Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on a two-day visit during which he will hold summit talks with President Vladimir Putin and attend the Eastern Economic Forum. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit to the Russian Far East Region.Ahead of his visit to Russia, Modi said he looked forward to discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest with president Putin. "I look forward to discussing with my friend President Putin the entire gamut of our bilateral partnership as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest," he said in his departure statement in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hugged and shook hands before their visit to the Zvezda shipyard. Photograph: Press Information Bureau Modi interacted with the management and workers of the shipyard. In the future, the ships built at that shipyard "will be used to deliver Russian oil and liquefied natural gas to world markets, including … [Read more...] about PHOTOS: Modi’s visit to Russian Far-East
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Russian, Belarusian prime ministers discuss national integration
Video PlayerClose MOSCOW, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Rumas on Saturday discussed "the practical aspects" related to the closer integration of the two countries. During a phone conversation initiated by Minsk, Medvedev and Rumas also discussed trade and economic cooperation, including some issues related to energy, according to a Russian government statement. Russia and Belarus are working on an integration plan based on the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State signed 20 years ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko failed to finalize such a plan on Dec. 7 in Sochi and the leaders will continue the negotiation on Dec. 20 in St. Petersburg. … [Read more...] about Russian, Belarusian prime ministers discuss national integration
Odissi dance choreography, Hansika, is adapted from the Russian ballet Swan Lake
Odissi dancer Sharmila Mukerjee and her dance ensemble, Sanjali, will present a dance choreography called Hansika. It is an adaptation of the Russina ballet — Swan Lake, and Sharmila uses the classical Odissi dance form to present the story. The dance will be presented on December 15 at Good Shepherd Auditorium, Richmond Town, and will feature and ensemble of 25 artistes along with Sharmila. She talks to MetroPlus about the show, which is being presented in the city for the third time and says Hansika showcases a Western classical theme “through an Indian classical dance form. It is an intimate portrait of the classic love affair between Prince Siegfried and Odette.” Ask her what made her choose this particular story for her Odissi adaptation and Sharmila says, “I was always influenced by the original ballet and have read plenty of books on this work. I fell in love with the story and it has been my dream to present the same story using the classical dance form … [Read more...] about Odissi dance choreography, Hansika, is adapted from the Russian ballet Swan Lake
What does the doping ban mean for Russia?
The story so far: On December 9, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced a decision to ban Russia from global sporting competitions for a period of four years. The 12-member WADA executive committee voted unanimously to declare the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) “non-compliant” with global anti-doping rules. The move was a ratification of the findings by the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) which had recommended that Russia be banned. The anti-doping watchdog’s decision is expected to affect Russia the most at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics where the nation’s flag, name and anthem will not be allowed.What triggered the ban?It dates back to the lead up to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games when an independent commission set up by WADA found a “deeply rooted culture of cheating” in Russian athletics. Barely weeks before the Games, whistle-blower reports alleged that Russia ran one of the most … [Read more...] about What does the doping ban mean for Russia?
Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro defiant as Juan Guaido urges military uprising to topple the socialist leader
Email Updated May 01, 2019 14:30:00 Video: Tensions boil over on Caracas thoroughfare (ABC News) Related Story: Venezuelan Opposition Leader greeted by huge crowds on return home Related Story: Venezuela to deport journalists who were detained in palace after Maduro interview Related Story: Woman shot dead in Venezuela border standoff over humanitarian aid Map: Venezuela Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has made his strongest call yet to the military to help him oust President Nicolas Maduro, amid fierce clashes between protesters and security forces on the streets of Caracas. Key points:Both sides are claiming the army is supporting their causesVenezuela's socialist party chief claims it is a US-backed coup attemptVenezuela has sunk into political and social turmoil under socialist leader Mr Maduro There were no concrete signs of defection from the armed forces leadership, despite enthusiastic support for Mr Guaido's call from the Trump administration.While … [Read more...] about Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro defiant as Juan Guaido urges military uprising to topple the socialist leader