Month: January 2015

Cartoonist R.K. Laxman dead

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Legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman, creator of the iconic “The Common Man”, died in a private hospital here Monday evening after a brief illness, his family said. He was 94.

Laxman, brother of late novelist R.K. Narayan, is survived by writer wife Kamala, retired journalist son Srinivas and daughter-in-law Usha. He was renowned for his cartoon creation, which ran for several decades in The Times of India.

He had been admitted to a private hospital around 10 days ago for a urinary tract infection and lung problems, where he breathed his last at 6.10 p.m, Srinivas told IANS.

India could be very relevant to ISIL campaign: White House

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Indian cooperation could be “very relevant” in the fight against ISIL or Islamic State, the White House said today, even though it accepted that the ongoing counter-terrorism discussion between the two countries was mainly focused on terrorist outfits in South Asia.

In terms of our (counter-terrorism) cooperation with India, it has been very focused in this part of the world and
the different terrorist organisations that operate here in South Asia, be it al-Qaeda, be it LeT, or others,” the Deputy

Obama visit Tension in OU : clash averted between TVV,PDSU and ABVP.RSS students wings

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After the normal flag Republic day hoisting ceremony by Vice chancellor and registrar atArts college PDSU and Tvv students took out a procession with black flags and were raising slogans of “OBAMA GO BACK” another group of students belonging to ABVP and RSS started agitaing the its a pious occasion of Republic day and mo one should raise black flags.

Police averted group clash between the groups but Police officer on the spot sent away the Abvp group students and took away black flags fromm PDSU AND TVV students leaders.

Another swine flu death in Telangana; 22 victims so far

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One more person has died of swine flu here, taking the toll in Telangana due to the virus to 22 so far (since December last year), a senior health official said today.

“One death was reported yesterday evening,” director of state-run Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) L Narendranath told reporters here.

With this, the total number of persons succumbing to the virus stood at 22 in Telangana. Nine deaths were reported due to swine flu during December last year, while 13 persons died this month, he said.

NGO Let’s Vote gets award for voter awareness

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NGO Let’s Vote has received the National CSO Award for its contributions towards voter awareness, education and enrolment drives during the 2014 general elections.

The award was presented during the fifth National Voters Day celebrations in New Delhi Sunday.

Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gave away the awards at the function presided over by Chief Election Commissioner H.S. Brahma.

Let’s Vote national convener K. Subbarangaiah, founder J.A. Chowdary, and member P.V. Raghavendra Sarma were present on the occasion, a statement said here Monday.

Kerala politics: Is UDF closing door on Pillai?

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The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Monday decided not to invite one of its founders, R. Balakrishna Pillai, to its meeting to be held here Wednesday.

UDF convenor P.P. Thankachen said that Pillai has not been invited.

The decision appears to have come after an audio conversation between him and whistle blower Biju Ramesh, a bar owner, came out in the open last week.

Indian, Pakistani armies exchange sweets on LoC

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The Indian and Pakistani armies Monday exchanged sweets on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on India’s 66th Republic Day, an official said.

“On the proud occasion of Republic Day, troops of India and Pakistan exchanged sweets at the Poonch-Rawalakot crossing point,” defence spokesman Colonel Manish Mehta told IANS.

Soldiers of both countries also exchanged greetings and sweets at a similar function on the Aman Setu bridge in Uri sector in Baramulla district.

Small drone found on White House grounds

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A small aerial drone has been found on the grounds of the White House but poses no threat, in yet another security breach at one of the world’s heavily guarded buildings.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest, who is in New Delhi travelling with US President Barack Obama, said he did
not have details about the size or type of the drone, but he said the Secret Service was investigating.

Obama and first lady Michelle are on a three-day visit to India, but their daughters, Malia and Sasha, are in
Washington.

Of umbrellas, caps and patriotic songs

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With the rain playing spoilsport, the dignitaries gathered at Rajpath to witness India’s 66th Republic Day parade were forced to wear caps and take cover under umbrellas and raincoats.

US President Barack Obama, the chief guest at the parade, and wife Michelle were seated in a roofless bullet-proof glass enclosure along with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and his wife Salma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As it started to drizzle, officials with huge, black umbrellas and members of the support staff standing next to them sprang into action.

Indian, Chinese armies hold ceremonial border meeting

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A ceremonial border meeting was held Monday between the Indian and Chinese armies on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

“A ceremonial border personnel meeting on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day was held today (Monday) at the Indian border personnel meeting point hut in Chushul sector of eastern Ladakh,” said a defence statement issued by the Indian Army’s Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur town.

The Indian delegation was led by Brigadier J.K.S. Virk and the Chinese side by Senior Colonel Fanjun.

Himachal governor Urmila Singh retires

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Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh was given a warm send-off by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his cabinet colleagues at a function in the state capital Monday. She retired on completion of her five-year term.

She had taken over as the governor Jan 25, 2010.

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh has been given the additional charge of Himachal Pradesh, following her retirement. He will take oath of office here Jan 28.

In her farewell speech, Urmila Singh thanked Raj Bhawan staff for their cooperation during her tenure.

Woman gets cash bag instead of sandwich at Burger King

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A woman in the US after going through the take-away at a Burger King joint discovered that instead of her order of sweet tea and junior spicy chicken sandwich, she had got a bag full of cash.

But instead of keeping the money —- totalling USD 2,631 -— Janelle Jones, of Rochester, came back to the restaurant
with her husband and returned it.

