Japanese economy faces gloomy phase

An 8.5 per cent job cut took place in November 2008. Many companies have reduced the output costs as demand for their cars, electronics and machinery evaporates. Yosano, the Economics Minister of Japan said, “This drop is likely to continue.”

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Hydropower potential of Nepal remains untapped

Although Nepal is well endowed with all this potential, it has not been able to develop its hydro resources effectively. Most of the population is still dependent on traditional sources of fuel such as wood and animal dung etc .

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Grim crisis brewing in northern Sri Lanka

Grim humanitarian crisis is brewing in Sri Lanka, where 250,000 people are trapped in a 250 sq-km area, which has come under intense fighting between the Sri Lanka security forces and the LTTE in northern part of the island nation..

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Madame Tussauds to include First Lady Michelle Obama

The wax statue of US first lady Michelle Obama will be added to Tussauds collection of famous figures in its Washington branch. Designers will spend six months on the figure, studying photographs and video features of the first lady.

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US Presidential Elections: The universal connection

Mumbai attack, Israel strike in Gaza Stripe, Pakistan’s political turmoil, Iran’s nuclear programme or human rights violations, there is expectation of a series of directives from Washington on these issues. In other words, the US affects.

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Blagojevich considered Oprah for Obama's seat

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich said that he considered giving the Illinois senate seat, vacated by Obama, to talk show host Oprah Winfrey. An impeachment trial is currently underway against Blagojevich..

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US will continue missile strikes in Pak: Gates

Defence secretary, Robert Gates said that US armed forces would continue missile strikes in Pakistan to root out Al-Qaeda hideouts. However, Republican John McCain warned that troop increase in Afghanistan may not bring the desired result. .

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Obama to Muslims: America is not your enemy

During his campaign, Obama said he would travel to a major Islamic forum abroad. In an interview with Dubai-based channel, Obama said, “We're going to follow through on our commitment for me to address the Muslim world from a Muslim capital.” .

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International terrorism

The world community is also becoming serious regarding terrorism as terrorism has become an omnipresent issue of every international summit. In addition, International leaders should take personal interest in holding dialogues with terrorist leaders.

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US takes lead in war against global warming

With Obama at the helm the US is getting serious about global warming. Carmakers will be forced not only to implement stricter norms for emissions but also dramatically improve fuel efficiency and invest in hybrid technology..

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Tom and Jerry to hit the silver screen once again

Warner Bros is planning to bring the classic tale of Tom & Jerry to life as CG characters in live-action settings, the Variety reported. The Hanna-Barbera characters, which started with 114 short series, is watched across the world with much delight. .

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Pinki to smile at Oscars!

Amidst Slumdog Millionaire's spectacle at Oscar nominations, one Indian film went unnoticed despite being nominated. 'Smile Pinki' is being nominated in the short documentary section which revolves around poor eight-year-old Pinki from a village.

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Biggest natural disasters of 20th century - Part 1

Here is the list of 100 most powerful and biggest disasters caused by mother nature. It is the list of disasters that have time and again reminded we, humans that the world is being operated by nature and not by us.

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Woman journalist killed in Prachanda’s Nepal

The coalition government led by Prachanda faced serious criticism from the political parties following the murder of Uma Singh, on January 12. She worked for a private radio was hacked to death at her house by a group of unidentified armed men..

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Palestinians become refugees in their own land

Forty per cent of the Gaza Strip’s land is controlled by Israel and is home to 6,500 or so Israeli settlers. The other 60 per cent is home to more than a million Palestinians, half of whom live in refugee camps in their own land .

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Barack Obama to be sworn in as 44th President of US

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of America at the US Capitol, on Tuesday. Obama was the junior United States Senator from Illinois since Jan 3, 2005, until his resignation on Nov 16, 2008, following his election to the presidency..

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Israeli Prime Minister wants quick Gaza pull out

After 22-day-long destructive campaign against Hamas, Israeli PM Ehud Olmert said that he wanted to pull his forces out of the Gaza Strip. His statement came hours after the ceasefire declarations made by Israel and Hamas earlier on Sunday..

