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US: Obama to promote energy strategy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:06:05 +0530

President Barack Obama is confronting Americans' anxiety over rising gasoline prices by drawing attention to his energy policies and taking credit for rising oil and gas production, a greater mix of energy sources and decreased consumption.

Oz PM calls party vote as challenger rises

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:12:37 +0530

Prime Minister Julia Gillard put her job on the line on Thursday, announcing a leadership ballot in hopes of quashing a comeback by Kevin Rudd, the colleague she ousted in a Labor Party coup nearly two years ago.

US: Blueprint for protecting consumers privacy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:01:43 +0530

The US government has unveiled a 'Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights' as part of a comprehensive blueprint to improve consumers' privacy protections and ensure that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.

UK: Indian-origin British hotelier sued by parents

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:14:36 +0530

Parents of a 60-year-old Indian-origin hotelier, reportedly one of Britain's wealthiest men, are sueing him for 100 million pounds (around $157 million), claiming their son took the family business for himself.

Was Einstein wrong or was the cable loose?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:36:33 +0530

The world of science was upended last year when an experiment appeared to show one of Einstein's fundamental theories was wrong - but now the lab behind it says the result could have been caused by a loose cable.

UK: Cherie Blair sues NOTW over phone hacking

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:17:13 +0530

The wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair is suing Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper company over phone hacking, her lawyer said Wednesday.

Clinton to meet Khar, discuss 'stranded ties'

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:21:44 +0530

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would meet her Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar in London on Thursday, on the margins of the international conference on Somalia.

Syria ground report: 2 journalists killed

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:04:10 +0530

Marie Colvin of Britain's Sunday Times and French photographer Remi Ochlik, both veteran war correspondents, were killed in Syria.

New York police built secret files on mosques

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:01:12 +0530

Americans living and working in New Jersey's largest city were subjected to surveillance as part of the New York Police Department's effort to build databases of where Muslims work, shop and pray.

Egypt court sets June 2 for Mubarak verdict

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:07:57 +0530

The fate of Egypt's former strongman Hosni Mubarak will be decided on June 2, with the Egyptian court conducting his trial setting the final date for verdict after the ousted president turned down a last chance to speak in its final session on Wednesday.

Assad forces bomb Syria's Homs; reporters killed

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:41:35 +0530

Syrian President Bashar al Assad's forces rained rockets and bombs down on opposition-held neighbourhoods of the city of Homs on Wednesday, reducing buildings to rubble and killing more than 80 people, including two Western journalists.

Phone hacking: Cherie Blair sues Murdoch's company

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:37:28 +0530

Cherie Blair, barrister and wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, on Wednesday sued the now-defunct News of the World over hacking of her phone, joining a host of celebrities and others who have initiated legal proceedings against media baron Rupert Murdoch's company.

Commonwealth ministerial group suspends Maldives

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:11:31 +0530

Stopping just short of suspending the Maldives from the Commonwealth, the inter-governmental organization of 53 member states-mainly former British colonies - has declared that the island nation on Indian Ocean would no longer be part of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) while it remained on the Commonwealth's watch list. CMAG also called for "early elections, which should take place within this calendar year", urging former President Nasheed and his successor Dr Mohammed Waheed to commence an immediate dialogue, without preconditions, to agree on a date for the elections.

Obama proposes minimum taxes on foreign earnings

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:48:53 +0530

US President Barack Obama has proposed to establish a new minimum tax on foreign earnings while repealing benefits for outsourcing jobs overseas and providing new incentives for bringing jobs back home.

Quran burning incites deadly riots in Afghanistan

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:49:04 +0530

Clashes between Afghan troops and protesters angry over the burning of Muslim holy books at a US military base left at least seven people dead and dozens wounded on Wednesday as anger spread despite US apologies over what it said was a mistake.

Argentine commuter train crashes, kills 49

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:27:56 +0530

A packed commuter train plowed into the buffers at a Buenos Aires station during Wednesday's morning rush hour, killing 49 people and injuring more than 600 in Argentina's worst rail accident in more than 30 years, officials said.

Divers find 8 more bodies in Costa Concordia wreckage

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:18:20 +0530

Divers searching the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship off a Tuscan island found eight bodies Wednesday on one of the passenger decks, including that of a missing 5-year-old Italian girl, authorities said.

Egypt court sets June 2 for Mubarak verdict

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:12:31 +0530

Commonwealth ministerial group suspends Maldives

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:37:51 +0530

Maldives was on Wednesday suspended from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group - the most powerful panel of the Commonwealth body - following the recent developments in the country including the ousting of its democratically-elected president Mohamed Nasheed.

Argentine train slams into station, 340 injured

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:44:53 +0530

A packed train slammed into the end of the line in Buenos Aires' busy Once station on Wednesday, injuring at least 340 morning commuters, Argentina's transportation secretary said.

Venezuela's Chavez says his cancer is likely back

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:11:26 +0530

President Hugo Chavez has raised serious doubts about whether he'll have the stamina for a successful re-election bid, revealing that he needs to return to Cuba to have a lesion removed that is probably malignant.

US: Indian doctors win racial discrimination case

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:51:22 +0530

Three Indian-American doctors, who were derogatorily called "the Indians" and treated as "second-class citizens" by the CEO of a medical center in the US, have won a racial discrimination case in a Texas court.

Karzai's willingness to talk to Taliban gratifies US

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:25:43 +0530

The US was pleased by the willingness expressed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to talk directly to the Taliban, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.

Italian ministers post salaries, assets online

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:06:35 +0530

Italian ministers on Tuesday posted their salaries and assets online in an effort to boost transparency amid a crackdown on tax evasion.

NY: Police check of Muslim students sparks outrage

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:47:54 +0530

The mayor faced off with the president of Yale University on Tuesday over an effort by the city's police department to monitor Muslim student groups for any signs that their members harboured terrorist sympathies.

US to focus on business abroad like India, China

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:24:31 +0530

Suggesting that rising powers like India, China and Brazil were putting economics at the centre of their foreign policies, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton advocates Economic Statecraft to champion US businesses abroad.

Most UK business bosses fear recession in 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:06:39 +0530

Around 35 per cent of directors of British business firms think there is a high risk of a recession this year, says a survey.

Argentine woman set ablaze by boyfriend dies

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:02:35 +0530

A 17-year-old Argentine woman set on fire by her boyfriend died after six agonising days in a hospital with burns over 75 per cent of her body, authorities said on Tuesday.

US apologises for Quran burning in Afghanistan

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:31:32 +0530

The US apologised on Tuesday for the burning of Muslim holy books that had been pulled from the shelves of a detention center library adjoining a major base in eastern Afghanistan because they contained extremist messages or inscriptions.

US signals possibility of arming Syrian rebels

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:25:33 +0530

The United States appeared to open the door to eventually arming Syria's opposition, saying that if a political solution to the crisis was impossible it might have to consider other options.

Millionaires should pay 30 pc in taxes: Obama

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:22:04 +0530

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said that the US middle class deserves tax cuts, while people with incomes above $1 million per year should pay at least 30 percent in taxes.

Bhopal-Dow Olympic row: Outrage in UK House

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:18:14 +0530

British Parliamentarian Barry Gardiner has termed the process that led to the appointment of Dow Chemical Company as a sponsor for the wrap of the main 2012 Olympics stadium a 'sham'.

Dead woman married twice in China

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:57:49 +0530

Investigators in China's Hebei province are shocked after coming across a bizarre incident in which a woman's corpse was married twice.

Indian call centres used for $ 5 mn scam in US

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:40:18 +0530

Federal authorities have cracked down on a California-based company that used the services of call centers in India to make fake, very often threatening, debt collector calls to consumers in the US.

US pushing India to 'wean' from Iran oil

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:13:36 +0530

The United States continues to talk with India to encourage it to reduce its dependence on Iranian crude, but would not say what progress it has made so far.

Museum displays unique copy of the 'Mona Lisa' painting

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:40:20 +0530

Curators at the Prado Museum in Madrid have unveiled a copy of the Mona Lisa which was apparently painted at exactly the same time by a student, just feet away from da Vinci.

Kate, Pippa lookalikes grab eyeballs in UK

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:33:22 +0530

Princess Kate and her sister Pippa Middleton are back making news in fashion circles, thanks to their lookalikes.

Nuclear talks with Iran failed: UN watchdog

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:25:31 +0530

The UN nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday it had failed to secure an agreement with Iran during two days of talks over disputed atomic activities and that the Islamic Republic had rejected a request to visit a key military site.

China closes over 7,000 illegal websites

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:14:26 +0530

Authorities in China have shut down a total of 7,846 websites involved in illegal commercial activity, the government said. The ministry of public security took the step as part of a nationwide campaign against online black markets, Xinhua reported.

After bailout, Greek govt agrees to cut wages, jobs

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:12:00 +0530

Greece has agreed to massive debt reduction, which the private sector investors must approve.

Red Cross, other aid agencies call for ceasefire in Syria

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:10:40 +0530

With no end to the violence, food and medicine supplies are running alarmingly low in Syria.

Europe seals new Greek bailout but doubts remain

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:05:36 +0530

Euro zone finance ministers agreed a 130-billion-euro ($172 billion) rescue for Greece on Tuesday to avert an imminent chaotic default after forcing Athens to commit to unpopular cuts and private bondholders to take bigger losses.

US apologises for Quran burnings in Afghanistan

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:29:50 +0530

Dozens killed in Syria, Red Cross urges cease-fire

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:56:46 +0530

Food and water are running dangerously low in the besieged Syrian city of Homs, with frantic cries for help from residents amid government shelling that pounded rebel strongholds and killed at least 30 people on Tuesday, activists said.

US team says Honduras prison fire was an accident

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:33:54 +0530

US investigators concluded on Tuesday that the deadliest prison fire in a century was accidental, and may have been caused by a lit match, cigarette or some other open flame.

US hints at possibility of arming Syrian rebels

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:02:45 +0530

The United States on Tuesday appeared to open the door to eventually arming the Syrian Opposition, saying if a political solution to the crisis were impossible it might have to consider other options.

China closes over 7,000 illegal websites

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:02:05 +0530

Authorities in China have shut down a total of 7,846 websites involved in illegal commercial activity, the government said.

BlackBerry maker releases new PlayBook software

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:35:39 +0530

Research In Motion released a free upgraded operating system for its struggling Playbook computer tablet on Tuesday, almost a year later than it first said it would.

Dow crosses 13,000 for first time since 2008

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:17:14 +0530

Dow Jones industrial average has crossed 13,000 for the first time since before the 2008 financial crisis.

Shanghai's courier firms to open parcels before delivery

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:27:53 +0530

Major courier firms in Shanghai have started ordering their delivery staff to examine contents of parcels they receive from customers more often, as part of a government direction for security.

A more moderate Taliban on the rise?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:29:03 +0530

From a simple mud-walled house above a steep Kabul hillside buried deep in snow, the Taliban's former guardian of virtue and once-feared scourge of vice sees a revolution under way.

Spain's barter economy booms in grip of crisis

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:23:42 +0530

It's 10.30 on a chilly winter's morning in central Madrid and retailer Emanuela Scena is opening up for business. Her shop is one of several offering second-hand goods that have sprung up in Spain's capital during the economic crisis and is packed to the rafters with clothes, books, CDs and electrical equipment.

Strauss-Kahn held in French prostitution probe

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:13:08 +0530

Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was taken in for questioning on Tuesday by police investigating an alleged prostitution ring run out of the northern French city of Lille.

Afghans protest over reported Koran desecrations

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:03:31 +0530

More than 2,000 Afghans protested outside the main US military base in Afghanistan on Tuesday over a report that foreign troops had improperly disposed of copies of the Koran and other religious items, Afghan officials said.

Yemen votes, seals Saleh's exit

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:54:24 +0530

Yemen sealed President Ali Abdullah Saleh's exit from power on Tuesday by electing his deputy to shepherd the country away from the brink of civil war. Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, the sole, consensus candidate, billed the vote as a way to move on after months of protests against Saleh's 33-year rule, but the president's sons and nephews still command key army units and security agencies.

Iran 'will act against enemies if endangered'

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:49:07 +0530

Iran would take pre-emptive action against its enemies if it felt its national interests were endangered, the deputy head of the Islamic Republic's armed forces was quoted by a semi-official news agency as saying on Tuesday.

Eurozone seals a second bailout for Greece

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:48:25 +0530

Greece has finally secured a crucial second bailout after a marathon session of talks.

Bahrain school eyeing 600 Aakash tablets

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:18:43 +0530

Students of an Indian school in Bahrain will soon get the world's cheapest tablet computer 'Aakash', developed by India's Human Resources Development Ministry.

Syrian Americans appeal to UN to diffuse tension

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:01:45 +0530

As the West considers ways to stop the violence, Syrian Americans are doing what they can to help diffuse the situation.

Eurozone seals Greek bailout worth 130 bn euros

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:03:39 +0530

Euro zone finance ministers approved on Tuesday a second bailout for debt-laden Greece that will resolve Athens' immediate repayment needs but seems unlikely to revive the nation's shattered economy.

What happened in Maldives that led to coup?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:58:53 +0530

What really happened in Maldives that led to the toppling of the first democratically elected president in the island nation. CNN-IBN brings you the inside story of how the coup was planned, plotted and executed to perfection.

UN inspectors arrive in Iran for nuclear talks

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:41:14 +0530

Senior UN inspectors arrived in Iran on Monday to push for transparency about its disputed nuclear program and several European states halted purchases of Iranian oil as part of Western moves to pile pressure on a defiant Tehran.

Iranian formally charged in Thailand for blasts

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:37:48 +0530

An Iranian national was on Monday formally charged by the Thai Police for his alleged role in last week's triple blasts that rocked central Bangkok in what is seen as a botched attempt to target Israeli diplomats.

Top UN inspectors in Iran for crunch nuclear talks

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:09:24 +0530

Senior UN inspectors arrived in Iran on Monday to push for transparency about its disputed nuclear programme, a day after Tehran responded defiantly to tightened EU sanctions by halting oil sales to British and French companies.

'Hitler had planned to set up headquarters in UK'

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:04:46 +0530

German dictator Adolf Hitler had plans to set up his headquarters in the English Midlands if the Nazi invasion of Britain had been successful during World War II, say historians.

US military deploys drones over Syria

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:36:36 +0530

The US has deployed a large number of drones over Syria to monitor Syrian military attack on the opposition forces and civilians, NBC News has reported.

