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Bangladesh opposition protests attack on party chief adviser

Dhaka, Jan 16 (ANI): The opposition alliance-led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday (January 15) protested attack on BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia's adviser Riaz Rahman. Rahman was shot and his car was set on fire on the night of January 13. He was returning from a meeting with Khaleda, who says police have illegally confined her to her office in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave for more than a week. The government denies Khaleda is being held against her will, and says she is free to leave the premises. Agitators torched a car while bombs were hurled in the old part of Dhaka during the BNP-sponsored strike and the ongoing blockade that has been going on since January 05. The shops remained closed and traffic movement was less than usual. The Bangladesh ruling Awami League held protest march against the opposition's strike and blockade. Bangladesh's minister for relief and disaster management, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury, denounced the opposition's stand.

Australian PM Tony Abbott applauds cover page of Charlie Hebdo's latest edition

Canberra, Jan 15 (ANI): Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke to Australian radio station from his office in Parliament House in Canberra commenting on the cover of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. He welcomed the cover page of the weekly satirical magazine and said that the cartoon saying 'all is forgiven' gave out a positive message. It is the first edition of Charlie Hebdo to be published after the deadly attacks by Islamist gunmen and sold out within minutes at newspaper kiosks around France on Wednesday, with people queuing up to buy copies to support the satirical weekly. A print run of up to three million copies has been set for what has been called "the survivor's edition", dwarfing the usual 60,000 run.

Pope Francis gives Sri Lanka its first pope before huge crowd

Colombo, Jan 14 (ANI): Pope Francis gave Sri Lanka its first saint on Wednesday at a Mass for hundreds of thousands of people packed on a Colombo oceanfront, in a climax to a 300-year campaign to recognize the holiness of Indian-born missionary Joseph Vaz. Vaz, who was captured as a suspected spy after he crept into the tropical island in disguise was born in 1651 in Goa. He traveled south at the age of 36, dressed as a beggar, to a country then divided into kingdoms after hearing about the persecution of Catholics by the Dutch, and worked for years under the protection of a Buddhist king. Meanwhile, Pope Francis touched upon the need for religious freedom at the mass. Francis, speaking slowly in English, said Christians should follow the example of Vaz to build peace, justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Education sector in shambles in PoK

Muzaffarabad, PoK, Jan 13: While Pakistan boasts of having improved the literacy rate in its occupied region of Kashmir, it has failed to provide quality education to region's students.

Defiant Charlie Hebdo returns with Prophet Muhammed on cover

Paris, Jan 13 (ANI): Up to 3 million copies of Charlie Hebdo could hit newsstands this week, dwarfing its usual print run of 60,000 in response to soaring demand for the first edition of the satirical weekly since last week's deadly attacks by Islamist militants. The French satirical magazine will come back with a bang defying the attackers by putting a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammed on its cover, as the government on Monday announced the deployment of 10,000 soldiers to boost security. Liberation newspaper, now temporarily housing Charlie Hebdo operations, revealed the front page of 'survivors' issue" via Twitter late on Monday as the edition is due to be out by Wednesday. The cover page shows an image of the Prophet Mohammad holding a sign saying 'Je Suis Charlie' which means 'I am Charlie' below the headline 'All is forgiven'.

Bangladesh PM hits out at BNP Chief Khaleda Zia

Dhaka, Jan 13 (ANI): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a dig at chief of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, and said she was a leader of militancy and terror. The prime minister said that the trial of war criminals would continue and no one can obstruct it. She also said that Khaleda held countrymen hostage in the name of blockade. Bangladesh stepped up a crackdown on BNP, arresting its vice-president amid anti-government protests that left seven dead and injured hundreds. Khaleda has demanded that Hasina give up her post, with a new vote to be held under a neutral administration. Meanwhile, Hasina assured people of developing the country to 'golden Bangladesh' on 50th Independence Day.

Japan gear to capture beauty market in Asia

Japan, Jan 12 (ANI): Japanese actor Yuki Furukawa recently visited Guangzhou city in China to promote cosmetic brand 'SK-II'. The cosmetic brand launched an online shop in "T-MALL" which is an online shopping site run by Alibaba Group in China. Yuki Furukawa, who belongs to Japanese entertainment agency, HARIPRO, was appointed as a poster boy of 'SK-II'. The in charge of publicity campaign explains why 'SK-II'.which sells women's cosmetics, chose a male for the promotion. Many Japanese cosmetic brands are launching new products for beauty conscious people. Cosmetics brand 'THREE', which has its flagship shop 'THREE AOYAMA' in Tokyo has recently released a beauty product, which is not to be used for skin but a supplement to eat. Not only restaurant, THREE AOYAMA also has a spa room. With their cosmetics they support to keep healthy skin and relaxed healthy mind. They also have another milestone product for outside of body.

