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Attack in France is of "terrorist nature", says French President Francois Hollande

Brussels, June 26 (ANI): French President Francois Hollande on Friday said that the attack in the gas factory in southeast France was of "a terrorist nature" and that a suspect had been arrested and identified. He added that a considerable police force had been deployed in the region and other industrial sites protected to avoid any further incidents. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve was at the site in the town of Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, around 30 km (20 miles) southeast of the city of Lyon. Hollande asked the French people not to give way to fear or racism. Two assailants rammed a car into the premises of a U.S. gas company in southeast France on Friday, exploding gas containers. A decapitated head covered in Arab writing was found at the site.

Four people killed in a suicide attack on a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Kuwait

Kuwait City, June 26 (ANI): At least four people were killed and several others injured in a suicide bomb attack on a Shia mosque in the Kuwait city on Friday. The blast took place during Friday prayers at the Imam Sadiq Mosque in al-Sawaber, a busy area of Kuwait City. Reportedly, an Islamic State- (IS) affiliated group has claimed responsibility of the attack. The terrorist group has named the bomber as Abu Sleiman al Mouahed and said that he was wearing a suicide belt. According to reports, the mosque was packed with some 2,000 people when a loud explosion took place.

BBC report confirms suspicions about India's involvement in unrest in country: Pak Home Minister

Islamabad, June 26 (ANI): Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Special Assistant to the PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi, met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss a recent BBC report which made disclosures about the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) receiving funding from India. On Wednesday, BBC released a documentary, alleging that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has received funding from Indian authorities. Talking to media after the meeting, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan said the sensitive disclosures made in the BBC report confirmed Pakistan's suspicions about India's involvement in the unrest in Pakistan. Khan said Pakistan's intelligence agencies had on several occasions reported India's interference inside Pakistan. He said the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statements in Bangladesh were a clear indication of Indian involvement in "illegal and inhuman activities" inside Pakistan. He said he held a meeting with British High

Baloch separatist leader opposes China-Pakistan economic corridor

Geneva, June 26 (ANI): Exiled Baloch leader and chief of Baloch Republican Party Brahamdagh Bugti have opposed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the 3000 km project launched in April this year during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Islamabad. Bugti blamed Pakistan for allowing China to invest in an occupied territory. Bugti and his party leaders from Europe protested outside the Palais des Nations in Geneva against the forceful occupation, human rights violations and exploitation of resources in Balochistan. They condemned the actions of the Pakistani army and shouted slogans demanding freedom for Balochistan. He urged the US to stop funding of Pakistan's war on terror as the money is being used against the Baloch people. The Baloch protest was also joined by Kathryn Porter, president of the Washington-based Leadership Council for Human Rights.

Pakistan rejects Indian protests on China's veto in UN sanctions committee over Lakhvi's release

Islamabad, June 25 (ANI): Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected statements by the Indian government and media over China's move to veto a UN action against Pakistan for releasing alleged 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. At a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee, India had sought action against Pakistan for release of Lakhvi in the Mumbai case saying it was in violation of UN resolution 1267. However, on Tuesday China blocked the move on the ground that the information provided by New Delhi was not sufficient. The UN Sanctions Committee met at India's request. China's justification for blocking the Indian request which sought clarification from Pakistan over Lakhvi's release was that India "failed to provide enough information." Indian reactions to the Chinese move have been understandably negative. External Affairs Ministry said India had taken up the issue with China "at the highest levels of leadership."

Death toll from heat wave in Pakistan reaches 780, morgues and hospitals run out of space

Karachi, June 25 (ANI): A heat wave has killed nearly 800 people in Pakistan's financial hub of Karachi and piled pressure on a beleaguered provincial government. A spokesperson from the Edhi Foundation, a charitable rescue organisation which runs the largest morgue in the city, said they were running out of space for bodies. Many of the deaths among the elderly and poor have been caused by dehydration. The Chairman of Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said the death toll continued to rise in Karachi. The NDMA chief was speaking outside a medical centre in Karachi, after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif issued directives for the organisation to take immediate steps to deal with the crisis. The country's military is winning praise after it set up 22 health centres to distribute aid.