44 killed in Mexico prison riot; guards detained

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:40:53 +0530

An inmate riot that may have been staged to cover a breakout killed 44 prisoners on Sunday, and the jail's director and all guards on duty at the time have been detained, a security official said.

US: Sex-changing treatment for kids on the rise

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:18:03 +0530

A small but growing number of teens and even younger children who think they were born the wrong sex are getting support from parents and from doctors who give them sex-changing treatments, according to reports in the medical journal Pediatrics.

Oil jumps to 9-month high after Iran cuts supply

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:13:02 +0530

Oil prices jumped to a nine-month high near $ 105 a barrel on Monday in Asia after Iran said it halted crude exports to Britain and France in an escalation of a dispute over the Middle Eastern country's nuclear programme.

'US not to enter into arms race with China'

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:03:38 +0530

The United States is not inclined to enter into an arms race or any confrontation with China, a top Pentagon official has said.

Syria violence: Homs continues to be shelled

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:35:41 +0530

Egypt has publicly snubbed President Assad by ordering the withdrawal of its ambassador in Damascus.

Maldives crisis: Will tourist inflow continue?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:01:33 +0530

The unrest in Maldives not just has political implications, but its biggest casualty could be the island's biggest source of income. But luckily. the tourist hotspot still remains a favoured holiday destination.

Greece primed for second bailout package

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:58:40 +0530

The Eurozone leaders will be meeting on Monday to take a final decision on the second bailout package for Greece. This as the Greek Prime Minister gets ready to introduce the widely unpopular austerity budget in Parliament; the budget will cut wages and pensions, and reform health care to get the $170 billion bailout.

Iran stops oil sales to British, French companies

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:38:58 +0530

Iran has stopped selling crude to British and French companies, the oil ministry said on Sunday, in a retaliatory measure against fresh EU sanctions on the Islamic state's lifeblood, oil.

Tibetan writer detained in China crackdown

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:45:55 +0530

An overseas Tibetan news service says Chinese police have detained a Tibetan writer in a western county hit by anti-government protests as China's crackdown against persisting unrest spreads. The Voice of Tibet, which is based in Norway, says that more than 20 police officers took Gangkye Drubpa Kyab from his home in Serthar county's main town on Wednesday night and that he has not been released.

Iranian warships enter Mediterranean Sea

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 06:48:06 +0530

Two Iranian warships crossed the Suez Canal on Sunday and entered the Mediterranean Sea, in a possible display of military might, sparking Israel's fury. The destination of the vessels remains unclear.

Swedish man survives for months in snowed-in car

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:12:51 +0530

A Swedish man was dug out alive after being snowed in to his car on a forest track for two months with no food, police and local media reported on Saturday.

US court to hear 1984 riots case against Cong

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:36:49 +0530

A US court is set to hear March 15 a plea for "default judgment" against India's Congress party for failing to defend charges of conspiring, aiding, abetting, organizing anti-Sikh riots in November 1984.

US: FBI arrests man planning to attack Capitol

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:45:36 +0530

A 29-year-old Moroccan man who believed he was working with al Qaeda was arrested on Friday near the US Capitol as he was planning to detonate what he thought was a suicide vest that undercover operatives gave him, officials said.

Syria ground report: Over 70 dead in a day

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:03:31 +0530

CNN's Arwa Damon travelled inside the city of Holms where the military continues to assault towns and villages.

German President quits over corruption charges

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:13:26 +0530

Germany's president resigned on Friday in a scandal over favors he allegedly received before becoming head of state, and Chancellor Angela Merkel moved quickly to try and head off a domestic political crisis as she grapples with Europe's debt troubles.

Nazis 'planted spy in MI5 during World War II'

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:59:28 +0530

German dictator Adolf Hitler managed to plant a Nazi agent in British spy agency MI5 during the initial years of the Second World War, but failed to utilise him, de-classified documents have revealed.

Surgeons place pacemaker in 15-minute-old baby

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:49:37 +0530

The name Jaya in Hindi means victorious. And little Jaya Maharaj was just that, when she became one of the smallest recipients of a pacemaker when she was just 15 minutes old.

Murdoch to fight back, launching 'Sun on Sunday'

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:39:10 +0530

Rupert Murdoch vowed to launch a Sunday edition of his scandal-hit Sun tabloid on Friday in a bid to win over angry staff mounting one of the biggest challenges to his more than 40 years as a proprietor in Britain.

US, Europe cautious on Iran offer for nuke talks

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:24:07 +0530

The United States and European Union on Friday expressed cautious optimism that Iran is serious about returning to talks with world powers over its nuclear programme.

Iran to pay rupee for India imports in 'two weeks'

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:19:13 +0530

Indian exporters will be able to receive payments in the restricted rupee currency for sales to Iran within two weeks, the chief of India's top exporters' body said on Friday, as New Delhi puts a mechanism in place to maintain trade despite U.S. sanctions.

Maldivian government asked to fix poll date

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:18:12 +0530

Over 7,000 supporters of the opposition MDP party of ousted President Mohammed Nasheed on Friday assembled in Male in a show of strength, demanding that the new regime announce a date for polls under an India-brokered deal.

Maldives' opposition, ruling parties thank India

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:11:01 +0530

Maldives' ousted President Mohammed Nasheed's MDP party has said that it is grateful to India for its "timely intervention" to help resolve the political impasse in the county, a view shared by the new regime as well.

Norway NRI couple reunite with their children

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:19:48 +0530

Indian couple in Norway on Friday reunited with their children after 3 months. This is being seen as a patch-up between them and the Norwegian authorities. An agreement has been reached between the Child Welfare services and the parents.

Anti-India campaign gains ground in the US

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:52:02 +0530

Piggybacking on the anti-Iranian sentiments, an anti-India campaign seems to be gaining ground in the United States.

NY Times reporter Shadid dies in Syria

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:10:42 +0530

Anthony Shadid, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner who strove to capture untold stories in Middle East conflicts from Libya to Iraq, has died in eastern Syria after slipping into the country to report on the uprising against its president.

Vietnam man next to crying kid opens plane door

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:06:02 +0530

A mom with a screaming child wanted a quick getaway from a plane on the tarmac in Vietnam and asked for help. The man next to her obliged by opening the emergency exit and triggering the escape slide.

India votes in favour of UN resolution on Syria

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:50:23 +0530

The UN General Assembly has voted in favour of a resolution urging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down. The Arab nations-backed resolution condemns human rights violations in Syria and calls for an end to the violence.

US: Nigerian underwear bomber gets life in prison

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:44:28 +0530

A Nigerian man on a suicide mission for al Qaeda was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison for attempting to blow up an international flight with a bomb in his underwear as the plane approached Detroit on Christmas 2009.

'Israel did not raise Iran issue at MEA meet'

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:31:39 +0530

Sources close to the government said on Friday that the Israeli ambassador did not raise the Iran issue at all during his meeting with External Affairs Minister SM Krishna.

India changes stance on Maldives crisis

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:46:58 +0530

When Mohammed Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, he opened the doors for New Delhi like never before. GMR got the contract to rebuild the international airport, prompting religious extremists calling for Nasheed's head.

Iran unlikely to start conflict: US official

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:38:57 +0530

US intelligence agencies predict that Iran will respond if attacked but is unlikely to start a conflict, and they believe that Israel has not taken a decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites, a top US intelligence official said on Thursday.

Iran has 'new initiatives' for talks with powers

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:19:55 +0530

Iran, facing severe sanctions to bar it from exporting oil, has told world powers it wants to resume long-stalled talks quickly with "new initiatives" in hand, and France said Tehran may now be open to addressing concerns about its nuclear quest.

Iran sanctions are not working: Israel PM

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:22:02 +0530

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says sanctions imposed on Iran are important but so far haven't been effective.

India supports call for early election in Maldives

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:38:04 +0530

One and half week after the coup in Maldives, India changed it's position and Foreign Secretary on Thursday announced that New Delhi wants early elections in Maldives. But initially, the speed with which the largest democracy in the world abandoned the youngest democracy in Maldives has left many bewildered.

Israel complains to UN chief against Iran

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:29:00 +0530

Israel has lodged a complaint before the UN chief over the alleged terror campaign launched by Iran and its "proxy" Hezbollah against Israeli targets in recent weeks, including in India and Thailand.

CWG scam: AM Films owner doesn't name Kalmadi

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:41:42 +0530

In what comes as a relief for former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi, AM Films and AM Vans owner Ashish Patel has not named him in his statement to the London police.

Primary enemy is al Qaeda, not Taliban: Panetta

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:15:41 +0530

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said that al Qaeda is the primary enemy of United States in the Af-Pak region and those parts of the Taliban who support al-Qaeda are also an American target.

World Bank president decides to step down

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:58:45 +0530

World Bank President Robert Zoellick has announced to step down from at the end of his five-year-term in June, giving rise to speculation that the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, may be headed to replace him, which was immediately denied by her aide.

San Fransisco: Who will clean pillow fight mess?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:44:38 +0530

Hundreds of people took part in a public pillow fight that took place on the Valentine's Day that is likely to cost authorities about 5000 dollars to clean up.

Honduras: More than 300 killed in prison fire

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:59:57 +0530

Trapped inmates screamed from their cells as a fire swept through a Honduran prison, killing at least 300 inmates in one of the world's deadliest fires in decades, authorities said on Wednesday.

'Thai, India bombers belong to same group'

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:31:45 +0530

Israeli officials ramped up accusations on Wednesday that Iran was launching covert attack plots, saying "sticky" bombs found in a Thai house rented by Iranians were similar to devices used against Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia.

Maldives crisis: Waheed's brother quits

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:53:20 +0530

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan's brother, the Deputy High Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK, has announced his resignation and called for his brother to follow suit.

US calls Iran's nuclear claim 'mere hype'

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:35:33 +0530

Iran flexed its nuclear muscle on Wednesday claiming major advances in its nuclear programme. It displayed its nuclear facilities on Television.

US pushes EU, SWIFT to eject Iran banks

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:19:32 +0530

The United States is pressuring the European Union and a global electronic banking system to expel Iranian banks from a network used to transfer money, another step in Western efforts to deprive Tehran of funds needed to develop nuclear weapons.

Assad proposes referendum in Syria

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:37:25 +0530

Syrian Opposition leaders and the West have scorned a new offer by President Bashar al-Assad to hold multi-party elections, as his troops mounted more attacks on rebel-held areas.

Pentagon chiefs grilled over possible nuclear cuts

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:03:18 +0530

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta tried to defuse concerns in Congress on Wednesday about potential cuts to America's nuclear arsenal, as details emerged about options under consideration that include an 80 per cent reduction in the number of warheads.

Greece battles to salvage bailout package

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:44:33 +0530

Greece's leaders battled to salvage a 130-billion-euro EU/IMF bailout on Wednesday, rejecting criticism of their commitment to a punishing austerity package despite staunch opposition to it among voters.

Russia exported arms worth $13 billion in 2011

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:04:38 +0530

Russia sold $13.2 billion worth of weaponry to foreign customers, including India, in 2011, the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Mikhail Dmitriyev, has revealed.

Border issue: China blames Indian political system

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:48:48 +0530

Blaming India and its multi-party political system for the delay in solving the vexed Sino-India border issue, Chinese state media on Wednesday said the two sides were "far away" from reaching a "fair" agreement due to "suspicion and distrust", which is also impeding progress in bilateral ties.

US: At least 356 killed in Honduras prison fire

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:27:17 +0530

A fire started by an inmate tore through an aging and severely overcrowded Honduran prison, burning and suffocating inmates in their locked cells and killing as many as 356 people in one of the world's deadliest prison fires in a century, authorities said on Wednesday.

Is a nuclear Iran a real threat to world peace?

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:43:08 +0530

Iran on Wednesday said it has made '4th generation centrifuges' made of carbon fibre.

Syrian govt pays assassins money to kill its own citizens

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:41:00 +0530

The Bashar al-Assad government's brutal crackdown against rebels continues in Syria.

The Last Word: Is Iran flexing its nuclear muscle?

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:16:18 +0530

Iran revealed its new 4th generation uranium enrichment centrifuges and domestically made nuclear fuel rods on Wednesday.

Defiant Iran loads indigenous fuel rods into reactor

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:14:33 +0530

Displaying defiance against toughening western sanctions, Iran on Wednesday carried forward its controversial nuclear programme by loading domestically made fuel rods into its Tehran reactor and announced plans to cut off oil exports to six European countries.

Iran takes 'major step in N-arena', dares the World

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:43:01 +0530

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday came out in defence of his regime's thirst for nuclear energy, saying that the programme was for peaceful and civilian purposes.

Oil prices hit six-month high on Iran jitters

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:38:06 +0530

Oil hit a six-month high near $120 a barrel on Wednesday as concern about supply from Iran, other Middle East producers and Africa outweighed those about the health of the global economy.

US, Europe look at fast but risky penalty on Iran

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:42:58 +0530

The United States and Europe are weighing unprecedented punishment against Iran that could cripple the country's financial lifeline but result in higher oil prices for the US and its allies.

Iran to load own nuclear fuel rods in its reactor

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:47:32 +0530

Iran will load domestically made nuclear fuel rods into its Tehran Research Reactor on Wednesday for the first time to keep it running, a senior official told a national news agency.

Iran oil ministry denies reports on EU oil stop

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:43:56 +0530

Iran's Oil Ministry denied state media reports on the Islamic state stopping its crude exports to six European countries on Wednesday. Iran's English language Press TV said Tehran has stopped exporting oil to France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Netherlands and Spain.

Lanka Army announces first probe into war crimes

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:37:22 +0530

Succumbing to international pressure to probe alleged war crimes, Sri Lankan Army for the first time said on Wednesday that it will probe accusations that its troops killed civilians and prisoners in the last stage of the bloody war with the LTTE rebels in 2009.

Iran stops oil exports to six EU countries

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:37:16 +0530

Iran has stopped oil exports to six European states in retaliation for European Union sanctions imposed on the Islamic state's key export, its English-language Press TV reported on Wednesday.

Despite sanctions, Iran flexes its nuclear muscle

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:23:26 +0530

Iran has announced a major step forward in its nuclear programme, showing its nuclear facilities on TV. Iran trumpeted advances in nuclear technology on Wednesday, citing new uranium enrichment centrifuges and domestically made reactor fuel, in a move abetting a drift towards confrontation with the West over its disputed atomic ambitions.

