‘Lack of opportunities, facilities behind Kairana exodus’
New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) Lack of opportunities and proper facilities — and not the fear of a “particular community” as alleged by the BJP — is what has been driving several families out of…
Religion
Dhaka raises Ramakrishna Mission security after IS threat
New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) Assuring “full support and protection”, the Bangladesh government has beefed up the security at the Ramakrishna Mission in Dhakha after a staff member there received a death threat from suspected…
Bangladesh urged to halt mass arbitrary arrests
New York, June 17 (IANS) The Bangladeshi authorities should investigate attacks on secular writers and others but must stop arbitrarily arresting people without proper evidence of a crime, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Between…
With loads of gold, Tirupati looks for banks with high rates
Chennai, June 17 (IANS) The management of Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh has said it will look for banks that offer highest interest rates for its gold available for investment. The investment committee chaired…
Australian PM ‘regrets’ inviting Islamic cleric to state dinner
Canberra, June 17 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Friday expressed regret that an Islamic cleric, who once said AIDS was a fitting punishment for being a homosexual, was invited to a government-hosted dinner….
Pope Francis strokes a tiger
Vatican City, June 16 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis stroked a tiger during a papal audience with 7,000 circus and street performers here on Thursday to mark the Jubilee for Circus and Travelling Show People. Calling the…
Practice of yoga should not be forced on any one: Mizoram Governor
Aizawl/Agartala, June 16 (IANS) Mizoram Governor, Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma (retd.) on Thursday suggested that the controversy over yoga should be sorted out by talks and no one should be forced to practice it. His…
No role in 1984 riots, ready for probe, says Kamal Nath
New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath, who quit as in-charge of party affairs in Punjab over his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and said…
Obama meets Dalai Lama, draws China’s ire
Washington/Beijing, June 16 (IANS) US President Barack Obama met privately with the Dalai Lama at the White House, drawing much anger and criticism from China with a leading Chinese daily saying the meeting exhibited Obama’s…
Bulgarian parliament adopts ban on face veils
Sofia, June 16 (IANS) The Bulgarian parliament has approved a bill that would ban the wearing of garments concealing the face entirely or partially in public places. A total of 108 MPs voted in favour…
Offering solace and luxury to spiritual tourists in Krishna land
By Brij Khandelwal Goverdhan (Uttar Pradesh) June 16 (IANS) The holy town of ‘Goverdhan Parbat’, the hill believed to have been lifted by little Sri Krishna to protect ‘Brajbasis’ from the wrath of Indra Dev,…
Thai temple raided over corruption claim
Bangkok, June 16 (IANS) Thai police on Thursday raided the Dhammakaya temple in Khlong Luang district to arrest its abbot, who is wanted on corruption charges. The temple’s abbot, Phra Dhammajayo is accused of involvement…
A diplomat examines Indian spirituality
By M.R. Narayan Swamy Title: Timeless Wisdom from Ancient India; Author: Basant K. Gupta; Publisher: Laksmi di Asya Om (Italy); Pages: 235; Price: Not listed. It is not another book on spirituality. A key reason…
Obama meets Dalai Lama
Washington, June 16 (IANS) US President Barack Obama on Wednesday met the Dalai Lama privately at the White House, a session that sparked anger among Chinese officials who accuse the Tibetan spiritual leader of sponsoring…
Italian priest arrested for molesting boy
Rome, June 15 (IANS/AKI) A 42-year-old priest was arrested on Wednesday in southern Italy on suspicion of sexually abusing a young boy. The arrest came after the boy told his paediatrician about the abuse and…
Amid stray violence, probe ordered into temple desecration
Jammu, June 15 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday ordered a probe into the alleged desecration of a temple here as sporadic incidents of violence continued for a second day, police said. Incidents…
Jerusalem approves building for Jews in Palestinian neighborhood
Jeursalem, June 15 (IANS) The city’s civic body on Wednesday approved the construction of a controversial building for Jews in a Palestinian neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, Israeli officials said. The permit by Jerusalem’s Local Planning…
Jammu temple desecrator was mentally deranged: Government
Srinagar, June 15 (IANS) The man who allegedly desecrated an ancient temple in Jammu, was “mentally challenged”, the Jammu and Kashmir government said here on Wednesday after a ruckus in the assembly over the incident….
VHP leader arrested in Madhya Pradesh
Barwani, June 15 (IANS) A Vishva Hindu Parishad leader in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh was arrested for spreading a message that hurt religious sentiments of people, police said on Wednesday. Sanjay Bhawsar, Barwani district…
Internet services suspended in Jammu
Jammu, June 15 (IANS) Authorities on Wednesday suspended Internet services here to check the spread of rumours in the wake of violence a day earlier. “We have decided to suspend Internet services in the city…