India launches first home-built aircraft carrier, bolstering naval capabilities
India has launched its first home-built aircraft carrier, marking another milestone in its efforts to bolster its maritime presence. Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Monday that India needs a strong navy to defend itself, and that it will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities. India joins the U.S., Russia, France and Britain in building […]
Indian Hindu devotees attend ‘worship of snakes’ Nag Panchami festival
Indian Hindu devotees queue up to offer prayers at the Nag Vasuki Temple during the annual Nag Panchami festival, in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013. The festival is dedicated to the worship of snakes. <AP/NEWSis>
Curfew extended in India-controlled Kashmir amid Hindu-Muslim clashes
Curfew extended in Indian-controlled Kashmir amid communal clashes Fresh clashes erupted across Kishtwar and other districts of Indian- controlled Kashmir between Hindu and Muslim groups, forcing authorities to extend curfew to these areas on Sunday, police said. In Jammu city protesters resorted to arson and set ablaze to some shops and vehicles of Muslims. Curfew […]
Pakistani Muslims start celebrating Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks end of Ramadan
Pakistani customers buy bangles at a stall ahead of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in Islamabad, Pakistan on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. Pakistani Muslims will start celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday Friday that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. A Pakistani beautician paints a hand of a customer with henna ahead […]
Indian army says 5 Indian soldiers killed from Pakistani troops’ fire in Kashmir
India’s army says five of its soldiers were killed and another wounded when Pakistani troops fired at a patrol near the cease-fire line in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir on Tuesday. The incident could threaten recent overtures aimed at resuming peace talks between the nuclear-armed rivals. The military called the attack a “gross violation” […]
Indian Parliament members hold banners demanding another separate state
Indian Parliament saw disruptions on the first of its monsoon session which opened Monday over the setting up of a new state, which has caused widespread controversy in the country. Parliament Speaker Meira Kumar caused for return to order after some members of parliament left their seats and shouted their opinions against the establishment of […]
India’s ruling coalition endorses creating 29th state of Telangana in South India
India’s ruling coalition endorsed creating a new state in southern India, which immediately spurred activists to call for other long-standing demands for separate states to be met. The United Progressive Alliance coalition unanimously agreed to endorse that a new state called Telangana be carved out of Andhra Pradesh state, civil aviation minister Ajit Singh told […]
The role of Provincial Women Development Councils in Afghanistan
Since 2001, integrating gender sensitivity into national policy making and implementation has taken the centre stage for most development initiatives in Afghanistan. A chain of developments focusing on enhancing the role and contribution of Afghan women towards national development has underscored the relevance of mainstreaming gender into the national development objectives and outcomes. In particular, […]
Nepal’s mountaineer Serchan tries to regain Mt. Everest Record at 83
Kathmandu: An octogenarian Nepali mountaineer, whose Guinness World Record as the oldest man to conquer Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world, was breached by a Japanese octogenarian in May this year, is planning to climb the peak again in Spring next year. Onetime Guinness World Record holder octogenarian mountaineer Min Bahadur Serchan, 82, […]
Sri Lankans urges Indian gov’t not to interfere with their internal affairs
A protestor holds a placard with a photograph of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a protest by Federation of National Organizations, a collective of nationalistic groups, outside the Indian High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, July 29, 2013. The protestors urged India not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs after the Indian […]