Ufa, Kashmir was on the agenda but India is now denying it.

Hafiz Saeed lawyer says no secret screening after Pak bans 'Phantom'

Lahore, Aug 22 (ANI): The lawyer for Hafiz Saeed said that he would file a contempt application in case of any clandestine screening of the movie "Phantom" after Pakistan banned the film on Mumbai attacks. A Pakistani court on Thursday banned an Indian film about the 2008 Mumbai attacks in response to a petition filed by the man New Delhi accuses of masterminding the killing of 166 people over three days. Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which the United Nations has listed as a terrorist organisation, petitioned the court to ban the Kabir Khan-directed feature film "Phantom" on the basis that it maligns Pakistan and vilifies Saeed and his current organisation, Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Saeed's lawyer AK Dogar said the government had been told that the film should not be presented for showing in Pakistan and to take necessary steps in this regard. In its reply to the petition in court, the Pakistani government "vehemently denied" that there were ever any plans to screen the Indian fil