Rome, Italy | AFP | The famous white sari with three blue borders worn by saint Mother Teresa has been copyrighted by nuns, and one of the Vatican’s top cardinals is not pleased. “Holy Mother Teresa of Calcutta is a universal symbol, beloved by believers (and) unbelievers,” said Cardinal Jose Saraiva …
Read More »Bollywood superstars dazzle at India film awards
East Rutherford, United States | AFP |India’s biggest Bollywood stars led a triumphant celebration of dance, music and fashion at the International Indian Film Academy awards Saturday, cheered by thousands of ecstatic fans just outside New York. The five-hour show at an American football stadium in New Jersey, where the …
Read More »India to get head of state from lowest caste, the ‘untouchables’
New Delhi, India | AFP | India’s next president will emerge from the Dalit caste — a community so marginalised they were once known as “untouchables” — with the victory of the ruling party candidate set to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grip on power. Ram Nath Kovind, 71, …
Read More »Modi, Netanyahu seek to deepen ties on first visit by an Indian PM
Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday on the first ever visit by an Indian premier to Israel as they sought to deepen ties beyond high-priced defence deals. The two leaders presented a series of agreements between India and Israel for cooperation on …
Read More »Modi set to become first Indian PM to visit Israel
Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel when he arrives on Tuesday, the result of growing ties that have led to billions of dollars in defence deals. Israel, in constant search of allies to vote in its favour at UN bodies as …
Read More »Indian minister pees in open, sparks row
Indian minister mocked for urinating in public New Delhi, India | AFP | A government minister was mocked on social media for urinating in public despite the prime minister’s flagship public hygiene drive as pictures of the embarrassing incident were splashed over front pages Friday. The Times of India said …
Read More »‘Ransomware’ wave seemed aimed at old flaw and Ukraine
San Francisco, United States | AFP | A global wave of cyberattacks on Tuesday exploited an already patched vulnerability in Windows software and appeared to have Ukraine as a primary target, according to computer security specialists. The first reports of trouble came from Ukrainian banks, Kiev’s main airport and Rosneft, …
Read More »Bromance as Trump and Modi hail friendship at first talks
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced each other as friends and partners Monday, pledging their quest for economic growth would strengthen rather than undermine ties between the world’s two largest democracies. While Trump’s relations with some traditional allies had …
Read More »Trump says North Korea threat must be ‘dealt with rapidly’
Washington, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump called on Monday for the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programs to be “rapidly” tackled, as he thanked visiting Indian leader Narendra Modi for rallying behind sanctions on Pyongyang. “The North Korean regime is causing tremendous problems and …
Read More »Kumble resigns as India’s head cricket coach
New Delhi, India | AFP | Anil Kumble has stepped down as India’s head coach after a year-long term that ended with his team’s defeat in the final of the Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket board said Tuesday. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirms that Mr …
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