Syrian forces raid Damascus despite outcry

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:12:55 +0530

Syrian government forces attacked the opposition strongholds of Homs and Hama on Wednesday and also raided a district of Damascus in the closest military operation to the capital's centre since an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad broke out 11 months ago.

Thailand probes if Bangkok, Delhi blasts are linked

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:41:55 +0530

Thai authorities were on Wednesday probing possible links between the three explosions on Bangkok on Tuesday and the Monday attack on an Israeli embassy car in Delhi as evidence emerged that 'sticky' bomb was used in both the cases.

Bangkok blasts: 2 arrested, police hunt for third

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:38:45 +0530

The second Iranian suspect in the Bangkok blasts case has denied involvement and is yet to be charged. Thailand's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement that said that Thailand isn't a terrorist target. Meanwhile 10 countries have already issued travel advisories.

'Israeli diplomats were the target in Bangkok'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:32:52 +0530

Thailand officials on Wednesday said that the Israeli diplomats including the Ambassador were the target of the Tuesday's failed bomb attacks in Bangkok. They also said that magnet-based bombs were used.

'Israeli diplomats, sleep with gun under your pillow'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:08:33 +0530

The terror attack in India, a botched attempt in Georgia and three blasts in Thailand have prompted Israeli diplomats across the world to be extra vigilant, and a former security official advised them to "sleep with a gun" under their pillow.

Mexico: Schoolgirl brings hand grenade to class

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:56:58 +0530

A nine-year-old girl took a hand grenade to an elementary school in Morelos, a state in central Mexico, authorities said.

Syrian govt's 'paid assassin' turns rogue

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:54:15 +0530

A group of opposition activists giving medical treatment to a man who described himself as a paid assassin of the govt.

Pakistan needs to address IED issue: Panetta

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:45:27 +0530

The US is pushing Islamabad to address the issue of prevalence of Pakistan-manufactured improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan that continues to be a major point of friction between the two countries.

Aus: US woman's body found 30 feet up a tree

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:41:33 +0530

A 22-year-old American woman's decomposed body has been found 30 feet from the ground on a tree in Australia, a media report in London said on Tuesday.

Israel blames Iran for series of Bangkok blasts

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:31:32 +0530

Israel accused Iran of waging a covert campaign of state terror that stretched this week from the Middle East to the heart of Asia after a bungled series of explosions led to the capture of two Iranian nationals in Bangkok.

Three blasts rock Thailand's capital Bangkok

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:01:33 +0530

An Iranian on Tuesday set off three blasts in Bangkok, blowing off his own legs while one of his compatriots was arrested when he attempted to flee to Malaysia, a day after Israeli embassy cars were targeted in Indian and Georgian capitals.

Iran to install fuel rods in Nuclear reactor

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:58:01 +0530

Iran will insert its first domestically-produced nuclear fuel rods into a research reactor in Tehran on Wednesday, a top Iranian official said.

US, China agree to resolve their differences

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:02:34 +0530

US Vice President Joe Biden and his visiting Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed on the need to resolve the differences between the two nations, noting that this is not only in the interest of their people, but globally too.

US warns of 'tough fight' in Afghanistan

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:15 +0530

The US on Tuesday warned that it had a "tough fight" on its hands in Afghanistan and plans to redeploy its forces by September so that 68,000 American troops remain in the war-torn country.

Delhi, Bangkok blasts may be connected: Israeli journalist

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:17:10 +0530

Assaf Yeheskelly, correspondent for Jerusalem's Channel 2, said military option against Iran is on the table.

Maldives crisis: The Commonwealth to probe fall of Nasheed

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:32:29 +0530

Mohamed Nasheed was Maldives' first democratically elected leader who came to power in 2008.

Maldives crisis: The coup in paradise

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:23:07 +0530

Track all the developments in Maldives with CNN-IBN's Chief National Correspondent Sumon K Chakrabarti.

India will lose influence to China: Nasheed

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:07:34 +0530

Dejected by the cold shoulder given by India, the ousted Maldivian president said India may lose 'leverage' to China under the new regime.

Bangkok: Police search for injured Iranian's residence

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:11:25 +0530

Editor-in-Chief of the Thai-ASEAN News Network Chandaporn Lin and Indian Ambassador to Thailand Anil Wadhwa talk to CNN-IBN.

Israel on high alert after overseas attacks

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:10:10 +0530

Police heightened their state of alert throughout Israel on Tuesday following bomb attacks on diplomats in India and Georgia.

Two blasts rock Bangkok, leave 5 people injured

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:03:01 +0530

An Iranian man carrying explosives blew off his own legs and wounded four other people in two blasts on Tuesday in Bangkok, Thai authorities said.

China's next leader Xi Jinping visits White House

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:43:16 +0530

Washington is getting its first hard look at Xi Jinping, the man destined to lead China in the coming decade, during which the global powers probably will see their economic ties grow even as they are viewed increasingly as military rivals.

US Jewish lobby dismayed by Indian ties with Iran

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:40:55 +0530

American Jewish Committee, the most powerful lobbying group in the US, has expressed dismay at the expanding Indian trade ties with Iran.

Two blasts rock Thailand's capital Bangkok

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:15:12 +0530

Two explosions boomed through a busy neighborhood in the Thai capital on Tuesday, police said, but it was not immediately clear what caused the blasts or whether there were any fatalities.

Nuclear facilities immune to cyber attacks: Iran

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:18:02 +0530

A senior Iranian military official said on Monday that Tehran's nuclear and other industrial facilities suffer periodic cyber attacks, but that the country has the technology to protect itself from the threat, an official news agency reported.

Don't look for skilled workers in India: Obama

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:08:47 +0530

US President Barack Obama has said that he does not want US companies to look for skilled and educated workers in India and China in fields like engineering, technology and science. To prevent that, Obama said, he wants to give the school and teachers the resources they need to train and educated students in the US.

Live peacefully: Osama told his kids

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:35:10 +0530

Slain al qaeda chief Osama bin Laden reportedly told his children to live peacefully in the West where they would get good education, his brother-in-law has revealed.

Moody's cuts ratings, outlooks on 9 EU countries

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:39:23 +0530

Ratings agency Moody's Investor Service on Monday downgraded its credit ratings on Italy, Portugal and Spain, while France, Britain and Austria kept their top ratings but had their outlooks dropped to "negative" from "stable."

UN says Syria encouraged by Russia, China veto

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:54:33 +0530

The UN human rights chief accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of launching an "indiscriminate attack" on civilians to end pro-democracy protests and said he had been emboldened by the failure of the Security Council to condemn him.

US: Amartya Sen receives Humanities Medal

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:27:45 +0530

Amartya Sen, Indian economist and 1998 Nobel Prize winner in economics, has been felicitated with the National Medals of Arts and Humanities award by the US President Barack Obama at a glittering White House function in Washington.

UN backs call for unity government for Maldives

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:08:15 +0530

The United Nations on Monday backed Maldives' new leader's proposal for a national unity government though the ousted leader is calling for a snap poll to resolve a political crisis.

Whitney found underwater in bath: Police

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:41 +0530

Pop star Whitney Houston was found "underwater and apparently unconscious" when she was discovered in a Beverly Hills hotel room bathtub, police said on Tuesday. Beverly Hills Police said in a written statement that they could not yet speculate on the cause of Houston's death. "She was underwater and apparently unconscious," Beverly Hills police said in the statement. "Ms Houston was pulled from the tub by members of her staff and hotel security was promptly notified."

Maldivian regime open to scrutiny over coup charges

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:11:23 +0530

Facing coup charges, the Maldives' new regime on Monday said it was open to any independent probe into transfer of power in the country, where the Commonwealth was sending a fact-finding team amid efforts by nations like India to resolve the political crisis.

Murdoch facing battle with staff in Sun showdown

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:20:23 +0530

Rupert Murdoch will face hostile and angry staff when he arrives in Britain this week seeking to face down a growing rebellion within his newspaper business and end the talk that his flagship Sun could close following a string of arrests.

Nuclear facilities immune to cyber attacks: Iran

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:34:14 +0530

A senior Iranian military official on Monday said that Tehran's nuclear and other industrial facilities suffer periodic cyber attacks, but that the country has the technology to protect itself from the threat, an official news agency reported.

Obama proposes $ 2.2 bn aid to Pakistan in 2013

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:23:16 +0530

Unveiling its annual budget of $3.8 trillion that calls for tax hikes on the rich, the Obama administration on Monday proposed $2.4 billion in financial aid to Pakistan for the fiscal year 2013.

Maldives govt open to scrutiny over coup charges

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:38:29 +0530

Israel blames Iran of bombings in India, Georgia

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:01:37 +0530

Israel's prime minister has accused Iran of being behind a pair of car bombings against Israeli diplomatic targets in India and Georgia.

BBC apologises for broadcasting paid documentaries

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:30:37 +0530

The group issued an apology to 74 million BBC World News viewers around the world for breaking "rules aimed at protecting our editorial integrity", the Daily Mail reported.

Maldives: Scared MPs take refuge in Parliament

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:41:55 +0530

20 MPs from former president Mohammed Nasheed's party spent Sunday night hiding in Parliament fearing arrest and even torture.

Arabs back Syria Oppn; Homs bombardment resumes

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:11:43 +0530

Syrian forces resumed their bombardment of the city of Homs on Monday after Arab countries called for UN peacekeepers and pledged their firm support for the opposition battling President Bashar al-Assad.

Praveen stabbing: 3 Indians charged in UK

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:54:39 +0530

The UK police on Sunday charged three Indians in connection with the stabbing of an Indian student from Hyderabad, Praveen Reddy, who was a student of MBA at the London Business School. Reddy was stabbed several times at a party he went for, in the Newham borough of London, on Friday. He is still said to be in a critical condition and is currently recuperating at the London Royal Hospital.

Maldives: Nasheed supporters clash with police

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:54:10 +0530

Riot police in Maldives clashed with former president Mohammed Nasheed supporters outside Parliament on Sunday. This came even as 20 MPs from the his party spent the night holed up inside the Parliament building, fearing arrest and torture.

Greek lawmakers approve austerity bill

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:36:17 +0530

Greece's Parliament approved a deeply unpopular austerity bill Monday to secure a second EU/IMF bailout and avoid national bankruptcy, as buildings burned across central Athens and violence spread around the country.

New Maldivian President expands cabinet today

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:14:43 +0530

New Maldivian President Mohammed Waheed Hassan expanded his cabinet on Sunday amid the ongoing crisis in the island nation. The expansion includes two key players from former dictator Gayoom's administration.

Gunmen kill provincial judge, child in Afghanistan

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:01:03 +0530

Afghan officials say gunmen have killed a provincial judge and his young niece in eastern Afghanistan.

Praveen Reddy stabbing: 3 Indians charged in UK

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:22:17 +0530

Three Indians have been charged with the attempted murder of Praveen Reddy, an MBA student at the London Business School, who was critically stabbed on Friday night in the Newham borough of London.

Mandela's image to appear on S African banknotes

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:23:57 +0530

The image of 93-year-old Nelson Mandela will appear on South Africa's new currency notes to mark the 22nd anniversary of the anti-apartheid icon's release from prison. "On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, it is my honour and pleasure to announce that the new South African bank notes will bear the image of President Mandela, the President of a free, democratic South Africa," South African President Jacob Zuma said at the Reserve Bank headquarters.

Maldives: Waheed inducts 7 ministers in Cabinet

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:14:06 +0530

New Maldives President Mohammed Waheed Hassan on Sunday inducted seven ministers into his Cabinet. The south Asian country continues to be on the boil ever since the forced ouster of former president Mohammed Nasheed. Male witnessed sporadic protests by the supporters of Nasheed on Saturday. However, the main concern is now slowly shifting to the island of Addu.

UK hacking: 5 'The Sun' journalists arrested

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:02:37 +0530

Britain's biggest-selling newspaper was fighting to contain the damage after five employees at The Sun tabloid were arrested on Saturday in an inquiry into the alleged payment of bribes to police and other officials.

Romney ends losing streak with Maine victory

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:58:30 +0530

Mitt Romney eked out a narrow win in Maine's Republican caucuses, state party officials announced Saturday, providing his campaign for the party's presidential nomination a much-needed boost after three straight losses earlier this week.

Maldives crisis: Nasheed upset with India, US

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:45:04 +0530

Former president Mohammed Nasheed hit out at India in an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN. Nasheed said he is disappointed with India's reaction to the mutiny in his country and hopes that it would change its course soon.

Major Cabinet expansion in Maldives today

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:20:54 +0530

Maldives new President Mohammed Waheed Hassan is set to conduct a major Cabinet expansion on Sunday, even as his deposed predecessor Mohammed Nasheed postponed his scheduled visit to his power centre Addu, where his supporters had alleged a violent crackdown.

Maldives: Addu tense, Commonwealth meet expected

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:51:11 +0530

There seems to be no end to the political crisis in the Maldives. Male remained tense on Sunday with sporadic protests by the supporters of former president Mohammed Nasheed. However, the main concern is now slowly shifting to the island of Addu. Days after armed policemen and the military took over the entire area, reports of serious violations of human rights have emerged from the region.

Is UK safe for Indian students anymore?

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:37:26 +0530

Yet another Indian student has come under attack in Britain. Pravin Reddy, from Hyderabad, was a student of MBA at the London Business School. On Friday night, he was stabbed several times at a party he was attending in Newham, London, the Scotland Yard said. The boy is currently recuperating at the London Royal Hospital.

'US committed to work with new Maldivian Govt'

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:16:28 +0530

The US on Saturday backed President Mohammed Waheed Hassan's plan for a "national unity" government in Maldives and ignored his ousted predecessor Mohammad Nasheed's demand for snap polls, giving a diplomatic boost to the new regime.

UK police arrest 5 at Murdoch's Sun newspaper

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:44:10 +0530

British police on Saturday arrested five senior members of staff at News Corporation's flagship newspaper The Sun, the company said, as part of investigations into alleged payments to police by journalists for information.

UK judge bans public prayers

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:04:27 +0530

The right of Christian worship in British schools and parliament faced a fresh assault after a High Court banned prayers at council meetings.

UK's oldest couple to give advice on Twitter

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:37:27 +0530

A British couple who have been married for 76 years - the longest in the country - have now joined Twitter to speak about the secret of their remarkable romance.

UK police looking for Indian 'tantrik'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:40:38 +0530

The UK police is looking for an Indian-origin man who posed as a 'spiritual healer' and allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager.

Another Indian student stabbed in London

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:31:37 +0530

As questions of safety arise for Indians, the British High Commissioner said that UK is a safe country.

