Among the more unusual forms that have sprung up are "doga", which is yoga with a dog. — AFP Photo RANCHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some well-poised pooches led the way Friday for International Yoga Day, this year with the theme of stopping climate change. Yoga Day, observed mostly in India but also worldwide on the Northern Hemisphere's longest day, was Modi's idea. It was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in 2014 and first took place in 2015. Modi performed sun salutations and other flexible feats in a mass early-morning session with an estimated 30,000 other devotees that was live-streamed on the media-savvy premier's Twitter feed to his 48 million followers. Elsewhere in India, armed forces personnel laid out their yoga mats on the deck of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat anchored in Mumbai while at India Gate, a Delhi landmark, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the way. In … [Read more...] about Modi and mutts on mats for International Yoga Day
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India, Singapore build “partnership of our age”
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore June 1, 2018. (Photo: Reuters) Singapore (VNA) – Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi on May 31 hailed the warm and close relations between India and Singapore, saying the two countries will step into the future together. "When India opened up to the world and turned to the East, Singapore became a partner and a bridge between India and ASEAN. Political relations between India and Singapore are among the warmest and closest,” Modi told the Indian community in an event in Singapore. The defence relations between the two nations are among the strongest and the two sides are building a “partnership of our age,” he added. On the same day, PM Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Le Hsien Loong attended a business event to enhance connectivity between the two nations’ enterprises. Modi arrived in Singapore on May 31 on the last leg of … [Read more...] about India, Singapore build “partnership of our age”
Mattis, Modi in Singapore for security summit
When U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attends a security summit in Singapore this weekend, he hopes to assure allies of America's commitment to the region and its aim of checking China's seemingly inexorable rise. But the issue the Pentagon chief may well be faced with most often is one he would prefer not to weigh in on: what on Earth will happen between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump? Mattis, whose department has spent years refining military options against North Korea and its nuclear programme, wants to steer clear of speculation surrounding a possible meeting between the two leaders. "We continue with the diplomatically-led campaign," Mattis told reporters as he headed to the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore, referring questions on the issue to the State Department. Events between the U.S. and North Korea have been evolving rapidly, after the mercurial Trump called off a historic summit with Kim, only to immediately reverse course. The two men are now … [Read more...] about Mattis, Modi in Singapore for security summit
77 killed as powerful dust storms ravage north India
Dust storms tore across northern India killing at least 77 people and injuring 143 as trees and walls were flattened by powerful winds, officials said Thursday. The overnight storm ravaged Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan states and the death toll was expected to rise, officials said. There were 46 confirmed deaths in Uttar Pradesh in the north and 31 in the desert state of Rajasthan to the west. The Agra district of Uttar Pradesh was one of the worst hit with more than 30 people killed. The Taj Mahal is in Agra city but officials said the monument escaped damage. Most of the victims were hit by falling walls, trees and electric pylons and houses that collapsed. “We can confirm at least 46 deaths, 41 injuries from around 40 of the state’s 75 districts,” T.P. Gupta of the Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner’s office told AFP. He said there were 36 deaths in Agra district. Officials said 157 animals were also killed across the state. Three districts in Rajasthan, a state … [Read more...] about 77 killed as powerful dust storms ravage north India
Arrest in India rape case as outrage mounts over assaults
Indian police have made another arrest after the alleged rape of a teenager by a ruling party politician sparked protests across the country, federal investigators said Sunday. The case, along with the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, has brought Indians onto the streets for mass demonstrations not seen since the rape and murder of a Delhi student in 2012. The outrage has put pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is accused of trying to shield its state lawmaker in one case and of defending the accused in the other. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a lawmaker from Uttar Pradesh state which is ruled by the BJP, for allegedly raping the 17-year-old last year. Police only brought a case against the powerful politician last week after the young victim attempted to burn herself alive outside the state leader's residence. "We arrested the second person, a woman named Shashi Singh, in our … [Read more...] about Arrest in India rape case as outrage mounts over assaults