Japan contributes to ASEAN, India in retail, railway

Jakarta, June 25 (ANI): AEON Mall, a subsidiary of Japan's largest retailer AEON Group, recently launched its first shopping mall in Indonesia. The massive facility is developed and operated by AMSL, in partnership with AEON and the local real estate giant, Sinar Mas Land. AEON operates 141 malls in Japan and is expanding through Southeast Asia, such as in Malaysia, where it is the biggest retailer, as well as Philippines. It forayed into Vietnam and Cambodia by opening shopping malls last year. AEON Mall BSD City, the 177,000 square meter shopping mall houses 280 diversified stores, 47 of which are part of popular Japanese franchises. It also includes 140 restaurants and the largest food court in BSD district. AEON is targeting suburban areas where young families and youth with high spending live. It plans to open 20 new shopping malls in Indonesia, mainly in West Java and the Greater Jakarta area after 2016. In recent years, the world has embarked on assistance to Myanmar, as the cou

Workers narrowly escape drowning in flash flood in Jammu

Jammu/ Pulwama, June 25 (ANI): Two vehicles drowned in Jammu while the workers narrowly escaped after a flash flood hit the state early morning on Thursday (June 25). The workers, who were loading concrete on the trucks by the river Tawi, could narrowly escape when the flash flood hit the region. Heavy rainfall has created a flood-like situation in Jammu and Kashmir after which a flood alert was issued. Jammu-Srinagar highway was also closed due to heavy rainfall. One of the workers who was working beside Tawi River in Jammu, Sandeep Kumar said that the flood came all of a sudden thus catching them off guard. The workers were also advised to take care of their safety owing to possible flood situation in the area. The flood like situation was also registered in Pulwama city where people rued about lack of administration's concern. The water level in the river Jhelum crossed the danger mark in Srinagar and in Sangam near Anantnag in south Kashmir. The meteorological department had predic

Sushma Swaraj discusses reconstruction plan with Nepal president

Kathmandu, June 25 (ANI): Union Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj, met Nepalese President, Ram Bharan Yadav, on Thursday and discussed reconstruction of the Himalayan nation hit by powerful quakes early this year. Swaraj is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring nation to attend International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction (ICNR). ICNR has been organized by Nepal government to raise funds in the aftermath of the two major, subsequent earthquakes that struck the nation. According to a tweet by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Vikas Swarup, Swaraj told Yadav "In times of distress nearest neighbour helps first. Relatives and friends come later. EAM @SushmaSwaraj to President of Nepal." Earlier in the day, Swaraj announced that India would provide an assistance of USD 1 billion for quake-hit Nepal's reconstruction.

Vikas Swarup, Sushma Swaraj, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Terrorism

Kathmandu, June 25 (ANI): External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Thursday said that Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj raised 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release issue with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. In the meeting held on the sidelines of an international donors conference in Kathmandu, Swaraj told the Chinese Foreign Minister that Lakhvi was "no ordinary terrorist" as he masterminded the Mumbai terror attack in which more than 166 people were killed. Swarup said that China also assured India of all help in fighting against terrorism. He also said that the two leaders also discussed on how to reconstruct Nepal. Further, the EAM spokesperson also said that the president of Nepal thanked India for all the support to the Himalayan nation 'in its hour of crisis'.

Bobby Jindal announces bid for US presidency

New Delhi, June 25 (ANI): Louisiana's Governor Bobby Jindal has announced his bid for the United States 2016 presidential campaign. According to reports, Jindal has joined the field of Republican candidates vying for the White House. Jindal, the Oxford-educated son of Indian immigrants, is famous for his policy credentials. He is the 13th Republican candidate to join the race. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker are also expected to run.

Sushma Swaraj, India, Nepal reconstruction, Earthquake, ICNR

Kathmandu, June 25 (ANI): Union External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday announced that India would provide an assistance of USD 1 billion for quake-hit Nepal's reconstruction. Swaraj announced India's assistance package in Kathmandu during the international conference on Nepal's reconstruction being organized by the Nepalese government to raise funds for carrying out rebuilding of areas devastated by the massive earthquake of April 25 that left nearly 9,000 people dead. Swaraj said now India's total assistance to Nepal over the next five years now stands at USD 2 billion. Sushma Swaraj arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday to attend International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction (ICNR). Swaraj was received by India's Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae and other officials at the airport.

Interacted with authorities and investors, they see lot of positives in India: Jaitley

San Fransisco, June 24 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that he had an interactive session with the government authorities and investors and they see a lot of positives happening in India. Jaitley said that he has absorbed some investor concerns and hoped that the performance of the country will be better than last year. He further said that he has extended an invitation to the Governor for a delegation from California led by him to come to India.