Disappointed with India: Maldives ex-President to CNN-IBN

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:06:18 +0530

CNN-IBN's Sumon K Chakrabarti spoke exclusively to deposed President Nasheed who said he is disappointed with India's reaction to the mutiny and hoped India would correct its course soon.

Iran to announce nuclear progress: Ahmadinejad

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:32:49 +0530

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday the Islamic Republic would soon announce "very important" achievements in the nuclear field, state TV reported.

Maldives: Waheed to announce his cabinet soon

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:16:26 +0530

Maldives new President Mohamed Waheed Hassan is likely to announce his "national unity" cabinet soon and has ordered a probe into the recent events that unfolded in this archipelago nation.

Maldives crisis: US, UK call for negotiated talks

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:37:48 +0530

The United States and the United Kingdom stepped in to try and diffuse the Maldives political crisis on Saturday. The UK government said the new Maldives government must prove its legitimacy first.

London: Indian student stabbed; 11 arrested

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:13:27 +0530

An Indian student, Pravin Reddy, doing an MBA at the London Business School was stabbed on Friday in the London borough of Newham Scotland Yard on Saturday said.

Russia: Man dumps 1 kg gold bar in charity box

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:06:47 +0530

A gold bar weighing one kilogram was dropped into a charity collection box in the Belarussian city of Brest, a media report said on Friday

Tension in Maldives as 200 taken into custody

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:43:26 +0530

There are reports of tension in parts of Maldives, especially in Addu, where some people are believed to have been tortured.

Maldivian tourism: Shaken but not stirred

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:53:08 +0530

Political instability in Maldives might have tarnished a bit of the country's image as the tropical tourist paradise but everyone in the island nation is keeping their fingers crossed.

Indians among world's happiest people: Poll

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:11:29 +0530

Despite economic woes, wars, conflicts and natural disasters the world is a happier place today than it was four years ago and Indonesians, Indians and Mexicans seem to be the most contented people on the planet.

Indians safe in unrest-hit Maldives

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:30:37 +0530

Indians, who constitute a significant chunk of the total population of over three lakh in Maldives, are safe in the country, where as unrest erupted following a regime change four days ago.

US defence department braces for budget cut

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:10:05 +0530

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said on Friday that the defence budget proposals will have a topline request of $525 billion for fiscal year 2013, set to begin in October, with $88.4 billion more for overseas contingency operations, mostly in Afghanistan.

Maldives: New president rules out early polls

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:29:48 +0530

Just days after being sworn in as the new President, Mohammad Waheed ruled out the possibility of early polls. Rejecting former president Mohd Nasheed's demands calling for early elections, Waheed said that the current situation in the island nation was not conducive to holding "free and fair elections".

Maldives ex-prez demands election, warns of protests

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:35 +0530

The former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, on Friday demanded new elections and vowed mass street protests if the new government did not relent, raising the prospect of a protracted crisis on the Indian Ocean islands famed as a beach paradise.

Obama budget to forecast $901 bn deficit in 2013

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:47:11 +0530

President Barack Obama will unveil a budget on Monday that projects a $901 billion deficit in fiscal 2013 while earmarking billions of dollars for jobs and infrastructure, a senior White House official said on Friday.

Ground report: The Maldives crisis

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:11:28 +0530

CNN-IBN's Sumon K Chakrabarti brings you the latest from the crisis-hit island nation.

Swiss bank says US tax case a 'major challenge'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:08:48 +0530

A state-owned Swiss bank has described a US tax evasion probe as 'major challenge' to it and Switzerland's entire banking industry. Zurich-based Zuercher Kantonalbank is one of at least 11 Swiss banks under pressure from the US to give up tax-evading American customers and the bankers who aided them.

People in Maldives raise a voice against Waheed Govt

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:54:37 +0530

In the power tussle between politicians, police and the army, people in Maldives say they do not support Waheed and his government.

Maldives: Nasheed to move SC against his ouster

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:02:40 +0530

Former Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed has said that he will challenge his ouster in the Supreme Court. Speaking to CNN-IBN, Nasheed blamed the old order for the crisis.

ED notice to Google on foreign exchange violation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:42:04 +0530

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a foreign exchange violation notice to internet giant Google for alleged irregularities in transfer of funds to its foreign entities.

Kate and Pippa bumped Lady Gaga off fashion's map

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:11:20 +0530

Britain's Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa have bumped Lady Gaga off the international fashion map.

Chinese officials asked to prepare for war in Tibet

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:48:24 +0530

China has ordered authorities there to prepare themselves for a war against secessionist sabotage by the Dalai Lama amid reports that security forces shot dead two Tibetans protesters.

Maldives: Video shows Nasheed asking for help

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:29:15 +0530

Before he was led out of his office, the former Maldives president urged his security forces to control the military.

High rate of denial of US visas to Indians: Report

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:44:02 +0530

US immigration authorities, in the past four years, have increased denial of work-related visas, with India-born professionals being refused at higher rates than nationals of other countries, an American think tank said in a report on Friday.

Maldives: Nasheed to meet top leaders today

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:35:47 +0530

Former Maldives president Mohammed Nasheed is slated to meet top leaders after the Friday prayers.

450 die across Europe due to cold waves

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:15:32 +0530

Temperature continues to remain freakishly low in eastern parts of Europe. In Belgrade, the Danube river has frozen in several portions, crippling shipping on Europe's busiest waterway.

Homs fears big push by Syrian tanks

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:13:27 +0530

Assad bolstered by Russian support, ignored appeals from world leaders to halt the carnage.

Maldives on the boil, India readies military plan

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:46:08 +0530

Two days after being forced to step down as President, Mohammad Nasheed is now facing an arrest. A criminal court has issued a warrant against him though the charges against him are still unclear.

Kerala: Settled Maldivians a worried lot

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:42:27 +0530

As the crisis in the Maldives worsens and India gets ready for a military intervention if called upon, Maldivians in Kerala are a worried lot. Just as thousands of Indians call Male home, thousands of Maldivians, too, are settled in Kerala. CNN-IBN spoke to some of them.

9 British-Asians jailed for London terror plot

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:09:25 +0530

A UK court on Friday jailed 9 British-Asian men for plotting to bomb various London landmarks, including the London Stock Exchange, and organise a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. The men of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin pleaded guilty during the trial and were convicted last week. The court also noted that the nine were trying to recruit more British Muslims to forward their cause.

Euro ministers question deal to bail out Greece

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:42:31 +0530

Greece gave in to more painful spending and job cuts on Thursday, only to have European ministers question whether they were enough to deliver a euro130 billion bailout and stave off bankruptcy.

Maldives ex-president defiantly awaits arrest

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:18:52 +0530

Maldives ex-president Mohamed Nasheed awaited arrest in his house on Thursday, vowing to stay and fight against the government he says ousted him in a coup with the connivance of the police and the military.

Maldives: ex-president's family flees to Lanka

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:42:04 +0530

Maldives former president Mohammed Nasheed's family has fled to Sri Lanka, but Nasheed remained in Male and was safe.

Relatively calm in Maldives: Minivan News Editor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:31:55 +0530

Minivan News Editor John James Robinson speaks to CNN-IBN on Skype about the law and order situation in Maldives.

Maldives: has India moved too fast to condone the Nasheed 'coup'?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:21:15 +0530

Over 200 people have been injured and several govt installations have been attacked in the Maldives. Supporters of ousted President Nasheed - took to the streets on Wednesday against the military.

India not interfering in Maldives affairs: Satyamurthy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:58:37 +0530

But India's role in the Maldives crisis is under the scanner with some feeling India moved too quickly in welcoming the new President.

Ex-US speaker urges China for dialogue on Tibet

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:10:07 +0530

Former US speaker Nancy Pelosi has said there is a need for the Chinese government to change its repressive policies regarding Tibet, a statement said on Thursday.

Greece bailout: Fin Minister heads to Brussels

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:38:04 +0530

Greece's partners in the European Union and the International Monetary Fund are increasingly exasperated by a lack of agreement on the measures they demand in return for a 130 billion euro.

Maldives remains on the boil as protests spread

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:36 +0530

While protesters burnt several government offices across Maldives, the police continued to crack down on them.

Maldives: arrest warrant against ex-president

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:17:43 +0530

As the violence and protests spread across Maldives, a criminal court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against former president Mohammed Nasheed.

2 Indians to file case against Chinese traders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:31:34 +0530

Two Indian traders who were illegally detained by local merchants at the Chinese trade hub Yiwu have decided to file a criminal case against 15 local suppliers for illegally detaining them.

Violence continues unabated in Syria, 53 dead

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:05:27 +0530

Violence continues unabated in Syria as reports claim that President Bashar Al Assad's forces are continuing the assault on Homs. The city has been the epicentre of the uprising against embattled president Assad.

Maldives: Violence spreads as Nasheed protests

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:38:59 +0530

The political transition may have appeared to be peaceful, but it hasn't lasted long in the island nation of Maldives. Violence is spreading beyond the capital city of Male after further reports of military atrocities on political leaders.

Ousted at gunpoint, says ex-Maldives President

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:41:09 +0530

The ousted president of the Maldives, credited with bringing democracy to the Indian Ocean islands, said on Wednesday he had been forced out of power at gunpoint, prompting clashes between police and angry supporters.

Airbus A380 wing checks extended to entire fleet

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:24:01 +0530

European air safety officials extended checks for Airbus A380 wing cracks to the entire superjumbo fleet on Wednesday and said the widespread defects could pose a safety risk if left unremedied.

Focused on next steps to solve Syrian crisis: US

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:33:38 +0530

The United States hopes to meet soon with international partners to consider how to halt violence in Syria and provide humanitarian aid, the White House said on Wednesday.

UK: Teacher shocks pupils with wild posts on FB

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:53:43 +0530

A woman schoolteacher shocked parents and pupils at a village primary school by boasting on the social networking site Facebook about drinking, swearing and having sex while partying.

Egypt's PM says US threats to cut aid won't work

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:19:46 +0530

Egypt refused to back down on Wednesday in a dispute with the US over Cairo's crackdown on nonprofit groups despite Washington's threats to cut aid, while the military deployed troops to the nation's streets after a surge in violence and protests against its rule.

Maldives situation tense, former president alleges coup

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:41:51 +0530

Deposed president Mohamed Nasheed said he was forced to resign at gunpoint, demonstrated on the streets along with his party.

US: World Trade Centre cost rises to $14.8 bn

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:21:08 +0530

The agency that is building the new World Trade Centre is "dysfunctional" and has let costs get out of control on the $14.8 billion project, auditors said on Tuesday.

Former Maldives president surrounded by police

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:06:35 +0530

It seems the situation is spiraling out of control in Maldives, says Minivan News Editor John James Robinson.

US: Teen girl gets life for killing 9-year-old

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:36:26 +0530

A central Missouri teenager who confessed to strangling, cutting and stabbing a 9-year-old girl because she wanted to know how it felt to kill someone was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Krishna meets two Indian traders in China

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:01:44 +0530

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Wednesday met the two Indian traders who were illegally detained by Chinese merchants in December and assured all possible help by the Indian government.

Ready to ease tension over Tibet: India to China

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:56:18 +0530

Describing Tibet issue as an internal affair of China, India on Wednesday said it was "willing to offer any help" to ease the recent spurt in tensions, striking a cautious note on the self immolations by Buddhist monks and subsequent violence.

India wants to see a non-nuclear Iran: Powell

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:25:23 +0530

Differing with some lawmakers' views that India was defying American sanctions by continuing to import Iranian oil, US Ambassador-designate Nancy Powell has said New Delhi shared a desire to see a non-nuclear Iran.

Ex-Maldives Prez calls for successor to quit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:59:42 +0530

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said on Wednesday he was forced from office in a coup and he demanded that his successor immediately resign.

Maldives President wants to meet Manmohan

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:51:45 +0530

India has pledged support to new Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed who spoke with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on telephone on Wednesday and sought a meeting with him, a day after the dramatic regime change in the archipelago nation.

Lanka govt releases video of LTTE's atrocities

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:09:56 +0530

Facing an onslaught from the international community for alleged war crimes, the Sri Lankan government released a video on Wednesday which they claimed carries authentic evidence of LTTE's atrocities during the last phase of the military assault.

Taiwan man dies after 23 hours of gaming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:41:54 +0530

A man from Taiwan was found dead after playing a computer game for 23 hours at an internet cafe. Police found the body of 23-year-old Chen Rong-Yu slumped in a chair at the cafe in the Taipei area with his hands stretched out towards the keyboard and mouse, the Herald Sun reported.

Costa Concordia captain faces 2,500 years in prison

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:25:08 +0530

The captain of the capsized Costa Concordia could be sentenced to a cumulative total of more than 2,500 years in prison if convicted of causing a shipwreck, abandoning ship and multiple counts of manslaughter, it emerged on Monday.

Rajat Gupta's NY trial date moved to May

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:29:02 +0530

The criminal trial of Rajat Gupta has been moved from April to May after his lawyer grumbled that prosecutors want to keep changing the charges.

Argentina condemns UK 'militarization' in Falklands

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:02:28 +0530

Argentina's president on Tuesday accused Britain of "militarizing the South Atlantic" and vowed to complain to the United Nations as tension rises ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war.

India assures support to new Maldives president

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:30:39 +0530

In the latest development in the Maldives, Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has been sworn in as the new President of the island nation. He has taken over as the new President after Mohammed Nasheed resigned in the wake of mutiny by a section of the police.

Syrian troops shell Homs again, several killed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:56:14 +0530

Activists say Syrian troops have continued shelling residential neighborhoods in the central city of Homs for the fifth straight day, killing scores of people.

US: Gurdwara defaced with anti-Muslim graffiti

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:44:00 +0530

An under construction Gurdwara in the American State of Michigan has been vandalised and defaced with anti-Muslim graffiti.

Maldives new president Hassan calls for calm

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:51:07 +0530

Maldives new president promised to protect his predecessor from retribution after he stepped down amid protests and clashes between the army and police over his decision to arrest a top judge.

Twin victories revive Santorum's White House hopes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:18:34 +0530

Former Senator Rick Santorum rejuvenated his presidential hopes on Tuesday with overwhelming victories over front-runner Mitt Romney in Republican nominating contests in Missouri and Minnesota.

Argentina, Britain at loggerheads over Falklands

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:51:57 +0530

Tensions continue to escalate between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands.

