Special News

India begins supplying Myanmar military hardware

Ignoring protests from Western countries, India has begun transferring military equipment to Myanmar's military junta in order to neutralise China's burgeoning defence, diplomatic and economic ties with Yangon.5:34 PM on October 04

Guyana - the Indian connection endures

A month ago the people of Guyana voted in a largely peaceful election to re-elect President Bharrat Jagdeo for a second five-year term. It was the first time in four national elections when there was no post-election violence. The peaceful aftermath of the polls, which was termed a remarkable sign of democratic maturity in Guyana by international observers, allowed the Guyanese parliament to be convened within a month.9:34 AM on October 02

Is top NRI Gandhi relevant today?

He is the greatest NRI and still a leading role model for NRIs. Starting and succeeding with his peaceful resistance in South Africa, he returned home and led an oppressed India to independence. He is, of course, Mahatma Gandhi, now again in the news.10:33 AM on October 01

Cemetery Tourism, and the search for ancestors

Good news for the British, European, Anglo-Indian and other such people whose ancestors or relatives are buried in India. India, it seems, has woken up to the potential of packaging cemetery tourism to cater to this segment of tourists.1:35 AM on September 30

For Muslims, Ramadan sacrifice is for greater things

My late mother once told me: 'You need to sacrifice to achieve great things.' True, Ramadan fasting, to Muslims globally, is a reiteration of the same saying. It was once said that the true meaning of fasting is to fast from anything that distracts you from remembrance of god. They also know that they are supposed to stay away from not only food and drinks but from hypocrisy, covetousness, lies, dishonesty, backbiting and evil in all its manifestations.5:32 AM on September 27

Hurry, NRI gifting season is here

'With Navratri and Ramadan in full swing, the gifting season is here for NRIs,' said Omar Patel, who has both Muslim and Hindu relatives in India. When you can't be there to celebrate with your dear ones in India, surprise them with a gift at their doorstep. Better still, treat them to a dinner or holiday.5:31 AM on September 27

Hindu NRIs pay homage to ancestors

'I'm a British citizen and an NRI but also a Hindu. So I must perform a very sacred ceremony every year,' says Praladh 'Paddy' Sharma, who travels to India every year to perform the 'shradh' or 'pitrupaksh' ceremony for his father and ancestors in line with the Hindu way of life.10:00 AM on September 22

The king is dead: Tonga monarch was a friend of India

Government buildings, petrol pumps, shops and private houses have been draped in black and purple banners for the past week in Tonga, the sunny islands in the South Pacific. Dressed in customary black with finely woven mats wrapped around the waist, Tongans have been in mourning for their revered monarch, King Taufa'ahu Topou lV, whose state funeral took place Sep 19.10:00 AM on September 20

Yogeshwar Dayal: A leading votary of inter-faith concord

The capital has lost a worthy son in Padma Shri Yogeshwar Dayal, not only the lifeline of Delhi's cultural and literary fabric but also a leading votary of inter-faith concord. He died Sep 7 at age 93. He had been ill since the death of his wife last year.12:30 PM on September 17

9/11: A defining moment for US

Washington - For the world's sole super power, the United States, Sep 11, 2001, was a defining moment. Within a space of 75 minutes, as 19 hijackers on four planes tore into the political and economic heart of the world's oldest democracy, it found itself facing a new divide in what President George W. Bush called a 'new world' to fight a 'dangerous new war'.9:00 AM on September 10

Professors, students give the thumbs down to unions

New Delhi - The shocking death of a college professor after being heckled by unruly students - an incident that drew nationwide condemnation - is making teachers and students give the thumbs down to heavily politicised student unions, reports from across India indicate.8:30 AM on September 08

WWE superstar Khali gets a shock in Punjab

Chandigarh - The 'Great Khali' is a superstar in the US for his exploits in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ring. In India, the police officer in Punjab has just overcome a shock that may have cost him his job.8:45 AM on September 05

India's Muslims: a community in ferment

New Delhi - India's Muslim community, the world's second largest Islamic population, is in ferment. There is widespread disappointment, a sense of helplessness and some anger. But there is also the zeal to surge ahead, the dream of being equal partners in the nation's destiny.10:00 AM on September 03

Blair faces Thatcher-like situation as calls to quit grow

London - Will British Prime Minister Tony Blair quit 10 Downing Street gracefully or will he be dragged out, screaming - a la Margaret Thatcher?10:15 AM on September 02

Roadblocks for Tata car in Bengal's uneasy greens

Khaserveri (West Bengal) - 'Are you a Tata official? Then go back,' decrees a villager, his suspicious eyes speaking a language of disgust and a sense of betrayal.9:45 AM on September 01