Everything you need to know about Central African Republic: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Former French Colony in Midst of Chaos
This land-locked country of Central Africa is among the ten poorest nations in Africa. Till the 18th Century the Central African Republic or CAR was outside the pale of Islamic influence that was spreading from outwards of Sudan. However Islam arrived in the 19th Century along with the thriving slave trade. Later on the French Count Savorgnan de Brazza succeeded in establishing the French Congo and sent expeditions to the CAR before finally occupying it. The CAR gained independence from France in 1960 and sine then it has witnessed endless coups and civil wars. The country abounds with dangerous weapons and armed militias that have forced millions to migrate out of this impoverished country. The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid including NGO’s, international missions for sustaining its hungry population.
Central African Republic at a Glance:Culture of Central African Republic:
The country is culturally diverse with over 80 ethnic groups and each having its own language. The largest ethnic groups are the Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, and Yakoma 4%, with 2% others, including Europeans. Nearly 50% of the country is Christian with 35% maintaining Indigenous beliefs and 15% practicing Islam. A large number of missionary groups from America, Europe and Africa are active in the country.
Economy of Central African Republic:
The economy of CAR is overwhelmingly agricultural with cassava being the staple food crop and its primary export while cotton is also produced for export. Though cotton and coffee are produced here food crops are the prime export of the CAR. Food crops are also transformed into Sorghum beer or hard liquor that derives considerable revenue for the people. However livestock development is affected by the menace of the tsetse fly. The informal economy, which consists of sale of diamonds, ivory, traditional medicine and bush meat exceeds the formal economy but is not accounted for, hence a very low per capita income of only $700 is reported.
The Central African Republic though devasted by recurrent conflicts still has high potential as an eco-tourist destination. The country has high number of forest elephants that roam majestically in the Dzanga Sangha National Park and the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Parks. The latter also has populations of Leopards, Lions and Rhinos within its enclosures.
The Central government has already opened two Central Universities in Jammu & Kashmir; one in Jammu and the second in Kashmir. As of now there is no plan to further open any new Central University in South Kashmir or in Jammu & Kashmir.
Setting up new universities and other institutions is the responsibility of both the state as well as Central Government.
There are reports of a powerful bomb explosion inside the premises of a civil court in Bihar's Ara district. According to the TV reports 3 people died in the explosion.
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An interstate co-ordination meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation and coordination in order to address various issues related to policing in NCR was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner of Police (CP)/Delhi at PHQ.
Accra (Ghana), May 3 (IANS) India is attempting to bridge the gap with Africa by roping in the young through a four-year long programme that comes on the back of increased trade.
Washington, May 3 (ANI): India is leading other countries in the world with the highest number of deaths due to preterm births by a difference of millions, according to a new report.
Washington, May 3 (ANI): India is leading other countries in the world with the highest number of deaths due to preterm births by a difference of millions, according to a new report.
Washington, May 2 (ANI): Scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind interactive guide for women going through menopause to help them better understand their menu of treatment options, including whether hormone therapy may be right for them.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) India's Bharti Airtel Wednesday reported a 16 percent growth in revenue in its Africa operations at $1.2 billion during the quarter ended March 31 over the like period of the previous financial year.
Lucknow, May 2 (IANS) The Indian Army is alert to security issues on the Sino-Indian border, a top commander said Wednesday.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) With a row rocking the Indian Army's purchase of all-terrain heavy-duty Tatra trucks, Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday told parliament that there was "nothing to hide, nothing to fear" when it came to defence deals.
Washington, May 2 (ANI): Discovery TV orchestrated an intentional test crash of a Boeing 727 into the Mexican desert to give researchers an inside look at what happens when an airplane goes down.
Lucknow, May 2 (IANS) The Indian Army is alert to security issues on the Sino-Indian border and is prepared for the security and defence of the nation, a top commander said Wednesday.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) The Supreme Court Wednesday allowed the release from a Kerala port of Italian ship M.V. Enrica Lexie, from which two marines had shot dead two Indian fishermen on Feb 15, suspecting them to be pirates. The marines will, however, continue to remain in a Kerala jail.
Islamabad, May 2 (ANI): The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has warned that they would continue carrying out attacks such as the one in Bannu, and denied reports suggesting the escaped prisoners were handed over under any truce with the government.
London, May 2 (ANI): More than 2000 students and their teachers in Britain joined together in colourful clothing to form the world's largest ever human Olympic rings logo.
Ghaziabad, May 1 (IANS) Dentist Nupur Talwar stood in queue to get her lunch of arhar dal, aloo palak subzi and chapati Tuesday in Ghaziabad's Dasna jail. She also got issued a book from the jail library, a jail official said.