Turmoil hits Maldives as president resigns

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:47:47 +0530

Turmoil hit the tourist hotspot of Maldives on Tuesday after the man who symbolised democracy in the island nation, President Mohammed Nasheed, was toppled by a police loyal to the former dictator.

Europe continues to reel under cold wave, 250 dead

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:28:36 +0530

At least 250 people have died due to cold in Europe even as more record low temperatures and snow are in the forecast.

Nigeria's lead poisoning 'worst' in modern history

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:14:13 +0530

A lead poisoning in Nigeria's northern state of Zamfara which has killed more than 400 children and affected thousands is "worst" in modern history, an international watch dog has said.

Snow cuts off hundreds of villages in Europe

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:21:20 +0530

Heavy snowfall across eastern Europe cut off hundreds of villages on Tuesday and rescue teams struggled to evacuate people in southern Bulgaria where rain and melting snow had caused a dam wall to break, flooding an entire village.

Krishna to hold talks with 4 Chinese leaders today

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:53:43 +0530

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna is set to hold talks on Sino-India ties with four senior Chinese officials in Beijing on Wednesday besides inaugurating the new Indian embassy building.

Last known WWI veteran Florence Green dies at 110

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:32:29 +0530

Florence Green never saw the front line. Her war was spent serving food, not dodging bullets.

Russia pushes Syria reforms as bloodshed mounts

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:43:07 +0530

Days after blocking a US-backed peace plan at the UN, senior Russian officials pushed for reforms on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with Syrian President Bashar al Assad, promoting a settlement to end the uprising without removing him from power.

US: Man who killed self, sons in fire left voicemail

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:46:04 +0530

Before setting his house ablaze and killing himself and his two young sons, Josh Powell left a voicemail for family members saying he couldn't live without the boys and didn't want to go on anymore.

BAE may cut price of Eurofighter to secure deal

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:22:19 +0530

The UK-based defence major BAE Systems is considering lowering the price of its Eurofighter Typhoon to win back the $ 11 billion Indian contract for 126 combat jets from France's Dassault Rafale.

US: Court strikes down California gay marriage ban

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:42:59 +0530

A US appeals court on Tuesday found California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional in a case that is likely to lead to a showdown on the issue in the US Supreme Court.

Address concerns of IT industry: India to US

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:22:00 +0530

India on Tuesday expressed hope that the current economic woes in the US would not lead to protectionism and said that concerns of the Indian IT industry over anti-outsourcing measures announced by President Barack Obama recently will be addressed quickly.

Maldives VP takes over after President quits

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:45:23 +0530

The first democratically elected president of the Maldives resigned on Tuesday and was replaced by his vice president after the police and army clashed in the streets of the island nation amidst protests over the arrest of a top judge.

Kuwait lifts 5-month ban on commercial visit visa

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:29:08 +0530

Kuwait, which has large number of expatriates from India, has lifted a five-month ban on transferring commercial visit visas to work permits. The ban had been imposed to regulate the influx of unskilled labourers into the country, thereby maintaining demographic balance, the country's Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MSAL) said.

Iran's Parliament summons Ahmadinejad

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:19:34 +0530

Iran's Parliament on Tuesday decided to summon President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for questioning over a long list of accusations, including that he mismanaged the nation's economy.

Pak-American admits he funded J&K terrorists

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:11:06 +0530

A Pakistani-American, charged with sending money to the now-believed-to-be-dead al Qaeda leader Ilyas Kashmiri, has pleaded guilty before a court here for providing money for terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

India closely monitoring Maldives situation

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:31:58 +0530

India on Tuesday said it was "closely" monitoring the situation in the Maldives, where President Mohamed Nasheed, elected only four years ago, resigned following overnight protests.

Devas lobbies with US lawmakers for India deal

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:25:19 +0530

Devas Multimedia, whose satellite communications contract with the Indian government-owned Antrix was scrapped after a controversy, has been lobbying in Washington to push forward its case before the US President and other lawmakers and has paid $ 140,000 so far for the same.

Suu Kyi hits the campaign trail in Myanmar

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:39:27 +0530

Crowds of supporters greeted Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi with thunderous applause as she embarked on Tuesday on her first campaign trip since becoming an official candidate for April elections. The Nobel Peace laureate traveled for the first time in two decades to the Irrawaddy delta, Myanmar's rice bowl and the region most devastated by Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

Maldives president quits amidst protest

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:10:41 +0530

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday announced his resignation following weeks of public protests over his controversial order to arrest a senior judge.

US may apologise for Nov 26 NATO raid to Pak

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:28:27 +0530

The United States is considering to apologise to Pakistan for the November 26 incident that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in a NATO cross-border fire, a media report said on Tuesday.

Coup attempt in Maldives, president resigns

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:28:08 +0530

The Maldives is undergoing a coup attempt led by Opposition demonstrators and rogue elements of the police. According to reports, the demonstrators have taken over the state broadcaster.

Iranian envoy speaks on oil payment, N-weapons

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:57:50 +0530

The Iranian Ambassador to India said on Tuesday that although Tehran was "not unhappy" with New Delhi's stand on the country, it would urge India to "pay attention to the realities that are being shaped". Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the diplomat said that India and Iran had worked out an agreement for the payment of oil.

Former intern reveals 18-month affair with JFK

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:37:50 +0530

A former White House intern is speaking out about an 18-month affair she had with President John F Kennedy while he was in office, revealing intimate details in a new book to be published on Wednesday.

Obama leads over Romney in opinion poll

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:29:15 +0530

US President Barack Obama is leading over his potential Republican challenger Mitt Romney by six points, a latest opinion poll has said. The opinion poll results by The Washington Post and ABC news came a day after Obama said that he deserves to be re-elected for the second term given that his administration has successfully led the nation in revival of its economy.

Obama leads over Romney in opinion poll

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:26:10 +0530

US President Barack Obama is leading over his potential Republican challenger Mitt Romney by six points, a latest opinion poll has said.

After Barbie, Iran bans Simpsons dolls

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:46:52 +0530

Iranians hoping to buy a doll replica of Homer Simpson and his family won't find them on store shelves anymore. That's because the Iranian Government has added the dolls based on the popular American cartoon series to a list of banned toys in the country as it believes they promote Western culture.

Maine girl bouncing back following 6-organ transplant

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:34:55 +0530

A 9-year-old Maine girl is home from a Boston hospital healthy, active and with high hopes - and a new stomach, liver, spleen, small intestine, pancreas, and part of an esophagus to replace the ones that were being choked by a huge tumour.

IMF bailout fallout: Greece to cut 15,000 jobs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:20:30 +0530

Labour unions in Greece have called for a strike after the Government said it would cut 15,000 public sector jobs by the end of the year. Greece is under pressure from its eurozone partners to accept another round of strict austerity measures in exchange for the $171 billion bailout loan that was promised in October.

Intense cold waves in Europe, Romanian PM quits

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:10:41 +0530

Europe continues to battle the intense cold and heavy snowfall and the condition is likely to stay the same at least till the end of the week.

Death toll in 6.9 Philippines quake rises to 15

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:06:39 +0530

Rescuers digging for survivors among dozens of people buried by earthquake-triggered landslides on a central Philippine island have found only bodies. The death toll climbed to 15 on Tuesday, and at least 73 people were still missing.

Violence continues in Syria, 60 killed

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:56:58 +0530

Violence continues unabated in Syria with heavy artillery attacks in Homs on Monday, killing at least 60 people. US President Barack Obama has urged for resolving the crisis without outside military intervention.

Obama to host dinner to honour Iraq sacrifices

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:46:42 +0530

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle will host a dinner at the White House on February 29 to honour members of the armed services who served in Iraq.

US blocks Iranian banks, Govt properties

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:06:17 +0530

US-Iran ties hit a new low on Monday as the Obama administration ordered blocking of Iranian government properties and financial institutions in America. Obama said that additional sanctions are needed due to the "deceptive practices" by Iran's banks including the Central Bank to conceal transactions. The US has accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons programme against stiff world opposition.

US closes Syrian embassy as diplomacy collapses

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:09:49 +0530

The US closed its embassy in Syria and Britain recalled its ambassador to Damascus on Monday in a new Western push to get President Bashar Assad to leave power and halt the murderous grind in Syria - now among the deadliest conflicts of the Arab Spring.

Syria upset with India for its UN resolution vote

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:32:53 +0530

India has voted for an Arab and Western-backed UN resolution denouncing the violent crackdown in Syria.

US closes its embassy in Syria, asks Assad to go

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:40:48 +0530

The US closed its Syrian embassy on Monday and Britain recalled its ambassador to Damascus in a dramatic escalation of Western pressure on President Bashar al-Assad to give up power, just days after diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to end the crisis collapsed.

IMF warns Europe downturn could cut China growth

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:55:33 +0530

A sharp downturn in Europe could cut China's economic growth rate nearly in half, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday, adding to warnings about a possible severe global slowdown this year.

Philippines quake leaves 13 dead, 40 missing

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:35:32 +0530

Rescuers dig with picks and shovels trying to reach dozens of people trapped under houses collapsed by a strong earthquake on Monday that shook a central Philippine island and set off landslides.

Rafale deal: Voices against aid to India rise in UK

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:53:18 +0530

Public unease has given way to increasing fury in London over giving millions of pounds in aid to an increasingly prosperous India, as the David Cameron government continues to resist pressure to stop it despite being in the throes of an economic crisis.

Greece coalition party leaders face EU deadline bailout

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:10:58 +0530

Greece's coalition parties must tell the European Union on Monday whether they accept the painful terms of a new bailout deal as EU patience wears thin with political dithering in Athens over implementing reforms.

US concerned as Egypt activists face trial

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:50:09 +0530

The United States has said it was "deeply concerned" at the news that dozens of activists including 19 Americans could go on trial in Egypt over the alleged illegal funding of aid groups.

6.8 quake hits Philippines, tsunami alert issued

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:49:56 +0530

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued the tsunami alert for the central Philippines, saying the quake, which hit in a narrow strait just off Negros Island, could trigger a 3-foot (1-meter) wave along the island's eastern coast as well as west of Cebu City, the country's second largest.

No Israel decision on attacking Iran: Obama

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:55:15 +0530

US President Barack Obama has said that Israel has not made a decision yet on attacking Iran's nuclear installations, noting that he still prefers to use diplomacy.

Barack Obama says he deserves another term

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:02:39 +0530

Buoyed by the signs of improvement in the American economy, US President Barack Obama has said that he deserves another term. "I deserve a second term," Obama, who is seeking re-election in the November presidential polls, told NBC news in an interview.

Europe: Snowfall in Rome after 27 years, 300 die

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:03:50 +0530

Europe continues to reel under intense cold wave with snow covering Rome after almost 27 years and over 300 people dying. Rome has experienced its first snowfall since 1985 while the Heathrow Airport of London has cancelled nearly half of its flights.

Iran warns to hit any country used to attack its soil

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:29:36 +0530

Iran will target any country used as a launchpad for attacks against its soil, the deputy Revolutionary Guards commander said, expanding Tehran's range of threats in an increasingly volatile stand-off with world powers over its nuclear ambitions.

Mubarak to be moved to prison for the 1st time

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:49:27 +0530

Egyptian officials say Hosni Mubarak will shortly be moved to a prison hospital as soon as the facility is upgraded to house the 83-year-old former president.

London: Queen prepares to mark 60 years on throne

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:38:15 +0530

Queen Elizabeth II braved the cold and snow to attend church on Sunday on the eve of her Diamond Jubilee anniversary. Bundled in a brown coat and matching fur hat, Elizabeth was joined by her husband, Prince Philip, at the service at West Newton church on her Sandringham Estate in eastern England.

Car bomb kills 7 people in southern Afghan city

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:32:40 +0530

A car bomb exploded just outside the police headquarters of a southern Afghanistan city on Sunday, killing at least seven people, officials said.

Flights cancelled as snow swamps UK

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:10:18 +0530

In the wake of heavy snowfall and severe weather warnings, London's Heathrow Airport cancelled 30 per cent of flights that were scheduled to take off on Sunday.

Republican Romney sails to easy win in Nevada

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:55:27 +0530

Republican front-runner Mitt Romney cruised to an easy victory in Nevada on Saturday, crushing his three remaining rivals and taking firm command of the party's volatile presidential nominating race.

Syria violence: UN resolution in tatters after vetoes

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:15:48 +0530

China and Russia have blocked a UN resolution that called for the immediate end to violence in Syria.

Protesters ransack Syrian embassies

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:22:59 +0530

Syrian demonstrators ransacked their country's embassy in Cairo and broke into the missions in London and Kuwait, part of protests around the world against the worst bloodshed of the 11 month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

Iran says oil ban will not halt nuclear work

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:09:49 +0530

Iran's oil minister said the Islamic state would not retreat from its nuclear programme even if its crude oil exports grind to a halt, the official IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:46:43 +0530

Russia and China have vetoed a Security Council resolution backing an Arab League peace plan that calls for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down.

Has the promise of the Arab Spring faded?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:30:54 +0530

In January 2011 we saw images of hope and the rise of people power in Egypt's Tahrir Square. The crowds pushed President Mubarak out then, but a year later the protestors are still there. Has the promise of the Arab Spring faded?

UK varsity to set up scholarship in Bidve's memory

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:08:48 +0530

Anuj Bidve's alma mater, Lancaster University is setting up a scholarship in memory of the Indian student whose killing in an unprovoked attack in the UK evoked widespread sympathy and outrage.

US changing visa rules to attract highly-skilled

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:30:32 +0530

To make America more attractive to highly-skilled foreign students and workers, the United States has announced a series of reforms, including changes in the F-1 and H-1B visa rules, that may benefit professionals from India.

Russian city to slap fine for promoting homosexuality

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:05:03 +0530

The bill, pushed by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, was backed by 28 out of 35 deputies in Kostroma town's legislature. A similar ban is already in place in the southern Astrakhan and central Ryazan regions but it was shelved in St Petersburg, Russia's second city, last November after MPs failed to agree on its "legal definitions".

200 dead in government assault: Syrian activists

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:39:40 +0530

In a barrage of mortar shells, Syrian forces killed 200 people and wounded hundreds in Homs in an offensive that appears to be the bloodiest episode in the nearly 11-month-old uprising, activists said Saturday.

Hackers attack law enforcement websites

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:25:56 +0530

Saboteurs stole passwords and sensitive information on tipsters while hacking into the websites of several law enforcement agencies worldwide in attacks attributed to the collective known as Anonymous.

