Month: May 2014

Now, `Monokinis` to help women who’ve undergone mastectomies feel comfortable

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A Finnish company has launched a line of kick-ass swimwear called Monokini 2.0, designed specifically for women who’ve undergone mastectomies.

Inspired by her own struggle with the disease, the project’s founder Elina Halttunen, who describes herself as a woman “with one breast and a passion for swimming”, is hoping the designs will meet the needs of women like herself who haven’t had reconstructive surgery and are embracing their new bodies – even if that means having one breast, not two, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Indian-origin man found ‘not guilty’ of stabbing sister 107 times

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An Indian-origin man accused of stabbing his sister 107 times was acquitted of the murder and all other charges Tuesday, a media report said.

Vishnu Phagoo, 37, was arrested on the charge of stabbing his sister Shrimatie Parasram, 45, to death in her Jersey city home in New Jersey state in north-eastern United States September 2010, The Jersey Journal reported Tuesday. He was subsequently charged with the murder February 2011.

Gold has a bearish bias

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The futures contracts for August delivery in the COMEX gold in the New York commodities exchange was trading at a 15-week low of $1,265 per ounce, down $25 from its open. There was no fundamental news flow pertaining to the yellow metal itself as bears took over.

The only explanation for the sell off would be the US equity markets at all time high as investors are growing more confident about the prospects of a sustained economic recovery.

Congress condemns BJP-led NDA Govt. for raking up Article 370, terms it divisive

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Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Wednesday condemned the BJP-led NDA Government for pursuing its divisive agenda after coming to power, and termed its development plank as plain camouflage. Commenting on Minister of State (MoS) in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh’s controversial statement on Article 370 Singhvi said, “Development was just a camouflage till the elections were on. Barely a day after taking the oath we have diverse divisive agendas nakedly out in the front.

Sharif raised Kashmir issue during meeting with Modi: Aziz

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The Kashmir issue was raised by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his first meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, a top Pakistani advisor said today, discounting reports that the issue was sidelined during the talks.

All contentious issues were discussed during the 45-minute meeting between Sharif and Modi in New Delhi, said Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs.

Afghanistan hails Obama’s decision on troops pullout

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Afghan government Wednesday welcomed US president’s plan to keep about 9,800 troops after 2014 in Afghanistan but virtually withdrawing all by the end of 2016.

“The United States government announced that, within a schedule, it will reduce to zero the number of its combat troops in Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes this decision by the United States,” Xinhua quoted a statement issued by Afghan Presidential Palace as saying.

UN should play greater role against terrorism: China

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The UN should play a greater role in counter-terrorism and promoting closer cooperation of the international community on the battle, a Chinese envoy to the UN said here Wednesday.

“On the question of counter-terrorism, the UN should advertise a clear-cut criterion and oppose double standards in promoting the international community to enhance cooperation against terrorism in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN charter and other international norms,” Xinhua quoted Wang Min, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, as saying at a UN Security Council meeting.

Naidu proceeds to New Delhi to invite Modi for swearing in ceremony

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President of TDP and CM designate of A.P, Mr. N. Chandrababu will proceed to New Delhi today and he will stay there till 2nd June. It is understood that Mr. Naidu will meet various central ministers and specially P.M. Mr. Narendra Modi. He will request the P.M. to attend swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Naidu which is likely to be held on 8th June. It is said that Mr. Naidu is delaying the date of swearing-in ceremony only to suit the convenience of Mr. Modi.

–Siasat News

Monsoon will enter Kerala on 5th June

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Air Pressure Zone has entered Bihar and its surroundings. Met office report indicated that the Air Pressure Zone has also spread in Telangana and Rayalaseema Areas as a result of which rain or thunder showers are likely in certain areas of Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema. In Hyderabad city and its surroundings Sky will be cloudy for another two days. Rain is also likely in certain areas. Maximum temperature would be around 40 degree Celsius. In the next 4 days weather will become warm.

Case registered for desecration of Prophet (PBUH)

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Cyber Crime Police registered a case against Jai Venetika Devi Datta Dhopikar for displaying an objectionable photograph of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) on Facebook which hurt the feelings of the Muslims. Mr. S. Zaman, a native of Banjarahills made a complaint in the police station. Mr. Majid Ali Khan, Inspector of Cyber Crime registered a criminal case under 66(A) and 153(A) (Spreading hatred among two sects) under information technology act and started investigations.

–Siasat News

Governor convenes meeting to review bifurcation process

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In order to take a detailed review of the bifurcation process, Governor of A.P. has convened an important meeting today so that no issue remains unresolved. Mr. E.S.L. Narasimhan will preside over the meeting. Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed and Mr. A.N. Roy, Advisors to the Governor, Dr. P.K. Mohanty, Chief Secretary and Heads of Departments will attend the meeting. They will apprise of the steps taken for the bifurcation process.

Telangana Bandh: PGECET, OU, inter exams postponed

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OU Registrar Prof K Pratap Reddy has informed that all the examinations of Osmania University, scheduled to be held on Thursday, have been postponed in view of Telangana Bandh call given by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi.

The rescheduled dates will be announced in due course, the OU Registrar said.

The PGECET, scheduled to be held on Thursday, too has been postponed and rescheduled to May 31.

The Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) too has postponed the Intermediate Advance Supplementary Examination scheduled on Thursday. (INN)

Guj govt reinstates Singhal, accused in Ishrat accused

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In a surprise move, Gujarat government today reinstated suspended IPS officer GL Singhal, an accused in Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case whose recording of phone conversations had brought to light the snooping scandal allegedly involving Narendra Modi aide Amit Shah.

“Yes, he (GL Singhal) has been reinstated. Last night, sanction was given for his reinstatement,” S K Nanda, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), said.

Confirming the development, state Director General of Police P C Thakur said Singhal has been posted as Group Commandant of State Reserve Police at Gandhinagar.

10-year-old girl raped by juvenile neighbour in Delhi

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A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her juvenile neighbour in Jodhpur Mess Quarters area in New Delhi district, police said on Wednesday.

A case of rape under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act has been registered against the 17-year-old accused, who is still at large, they said.

The alleged incident took place on Sunday evening when the victim was playing outside her home.

Our bowlers did a real good job: Dhoni

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After sealing a place in the second qualifier with a comfortable seven-wicket win, Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today heaped praise on his bowlers for putting up a good show on a wicket that was favourable to batting.

“I think the bowlers did a real good job. It was a very good wicket to bat on. Ashish and Ishwar moved the ball around a bit. In the middle overs, the spinners bowled well,” said Dhoni after his team chased down Mumbai’s 173-8 with eight balls to spare at Brabourne stadium here.

Infosys president Srinivas resigns

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India’s second largest IT firm Infosys Ltd lost another senior executive with its president and board member B.G. Srinivas resigning Wednesday.

“The resignation of Srinivas will be effective June 10,” the $8.3-billion global software major said in a statement here.

Tipped to have been in race for the new executive post as an internal candidate after incumbent and co-founder S.D. Shibulal retires early 2015, Srinivas was elevated to the newly created president’s post in January along with another board member U.B. Pravin Rao.

Notice to government, EC on plea on poll expense ceiling

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The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the central government and the Election Commission, seeking their response on a petition regarding regulation and monitoring of the election expenditure of political parties.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw sought response from both by Aug 28.

The plea, filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), requested for a process of regular submission of election expenditure statements by political parties commencing a year prior to the actual polling date till the results are declared.

Over 1,000 throng US consulate in Mumbai on ‘Student Visa Day’

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Amid a festive, campus-like atmosphere, over a 1,000 students thronged the US Consulate here to secure visas for pursuing higher education in America on the “Student Visa Day” Wednesday, an official said.

Special college-themed decorations, refreshments and the songs of 36 universities played besides staff dressed in university colours to give applicant students a glimpse of the US campus life were the highlights of the day.

Post KKR victory, SRK meets Mamata at her residence

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday congratulated Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Kolkata Knight Riders’ spectacular win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 1 match at the Eden Gardens here to enter the finals as he visited her residence post the victory celebrations.

“Bengal’s Brand Ambassador, Shah Rukh Khan was in Kolkata today in connection with his team, KKR’s match. We are indeed very proud of him.

“KKR got a splendid victory. Congratulations to team KKR. Wish them all the best for the final,” Banerjee said on her official Facebook page.

French president to meet Obama, Putin next week

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French President Francois Hollande will meet US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin next week on the eve of anniversary ceremonies of the Allied landing in Normandy.

Hollande will welcome Obama for a meeting at the Elysee Palace June 5 and also receive Russian President Vladimir Putin at his office on the same day, Xinhua reported.

Hollande and Obama have warned Russia against additional “costs” if it continued to “destabilise” Ukraine.

Bangladesh, China ink deal for better cultural ties

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In a move towards strengthening bilateral cultural ties, Bangladesh and China signed a “Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)” Wednesday.

Ranjit Kumar Biswas, secretary of Bangladesh’s cultural affairs ministry, and Li Jun, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, signed the deal on be half of their respective sides here Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

After signing the deal, Ranjit told journalists the agreement was signed to pave way y for exchanging more cultural programmes between Bangladesh and China.

Nigerian military claims knowing about schoolgirls’ location

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The Nigerian military has insisted that it is aware of the locations where over 200 abducted Chibok secondary schoolgirls are being held.

National defence spokesperson, major general Chris Olukolade, told a regular media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, that their interest is in the safety of the children, Xinhua reported.

On April 14, over 200 girls were abducted from a secondary School in Chibok, Borno State by military insurgents.

UN chief voices solidarity with OPCW inspectors in Syria

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday expressed solidarity with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a day after a convoy of its inspectors came under attack in central Syria, a UN spokesperson said.

“Earlier today, the secretary-general spoke by phone to the Director-General of the Organisation Prohibition of Chemical Weapon, Ahmet Uzumcu, to express his solidarity following the attack on the organisation’s fact-finding team in Syria,” Xinhua quoted Ban’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric as saying during the daily briefing.

Israel calls off aerial drill, training flights over budget

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Cash-strapped Israeli military announced Wednesday that it was halting air force training flights and cancelling a large-scale aerial drill due to budget constraints.

Weekly training flights for reservist pilots serving in fighter squadrons will be halted beginning next Sunday, while flight hours allotted to career pilots and drone squadrons will be gradually scaled down in the coming months, Xinhua reported citing local media Wednesday.