- Govt, Opposition gear for next battle, over nuke bill
The brouhaha over the women’s reservation bill is not quite over, but a fresh one appears imminent with the government set to introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha that is key to implementation of the India-US civilian nuclear deal. The main opposition parties have decided to oppose the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill that was cleared by the Union cabinet before PM Manmohan Singh’s trip to the US last November. Nagendar Sharma & Saroj Nagi examine...
- Economy picks up, credit card spending rises
The Indian shopper is back in business. As the economy gets back on the growth track, individual spending is up and rising, according to credit card spending data from October 2009 to January 2010, released by the Reserve Bank of India. Sandeep Singh tells more...
- Despite oppposition, Dinakaran panel meets
A three-member probe panel set-up by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari is learnt to have “informally” met for the first time on Sunday to work out the procedure to investigate the allegations of corruption and land grabbing against the Karnataka high court Chief Justice P D Dinakaran.
- Confident of passing women's bill in current LS session: Moily
Law Minister M Veerappa Moily expressed confidence that the Women's Reservation Bill will be passed in the current session of Parliament itself. He also denied suggestions that the Bill was rushed in the Rajya Sabha. Pawar to Yadavs: Women Reservation Bill can be amended
- Pawar to Yadavs: Women Reservation Bill can be amended
NCP president Sharad Pawar today said he had counseled the three Yadavs-Mulayam Singh, Laloo Prasad and Sharad-not to stall the passage of the Women Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha as their views on the quota for OBC and minorities could be taken into consideration by the government.
- Deccan Chargers beat Chennai Super Kings by 31 runs
Chaminda Vaas (3/21) ripped apart the Chennai Super Kings' top-order after Andrew Symonds and Herschelle Gibbs sparkled with the bat as Deccan Chargers beat the hosts by 31 runs to score their first win in the Indian Premier League match today.
- Arrest of terrorists weekend of 'major successes': Govt
Union Home Secretary G K Pillai today termed it a weekend of "major successes" with the arrest of terrorists and militants in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Manipur. Terrorists planning attack held in Mumbai
- Security forces keep vigil on riot-hit Bareilly, no violence
Security forces today staged marches while a chopper kept an aerial vigil on this riot-torn city, which was made out of bounds to a BJP team led by MP Maneka Gandhi by the state authorities.
- Mathews, Tiwary script KKR's 7-wicket win over RCB
Angelo Mathews returned with a four-wicket haul as a disciplined Kolkata Knight Riders notched up their second successive win, beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets in the third Indian Premier League in Kolkata on Sunday.
- Mulayam fears an all-women parliament
Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav explained the calculation in a press conference in Lucknow today and said: "representation of men in the parliament and state assemblies would drop to zero (negligible) after two elections." Pankaj Jaiswal reports.
- Congress firm on going ahead with passage of Women Bill
Congress leaders, who do not want to go on record, recall that the general elections in 1971, after the defeat of the privy purses bill which sought to abolish benefits to the erstwhile princes, were won by Indira Gandhi hands down.
- Mumbai terror plot foiled, two held
With the arrest of two local men in their 20s, Mumbai has escaped another big terror attack, planned yet again by a Pakistan-based outfit, the police said on Sunday, reports Shailendra Mohan.
On the terror radar
- Cyclist on runway as Mulayam's plane lands
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had a narrow escape on Sunday morning when a cyclist suddenly appeared on the runway just as his plane was landing at the Saifai aerodrome in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah district.
- Security increased of Air India flights in Afghanistan
With Indians and their assets in Afghanistan coming under constant attack from Taliban and Al-Qaeda, Air India has beefed up security in flights to and from Kabul following information that it was a "sitting duck" for terror groups.
- Ministers need not fly cattle class from April
In yet another indication that the downturn is truly over, the Centre has decided to ease its austerity regime on March 31. From April 1, it’s back to good times for ministers and other politicians. Saroj Nagi reports.
- India not interested in proxy war in Afghanistan: Saran
Referring to Pakistan's concerns over India's involvement in reconstruction work in Afghanistan, a special envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday that India was not in the business of having a proxy war in the conflict-torn nation.