New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The Supreme Court Tuesday said that if the Italian government can't ensure the presence of its four marines presently aboard M.V. Enrica Lexie as and when required by either by police or the trial court to tender evidence, then it would be difficult for the vessel to sail out of a Kerala port.
Washington, May 1 (ANI): Barack Obama's sister Auma, who was raised in Africa, has written a new memoir tracing their family's ties back in Kenya.
Warsaw, May 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti) An old 10-tonne railway bridge was dismantled and stolen in broad daylight in the Czech Republic.
Algiers, May 1 (IANS) FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter has arrived in Algeria for a two-day visit at the invitation of Algerian Football Federation (FAF) chief Mohamed Raouraoua.
Ghaziabad, May 1 (IANS) Dentist Nupur Talwar woke up early Tuesday and had a simple breakfast of gur-chana with tea after spending a night in Dasna jail in connection with the 2008 twin murders of her daughter Aarushi and the family's domestic help Hemraj.
Santiago (Dominican Republic), May 1 (IANS/EFE) Dominican police are looking for a woman who sold her 8-month-old baby for 100,000 pesos ($2,500), authorities said Monday.
Victoria (Seychelles), Apr 30 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday said India stands ready to be a full and equal partner in the development of Seychelles through financial assistance and initiatives that support capacity building.
Dharamsala, April 30 (IANS) Expressing concern over violations of human rights in Tibet, the Central Tibetan Administration, the democratically elected body of the Tibetan exiles, has called upon Beijing to restart dialogue to end the 'conflict', an official statement said here Monday.
New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) Passenger car market leader Maruti Suzuki Monday dispatched its one millionth vehicle, a red coloured hatchback A-star, for delivery in Denmark.
London, Apr 30 (ANI): Metal thieves in the Czech Republic are said to have dismantled an entire 10-ton bridge and more than 650ft of track.
New Delhi, April 30 (ANI): The Kitovi-Khole faction of the Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has signed the ceasefire agreement with the Central Government, but refused give up its arms before a final solution to the decades old Indo-Naga issue is reached.
New York, Apr 29 (ANI): Rosie O'Donnell, who is said to be falling-out with Oprah Winfrey, has put the rumours to rest by turning up to support her former boss at a benefit gala.
Pune (Maharashtra), April 29 (ANI): A five-day-long expo on rare birds and fish is attracting thousands of visitors here.
London, Apr 28 (ANI): Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly said that Italian newspapers "count for nothing," as he tried to reassure anxious showgirls caught up in the "bunga bunga" sex scandal.
London, April 28 (IANS) Actress Zoe Saldana says doing ballet in her teens made her feel like dying from inside.
London, Apr 28 (ANI): Amy Winehouse's former boyfriend Reg Traviss has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Pyongyang, Apr 28 (Xinhua-ANI): Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un recently observed a combined military exercise marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the official news agency KCNA said Saturday.
Moscow, April 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian journalist, detained in Dagestan republic, has been charged with setting up an illegal armed group.
Moscow, April 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian Supreme Court has turned down a lawsuit against the presidential elections' outcome that saw Prime Minister Vladimir Putin win by a landslide March 4, the court's website said.
New Delhi, Apr 27 (ANI): In a bid to push for stronger bilateral relations, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will be paying state visit to Seychelles and South Africa starting from April 30.
Islamabad, Apr 27 (ANI): The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has shared intelligence with Pakistan suggesting Al Qaeda's plans to carry out major attacks in the country.
Abuja, April 27 (IANS) Airtel Nigeria, the Nigerian arm of Indian mobile services provider Airtel, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) have announced a joint initiative to set up a call centre that would provide information on HIV/AIDS and help fight its spread in the West African country.
Santo Domingo, April 27 (IANS/EFE) Carlina Duran accepted the decision of organizers of the Miss Dominican Republic competition to strip her of her crown after verifying that she was married in violation of contest requirements.
Mexico City, April 27 (IANS/EFE) Investigators are looking into allegations that US retail giant Wal-Mart's unit in Mexico paid bribes to officials to speed the opening of stores during its expansion push in the country in the past decade, the Mexican government said.
Washington, April 27 (IANS/EFE) The US Secret Service said Thursday it is investigating allegations that agents frequented a strip club and patronized prostitutes in El Salvador ahead of President Barack Obama's March 2011 visit to the Central American country.
Shijiazhuang (China), April 26 (Xinhua-ANI): Chinese archaeologists have finished restoring over 50 Buddha statues from thousands of fragments unearthed in north China's Hebei Province, an archaeological researcher said Thursday.