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Will Obamaization of the US and the world work?

Barack Obama as the 44th President of US has a thorny road ahead of him both at domestic and external fronts. Will the hope arisen due to his excellent oratory skill come true? Will he bring America out of the dark tunnel of recession?.

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Israeli Prime Minister wants quick Gaza pull out

Ehud Olmert met European Union leaders represented by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the British, Italian and Spanish Prime Ministers. He said that his country was prepared to for prosperity of the Palestinians .

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Reed MIDEM CEO honoured by France

Paul Zilk was given the award in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts in France and around the world. His company is in entertainment business, particularly music and television .

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Israel declares ceasefire in Gaza

Israel has enforced a unilateral ceasefire putting on hold its offensive that started on December 27, 2008 as reaction against years of rocket firing from Gaza at southern Israeli towns. The offensive resulted in the death of over 1,100 Palestinians.

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Mumbai attack: Pakistan concedes India has 'proof'

After persistent denials, Pakistan’s interior ministry chief Rehman Malik conceded that India's dossier on 26/11 attack contains enough reliable material to start a probe. However, he remained non-committal regarding the timeframe of the probe..

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31 rebels killed: Army

31 LTTE rebels were killed as Sri Lankan forces seized a boat manufacturing unit and a ‘highly fortified’ camp of the guerillas in Maruthampuvel area of the northern region according to Sri Lankan army.

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Illegal immigration from Bangladesh should be curbed

The problem of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is a serious one and has been troubling India for a long time. Now a change is expected with the Home Minister taking a tough line on immigrants from its eastern neighbour.

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Contributions of micro units to development

Micro enterprises foster to a great extent the private sector’s contribution to both growth and equity objectives of developing countries. These enterprises contribute to the development process in many ways, some of which are closely interlinked.

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Sri Lankan army captures Jaffna

Sri Lankan troops on Wednesday, captured the last remaining area of Jaffna defeating the rebel Tigers. The Lankan army captured 400 anti personnel mines, 40 anti tank mines and 100 boats, while capturing the strategic Chundikulam area.

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Hizb commander, Mohammad Ahsan Dar arrested

DIG Baramulla said that Dar was presently acting as a coordinator between various militant outfits active in Valley. Dar had close contacts with Pakistan’s premier spy agency ISI and was briefing them about the developments in the state.

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Satyam employee shot dead in US

In a shocking incident, an Indian from Andhra Pradesh was allegedly shot dead by African Americans of January 14. The victim, an employee of Satyam, is the seventh Andhraite to be killed in the US since December 2007..

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Britain asks Pakistan to take action on LeT

While speaking to the media, David Milliband, the foreign secretary of UK said, “It's clear where the responsibility for the attack lies. Pakistan has a fundamental responsibility to tackle the roots of this problem.” .

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Pak is one of the main challenges for US: Clinton

The US Secretary of State-designate, Hillary Clinton, recently said that Pakistan is one of the main challenges being faced by incoming Obama Administration. She also hinted that there may be several special envoys, including one for South Asia.

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Woman confesses Pak training women in terror camps

A young woman, named Asiya Malik, recently confessed before Jammu and Kashmir police that Pakistan army and intelligence agencies have been training as much as 700 women in terror camps in Bimbar, Kotli and Sensa in Pakistan.

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India should join hands with US to fight terror

In its effort to fight terror, India must join with America in its war against terror in all earnestness. It should snap ties with Pakistan and put enough pressure so that the latter surrenders before the world community.

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An analysis of Israel's war in Gaza

These battles, along with the Talibans in Afghanistan and now Pakistan and the militia in Iraq, are perfect examples of post-modern wars, where it is not necessary to be out-gunned completely to lose, but is more a battle of endurance. .

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Strong seismic activity under Yellowstone Park

Geologists at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory have observed a number of small earthquakes since last week. This activity could lead to a number of hazards including hydrothermal explosions, steam breaks and formation of craters.