World's longest married couple spill the beans

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:57:55 +0530

A Las Vegas couple who married in 1933 recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary with an unexpected present. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter says Wilbur and Theresa Faiss have been married longer than any other couple in the world.

Ties with India, China not zero-sum game: US

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:34:55 +0530

Seeking strong ties with both India and China, the United States has said that its relations with the two Asian giants are not a zero-sum game.

US economy growing strong: Barack Obama

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:53:50 +0530

US President Barack Obama has said country's economy is growing strong and recovery is speeding up. Obama's remarks on the state of the economy came hours after latest report showed that unemployment rate has dropped to 8.3 per cent as added more than 2.4 lakh new jobs in January.

Day 3: Egypt continues to simmer over soccer violence

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:46:17 +0530

There seems to be no end in sight to tensions in Egypt with the protesters now demanding an end to the country's military rule.

Gaddafi's shirt, wedding ring up for sale

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:26:43 +0530

The wedding ring and shirt worn by former Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi when he was killed by rebels is up for grabs for a starting price of Rs 10 crore.

Egypt soccer deaths bring new cycle of violence

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:25:07 +0530

Protesters filled the streets and clashed for a second day on Friday with police who fired tear gas and birdshot in Cairo, as a deadly soccer riot focused rising public anger over lawlessness and collapsing security a year after Egypt's uprising.

US: Romney heavily favored to win Nevada caucuses

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:04:49 +0530

Mitt Romney, heavily favored to win Nevada's presidential caucuses Saturday, focused on the state's unemployment rate - which is well above the national average - rather than campaigning against chief Republican rival Newt Gingrich.

Taliban leader sent letter to Obama: Sources

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:49:49 +0530

Reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar wrote to US President Barack Obama last year indicating an interest in talks key to ending the war in Afghanistan, current and former US officials told The Associated Press.

US jobless rate at 3-year low as payrolls surge

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:46:02 +0530

The United States created jobs at the fastest pace in nine months in January and the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to a near three-year low, giving a boost to President Barack Obama.

India, Japan fighter deals intensify arms race

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:46:09 +0530

Big decisions on warplane purchases by Japan and India have intensified competition in the multi-billion-dollar global market, with Western defense firms scrambling for orders in Asia and the Middle East as their home-country budgets shrivel.

Hackers intercept FBI, Scotland Yard call

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:02:39 +0530

Trading jokes and swapping leads, investigators from the FBI and Scotland Yard spent the conference call strategizing about how to bring down the hacking collective known as Anonymous, responsible for a string of embarrassing attacks across the Internet.

Nuclear experts barred from Iran site: diplomats

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:14:08 +0530

Iran's apparent reluctance to let UN inspectors visit a military site near Tehran underlines the uphill task they face in convincing the Islamic state to address suspicions it may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons, Western diplomats say.

NATO mulls paying for Afghan forces after 2014

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:24:10 +0530

NATO's top official said on Friday that the alliance expects regional powers to contribute to a multibillion dollar fund to finance the Afghan army and police after they assume full responsibility for the war in 2014.

Indian-American student triggers Harvard probe

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:40:41 +0530

A complaint from an Indian-American student who was near the top of his high school class but was rejected by both Harvard and Princeton universities has triggered an investigation by the US Education Department.

Over 120 feared killed in PNG ship tragedy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:45 +0530

More than 120 people are feared dead after a ship with over 350 on board sank off Papua New Guinea's north coast, even as ships and helicopters are continuing to search for missing people, officials said Friday.

Egypt soccer riots: 2 more die in fresh protests

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:42:13 +0530

Police shot and killed two protesters in Suez, Egypt, early on Friday, a health official said, the first to die in clashes that erupted around the country after a riot at a soccer stadium killed 74, as sports violence spiraled into a new political crisis for Egypt.

UN diplomats fail to reach agreement on Syria

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:21:06 +0530

Diplomats have failed to reach agreement on a UN resolution aimed at ending the bloodshed in Syria, leaving discussions in limbo pending consultations with their home governments.

US asks citizens to avoid gatherings in Pakistan

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:06:27 +0530

The US has issued a travel alert, warning its citizens about the risks in travelling to Pakistan in view of recent developments and tension in US-Pak ties following the NATO raid that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

US Senate passes insider trading ban bill

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:50 +0530

The United States Senate has passed a bill that would ban lawmakers from trading stocks based on the information they acquire while performing their Congressional duties.

US indicts Swiss bank on tax charges

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:31:45 +0530

The United States has indicted the oldest bank of Switzerland on charges of conspiracy to hide more than $1.2 billion. Significantly, this is the first time an overseas bank has been charged by the US for allegedly facilitating tax fraud by US taxpayers.

Palestinians hurl shoes at visiting UN chief

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:57:52 +0530

Dozens of Palestinians on Thursday tried to block UN chief Ban Ki-moon from entering the Gaza Strip and pelted his armoured convoy with shoes and sticks, accusing him of being unfairly biased toward Israel.

Khar's visit to Kabul good, well timed: US

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:34:54 +0530

The visit of the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to Kabul was good and well timed, the United States has said even as it awaited the details of the trip from the two countries.

UK's new policy only for 'quality' migrants

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:47 +0530

Britain's new immigration rules will now allow only those immigrants 'who add to the quality of life'. Two proposals outlined in a major speech by Immigration Minister Damian Green are likely to affect Indian professionals and migrants.

Don't jump the gun on Afghan pullout: US expert

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:28:17 +0530

Instead of diving into a 'pseudo' reconciliation process to justify an early pullout of troops from Afghanistan, Obama Administration must pay attention on the fact that Taliban will use any negotiations to strengthen their hold in the country, an eminent US expert has said.

Aiyar confronts JuD chief, calls for his arrest

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:05:09 +0530

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed appeared to lose his cool on a TV talk show on Thursday when parliamentarian Mani Shankar Aiyar questioned his contention that Indians did not accept Pakistan, and said he should be arrested and brought before a terrorism court.

Pakistan causing problems in Afghanistan: US

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:43:41 +0530

Doubting the 'willingness' of Pakistan to go after the militant groups enjoying sanctuary in the country, a top US intelligence official has said these elements have caused major problems for the Afghan and coalition forces working for a 'new' Afghanistan.

India, US sign MoU on workers' rights

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:29:16 +0530

Signed by the US Secretary of Labour, Hilda Solis, and India's Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, the MoU establishes a framework for conducting dialogue and cooperative activities between the US and India on labour and employment issues.

India moving towards US position on Iran: Report

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:10:34 +0530

Despite India's assertion that it will not scale down its petroleum imports from Iran, lawmakers in Washington have been told by a Congressional report that India is "cautious" on any expansion of energy relations with Iran.

Europe under worst cold spell in years; 160 dead

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:39:23 +0530

An extreme cold wave across Europe over the past few days has left 160 people dead in its wake. The mercury plunged to record lows throughout the continent, with Bulgaria recording its lowest temperature in over a century.

Syria locks down Hama on anniversary of massacre

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:35:12 +0530

Syrian troops closed public squares in Hama on Thursday after residents poured red paint symbolising blood on the ground to mark the 30th anniversary of the massacre President Bashar al-Assad's father carried out to crush an uprising.

US: Romney plays Trump card in Las Vegas

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:28:16 +0530

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney, struggling to recover from a remarks that critics said showed indifference to America's poor, on Thursday won the endorsement of real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Egypt police, protesters clash after soccer riot

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:23:50 +0530

Anger over a deadly soccer riot erupted in fresh clashes that injured nearly 400 people on Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at fans and other protesters who accused police of failing to stop the violence.

Precedent warning as Assange extradition case ends

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:14:12 +0530

Britain's Supreme Court risks jeopardising extraditions to many neighbouring countries if it stops WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange being sent to Sweden for questioning over sex crimes, a lawyer for Swedish prosecutors argued on Thursday.

Kolar, wife were murdered for mobiles, watches

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:20:57 +0530

Indian-origin Avtar Singh Kolar and and his wife Carole Kolar were bludgeoned to death in a lump hammer attack in their Birmingham home earlier in January for just two mobile phones and two watches, a media report said on Thursday.

Treasure hunter says he found $3bn WWII wreck

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:49:10 +0530

A treasure hunter said on Wednesday that he has located the wreck of a British merchant ship that was torpedoed by a German U-boat off Cape Cod during World War II while carrying what he claims was a load of platinum bars now worth more than $3 billion.

Has the promise of the Arab Spring faded?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:57:22 +0530

Ferry with 350 aboard sinks off Papua New Guinea

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:57:14 +0530

Several people are feared dead after a ferry carrying as many as 350 passengers on board sank off the north coast of Papua New Guinea, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said on Thursday.

British PM wants India to reconsider Rafale deal

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:49:03 +0530

A 'disappointed' British Prime Minister David Cameron said that he would do 'everything he can' to 'encourage' India to reconsider its decision to acquire 126 French-made Rafale fighter jets instead of the UK-backed Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

US to end combat role in Afghanistan by 2013

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:25:24 +0530

The US is planning to end its combat operations in Afghanistan by mid 2013 and would switch to a 'train-and-assist' role, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said. Last June, Obama ordered all 33,000 US surge troops home from Afghanistan by the middle of 2012.

Four admit plotting to bomb London targets

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:50:44 +0530

An al Qaida-inspired group wanted to target the London Stock Exchange, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Cut off ISI-Taliban links, US tells Pakistan

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:39:48 +0530

The US on Wednesday said it has "long standing concerns" over ISI's links with the Taliban and wants Pakistan to "cut-off" those ties, hours after a NATO report blew the lid off the intelligence agency's "manipulation" of Afghan Taliban's senior leadership.

Russia says will veto unacceptable Syria resolution

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:01:49 +0530

Russia said on Wednesday it would veto any UN resolution on Syria that it finds unacceptable, after demanding any measure rule out military intervention to halt the bloodshed touched off by protests against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Four admit to Mumbai-style terror plot in London

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:22:17 +0530

Four radical Islamists admitted in court on Wednesday plotting to bomb the London Stock Exchange as part of a campaign of al Qaeda-inspired attacks across the British capital in the run-up to Christmas 2010.

Egyptian soccer fans clash after game, 73 dead

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:03:41 +0530

Seventy-three people were killed and at least 1,000 injured on Wednesday after a soccer pitch invasion in the Egyptian city of Port Said, in what a deputy minister called the biggest disaster in the nation's soccer history.

Cut off ISI-Taliban links, US tells Pakistan

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:33:04 +0530

The US on Wednesday said it had "long standing concerns" over ISI's links with the Taliban and wants Pakistan to "cut-off" those ties, hours after a NATO report blew the lid off the intelligence agency's "manipulation" of Afghan Taliban's senior leadership.

4 UK men admit to al Qaeda plot to bomb LSE

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:48:47 +0530

Four British men have admitted involvement in an al-Qaeda inspired plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange. The men were among nine defendants to be tried in London over various terror offenses.

London: Assange's hearing enters final stage

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:34:19 +0530

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's hearing entered the final stage on Wednesday. Assange appealed for the third time to the Britain's Supreme Court not to extradite him to Sweden over accusations of sex crimes - a move that could push his anti-secrecy website further toward oblivion.

Pak considers India an existential threat: US intel

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:41:46 +0530

Pakistan continues to consider India as an "existential threat" despite the two countries taking significant appreciative steps in improving their ties, a top American intelligence official said on Wednesday.

India preparing for conflict with China: US intel

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:34:53 +0530

Noting that India is increasingly getting concerned about China's posture on its border, a top US intelligence official on Wednesday said that the Indian Army is strengthening itself for a "limited conflict" with China.

UNSC: India opposes use of force against Syria

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:33:25 +0530

Voicing its opposition to the use of force to resolve the crisis in Syria, India on Wednesday asked all sides to cooperate with the Arab League and start a political process that should respect Damascus' sovereignty.

Pak aiding Taliban in Afghanistan: NATO report

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:04:53 +0530

The Pakistani security services are directly aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan and have direct influence over its top leadership, a leaked NATO report has claimed. The report alleged that Pakistan's top spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has complete information about whereabouts of the top Taliban commanders.

Italian shipwreck: those missing presumed dead

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:04:51 +0530

Divers in Italy have abandoned the search for survivors of the Costa Concordia. The 16 missing people including Indian crew member Russell Rebello are now being presumed dead.

Assange to appear before British Supreme Court

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:02:29 +0530

This will be the third but not necessarily the last stage in Julian Assange's attempts to resist extradition to Sweden.

Internal situation in Pak still strained: US

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:58:20 +0530

Acknowledging the 'strain' in US-Pak relationship, a top US intelligence official has said that the internal situation in Pakistan is 'fraught' and will take some time to get back to normalcy.

Assange to appeal extradition to UK's top court

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:28:32 +0530

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will appeal to Britain's Supreme Court Wednesday not to extradite him to Sweden over accusations of sex crimes, a move that could push his anti-secrecy website further toward oblivion.

Syria troops push back rebels as UN fight looms

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:04:31 +0530

Syrian troops crushed pockets of rebel soldiers on Tuesday on the outskirts of Damascus and the UN Security Council took up a draft resolution demanding that President Bashar Assad halt the violence and yield power.

US: Romney wins Florida Republican primary

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:21:52 +0530

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has won the Republican primary in Florida, defeating Newt Gingrich. The victory has brought him closer to bagging the Republican nomination to challenge the incumbent, Barack Obama, in November presidential elections.

US govt asks court to reject Rana re-trial plea

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:45:47 +0530

The US government has asked a court in Chicago to deny Pakistan-born Canadian Tahawwur Rana's plea for a new trial in cases related to the Mumbai and Denmark terror plots, arguing that the court was right in convicting him for aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Birmingham murders: Accused found dead in jail

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:35:14 +0530

A Lithuanian national arrested for the twin murders of Indian-origin Avtar Singh Kolar and his English wife in Birmingham has been found hanging in his prison cell, where was he lodged since early this month.

As Florida votes, Romney seems in driver's seat

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:08:31 +0530

Florida's Republican voters go to the polls on Tuesday in a high-stakes presidential primary election that could determine the direction of the race. In what shapes up as a two-man contest, most opinion polls show Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, holding a double-digit lead over Newt Gingrich, a former US House speaker.

Syrian troops push dissidents back

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:55:54 +0530

Syrian forces have pushed dissident troops back from the edge of Damascus in heavy fighting, escalating efforts to take back control of the capital's eastern doorstep ahead of key UN talks over a draft resolution demanding that President Bashar Assad step aside.