Lhasa, Apr 26(ANI): Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has said he will continue with the non-violent quest for greater Tibetan autonomy, even after Beijing blamed him for inciting a wave of unrest.
Mumbai, Apr 26 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday backed veteran social activist Anna Hazare's view on the need to have a strong Lokayukta to combat corruption.
Washington, Apr 26 (ANI): The woman who had been recently named Miss Dominican Republic will have to relinquish her crown as she is married, the contest organizers have said.
London, Apr 26 (ANI): Global population must be stabilised quickly and high consumption in wealthy nations should be rapidly reduced to save our planet from "a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills", researchers have warned.
London, April 25 (IANS) In a brazen attack carried out by helicopter-borne poachers, a herd of 22 elephants were killed and their tusks and genitals hacked off at a national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a media report said Wednesday.
Pyongyang, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a national meeting on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army (KPA).
Beijing, April 25 (Xinhua-ANI): The Chinese government announced Wednesday that it has approved the establishment of an international cooperative demonstration zone in northeast Jilin province to boost cross-border cooperation in the region.
Guwahati, April 24 (IANS) The voice for a free Tibet sounded louder here Tuesday after three motorcyclists who have embarked on an all-India tour arrived in this Assamese city to start a signature campaign for their cause.
London, April 24 (IANS) Former British Open winner Ben Curtis ended a six-year wait for a PGA Tour victory by winning the Valero Texas Open at San Antonio, US. By winning the title, Curtis vaulted from 285th position to 156th in the latest edition of the Official World Golf Ranking.
Washington, Apr 24 (ANI): An Internet hacking group named UGNazi has claimed responsibility for bringing down America's Central Intelligence Agency website.
Paris, April 24 (IANS) Marine Le Pen, who stood third in the first round of the presidential polls in France, is spoilt for choice as she gets to decide who will live in the Palais de l'elysee, the French president's official residence.
London, Apr 24 (ANI): Two Pakistani students, who raped a woman after she had fallen asleep on a night bus, have been jailed for 18-and-a-half years. The incident took place on June 4, 2011.
London, Apr 24 (ANI): Two Pakistani students, who raped a woman after she had fallen asleep on a night bus, have been jailed for 18-and-a-half years. The incident took place on June 4, 2011.
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central and Kerala governments on a petition by the Italian government seeking the custody of its two marines currently in judicial custody for killing two Indian fishermen after mistaking them for pirates.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) Incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy, who stood second in the first round of France's presidential poll, faces a tough challenge from socialist Francois Hollande as the country votes May 6 in the second round of ballotting.
London, April 23 (IANS) Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic won their reverse singles matches to take Serbia into the Fed Cup final for the first time, beating Russia 3-2.
Seoul, April 23 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korea and the United States are scheduled to hold defense talks involving discussions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s failed rocket launch earlier this month, the defense ministry here said Monday.
London, April 23 (ANI): The Church of England has rubbished allegations that Dr John Sentamu, the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has slipped down to third place after the Bishops of Coventry and Norwich, according to bookmakers.
Pyongyang, Apr 23 (Xinhua-ANI): The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) threatened to launch "special operations" against South Korea's conservative president, the official KCNA news agency said Monday.
Johannesburg, April 23 (IANS) The South African government is speeding up its plan to redistribute land to rightful owners, the official Bua news agency reported Sunday.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) Socialist Francois Hollande has won the first round of France's presidential poll, setting up a run-off with incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy who came second.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) French Socialist Francois Hollande won most votes in the first round of the country's presidential election Sunday, BBC reported.
New Delhi, Apr 22 (ANI): The Congress Party on Sunday refused to comment on the 15-day deadline issued by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee to the Centre to announce debt relief for her state.
London, April 22 (IANS) Researchers have found vast groundwater reserves in the Sahara, one of the driest places on earth, that could help buffer climate change effects for years.
London, April 22 (ANI): The next Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr John Sentamu, is being subjected to 'naked racism' by critics, one of his closest supporters has claimed.
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS) A blistering knock from Jesse Ryder and an all-round performance by Sourav Ganguly gave Pune Warriors a convincing 20-run win over Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Ferozeshah Kotla here Saturday night.
Dharamsala, April 21 (IANS) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has blamed Beijing for igniting self-immolation protests in Tibet, saying the issue is 'very political', a post on his official website said Saturday.
Washington, Apr 21 (ANI): Although parents of healthy and overweight preschoolers are generally well aware of dietary risk factors that fuel childhood obesity, it is not enough to effect meaningful weight change, a new study has claimed.