- Dark forces of terror from Pak scuttle our peace bids: Tharoor
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said India has repeatedly tried to have peace with Pakistan but the "dark forces" of terror operating there openly have consistently undermined these efforts.
- Australia beat Germany, win Hockey WC
Specialist Luke Doerner fired in the winner from a penalty corner as Australia won their first Hockey World Cup in 24 years with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Germany in the final at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, reports B Shrikant.
Special Coverage
- Nuclear Liability Bill likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday
With less than a month to go before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh goes to the US, the government is planning to introduce the contentious Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
- Saina creates history, reaches semis of All England Badminton Championship
Saina Nehwal became the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the All England Super Series badminton championship when she defeated German Juliane Schenk in straight games in the quarterfinals in London.
- India calls Pak bluff, denies any role in Lahore blasts
India on Saturday said it was deeply disappointed by Pakistan’s statements alleging an Indian hand in Friday’s attacks in Lahore, and also in other terrorist activities and disturbances elsewhere across the border, reports HT Correspondent.
- Pak court accepts plea requesting Kasab be declared fugitive
A Pakistani anti-terror court conducting the trial of seven suspects for their involvement in the 26/11 attacks today accepted an application from the prosecution for Ajmal Kasab to be declared a fugitive and adjourned the case for a week.
- India among world's top three preferred investment destinations
India is among the world's top three preferred investment destination, but equity caps limit the size of potential inflows, according to a Columbia University report.
- No major breakthroughs in Pune blast case yet
It's been a silent month since the blast at Pune Bakery shook Koregaon Park. Meanwhile the investigations go on but make nothing clear, neither about the ongoing investigations nor about the safety of the city.
- Russia to make 1,000 stealth jets, eyes India deal
Russia will build more than 1,000 stealth fighter jets within four decades, including at least 200 for its traditional weapons buyer India, the head of plane maker Sukhoi said on Friday.
- Kochi on terror radar, security stepped up
The Home Ministry has asked Kerala police to step up security in Kochi following Intelligence inputs that Lashkar-e-Taiba militants may attempt to strike the coastal city.
- Situation tense in Bareilly, more areas under curfew
More areas of the city have been brought under curfew as situation continued to be tense in localities which witnessed communal violence. Members of a community clashed with police to protest the release of a Muslim cleric, authorities said.
- Terror strikes Pak's Swat; 10 killed in suicide blast
A suicide bomber today rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a security check post in Pakistan's restive Swat valley killing at least 10 people and injuring 13 others, a day after multiple blasts in Lahore claimed 45 lives.
- Rajasthan Royals to clash with Mumbai Indians today in IPL
Two giants of the game, one still active and the other retired, are set to take centrestage at the Brabourne Stadium when the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians start their Indian Premier League campaign against Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. Special coverage | Daredevils to take on Kings XI Punjab
- Gujarat riots case: Nalin Bhatt to appear before SIT today
After Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the state's former BJP General Secretary Nalin Bhatt has also been summoned for questioning by the Supreme Court-appointed SIT in connection with the 2002 riots.
- Daredevils to take on Kings XI Punjab
Delhi Daredevils will miss the service of pace spearhead Ashish Nehra when they open their Indian Premier League campaign taking on Kings XI Punjab in Mohali today. Special coverage
- Five low-intensity blasts hit Lahore
Five small explosions hit Lahore late Friday causing no casualties, hours after twin suicide attacks killed up to 45 people in the Pakistani cultural capital, police said.
- India, Russia sign nuclear pacts, Gorshkov deal
India and Russia on Friday invigorated their time-tested ties by signing a slew of pacts, including two nuclear accords, and sealed the price of refitted Soviet-era aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, ending a minor irritant in their bilateral ties.
- Pak has evidence of India's link to Balochistan's unrest: Malik
Pakistan has "solid evidence" of India's alleged involvement in fomenting unrest in Balochistan province and the government is taking up this matter diplomatically with its Indian counterpart, Interior Minister Rehman Malik claimed today.
