World / Social Life
LeT commander killed in encounter in J-K
05.07.2008 04:32
b4uindia.com
A self-styled divisional commander of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit was killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda District today. According to official sources, a group of militants opened fire on the troops of Rashtriya Rifles, who were conducting search operations in Phulel area of the Doda district last night, leading to a gunbattle in which the LeT commander was killed. The killed militant has been identified as Tauhid Ahmed. Police has launched an operation to arrest Ahmed's associates, who managed to escape. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Another batch of 1,848 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath shrine
05.07.2008 04:32
b4uindia.com
A fresh batch of 1,848 pilgrims left for the Amarnath yatra from the base camp of Bhagwati Nagar early this morning. According to official sources, the devotees, including 362 women and 41 children, left in a convoy of 48 vehicles. They were escorted by a group of CRPF personnel. A total of 39,813 pilgrims have so far left the shrine. The first batch left on June 17. The pilgrimage ends on August 16. Security forces have been put on a high alert along the entire route of the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The security setup consists of area domination and setting up of mountain posts by Army, deployments of CRPF and mobile patrolling by armed police. Every year, a large number of devotees trek the steep, slippery 48-kilometres route to reach the Amarnath cave shrine, which stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Heirok villagers of Manipur join a Special Police Force to fight militancy
05.07.2008 04:31
b4uindia.com
Defying militant threats, villagers of Heirok in Manipur's Thoubal District, have decided to go ahead with Special Police Officers (SPO's) training. Around 200 people have joined the force that has been created to counter militancy in the area. "We have taken this up not to gun down militants, but to protect Heirok village, as we have been unhappy with the situation lately," said Kh. Ibomcha Singh, a selected SPO. Kh. Ibochouba Singh, a villager said, "The reason for demanding arms and going ahead for this is to protect our land. We want to protect ourselves, our women and children from the terrorist activities of militants groups. That is why, Heirok villagers are taking this training to protect the village." The demand for guns to protect themselves came following the killing of three villagers a month ago by militants. In response to the people's demand, the government came up with the idea of SPOs that would train the people to deal with underground groups. "From the beginning, they have been requesting for arms from the government so that they can protect themselves. The Government has agreed to it, and since they are willing, we have taken necessary action for that," said Clay Khongsai, the Superintendent of Police, Thoubal. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Powerful quake hits Kamchatka; no damage or tsunami threat
05.07.2008 04:31
rian.ru
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale was registered early Saturday off the Kamchatka Peninsula, in Russia's Far East, the regional emergencies ministry office said.
Russia
Social Life
Russia begins military exercises in volatile N. Caucasus region
05.07.2008 04:31
rian.ru
Russia began Saturday large-scale military exercises in several regions of the Southern Federal District, which includes highly volatile North Caucasus republics, a senior military official said.
Russia
Social Life
Now, go on a holiday, in Tarzan-style
05.07.2008 03:28
b4uindia.com
Remember Tarzan, the fictional character in your childhood storybooks, who lived in a ‘treehouse’ and you had longed for such adventure. Part of it can be experienced, at least the treehouse part. A Jaipur-based investor has developed a farm where he has constructed what he calls 'Tree Cottages'. Tourists visiting Jaipur can now look forward to more than palatial hotels where erstwhile kings of the desert state lived and enjoy an exclusive kind of lodging, as they have the option of staying in well-designed cottages set up on the branches of selected trees and experience the joys of living in nature's lap. The promoters of 'Tree Cottages' have come up with the idea to offer the tourists an unusual experience of enjoying nature up in the air in the vicinity of birds. These 'Tree Cottages', in a way, provide a journey back in time when tribals lived in cottages built on branches of trees to escape wild animals. These cottages, although on trees, have all modern amenities. They are equipped with modern gadgets like telephone, satellite TV and Internet and laced with air conditioned comforts. To bird lovers these cottages offer an opportunity to enjoy the chirping of birds in nests located at arms length. The developer of the tree house has plans to build a resort in Jaipur complete with 23 treetop cottages. "I have always been inspired by nature. When I saw these trees, I thought that making a house under the tree is a common phenomenon. But to make a house with the birds in the trees is something unique. So that when people wake up and look out of the windows, they could be facing the birds. I have fixed glasses on rooftops so that people can see and live with nature," said Sunil Mehta, Developer of the Nature Farms. Once the construction of all 23 tree houses is complete, this destination would become one of the rare places in the world having the cluster of over a score of tree houses at a single place providing unique lodging facility to 50 guests at one time. As per the plans, this project is likely to be completed by the end of this year and will cost around ten million rupees. (ANI)
India
Social Life
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