Islamabad, April 21(ANI): The Pakistan Taliban has said that they conducted the Bannu jailbreak operation to free Adnan Rasheed, the alleged mastermind of the assassination attempt on former president General Pervez Musharraf.
London, April 21 (ANI): South African President Jacob Zuma has married for the sixth time on Friday, taking his long-time girlfriend Bongi Ngema as his newest bride and fourth current wife.
London, April 20 (IANS/WAM) Britain has described the recent visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad to the disputed island of Abu Musa as "highly unfortunate".
London, Apr 20 (ANI): Selena Gomez has appealed to her fans to donate 6.25 pounds to the latest United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) campaign to help starving African children.
Washington, Apr 20 (ANI): Researchers have found a region on Saturn's moon Titan, which is similar to the Etosha Pan in Namibia, Africa.
Yaounde (Cameroon), April 20 (IANS) Afraid that four-time champions Cameroon may again fail to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations, legendary footballer Roger Milla has called for the sacking of the country's football federation (FECAFOOT) and demanded the reinstatement of Samuel Eto'o as the national captain.
Warsaw, April 20 (IANS) The organisers of the Euro 2012 football tournament will on Saturday inaugurate a training facility here for volunteers who will be working for the June 8-July 1 event jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
Guwahati, Apr 20 (ANI): Asserting that the new wave of development in Assam has been made possible by a period of social peace and political stability, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday said violence provides no answer and that diverse groups can fulfill their aspirations only through engagement in the democratic process.
Washington, April 20 (ANI): The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to award the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal to golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the winner of a record 18 major championship titles.
New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) US ambassador-designate Nancy J. Powell arrived here Thursday, following her March 29 confirmation by the American Senate as the first woman head of the US mission in India.
One can expect a good news on the front of treatment of malaria as a possible new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria a lot easier, speedier and precise, a new study has suggested.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A potential new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria much easier, faster and more accurate, a new study has revealed.
Durban, April 19 (IANS) South Africa's Darian Townsend, winner of the men's 4X100m relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics, failed to qualify for the London Olympics in the 200m freestyle division despite winning the race at the South African national swimming championships.
Mumbai, Apr 19 (ANI): Two persons died and at least 15 were injured after falling from a moving train in here on Thursday.
Pyongyang, April 19 (Xinhua-ANI): Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has said the country would uphold the ideology of late leader Kim Jong Il in its drive to achieve new victories, the official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported Thursday.
Islamabad, Apr 19(ANI): Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has stressed that Pakistan will never withdraw its troops from the Siachen glacier unilaterally.
Islamabad, April 19 (IANS) Pakistani websites prominently displayed the news of India successfully testing the Agni-V minutes after the long-range nuclear capable ballistic missile was launched.
Madrid, April 19 (IANS/EFE) "I'm very sorry. I made a mistake. It won't happen again," Spain's King Juan Carlos said Wednesday regarding a hunting trip to Botswana that became headline news after he was injured in a fall.
Johannesburg, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on Wednesday hosted the celebration to commemorate the 100 days-to-go landmark for 2012 London Olympics Games.
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simmons Wednesday asked his boys to guard against complacency when they face Deccan Chargers in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium here Thursday.
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday searched the homes of two former army officers in Delhi and Noida and recovered key documents related to the probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement of Tatra trucks for the Indian Army, sources said.
Washington, Apr 18 (ANI): US President Barrack Obama's his father was also called 'anti-American and anti-white' when he moved to the United States from Kenya in 1959.
Singapore, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): The Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has arrested four suspected drug traffickers, one suspected drug abuser and seized almost two kilograms of heroin estimated to be worth about 230,000 U.S. dollars.
Washington, April 18 (ANI): United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has received 57 percent against Vice President Joe Biden 14 percent for the 2016 elections, according to a new survey.
Stockholm, Apr 18 (ANI): Sweden's Culture Minister landed in controversy after she cut a cake which was designed like an African tribal woman.
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday conducted search operations at the homes of two former army officers in Delhi and Noida and recovered key documents related to its probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement of Tatra trucks, sources said.
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) Latino dances are now the world's hottest cultural diplomacy tool connecting people across continents. And in India, it is the new beat on dance floors.
Ghaziabad, April 18 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Wednesday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against dentist Nupur Talwar in the case of murder of her daughter Aarushi, and has extended its validity till next hearing April 30.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted search operations at the homes of two former army officer's in connection of irregularities in the Tatra trucks deal. Raids were conducted at their residence in Delhi and Noida...........