Pakistan lacks the will to fight terror: Obama

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:45:57 +0530

During his first ever live video conference hosted by Google+ Hangout, US President Barack Obama hit out at Pakistan for its inability to fight terrorism. Obama was responding to a war veteran's question but defended his government's move to continue giving Islamabad millions in aid.

US nuclear reactor loses power, venting steam

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:22:43 +0530

A nuclear reactor in northern Illinois shut down on Monday after losing power, and steam was being vented to reduce pressure, according to officials from Exelon Nuclear and federal regulators.

EU leaders pledge to stimulate growth, create jobs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:28:07 +0530

Heads of European state and government meeting in Brussels on Monday pledged to offer more training for young people to ease their transition to the work force, deploy unused development funds to create jobs, reduce barriers to doing business across the EU's 27 countries, and ensure that small businesses have access to credit.

Obama criticises Pak for its inability to fight terrorism

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:46:59 +0530

However, Barack Obama has defended his government's move to continue giving Islamabad millions in aid.

Chinese security forces surround Tibetan-dominated area

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:37:03 +0530

A series of self-immolations by Tibetans has spurred the unrest in the region situated in southwest China.

NATO sticks to 2014 Afghanistan pullout date

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:01:57 +0530

NATO's top official said Monday that the alliance will adhere to its plans to hand over security to local forces in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, comments that came after France said it would push NATO to speed up its timeline for the handover of combat operations by a year.

Relations with Pak complicated but important: US

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:35:54 +0530

America's relationship with Pakistan was and continues to be 'complicated', the White House has said while acknowledging that in country's security interest and region's stability the bond is 'important'.

Assad troops fight back against Syria rebels

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:47:44 +0530

Street battles raged at the gates of the Syrian capital on Monday as President Bashar al-Assad's troops sought to consolidate their grip on suburbs that rebel fighters had seized only a few miles from the centre of government power.

Defence cutbacks force US to keep U-2 spy planes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:39:49 +0530

The US may rely on its aging fleet of 33 high-flying U-2 spy planes longer than expected due to defence cutbacks, according to a media report. For more than 50 years, the CIA and US military have relied on U-2s to go deep behind enemy lines for vital intelligence-gathering missions.

US to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapon

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:06:07 +0530

US will take every possible step to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear-capable state, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said.

US, Taliban prisoner release talks fail: Report

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:04:33 +0530

The initial talks between the US and Taliban in Qatar on the release of five of the militant group's prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention center have failed, a media report said on Monday.

3 Canadians jailed for life for 'honour killings'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:12:01 +0530

Three members of an Afghan Canadian family were found guilty of the 'honor killing' of three siblings and a fourth relative on Sunday after a high-profile trial that has fascinated Canadians.

India defies US, EU; won't cut Iran oil imports

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:14:59 +0530

India has stood up to the US saying it will not cut its oil imports from Iran despite America and European Union's sanctions against Tehran. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee boldly made this clarification during his visit to the US on Sunday.

Ahead in Florida, Romney turns focus back to Obama

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:32:43 +0530

Mitt Romney strode into the final 48 hours of the pivotal Florida Republican primary campaign with the confidence of a resurgent front-runner, predicting he'll win in Tuesday's voting while looking ahead to future contests.

Researchers find cancer in ancient Egyptian mummy

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:51:29 +0530

A professor from American University in Cairo says discovery of prostate cancer in a 2,200-year-old mummy indicates the disease was caused by genetics, not environment.

300 arrested in daylong Occupy Oakland protests

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:17:30 +0530

Dozens of police maintained a late-night guard around City Hall following daylong protests that resulted in 300 arrests. Occupy Oakland demonstrators broke into the historic building and burned a US flag, as officers earlier fired tear gas to disperse people throwing rocks and tearing down fencing at a convention center.

'Education system driving young to be mundane'

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:19:32 +0530

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Sunday blamed the education system for driving the young to be very mundane and detracting them from pursuing social objectives. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he said that money is now the king, becoming an "intoxication in the system".

29 Chinese workers captured by Sudanese rebels

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:38:22 +0530

Sudanese rebels attacked a camp belonging to a Chinese company in the troubled south Kordofan state of Sudan, taking hostage 29 Chinese workers amidst a battle with the Army. Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that a camp belonging to a Chinese firm was attacked by rebels and several Chinese nationals "have gone missing" after that.

Iran says oil may hit $150 per barrel on EU ban

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:07:06 +0530

Oil prices could rise as high as $150 a barrel because of the European Union ban on imports of Iranian crude, the country's deputy oil minister was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency on Sunday.

Romney widens lead over Gingrich in Florida: poll

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:58:18 +0530

White House hopeful Mitt Romney widened his lead over rival Newt Gingrich to 11 percentage points in Florida, according to Reuters/Ipsos online poll results on Saturday, up from 8 points a day earlier, as he cemented his front-runner status in the Republican nomination race.

Peru: 27 killed in fire at rehabilitation centre

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:43:37 +0530

A fire swept through a two-story private rehabilitation centre for addicts in a poor part of Peru's capital, killing 27 people and critically injuring five as firefighters punched holes through walls to rescue residents locked inside.

India to enter into agreement with US Institute

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:46:01 +0530

India will provide a $ 500,000 grant to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, where Swami Vivekananda delivered a landmark address on Hinduism in 1893, as part of initiatives to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the 19th century luminary.

UK: Five held in phone hacking scandal

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:38:57 +0530

British police arrested 4 Sun newspaper journalists in the phone-hacking controversy.

Topless protesters detained at Davos forum

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:00:57 +0530

Three topless Ukrainian protesters were detained on Saturday while trying to break into an invitation-only gathering of international CEOs and political leaders to call attention to the needs of the world's poor. Separately, demonstrators from the Occupy movement marched to the edge of the gathering.

IAEA team heads to Iran to seek nuclear answers

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:39:25 +0530

Senior United Nations nuclear inspectors will arrive in Tehran early on Sunday to press Iranian officials to address suspicions that the Islamic state is seeking atomic weapons.

NOTW phone hacking: Sun journo among 5 arrested

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:09:23 +0530

British police arrested four current and former staff of Rupert Murdoch's best-selling Sun tabloid plus a policeman on Saturday as part of an investigation into suspected payments by journalists to officers, police and the newspaper's publisher said.

Arab League halts observer mission in Syria

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:46:56 +0530

The Arab League halted its observer mission to Syria on Saturday, sharply criticising the regime of President Bashar Assad for escalating violence in recent days that has killed nearly 100 people across the country.

Ties with US not normal: Pakistan envoy

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:26:37 +0530

The Pakistan-US relationship is certainly not going through "normal" times, Islamabad's ambassador to Washington Sherry Rehman has said. Rehman further asked the Pakistani-American community for their support to bring the two countries closer.

Magnitude 4.9 earthquake rattles Crete

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:18:52 +0530

Greek authorities say an earthquake with preliminary 4.9-magnitude has shaken the country's southern Aegean islands, including Crete. No injuries or damage were immediately reported in the quake, which was the third in three days in the area.

China refutes criticism over human rights situation

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:34:43 +0530

China on Saturday refuted Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticism over deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet, amid tense stand off in the region over a spate of suicides by Buddhist monks and anti-regime protests. The People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), denied HRW criticism that "police dominate criminal justice system, which relies disproportionately on defendants' confessions."

US making powerful 'bunker-busters' to hit Iran

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:02:25 +0530

The US military has stepped up efforts to make their largest conventional weapon, the 13.6 tonne "bunker-buster" bomb, more powerful and capable of destroying Iran's most heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities.

US: Indian-origin woman dies after hunger strike

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:19:16 +0530

An Indian-origin woman, who was being held at a Chicago jail for allegedly failing to show up for jury duty, has died in custody after a 15-day hunger strike.

Pak doctor provided information about Laden: US

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:59:17 +0530

Shakil Afridi ran a vaccination program for the CIA to collect DNA and verify Osama bin Laden's presence in the compound.

5.5 quake jolts Japan, no tsunami warning issued

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:32:57 +0530

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 jolted eastern Japan on Saturday morning, but there were no immediate reports of injury or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.

Obama's Indo-American IT head Chopra, quits

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:40:27 +0530

Aneesh Chopra, President Barack Obama's information technology honcho, who was the highest ranking Indian American in the Obama administration, is leaving the White House, apparently to try his hand at politics.

Dutch plan ban on Muslim face veils next year

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:52:17 +0530

The Dutch minority government plans to ban Muslim face veils such as burqas and other forms of clothing that cover the face from next year.

Children among 74 dead in 2 days of Syrian turmoil

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:34:39 +0530

Two days of bloody turmoil in Syria killed at least 74 people, including small children, as forces loyal to President Bashar Assad shelled residential buildings and fired on crowds in a dramatic escalation of violence, activists said on Friday.

Bangladeshi pirates kill 4 Indian fishermen

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:18:29 +0530

Two groups of Bangladeshi pirates on Friday night killed four Indian fishermen, injured eight others and hijacked a trawler carrying twelve fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, police said.

Bus-sized asteroid comes close to Earth

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:57:54 +0530

A bus-sized newly discovered asteroid on Friday came extremely close to the Earth, coming much nearer than the Moon, space scientists said. However, the space rock posed no danger of impacting the Earth.

London Games: Organisers firmly behind Dow

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:14:01 +0530

Despite protests by anti-Dow activists and resignation of the Ethics panel chief, the organisers of the London Olympic Games have refused to terminate their sponsorship deal with the company.

Children among 74 dead in 2 days of Syrian turmoil

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:22:24 +0530

Iran hits back at EU with own oil embargo threat

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:49:54 +0530

Fighting sanctions with sanctions in a trial of strength with the West over its nuclear ambitions, Iran warned on Friday it may halt oil exports to Europe next week in a move calculated to hurt ailing European economies.

US seeing high levels of poverty and inequality: Geithner

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:03:25 +0530

In a candid admission of the problems plaguing the world's largest economy, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Friday the country was seeing "very high levels of poverty and inequality".

13 killed in clashes in Russia's volatile Caucasus

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:29:23 +0530

Russian officials say an Islamist warlord, seven militants, four officers and one civilian have been killed in three separate incidents in Russia's violence-plagued southern Caucasus region. Russia's Anti-Terrorist Committee spokesman Nikolai Sintsov said the leader of Islamist separatists in the province of Ingushetia was killed in a shootout on Friday in the village of Ekazhevo along with two other militants.

China a 'formidable challenge to global trading'

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:11:00 +0530

China is keeping its currency below its fair value and it represents a "formidable challenge" to the global trading system, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Friday. Sharply criticising the Communist giant's state-led economic system, Geithner said, "China does represent a really unique and formidable challenge to the global trading system because the structure of its economy... is overwhelmingly dominated by the state."

Suicide bomber kills 32 at Baghdad funeral march

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:30:58 +0530

A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-packed car near a funeral procession in southeastern Baghdad today, killing at least 32 people half of them policemen who were guarding the march in the latest brazen attack since the US troop withdrawal from Iraq.

UK chef buys jet to deliver Indian food

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:54:08 +0530

The owner of a popular Indian eatery joint in Kent has bought an unusual vehicle to ferry his curries around the world - an Iraqi fighter jet. Rob Abdul, who owns Cafe Taj in Gravesend, Kent has started taking flying lessons.

JK protests against sexual abuse on Pak scientist

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:03:02 +0530

A radical Kashmiri women's group on Friday held an anti-US protest against the imprisonment and alleged sexual assault on Pakistani scientist Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving a prison term in an American jail.

Can't be linked with Bhopal gas tragedy: Dow

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:11:26 +0530

Hours after the London Olympics Organising Committee said that Dow Chemicals would remain the official sponsor of the 2012 London Olympics, the company issued a statement clarifying its position with regard to the Bhopal gas tragedy.

EU for tighter discipline to save euro

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:24:46 +0530

The ice appeared to be melting over tackling euro crisis at the Swiss alpine resort with the leaders of several European nations agreeing to press for tighter rules and greater fiscal prudence to keep the common currency afloat.

G4 make renewed bid for UNSC expansion

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:11:19 +0530

India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, collectively known as the G4 group of countries, have made a joint bid for the expansion of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership.

Watch: Finnair crew dance to 'Om Shanti Om'

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:31:22 +0530

This is something an air passenger will least expect on a flight even of an Indian carrier - a Bollywood jig by a foreign crew, all dressed in dazzling salwar kameez and traditional Indian attires!

US announces downsizing ground troops by 1 lakh

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:18:59 +0530

Faced with a $487 billion slash in its budget over the next 10 years, the Pentagon has announced downsizing its military forces by 1,00,000, even as Defence Secretary Leon Panetta asserted that US will remain a force to contend with anytime and anywhere.

Dow Chemicals to remain London Olympics sponsor

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:41:30 +0530

Despite the resignation of the Ethics panel chief, the London Olympic Committee stands firm, says Dow will remain a sponsor for the Olympic Games. The London Olympics Organisisng Committee said on Friday that Dow Chemicals will remain the sponsors of the 2012 London Olympics.

NY Police Commissioner's son accused of rape

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:36:55 +0530

The son of New York Police Commissioner has been accused by a woman of raping her, a charge that he has denied. Greg Kelly, who is anchor at a local television show, is the son of Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

US: Hillary Clinton dodging political high wire

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:07:06 +0530

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she wants to step off the "high wire of American politics" after two decades and is again tamping down speculation that she might stay in government if President Barack Obama wins a second term.

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign over movie

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:31:29 +0530

Muslim groups are calling for New York's police commissioner to step down because of his appearance in a film they say paints their religion and its adherents in a bad light.

Did not sideline Pak in Taliban peace talks: US

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:03:03 +0530

US has termed as 'untrue' sentiments inside Pakistan that it was being sidelined by the Obama Administration in peace talks with the Taliban.

Four dead, 22 missing in Rio buildings collapse

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:52:30 +0530

At least 22 people were still missing on Thursday after rescuers recovered four bodies from the rubble of three buildings that collapsed in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Mayor Eduardo Paes said. Paes told a news conference six others had been pulled alive from the rubble.

Resignation a moral decision: Olympics Ethics Panel chief

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:51:26 +0530

Meredith Alexander quit, taking a moral stance, in support of the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy and said the London Games organisers should scrap the sponsorship deal with Dow Chemicals.

Arab League chief, Qatar PM to go to UN over Syria

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:56:19 +0530

The Arab League chief and the Qatari prime minister will present an Arab peace plan for Syria to ambassadors in the UN Security Council in New York early next week, the council president said on Thursday.