Protest Against Police Brutalities in PoK

Muzaffarabad, PoK, June 23, 2015:- Locals in Pakistan occupied Kashmir continue to protest against brutality of the puppet administration in the region. The recent killing of a vegetable trader in Muzzafarabad has angered the local residents who are demanding that the police official responsible for the incident should be arrested and punished. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or PoK is one of the most backward and neglected regions in Pakistan. Apart from the rampant corruption in the entire administrative system, people continue to bear the highhandedness of the puppet regime. These people have gathered here to protest against a police official of Muzzafarabad region who killed a vegetable vendor for refusing to give money to the officer. Traders allege the vendor, Aslam, who came from Punjab to set up his own business in the region, was taken into custody by the official who brutally tortured him leading to his death. While people have been protesting against the incident for several days,

Japan to strengthen global associations through food, sports

Fukuoka/ Yokohama, June 23 (ANI): Known for its hygiene and taste, Japanese cuisine is popular all over the world. In a bid to make the local food more popular, Japan's All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has been trying o promote Japanese local food and culture through its project 'Taste of Japan'. Recently, the airlines introduced the food from Fukuoka prefecture, which will be served on board and at the airport. The dishes include a steak of a specialty meat and a simple rice bowl dish, which is going to be served for first class customers on some of the international flights. Also on the palate will be red grainy food on rice called "Mentaiko", a spicy Alaska Pollack roe. Mentaiko, a dish made of fish eggs is rich in nutrients. It was introduced years ago by Japanese, who dipped Alaska Pollack Roe in a spicy sauce and sold it. Then there are many different tastes of Mentaiko available in Japan. The dish is going to be recognized in foreign countries. Fukuya, a company preparing Mentaiko dish

Sushma Swaraj meets UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa

New York, June 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa in New York. Swaraj presided over the yoga day celebrations on Sunday at the UN and across New York. She said on Monday that the International Yoga Day has been more successful than she had expected.

Taliban attack Afghan parliament, seize second district in north

Kabul, June 22 (ANI): A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked the Afghan parliament on Monday, shattering windows and forcing lawmakers to flee. Live TV showed lawmakers in parliament as the attack occurred and the gunbattle was still continuing. A local eyewitness said clashes is still going on. Security officials said the bomber blew himself up just outside the parliament buildings and several fighters took positions in a building close to parliament. They said all the lawmakers were safe. The withdrawal of foreign forces and a reduction in US air strikes have allowed Taliban fighters to launch several major attacks in important Afghan provinces. The second district to fall to the Taliban on Monday was in the northern province of Kunduz. The Taliban captured Dasht-e-Archi district a day after hundreds of militants fought their way to the centre of the adjacent district of Chardara. Mohammad Yusuf Ayubi, head of the provincial council, said local forces suffered casualtie

Taliban attack Afghanistan Parliament, evacuation on

Kabul, June 22 (ANI): Taliban fighters on Monday launched an attack on the Afghan parliament in Kabul, setting off several large bombs as Members of Parliament were meeting inside. According to reports, authorities began evacuating the building after explosions while trying to fight off the attackers near the parliament in Darul Aman area of Kabul. Interior ministry spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi confirmed the explosions and said security forces had been deployed to parliament. In a message sent to the media, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said suicide bombers had launched the attack on parliament. The Taliban described it as a "coordinated suicide attack". The incident happened as new Defence Minister Massoom Stanekzai was being introduced to MPs. A total of six explosions were heard in the area. Militant attacks in Kabul have risen in the past two months after a lull at the beginning of the year.

Sushma Swaraj visits Ganesh Temple in New York, says 24 million people regularly practice yoga in US

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said that more than 24 million people in the United States practice yoga regularly. Swaraj visited a temple of elephant-headed Hindu god, Ganesha, in New York. While Swaraj addressed the members of Hindu temple society of North America, she spoke about the countries who agreed to celebrate the day along with India to make International Yoga Day a record-breaking success. The United Nations celebrated first International Yoga Day event at its headquarters in New York on Sunday with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Swaraj and other dignitaries in attendance.

Sushma Swaraj attends Yoga day celebrations at Times Square

New York, June 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited the Times Square in New York to celebrate the First International Day of Yoga. Earlier, the minister also addressed the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations. The yoga celebrations are being organised after the United Nations had in December last year declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Modi at the United Nations General Assembly last year.