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Cambodia 30 years of liberation from the Khmer Rouge

On January 7, 1979, Vietnam and the Front for National Salvation invaded Cambodia to liberate it from the Khmer Rouge. Opposed to invasion of countries, I recognise that it was inevitable what happened and that Cambodia was able to restore peace..

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US Anthrax attacks case closed, accused dead

The US police department has closed the case involving Bruce Irvins, who attained notoriety by executing Anthrax attacks in the aftermath of 9/11. However, critics argued that there are possible spaces in the case that need to be investigated.

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Why is Obama mum on Israeli attack on Gaza?

The Israeli Gaza operation is still going on with massive air strikes, resulting in the killing of hundreds of innocent civilians, including children. Almost 100 children have been killed since the Israeli air raids began on December 27..

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To check cyber crime, UK ties up for hacking

This plan has been made by Council of European Union and aims to improve the mechanism to fight cyber crime, which is assuming menacing proportions throughout the world. The move, however, has sparked a controversy..

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Israel rejects peace call, surrounds Gaza City

Denying international calls for cease fire, Israel army is said to be surrounded Gaza City. The military strikes arouse widespread humanitarian considerations. palestenians are facing scarcity for food and medicine..

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Mumbai evidence being examined: Shahid Malik

Pakistan's high commissioner to India, Shahid Malik, has rejected the media reports that claimed that Pakistan had considered the Mumbai attack evidence as inadequate. He said the Pak government is examining the evidence. .

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Top stories of 2008

While some magic moments of 2008 cheer our thoughts, other disastrous memories tear our hearts. The year gone by has left both sweet and bitter memories. Let's revisit some of the major events of the year gone by.

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Israel claims strategic control over northern Gaza

Continuing its war on Palestine, Israel currently claimed that it won control over strategic areas including rocket launching sites in northern Gaza. However, death toll rose amid rising international protests against the attack..

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Maoists and Pashupatinath temple

The forcible replacement of priests of Indian origin from the world renowned Pashupatinath temple in Nepal despite order of Nepalese Supreme Court is a serious cause of concern. It is the duty of Nepal government to safeguard these priests..

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Israeli troops launch ground strikes on Gaza

After a week-long air strike, Israeli military launched ground strikes on Gaza on Saturday night. This move is expected to increase the number of causalities. So far, 430 Palestinians along with four Israelis have died.

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Think a while before going to war

With Mumbai attack is still fresh in every Indian's mind and Pakistan's involvement proven globally, tensions are building up and many of us want India to go all out and blast Pakistan away. But let’s think before jumping with the guns.

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The making of President B Obama

Like any great brand, Obama has built up a bond of trust with the American people. His election has also given the United States the opportunity to reestablish its moral leadership around the world. But like any brand, he has to deliver.

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50 years of the Cuban Revolution

On Jan 1, 2009, Cuban Revolution celebrates 50 years. On July 26, 1953,165 rebels led by Fidel Castro launched the famous attack on the Moncada barracks. Though the attack was a failure, it marked a turning point Cuba’s history..

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Sri Lankan army captures Kilinochchi

Sirisena referred to the capture of the Tigers' political headquarters as a historic victory for the nation. Surprisingly, the Tigers are still silent on the issue and have not made any comments yet..

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Miss Sinolia 2008 Laura involved in drug, arrested

Laura Elena Zuniga Huizar, a Mexican model, was crowned Miss Sinaloa Hispanic America 2008 and was slated to compete for the title of Miss Mexico International 2009. Allegedly involved in drug smuggling, the beauty queen was nabbed..

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54 dead, 100 plus injured in Bangkok nightclub fire

More than 100 others were injured in the blaze, which broke out as people celebrated the New Year in Bangkok. The blaze was now under control. Rescue workers said the death toll from the nightclub fire could rise..

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Is Sheikh Hasina’s victory India’s hope?

Trouncing defeat of fundamentalist-elements by the secular alliance of four parties, led by Awami League (AL), will not only be of great relief to minority Hindus in that country, but will also help maintain peace at eastern borders of India..

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