Over million join Unity March against 'Paris Attack'

England/ Belgium, Jan 12 (ANI): The covers of British newspapers on Monday were dominated by the unprecedented march that took place in Paris. On Sunday, world leaders including Muslim and Jewish statesmen linked arms to lead more than a million French citizens through the French capital to pay tribute to victims of Islamist militant attacks. President Francois Hollande and leaders from Germany, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Britain and the Palestinian territories among others, moved off from the central Place de la Republique ahead of a sea of French and other flags. At least 3.7 million people took part in silent marches throughout France, the biggest public demonstration ever registered in the country. A total of 1.2 million to 1.6 million marched in Paris and a further 2.5 million in other cities, the Interior Ministry said. Meanwhile, some 20 thousand Belgians also took part in march "against hatred" in central Brussels on Sunday in solidarity with victims of Paris attacks.

Million join Unity March against 'Paris Unity Attack'

England/ Belgium, Jan 12 (ANI): The covers of British newspapers on Monday were dominated by the unprecedented march that took place in Paris. On Sunday, world leaders including Muslim and Jewish statesmen linked arms to lead more than a million French citizens through the French capital to pay tribute to victims of Islamist militant attacks. President Francois Hollande and leaders from Germany, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Britain and the Palestinian territories among others, moved off from the central Place de la Republique ahead of a sea of French and other flags. At least 3.7 million people took part in silent marches throughout France, the biggest public demonstration ever registered in the country. A total of 1.2 million to 1.6 million marched in Paris and a further 2.5 million in other cities, the Interior Ministry said. Meanwhile, some 20 thousand Belgians also took part in march "against hatred" in central Brussels on Sunday in solidarity with victims of Paris attacks.

Indonesian divers retrieve AirAsia flight data recorder from sea

Indonesia, Jan 12 (ANI): Indonesian divers have on Monday retrieved the flight data recorder of AirAsia Flight QZ8501 that crashed two weeks ago, a government official said. The head of Indonesia's search and rescue agency, Bambang Soelistyo said teams were still looking for the second device, its cockpit voice recorder. Search teams are still scouring the sea to find the cockpit voice recorder. Flight QZ8501 vanished from radar screens over the northern Java Sea two weeks ago, less than half-way into a two-hour flight from Indonesia's second-biggest city of Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people on board. However, the search team said later said that they have not yet found the flight data recorders from crashed AirAsia Flight, as the hunt for debris and bodies of those on board continued in to its third week.

Distraught man causes partial evacuation at hospital in Texas, claims police

United States, Jan 11 (ANI): According to the reports, a man distraught about his son's condition at a hospital in the Houston suburb of Tomball caused a commotion that led to an evacuation of part of the facility, in what was initially believed to be a hostage situation. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a statement it did not know whether the man, who was with his son in the critical care unit at Tomball Regional Medical Center, was armed. The evacuation involved areas around the room where the father and son are located. The Sheriff's Office initially reported the man had taken two hostages, but later clarified and said that no hostages were being held. The Sheriff's Office later tweeted that the man is the distraught father of a patient.

Newly'wed Imran and Reham Khan share food with madrasa students

Islamabad, Jan 10 (ANI): After a low'key marriage ceremony, Pakistan's cricketer'turned'politician Imran Khan and his better half ex'BBC journalist Reham Khan shared lunch with madrasa students on the outskirts of Pakistani capital Islamabad. Khan on Friday drove to distribute and share food with the children of the madarsa of Mufti Saeed, the Muslim cleric who performed his wedding ceremony. Khan's party officials say that due to the recent Peshawar tragedy, Imran had decided against having a grand Valima ceremony and chose to distribute food to less privileged children. After the meal, Khan mentioned that the wedding was planned for later, but as the rumors swirled, he decided to get married earlier.

France attacks prompted by insults to prophets, says purported Al-Qaeda leader

New Delhi, Jan 10 (ANI): An audio recording posted on the Internet attributed to a leader of the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda (AQAP) said the attacks in France were prompted by insults to prophets but stopped short of claiming responsibility for the assault on the offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The authenticity of the audio could not immediately be verified. The voice in recording was purported to be that of Sheikh Hareth al-Nadhari. A Yemeni journalist who specialises in al Qaeda said it was clear that AQAP had provided a "spiritual inspiration" for the attack on the newspaper offices, but there was no clear sign that it was directly responsible for the assault. Altogether 17 victims have died along with the three hostage-takers since Wednesday.