- Kolkata Knight Riders beat Deccan Chargers by 11 runs
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated defending champions Deccan Chargers by 11 runs in the opening match of the third edition of Indian Premier League in Mumbai on Friday, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.
See spl | Watch Video
- Govt readies for terror threat at home, abroad
India is ramping up security at its missions in Afghanistan and Nepal, even as it expects a ‘hot year’ of terror attacks, government officials said. Security is being increased following intelligence inputs about increased threats of terrorist attacks in the two countries, report Aloke Tikku & Jayanth Jacob.
- Cherish India's growth, I'll tackle inflation: Mukherjee
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today assured every step to tame inflation, which he feels may be higher than 8.5 per cent by end-March, and said a 7.2-per cent economic growth was not a fantasy given the industrial rebound. He also refused to rollback the hikes in the excise and import tariff on crude oil and transport fuels.
- No rollback in petrol, diesel prices: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday dismissed demands for a rollback in the prices of petrol and diesel, stating the financial condition does not permit a cut, reports HT Correspondent.
- Indian embassy in Kathmandu to be fortified after threat from Lashkar
India has decided to fortify its embassy in Kathmandu by deploying more commandos in the wake of fresh terror threat to the mission in the Himalayan nation. Government officials said the decision has been taken following Intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba may try to target the Embassy and diplomats posted there.
- Delhi High Court allows equal military tenure for men, women
One more gender inequity fell when the Delhi High Court on Friday made service conditions the same for men and women in India’s armed forces. For some of them, at least. The order allows women joining the Army and Indian Air Force before 2006 to opt for Permanent Commission, and continue in service as long as their male colleagues, reports HT.
- Two suicide blasts rock Lahore; 39 killed
Twin suicide attacks, seconds apart, targeted the Pakistani military on Friday, killing 39 people in the second attack to hit security forces in Lahore this week. The bombers targeted the cantonment and military installations, as well as hospitals and schools run by the military.
- NSA warns Taliban may kidnap Indian diplomats in Afghanistan: Report
NSA Shivshankar Menon has reportedly said that the Taliban may kidnap Indian diplomats in Afghanistan. The warning has come after his recent trip to Kabul to review the security of Indians.
- PM Manmohan Singh to get World Statesman award
The Appeal of Conscience Foundation on Friday announced to felicitate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with its prestigious World Statesman Award for the year 2010.
- Give voice samples of 26/11 suspects to neutral nation: India to Pak
Home Minister P Chidambaram said that Pakistan should give voice samples of the list suspects given by India to match them with the voice transcripts of the 26/11 handlers in a neutral country to know whether they are state actors. He also said that all militant outfits across the border are supported by the ISI.
- ISI keeps links with Lashkar; Pak reluctant to rein in LeT
The ISI continues to maintain links with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist outfit responsible for 26/11, and Islamabad is reluctant to take action against its leaders and its network, several eminent US scholars and experts of South Asia have categorically told US lawmakers.
- Heavy security in place as IPL-3 commences today
Heavy security arrangements have been made in the vicinity of D Y Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai where the opening ceremony of the IPL Season 3 will be hosted and the first T-20 match played today, police said. Special coverage | In pics
- Putin arrives; nuclear, Gorshkov pacts on table
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night on a 22-hour visit during which India and Russia are to sign over a dozen agreements, including an umbrella civil nuclear pact.
- Govt steps back on Women’s quota bill
At the risk of appearing to buckle down, the Govt on Thursday responded to pressure from the three Yadavs, the thinly veiled threat of rebellion in the BJP and the simmering discontent in its own camp over the women’s reservation bill by putting the bill on hold till further consultations. HT reports. See special
- Red alert: Naxals draw up plan to shake urban India
The Maoists are carrying their fight against the Indian state into urban India. They plan to create industrial unrest, build an urban cadre base to reinforce armed operations in rural areas, and build a network of sympathisers for public, legal and logistics support. Snigdhendu Bhattacharya reports. Spl: The Enemy Within
- Pak national team retire; PHF sack selectors, team management
The humiliating 12th place finish in the World Cup today threw Pakistan hockey in turmoil as the entire 18-member team announced collective retirement from international hockey after the sacking of the selectors and the team management by the national federation.
