Indian PM Says Violent Protests On New Citizenship Act Unfortunate, Distressing

NEW DELHI, Dec 17 (NNN-PTI) – The ongoing violent protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) were “unfortunate and deeply distressing,” Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said. In a series of tweets, Modi allayed fears among countrymen, saying that the new act did not affect any citizen of India of…

Turkey May Close Two Military Bases Used By U.S. “If Necessary”: President

ANKARA, Dec 17 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkey may close two military bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed, if “necessary,” Turkish President, Recep Erdogan, said. “We will hold discussions with all our delegations, and if necessary, we may close the Incirlik (air base in southern Adana province) and Kurecik (radar station in…

Afghan Forces Storm Taliban Hideout In S. Afghanistan, Set Free 12 Detainees

TIRIN KOT, Afghanistan, Dec 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The security forces stormed a Taliban militants’ hideout, in Shahidi Hasas district, of Afghanistan’s southern Uruzgan province, and rescued 12 detainees, all civilians, said an army statement, released here today, Monday. According to the statement, the special operations were launched early Monday, and…

Fiji Airways Receives Another A350 Plane

SUVA, Dec 16 (NNN-PIN) – Fiji Airways received another A350-XWB aircraft on Monday (today), which brings the national airline’s total fleet to 19 planes. “The additional 350-seat and 20-tonne cargo capacity will assist Fiji Airways achieve its strategic role in the Pacific region, to support and develop tourism and trade,”…

Bangladesh Celebrates 49th Victory Day

DHAKA, Dec 16 (NNN-BSS) – Bangladeshi President, Md Abdul Hamid, today took the salute from the armed forces at the National Parade Grounds, as the country celebrates its 49th victory day with due solemnity and rich tributes paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971. The victory day…

Climate Change, Global Warming Cause Drought In Laos: Experts

VIENTIANE, Dec 16 (NNN-KPL) – In recent years, the direct impact of climate change and global warming can be seen on the changing weather patterns in the world, including the recent droughts in Laos, said senior experts of Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Vientiane Times on Monday (today)…

Embarrassment On Opening Weekend Of Sydney’s Long-Awaited Light Rail Line

SYDNEY, Dec 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) – It has been an embarrassing start to Sydney’s long-awaited light rail service, with a series of blunders and breakdowns over the weekend, resulting in a lower-than-expected turnout on Monday (today). Plagued by a number of scandals, since the construction process began in Oct, 2015, the…

Fiji Measles Vaccination Programme Moves To Rural Communities

SUVA, Dec 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Health teams in Fiji are reaching out to all rural communities, during the mass measles vaccination campaign, which has so far cost more than two million Fijian dollars (around 900,000 U.S. dollars). There are now 21 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji, and Health Minister,…

Iraqi Caretaker PM Denounces U.S. Sanctions On Iraqi Figures

BAGHDAD, Dec 16 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, condemned the inclusion of Iraqi figures, in a list of U.S. sanctions, despite their role in combating the extremist Daesh group. “We reject and denounce the inclusion of the names of Iraqi leaders and figures, known for their…

Israel Bans Christians In Gaza From Reaching West Bank, Jerusalem For Christmas

GAZA, Palestine, Dec 16 (NNN-WAFA) – Israel banned the Christian minority, who live in the Gaza Strip, from visiting Christian holy sites and churches in the West Bank and Jerusalem, to celebrate Christmas, a spokesman for the Christian community said, Sunday. Israeli media reported that, Israel bans 500 Christians in…