First phase of 'Bishwa Ijtema' begins in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Jan 10 (ANI): Thousands of Muslim devotees gathered on the bank of River Turag near Dhaka city for the first phase of this year's world congregation, or Bishwa Ijtema. Despite Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 20-party alliance's countrywide blockade, devout Muslims across the globe assembled in Tongi, 20 kilometres off the capital city of Dhaka, to participate in the congregation, known as the second largest annual gathering of Muslims after the Hajj. The first phase of Ijtema will conclude on Sunday amid the final prayers 'Akheri Munajat' while the second phase will be held from January 16 to 18. Eight floating bridges have been placed by the army engineers so that devotees can cross the River Turag with ease. The Bishwa Ijtema is being held at same site since 1966 and is organised by World Tablig Council, which preaches teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Sri Lanka elects Maithripala Sirisena as new president

Chennai, Jan 09 (ANI): Opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena has been declared as the new President of Sri Lanka. The soft spoken 63-year-old has vowed to root out corruption and bring constitutional reforms. Sirisena, who will later in the day take oath as the seventh President of Sri Lanka, beat the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa after securing 51.28 percent of the votes cast. Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated Sri Lanka President-elect Maithiripala Sirisena on his poll victory. Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that the election process is an internal matter of Sri Lanka and hoped that both Sri Lanka and India share good relations. Meanwhile, Congress unit of Tamil Nadu President EVKS Elangovan expressed his happiness over Sirisena's victory.

Helicopters over town where Paris attack suspects last seen

France, Jan 08 (ANI): Helicopters were seen flying over the northeastern French town of Dammartin-en-Goele on Friday (January 9) as at least one hostage was seized during the police search for two brothers suspected of carrying out the attack on satirical publication Charlie Hebdo, according to police sources. There was heavy security in the town, and five helicopters were seen flying overhead on Friday morning. The French Interior Minister confirmed an operation was taking place there. A police source said the two suspects had been sighted in the town, where at least one person was taken hostage.

Lakhvi granted bail in kidnapping case but likely to remain in custody under MPO

Islamabad, Jan 09 (ANI): The alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi has been granted bail by Islamabad's lower court in the six year old kidnapping case against surety bonds worth 2,00,000 rupees but he is unlikely to be released as he was detained in Adiala Jail under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for a month. However, Lakhvi may be released after completion of the time period for his detention at Adiala jail. According to media reports, Lakhvi's counsel argued at the civil court of Mian Azhar Nadeem that his client was wrongly booked in the kidnapping case. Lakhvi's counsel argued that the kidnapping case against Lakhvi was registered under pressure from India after the Anti-Terrorism Court granted him bail.

Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat in Sri Lanka's presidential election

Colombo, Jan 09 (ANI): President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reportedly conceded defeat to joint opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena in what has been touted as Sri Lanka's tightest-ever seventh presidential election race. According to reports, Rajapaksa has left the official "Temple Trees" residence, after cumulative results indicated that Sirisena was leading by a huge margin. "President Rajapaksa left Temple Trees bowing to the people's mandate in the presidential election," a statement from Rajapaksa's office said. "President had talks with the main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and conveyed his wish to let the new President take over without any hindrance", the statement further said. With final result yet to be out, Sirisena is expected to be declared winner by around 4,00,000 votes. Rajapaksa had served two terms as president and was seeking a record third consecutive term.

Boko Haram militants kill hundreds in Nigerian town, UN appeals for release of all abductees

Nigeria, Jan 09 (ANI): Boko Haram militants have killed hundreds of people and burned down homes in the northeast Nigerian town of Baga in the past two days, in a second killing spree since seizing control there at the weekend, witnesses said. Two locals said the Islamist insurgents began shooting indiscriminately and burning buildings on Tuesday evening in raids on the civilian population that carried on into Wednesday. It is seen as the gravest threat to Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, and a headache for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of an election on February 14. Soldiers fled Baga over the weekend when the Sunni jihadist group overran a nearby army base. The district head of Baga, Abba Hassan said that at least 100 people were killed when the group first took over the town on the edge of Lake Chad. Abubakar Gulama, who escaped without his family to Monguno, 40 km (25 miles) away, said he crossed "many dead bodies on the ground" and that "the whole town was on fire". Meanwhil

Voting begins in Sri Lanka's presidential election

Colombo, Jan 08 (ANI): Voting began on Thursday throughout Sri Lanka in a presidential election where incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa is facing an unexpected challenge to his rule from his former Health minister Maithripala Sirisena. Police said no incidents have been reported from any parts of the country so far.The army is on alert to provide support if needed. Election monitors have reported less violence than in earlier elections in the run up to the polling day. Voters were also keen to see the poll pass off peacefully. Rajapaksa won around 58 percent of the vote in the last election, surfing a wave of popularity that sprang from the 2009 defeat of Tamil Tiger separatists who had waged a crippling war against the government for 26 years. Although his popularity has waned, Rajapaksa called the election two years early, confident that the perennially fractured opposition would fail to find a credible challenger.