Somali captors move US hostage after SEAL raid

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:28:04 +0530

Pirates moved an American hostage at least three times in 24 hours and threatened on Thursday to kill him after US Navy SEALs rescued an American and a Dane in a bold, dark-of-night raid that raises questions about whether other Western captives are now in greater danger.

Syrian troops fight rebels near Damascus

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:02:35 +0530

Syrian troops battled rebels in a town just north of Damascus on Thursday and a provincial governor spoke of negotiating local ceasefires as a 10-month-old revolt against President Bashar al-Assad crept close to the capital.

Iran is ready to return to nuclear talks

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:02:33 +0530

Iran is ready to revive talks with the US and other world powers, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday, but suggested that Tehran's foes will have to make compromises to prevent negotiations from again collapsing in stalemate.

Little bit of elbowing, but all will be well: Khar

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:04:51 +0530

Describing Pakistani Parliament as the "new kid on the block", Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Thursday said a "little bit of elbowing" was taking place in Pakistan but things would "very soon fall in place".

Pakistan wants to work with India: Gilani

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:33:42 +0530

Pointing out that Pakistan has 'excellent' relationship with India, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said cooperation between the two countries to tackle climate change was 'doable'.

Gita: Russian prosecutors planning to file appeal

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:43:23 +0530

Undeterred by a Siberian court's rejection of their plea seeking a ban on a translated version of the Bhagvad Gita, Russian prosecutors are planning to file an appeal against the verdict on the holy book dubbed by them as "extremist literature".

US plans to expand its drone fleet: Report

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:46:35 +0530

With China in mind, US plans to set up a new base in Australia and expand its existing one in the Philippines, besides increasing its fleet of drones to cut its burgeoning defence budget, media reports said on Thursday.

India, US to consolidate global partnership

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:21:20 +0530

India and the United States have agreed to continue efforts to consolidate upon the 'tremendous progress' made in strengthening the India-US global strategic partnership, the two countries announced after a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao.

London 2012 Olympics Ethics Commissioner quits

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:39:42 +0530

A top London Olympics official has quit over the Dow sponsorship row. Ethics Commissioner Meredith Alexander put in her papers in protest of the sponsorship deal with the company because of its connection to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

Japan to lend $63 million to Bangladesh

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:14:09 +0530

Japan will lend $63 million to Bangladesh for a maternal and child health project.

Egyptians mark first anniversary of protests

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:53:17 +0530

Tens of thousands massed in Cairo's Tahrir Square and other Egyptian cities on Wednesday, a year after an uprising erupted that toppled Hosni Mubarak, spurred on revolts across the region and exposed rifts in the Arab world's most populous state.

US commandos free 2 hostages in Somalia raid

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:36:05 +0530

US special operations forces swooped into Somalia on Wednesday and rescued two hostage aid workers after killing their nine kidnappers, a rare and daring raid in the Horn of Africa nation to free foreign captives.

Iraq al Qaeda says US withdrew to save money

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:42:16 +0530

The US pulled its troops out of Iraq because its economy is collapsing and it needed to save money, an al Qaeda front group said in a message posted on its website on Wednesday, its first online comment since the US completed its pullout last month after nine years of war.

France, Britain join Syria peace push at UN

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:16:15 +0530

Arab League monitors said the withdrawal of colleagues by Gulf Arab states would not hinder their work in Syria while France and Britain on Wednesday joined efforts at the United Nations to end President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

India to push for early comprehensive UNSC reform

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:47:28 +0530

India will push hard for an early implementation of comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council and expansion in its membership when inter-governmental negotiations on the issue begin on Thursday.

US probing business visa sponsorships: Infosys

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:49:11 +0530

IT bellwether Infosys on Wednesday said the company and some of its employees are target of US probe related to its sponsorships of B1 business visas. Infosys had received a 'subpoena' from a grand jury in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in May last year.

US Special Forces rescue hostages in Somalia

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:25:52 +0530

Helicopter-borne elite US Navy Seals struck deep into Somalia in a daring pre-dawn raid and freed two hostages - an American woman aid worker and a Dane - after a shootout with pirates holding them, leaving at least nine gunmen dead, a rare mission in the restive African nation.

Norway NRI case: Uncle to get custody of kids

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:21:37 +0530

NRI couple Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya's children, who are in the custody of Norway's Child Welfare Services, would be handed over to Anurup's brother Arunabash Bhattacharya. The lawyer of the couple told the Indian Embassy in Oslo that Arunabash would take custody of the children. He would travel to Norway when the custody case came up for hearing in the court.

Jay Leno sued over Golden Temple remark

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:42:10 +0530

US talk show host Jay Leno has been sued by an Indian-American in California for his 'racist' comments on the Golden Temple and ridiculing the entire Sikh community by portraying the holy shrine as a vacation home.

Obama's address on terrorism, outsourcing and Iran

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:48:20 +0530

US President Barack Obama listed out the achievements of his first term, topping that list the improved state of the economy and the end of the America's most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden.

US happy with Pak talking to resolve stalemate

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:09:07 +0530

The United States has expressed satisfaction that various wings of the establishment in Pakistan are talking to each other to resolve the ongoing stalemate.

Obama calls for a fair shot economy, more jobs

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:59:09 +0530

US President Barack Obama during his last address before the Presidential elections on Tuesday night said for the first time in two decades Osama Bin Laden is not a threat to US.

One year on, Egypt will demonstrate, celebrate

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:38:29 +0530

Egyptians head to Tahrir Square on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak with some seeking a new revolt against army rule and others celebrating the changes already achieved.

Yemen: Saleh seeks exile in reluctant Oman

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:16:33 +0530

Outgoing Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is seeking exile in neighbouring Oman but the sultanate is reluctant to host him for fear of harming relations with Yemen, diplomats said on Tuesday.

Tibetan govt-in-exile condemns China police fire

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:55:24 +0530

The Tibetan government-in-exile on Tuesday condemned the incident in which a Tibetan was allegedly killed and several others injured in clashes with police in China's southwest Sichuan province.

Assange to interview leaders on new TV series

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:42:32 +0530

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has announced that he will soon host a television series comprising interviews with 'key political players, thinkers and revolutionaries' from around the world.

Twin car bombs kill 11 in Baghdad

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:44:37 +0530

Two separate car bombs exploded in a Shiite district in eastern Baghdad on Tuesday, police officials said, killing 11 people as violence surges in Iraq amid an escalating political crisis a month after the US military withdrawal.

Oil prices up on EU deal to ban Iran crude

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:28:08 +0530

Oil prices rose after the European Union agreed to ban imports of Iranian crude from July, Tehran threatened again to close the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel, and on additional support from the weak dollar.

US defends Jay Leno's right to free speech

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:24:10 +0530

Amid controversy over popular TV host Jay Leno's remarks on the Golden Temple, the US has defended his right to free speech terming his comments as "satirical" while applauding contributions of Sikh-Americans.

US asks Iran to cooperate with IAEA

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:40:55 +0530

The US has asked Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency when their inspectors visit the country, even as Tehran threatened to close down the strategic Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for oil sanctions.

Iran slams European Union oil embargo

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:26:39 +0530

The EU measures include an immediate ban on all new contracts to import, purchase or transport Iranian crude and petroleum products.

Russia Syria jet deal reports concerning: US

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:19:02 +0530

The US has expressed concern over reports that Syria has inked a $ 550 million contract to purchase advanced training fighter jets from Russia.

Iran slams EU oil embargo, warns could hit US

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:01:12 +0530

Iran accused Europeans on Monday of waging "psychological warfare" after the EU banned imports of Iranian oil, and US President Barack Obama said Washington would impose more sanctions to address the "serious threat presented by Iran's nuclear program."

Italy ship disaster: 2 more bodies found

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:06:09 +0530

Nudged gently by the tides off Tuscany, the capsized Costa Concordia has been deemed stable enough on its rocky perch for salvagers to begin pumping fuel oil from its giant tanks as early as on Tuesday.

World needs 600 mn new jobs in next decade: ILO

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:53:45 +0530

The International Labour Organization sounded the alarm on the global jobs situation in its annual report on Monday and called for more coordination of fiscal policies, repair and regulation of the financial sector and support for the real economy.

Italy boat tragedy: two more bodies found

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:12:59 +0530

Nudged gently by the tides off Tuscany, the capsized Costa Concordia has been deemed stable enough on its rocky perch for salvagers to begin pumping fuel oil from its giant tanks as early as Tuesday.

Egyptian Parliament holds first session

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:09:49 +0530

The Islamists dominated new Egyptian Parliament on Monday held its first session after the landmark polls since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak with a candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood tipped to become its first speaker.

EU imposes embargo on Iranian oil

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:34:54 +0530

European Union ambassadors agreed on Monday to impose an embargo on Iranian oil imports, but decided to delay the full implementation of the ban until July 1, an EU diplomat said.

Syria rejects Arab call for Assad to quit

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:01:58 +0530

Syria rejected on Monday a request by Arab League foreign ministers that President Bashar al Assad hand over power to a deputy and set up a new unity government, saying the plan was part of a "conspiracy against Syria".

Russia hands over Nerpa nuclear sub to India

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:54:54 +0530

Russia's K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Monday.

US talks to Afghan ex-PM's insurgent group

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:17:24 +0530

Anxious to accelerate peace moves, top-level US officials have held talks with a representative of an insurgent movement led by a former Afghan prime minister who has been branded a terrorist by Washington, a relative of the rebel leader says.

Romney to release taxes, Gingrich ready for Obama

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:28 +0530

Newt Gingrich worked to capitalise on Sunday on his upset victory in South Carolina's Republican presidential primary, while Mitt Romney moved quickly to cut his losses before the next contest with a promise to release his income tax returns within 48 hours.

India objects to Jay Leno remark on Golden Temple

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:23:39 +0530

India has strongly "objected" to the remark on the Golden Temple by popular US television host Jay Leno, terming it "quite unfortunate".

Yemen's Saleh leaves for US, opponents protest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:17:26 +0530

Outgoing president Ali Abdullah Saleh apologized for "any shortcoming" in his 33-year rule before leaving Yemen for the United States on Sunday, paving the way for a transfer of power after a year of unrest.

Arab League extends Syria mission by 1 month

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:08:35 +0530

A clash between Syrian forces and army defectors today erupted in a suburb of the tightly held capital of Damascus, adding urgency just as the Arab League was extending an observers' mission that so far has failed to end long months of bloody violence.

SL frees 73 rehabilitated ex-LTTE members

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:27:42 +0530

Sri Lankan authorities released a batch of 73 rehabilitated ex-members of the rebel outfit LTTE in the eastern district of Batticaloa on Sunday.

China Docs rush to save girl only to find it a dog

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:25:01 +0530

Doctors who rushed to attend an emergency call to save a "girl" in Beijing were in for a shock when the patient turned out to be a female pet dog suffering from cardiac complications.

Nigeria attacks: Indian among 162 killed

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:15:22 +0530

An Indian was killed in a terror attack in the Nigerian city of Kano that left about 162 people dead, said authorities. Another six Indians, including two children, were injured in the attack.

Indian killed in Nigeria terror attack

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:47:26 +0530

Nigeria has imposed a 24-hour curfew and sealed its borders with neighbouring Cameroon and Niger.

US: Newt Gingrich wins South Carolina primary

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:42:58 +0530

Newt Gingrich jolted the Republican presidential race on Saturday with a resounding victory in South Carolina, where voters rejected frontrunner Mitt Romney's pitch that he is the best bet to fix a broken economy and defeat President Barack Obama.

Tributes paid to Anuj Bidve at UK university

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:22:13 +0530

Tributes were paid to the memory of Indian student Anuj Bidve at Lancaster University, where he was enrolled for a post-graduate qualification before being killed in an unprovoked attack in Salford on December 26.

Search resumes on doomed Italian cruise ship

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:10:50 +0530

Divers resumed their search for survivors from the Italian cruise ship on Saturday.

Police info about threat not true: Salman Rushdie

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:23:17 +0530

An 'angry' Salman Rushdie claims he has found out that the intelligence provided to him by Rajasthan police about threat to his life if he attended the Jaipur Literature Festival was concocted to prevent him from going to India.

Yemen parliament passes law granting Saleh immunity

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:32:53 +0530

Yemen's parliament approved a law on Saturday granting outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh immunity from prosecution over the killing of protesters, in a bid to push ahead with a plan to ease him out of power and end nearly a year of unrest.

Pak govt trying to prevent my testimony: Ijaz

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:52:44 +0530

US-based businessman Mansoor Ijaz, the man who could severely embarrass the Pakistani government in the memo scandal, is now claiming the government is doing its best to prevent him from testifying before the Supreme Court, in front of which is scheduled to make an appearance.

Obama to 'lay out' blueprint for an American economy

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:50:30 +0530

US President Barack Obama on Saturday asked his supporters to watch his State of the Union Address which he said would lay the blue print of rebuilding the country's economy. "I'm going to lay out a blueprint for an American economy that's built to last," Obama said in a video email message sent to his supporters by the Obama for America.

Egypt polls: Islamists notch around 2/3rd seats

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:26:48 +0530

Egyptian Islamist parties have swept the parliamentary polls with a Muslim Brotherhood linked political group alone notching 235 seats in the 498 member House, the first polls since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak, nearly a year ago.

US Embassy to streamline visa process

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:11:20 +0530

President Obama has announced that he is willing to relax visa regulations for tourists in order to boost the US economy. He also identified India, Brazil and China as the countries, whose travellers will be granted this leeway. Obama declared the new initiative when he was campaigning in Florida, a state heavily reliant on tourism.

'Taliban may go for secret deal with US'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:47:58 +0530

Afghan officials are concerned that the Taliban may make a possible "secret deal" with the US as they expressed worries on not being kept in the loop fully about the direction of the peace talks, including whether Pakistan will be involved in the negotiations.

Malawi: Women protest attacks over skirts, pants

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:17:44 +0530

It's been 18 years since the late dictator Hastings Kamuzu Banda's "indecency in dress" laws were repealed in Malawi, but mobs of men and boys in the largely conservative southern African country have recently been publicly stripping women of their miniskirts and pants.

Anand Jon appears in NY court over sexual assault

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:16:55 +0530

Celebrity fashion designer Anand Jon appeared in a New York court for a pre-trial hearing. The Indian-born designer is accused of sex crimes against 12 women and girls.