- Chhattisgarh HC rejects bail plea of Chinese technocrats
The Chhattisgarh High Court today rejected the bail plea of three Chinese technocrats, who were sent to jail, in connection with the collapse of under-construction chimney at the Balco plant site that killed 41 workers in Korba district of Chhattisgarh last September, reports Ejaz Kaiser.
- IPL kicks off today with Chargers-Riders tie in Mumbai
The IPL is back in India after shifting to South Africa last year because it could not get the expected security as it clashed with the general elections. The third edition of the T20 will spring to life on Friday night with the 2009 champions Deccan Chargers taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game in Navi Mumbai.
- Elect hockey panel or be banned, FIH tells India
International Hockey Federation president Leandro Negre today said the world federation would not hesistate to disaffiliate India if it does not have an elected organisation in place by May 31.
Pak hockey squad steps down after WC debacle
- Probe team summons Narendra Modi in Gujarat riots case
Eight years after the Gulbarg society massacre in Ahmedabad, investigators have summoned the most high-profile accused in the case — Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi — for questioning. Prasad Nichenametla reports. Listen to podcast 
- Suspension of 7 RS members likely to be revoked soon
A solution is expected on the issue of suspension of seven Rajya Sabha members by evening. An assurance to this effect was given today by Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal in the Lok Sabha after RJD member Raghuvansh Prasad Singh vociferously protested against the members being kept out of the Upper House.
- BJP denies divisions, to hold party meet to resolve bill row
The BJP today denied reports that it was divided over the women's reservation bill but the rift was clearly seen with a section of MPs led by Yogi Adityanath said that quotas for women were "needless" and would be opposed in the Lok Sabha. The pary leaders are meeting at Advani's residence to iron out the differences. Govt ready for all-party meet
- Decision to ban players got clearance from Zardari: sources
The Pakistan Cricket Board's stringent disciplinary action against erring players, including indefinite bans on former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan, was backed by the country's President and PCB chief patron Asif Ali Zardari.
- Independent body to review controversial IPCC
A respected international scientific body will review the UN's Nobel prize-winning climate panel, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), under fire for errors in a key report on global warming, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said today.
- Trouble in BJP over women's bill, party decides to issue whip
Trouble is brewing for the Women's Reservation Bill with a section of BJP MPs in Lok Sabha expressing their opposition to the measure and threatening to vote against it and the party today decided to crack on the dissenters by issuing a whip to them to back it.
- PM ready for all party meet on women's bill: Pranab
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was ready to consult all parties for a consensus on the women's reservation bill before it is tabled in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today. Trouble in BJP over Women's bill
- After Indians, now Canadian assaulted in Australia
After a recent spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia, it was the turn of a wheelchair-bound Canadian man who was beaten by Australian teenagers in Sydney on Tuesday, reports in Toronto said.
- Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal among world's top ten billionaires
Indians Mukesh Ambani and Lakshmi Mittal figured among world's top ten billionaires as Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim Helu beat Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to become the wealthiest person on earth.
- UPSC prelims to change, test aptitude
The first big reform in the way India selects its civil servants is around the corner. The Govt has decided to replace the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination with the Civil Service Aptitude Test, which will test candidates on their aptitude and analytical abilities rather than their ability to memorise, reports Aloke Tikku.
- Lok Sabha to take up women’s quota bill after Budget vote
The Rajya Sabha was easy compared to what awaits the women’s bill in the Lok Sabha. The Govt, therefore, is unlikely to put it to vote there before the crucial finance bill (Budget) is out of the way, which could be around the third week of April. HT reports. Graphics: What could happen next
- Mamata meets Sonia, explains TC's absention from voting
A day after Trinamool Congress abstained from voting on women's reservation bill in Rajya Sabha, party supremo Mamata Banerjee met Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday night and explained her party's stand.