Jones had ordered the drink and sandwich at the drive- through and while she was driving home, she discovered that
the sandwich bag was actually full of cash, and there was no food inside.

Separatist groups observe strike in Valley

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Separatist groups called for a strike in Kashmir Valley today and asked the people to observe the Republic Day as “black day”.

Leaders of different factions of Hurriyat Conference were among those who called for the strike to press for early resolution of Kashmir issue.

Strict security arrangements were in place in the Valley in view of the Republic Day.

The Republic Day celebrations went off peacefully and there were no report of any untoward incident from across the Valley.

–PTI

7-layer security ring at Rajpath

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A seven-layer security ring was thrown around the VVIP enclosure on Rajpath from where US President Barack Obama, President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a host of other dignitaries witnessed the Republic Day parade.

Areas in and around Rajpath were fortified with the deployment of nearly 40,000 personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Security was beefed up following inputs of a possible Maoist disruption during the event.

Israeli president declines invitation to meet Obama

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Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has declined an invitation to meet with US President Barack Obama, during his ongoing visit to New York, Israeli media reported Monday.

According to the reports, the White House contacted Israeli officials and Rivlin’s advisors Saturday to study the possibility of holding the meeting, an offer that the Israeli leader declined.

The Israeli presidency, however, has provided no further details on the invitation, but a brief official statement released Sunday night indicated that both leaders had difficulty in adjusting their agendas.

South Africa: Two killed during looting of foreigners’ shops

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Two more people have died in a new wave of looting foreign-owned shops in the townships area of the South African city of Johannesburg, the police reported on Twitter Monday.

Looting shops owned by immigrants from African and Asian countries in Soweto and other townships last week caused the deaths of four people while 170 others were arrested.

The wave of violence erupted last week after a Somali shopkeeper killed a South African teenager who tried to rob his store.

‘Lai Bhaari’ moment at R-Day parade, Riteish, Genelia thrilled

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Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh and his wife Genelia are happy that the “Mauli mauli” song from their Marathi production “Lai Bhaari” was used to represent the tableau of Maharashtra at the 66th Republic Day parade in the capital Monday.

While “Lai Bhaari” marked Riteish’s debut in the Marathi movie space, the movie is produced by Genelia.

“As a producer of Lai Bhari – thrilled that ‘Mauli’ song was used 2 represent D State of Maharashtra. @BarackObama ‘s first Marathi song-hehe,” Genelia tweeted.

For Riteish, it was a proud moment.

Sania, Paes reach mixed doubles quarters at Australian Open

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Sania Mirza and Leander Paes carved out contrasting wins with different partners to reach the mixed doubles quarterfinals at the Australian Open on Monday.

Top seeds Sania and her Brazilian partner Bruno Soares edged past Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez 7-5, 6-7 (3), 10-8 before seventh seeds Paes and Martina Hingis outplayed the Spanish combine of Anabel Medina Garrigues and Pablo Andujar 6-3, 6-1 on Show Court 3.

Indians in Poland celebrate R-Day with enthusiasm

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The Indian community which over the years has become a force to reckon with in Polish society, celebrated the 66th Republic Day with gaiety and enthusiasm Monday.

Braving the cold and snow, a large number of people gathered at the new building of the embassy of India where they were greeted by newly- appointed Indian Ambassador Ajay Bisaria and his wife Bharati Chaturvedi.

Bisaria, who till recently was in charge of the Eurasia division in India’s external affairs ministry and had organised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India successfully, unfurled the tricolour.

How sleep, memory team up to help humans learn

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A new study has provided a deeper insight into how sleep and memory team up to help humans with learning.

Scientists have long known that sleep, memory and learning are deeply connected. Most animals, from flies to humans, have trouble remembering when sleep deprived, and studies have shown that sleep is critical in converting short-term into long-term memory, a process known as memory consolidation. But just how that process works has remained a mystery.

How human cells lifespan can be extended revealed

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A new study has shed light on telomeres that are essential part of human cells that affect how our cells age, by extending them to slow down the cell aging process.

The study allows scientists to increase cell numbers for testing drugs, but may also hold a key to longer and healthier lives.

Ali Zafar’s musical tribute to Peshawar attack victims

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Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar has brought together musicians, actors and sportspersons for the video of his new single “Urein ge”, which translates into “Will fly”, to pay tribute to the victims of the Peshawar massacre.

According to the Dawn, the video will feature big names like cricketer Shoaib Malik, actor Ali Kazmi, actresses Mahira Khan and Humaima Malick.

The 34-year-old actor took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the humbling experience.

Brit woman who married IS fighter writes guide on how to be ‘a war widow’

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A British woman who fled to Syria to marry an IS fighter has written a survival guide on war widows, sparking rumours about the possible death of her new husband.

According to Mirror, in a social network rant, privately-educated Aqsa Mahmood, 20, wrote: “You already knew you wanted to marry a Mujahid [one engaged in jihad] so why did you not read up on what will be the rulings for you after his departure?

Mahmood, who now goes by the name of Umm Layth, urged jihadi brides to read up on all the information regarding Iddah [period of waiting], its rules and regulations.

Grand R-Day celebrations in Maharashtra

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Pomp and pageantry marked the 66th Republic Day celebrations, as people took part with great enthusiasm in events in Mumbai and across Maharashtra.

The main state function was held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai where Governor C.V. Rao unfurled the tricolour and took the salute at a parade.