Hundreds of Shi’ite Muslims took out anti-Israel and anti-US rallies across Pakistan on Friday to express solidarity with Palestinian people on the 60th anniversary of Israel's founding. Palestinians refer to the day as "Nakba" or "Catastrophe". The protesters gathered in Karachi, chanting slogans in support of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation. The demonstration was organised by Imamia Students Organisation, a Shi'ite students group.

Chine earthquake survivors are struggling hard to deal with the loss of their homes, family and friends after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit China’s Sichuan province on Monday, May 12. Authorities on Friday put the official death toll at 22,000 but it is feared that more than 50,000 have been killed altogether. The survivors are mourning the loss of their homes and relatives.

India and Bhutan have agreed to double the target of hydroelectricity generation to 10,000 megawatts from 5,000 megawatts by 2020. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the Himalayan nation, would inaugurate a hydel project and lay foundation stone for another such project. Bhutan exports most of its hydel power to India.

Days after the serial blasts ripped through Jaipur, security has been beefed up at major tourist spots in the country. Special arrangements have been made in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, which is famous for its monuments and architecture as heavy tourist inflow is expected over the weekend. Security personnel were seen patrolling the area near the monuments even during the daytime.

Strengthening ties between India and Bhutan, Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Jigmi Y Thinley dedicated the 1020 megawatt Tala Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan's Chukha Valley to the two countries. An impressive and colourful ceremony marked the dedication that followed Singh's address to a joint session of the Bhutan Parliament. This project is expected to boost the tapping of the estimated 30,000-megawatt of hydropower resources that Bhutan possesses.

Tourism in Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink city, is likely to be affected by the recent serial blast in Jaipur on May 13th. The blasts that claimed around 70 lives and injured over 200 others may adversely affect tourism in other parts of the state. Many foreign tourists said they were scared and were leaving Jaipur, in spite of the police assuring them of safety.

An enthusiastic amateur numismatist from Jalandhar claims to have a collection of about 650 coins, including those dating back to Mughal era. About 30 per cent of the collection belongs to foreign currency of various countries. The lavish hobby of Malkit Singh became his passion after he saw his parents worshipping coins during Diwali. He has been collecting coins for 18 years now.

Animation film Ghotothkach-Master of Magic which is an international collaboration of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Philippines and India is set for release on May 23. Animation films in India are still in the nascent stages and Ghotothkach-Master of Magic will be the first non-mythological to be released in the country. The film is directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao.

Delhi Gate, built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan from rubble and red sandstone, is still an imposing gateway. However, people often miss the sight of a two-century old peepul tree near the gate, which is believed to be haunted by a British soldier and his woman victim from Raj period, says Sarat C Das.