- No quotas within quota, no threat to Govt: Moily
Unfazed by threats of withdrawl of support by allies like SP and RJD, the government ruled out providing 'quota within quota' for OBCs and Muslims in the Women's Reservation Bill and said there was no deliberate delay in bringing the measure to Lok Sabha on perceived threat to its stability.
- Gorshkov deal finalised at $2.3 billion
After a three-year long renegotiation, the fresh price of Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier was today finalised at $2.35 billion by the government, a day ahead of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India.
- Disproportionate assets case: CBI backs Lalu Yadav in SC
CBI today stood by RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, who has parted ways with the UPA Govt, in the Supreme Court by opposing the decision of the Nitish Kumar Govt in Bihar to challenge his acquittal in a disproportionate assets case.
- Ministers Praful Patel, Vayalar Ravi recommended Chatwal for Padma
Two Union Ministers and a prominent US Congressman recommended the name of controversial NRI hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal for the prestigious Padma awards, the Govt told the Rajya Sabha.
- Women's Bill to go through LS before Mar 16
The govt intends to push through the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha before the House adjourns on March 16 for a three-week break, Parliamentary Affairs Minister PK Bansal said in New Delhi.
- PCB's volte-face; says no life ban for Younis, Yousuf
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has done a volte-face on the life ban imposed on former captain Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, saying no such action has been taken.
- Do not give in to terrorism, tour India: Former star players
Legendary cricketers like Steve Waugh and Ian Botham adjured the athletes worldwide to not let terrorism affect sport anywhere in the world including India, which is set to host extremely popular IPL and Commonwealth Games later this year.
- India mulling pull out from Afghanistan
India is looking at various options including paring down of the operations of its missions in Afghanistan in the wake of terror attacks on Indians there. Government is also planning to put all the Indians working in projects like power and road together to ensure their safety.
- Mamata defends decision to abstain
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today defended her party's decision to abstain from voting on the Women's Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha but said she was in favour of the Constitutional amendment. 'Why no quota for women in Rajya Sabha?' | See graphics | Listen to podcast
- Pak cricket board punishes 7 top players
Only weeks ago, the cricket world was outraged at a decision by eight IPL teams to ignore all Pak players who were up for auction. Two days before the tournament began, the PCB, in a judgement that shocked the world, gave a clear indication of what they thought their players deserved. HT reports.
Graphics: Infamous seven
- Dhillon admits he accidentally knocked Indian toddler down
Indian national Gursewak Dhillon, accused in the death of three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa, has reportedly told Australian police that he accidentally knocked the toddler down when he opened the house door.
- Man who dumped Indian boy being probed for immigration fraud
Gursewak Dhillon, a part-time taxi driver who dumped three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa's body nearly 20 km from his home in this Australian city, was being probed for "possible immigration fraud", an official said.
- Mulayam, Lalu back out, not considering no-trust motion
Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Prasad, the two strong opponents of the women's bill, said they were "as of now" not considering the issue of bringing a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, saying they did not have the numbers for it.
See graphics | Who said what | Listen to podcast
- Uproar over Women's Bill in Lok Sabha; House adjourned
Women's Reservation Bill rocked the proceedings in the Lok Sabha for the third day today forcing Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the House till noon. Meanwhile, the main opponents of the bill are planning their next move. See graphics | Who said what | Listen to podcast
- Bali bombing suspect confirmed dead in police raid
A top-ranked Southeast Asian militant wanted for planning the deadliest terrorist attack in Indonesia's history has been killed in a shootout with police at an Internet cafe, the president confirmed today.
- SP Parliamentary Party meet today to discuss support to government
After four of its Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended and evicted from the House for disrupting the discussion and passage of Women's Reservation Bill, SP Parliamentary Party will meet today to discuss whether to continue support to UPA government.
- I never wanted to back out, we have seen worse: Sonia Gandhi
Congress president Sonia Gandhi was confident of the stability of the Manmohan Singh Govt despite opposition from the RJD, the SP and the BSP to the women’s Bill and their reported threat to withdraw support to the UPA, reports Saroj Nagi.
