Policeman killed in explosion in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 26 (IANS) A policeman was killed and four people were injured in a grenade explosion in Kashmir’s Sopore town Saturday, police said. “Security forces were dealing with a mob of stone pelters in Sopore town early Saturday when militants lobed a grenade at a police party at around 2.30 a.m,” a police officer told […]

Drogba returns to Chelsea

London, July 26 (IANS) Didier Drogba has signed a one-year contract with Chelsea, the club announced. “It was an easy decision – I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again. Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me,” Xinhua quoted Drogba as […]

A mother’s nightmarish quest for her missing son

Title: The Half Mother; Author: Shahnaz Bashir; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 182; Price: Rs.295. There are many untold stories from the Kashmir Valley, and the ones that have been told are merely a dot in the vast expanse of lives permanently scarred with haunted memories, bitter experiences and mournful ambiguities. In between this unknown space is […]

Sensex hits record high; healthcare stocks gain

Mumbai, July 25 (IANS) A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Friday hit a record high of 26,300.17 points for second consecutive day surpassing its all-time high of 26,292.66 points it hit Thursday. Selling pressure was seen in IT and metal sectors, while good buying was observed in healthcare sector. The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of […]

Canada announces sanctions against Russia, Ukraine

Ottawa, July 25 (IANS) The Canadian Government has announced new economic sanctions and travel bans against Ukrainian and Russian individuals and entities. “The sanctions imposed are against a broad range of entities from Russia’s financial and energy sectors, our aim is to increase economic and political pressure on the Putin regime,” Xinhua quoted Canadian Prime Minister […]

More child abuse cases in Australia: Report

Sydney, July 25 (IANS) The number of cases of child abuse in Australia have increased by 30 percent over a two year period, authorities said Friday. According to the figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), neglect and emotional abuse were the most common primary types of abuse, reported Xinhua. “Between 2010-11 and […]

Okay, so gender issues can be confusing

I was so outraged when an American friend said that Asian males were kind of “girly” that I almost hit him with my shoulder bag. But instead I just gave him a cold stare and turned back to my Hello Kitty collection. Westerners have bizarre ideas about gender. A recent book said that the original […]

Cafu offers to fill Brazil coaching role

Rio de Janeiro, July 25 (IANS) Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning captain Cafu has offered to fill a coaching role under new Selecao boss Dunga. Cafu was an outspoken critic of the team during the World Cup and was barred from entering the dressing rooms after the hosts’ 1-7 semifinal defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte, reports […]

Commonwealth Games Day 1 medal standings

Glasgow, July 25 (IANS) England led the medal standings at the end of first day of the 20th Commonwealth Games followed by Australia and hosts Scotland. India was at the fourth position with two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. Country Gold Silver Bronze Total England 6 7 4 17 Australia 5 3 7 15 Scotland […]