Beijing, Sept. 9: China hopes the waiver of nuclear trade ban against India would be conducive to global cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and non-proliferation.

"China has always advocated that all countries are entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Monday.

"But, at the same time, international cooperation should help maintain the integrity and validity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime," the China Daily quoted her as saying further.

Werwan (J&K), Sep 9 : With the almond harvesting in its final stage, growers in Kashmir are ready to hit the market.

Widely known for their superior quality and taste, Kashmiri almonds are very popular. The almonds are also grouped on the basis of shell thickness as "Papery", "Thin-shelled", and "Thick-shelled ".

With a comparatively good weather this season, the growers in Warwan village, famous for its almonds, are hoping for a better return.

New Delhi - At least 14 Hindu pilgrims drowned after a boat capsized in a river in India's north-western state of Rajasthan, police said Tuesday.

The ferry carrying 35 pilgrims capsized Monday evening in the Chambal River in Karauli district, about 150 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Jaipur.

"As the boat started sinking, the passengers jumped into the river," Sarwar Khan, district police chief said by telephone. "Bodies of 14 victims, including six children and a woman, were fished out."

New Delhi - Army troops killed at least five separatist rebels during a raid on their hideouts in the north-eastern state of Manipur, a media report said Tuesday.

The soldiers targeted rebels of the People's Revolutionary Army of Kangleipak (PREPAK) in the Loktak lake area, about 50 kilometres south of state capital Imphal on Monday night, the NDTV network reported.

The group's top cadres were killed in the clash, representing a major blow to the oldest militant group in the state, the report said.

The army also captured arms and ammunition including assault rifles and grenade launchers.

It was the first major operation inside the lake area which is full of small floating islands made of moss, weeds and soil.

New Delhi, Sept 9 : Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who is on a three-day visit to India, has said that he is surprised by reports that India is disappointed by China’s stand at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meeting in Vienna. 

Jiechi, who met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the second day of his state visit on Monday, told this to a private television news channel.

Leading telecom company, Airtel is planning to sell its 3G iphone on monthly installment basis. The company had launched much hyped iPhone last month. Its price was fixed at Rs 31,000 which is quite high for middle income families.