- Govt took 'huge risk' on Women Reservation Bill: Sonia
Relieved and happy at the passage of Women's Reservation Bill by the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said the Govt had decided to take the "huge risk" as it involved the larger issue of empowering women.
- Kasab's statement cannot be used against accused here: Pak court
In a significant ruling that could affect the trial of seven suspects charged with involvement in the Mumbai attacks in Pakistan, a bench of the Lahore High Court on Tuesday ruled that the confessional statement of Ajmal Amir Kasab could not be used against the accused.
- India, Brazil face emerging threats from Al-Qaeda
The CIA today warned India and Brazil that they face "emerging threats" from Al-Qaeda and Taliban, though the terrorist outfits are "on the run" due to extreme pressure exerted on them in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- India rubbishes Pak's charge about Lahore blast
India on Tuesday rubbished Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik's accusations about its involvement in Monday's Lahore blast as "absolutely baseless".
- US to take H-1B applications from April 1
The United States will start accepting applications for 65,000 H-1B visas for skilled professionals coveted by Indian techies for fiscal 2011 from April 1.
- Government rescues women’s reservation bill, risks future
The display board in the Rajya Sabha read: Ayes 186, Noes 1. The Constitution (Hundred and eighth) Amendment Bill 2008, commonly known as the women’s reservation bill, was finally on its way, cleared by the House, reports Saroj Nagi. See graphics | Who said what on women's quota | Listen to podcast
- Another student kills self over Telangana
The ongoing Telangana statehood struggle, with its epicentre at the Osmania University campus, claimed another life when an engineering student hanged himself in his hostel room on Tuesday demanding formation of a separate state, reports Ashok Das.
- Mamata angry, Trinamool to abstain from voting
In the first signs of strains within the UPA, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed that her party was kept in the dark over the way the Women's Reservation Bill was being passed in Rajya Sabha. Reports say that the Trinamool Congress has decided to abstain from vote.
- Women's Reservation Bill put to vote in Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has put Women's Reservation Bill to vote without debate amid uproar by MPs. The MPs who were suspended today, held up Parliament and raised slogans refusing to leave the House. Finally, marshals were called in. Trinamool to abstain from vote | Marshals evict suspended RS MPs
- India most optimistic nation on hiring in Q2: Manpower
India continued to be the most optimistic nation in terms of hiring plans for the next three months, driven by strong job opportunities across all sectors including finance and realty sectors, global staffing services firm Manpower said.
- Maha Home Minister R R Patil attends 26/11 case proceedings
In a rare gesture, Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil today attended the proceedings in the 26/11 terror attack case along with Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe in a special court in Mumbai.
- Indians divided over Husain's Qatari citizenship
Should Maqbool Fida Husain, who put the Indian contemporary art on the world map, have given up Indian citizenship? The artistic community is sharply divided.
- Whip cracked; 7 disruptive RS members suspended
Cracking the whip on disruptive MPs, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari suspended seven members for the remaining part of the Budget session for their unruly behaviour in the House yesterday over the Women's Reservation Bill.
Still no consensus over Women's Reservation Bill
- One-fifth of Australia's private colleges visa factories: Report
Nearly a fifth of Australian private colleges are "permanent residency factories", a new report in the education sector has revealed. Former MP Bruce Baird said the education industry had been "distorted" by unscrupulous people cashing in on foreigners' desire to live in Australia.
- R K Anand tenders unconditional apology to Supreme Court
Noted criminal lawyer R K Anand, who was held guilty of attempting to influence the course of justice in the infamous BMW hit-and-run case, has tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court.
- Final arguments in trial of 26/11 accused Kasab begins today
The final arguments in the trial of 26/11 terror attack case accused Ajmal Kasab will begin today in a special court in Mumbai with the prosecution expected to focus on countering the stand taken by him that he is not a terrorist and was being framed by police.
- Yadavs ask PM to defer bill, call for all-party meet
Lalu Prasad, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sharad Yadav have today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to defer Women's Reservation Bill and call an all-party meeting to evolve consensus over the contentious bill.
