Goa Government scraps 15 SEZs

In an unprecedented move, the Goa government has scrapped 12 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and recommended to the Centre about the denotification of three other zones. It was announced by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat. Goa had proposals for 15 SEZs, out of which seven were approved envisaging an investment of Rs 4,714.04 crores over the next five years.

Appreciation of Indian Rupee to hit Global Economy? A Million Dollar Question

--By P Neelakantha Achary

There is good saying - a million dollar question, probably the usage of the saying might change in near future to - a million rupees question. Certainly, this might happen if more analyses are made on the devaluation of dollar and appreciation of Indian rupees. Within a span of 12 months, the value of dollar has significantly dropped from around 47 to 48 rupees to around 39 rupees. Of late, the value of 1 US dollar is around 39 rupees.

Indian economy is among the fastest growing economies of the world. The appreciation of the rupees against the dollar would be another giant sign towards its economic prosperity and augmentation. However, the economic epidemics like poverty, unemployment etc., could not be dealt in the short-run.

The appreciation of the rupees will help the economy in many ways. There will be positive impact on importers and negative impact on the exporters. Let’s evaluate the possible impact of the devaluation of dollar and appreciation of rupees on the export & import in India. The dollar has been the popular medium of foreign exchange for a long time. Most of the payment for the export or import is made through dollar.

The devaluation of the dollar will have a positive impact on the importers, while it will have adverse effect on the exporters. Importers of goods and services will be getting the goods and services by paying less, as they used to pay 47 rupees against one dollar, now they will be paying around 39 to import the same. The exporter will be getting their return in dollar at the cost of 39 rupees per 1 US dollar, whereas they used to get around 47 rupees against one dollar. The difference in the previous and present exchange would have high impact if the volume of exchange is in millions of rupees or dollars.

In the past one year, the dollar has dropped by around 20 per cent against Indian rupees. This reveals that positive or negative impact on volume of export or import would be around 20 per cent, which can not be over looked as the exporters are suffering losses, whereas importer are on gain. However the impact will remain until there is depreciation of dollar against rupees. If it continues, then a great change can be expected on a long run in international trade arena. Another impact would be the fantasy of dollar has been losing ground day by day.

Analyses made it clear that earlier people were fascinate about dollar due to its value against Indian rupees. But the scenario has completely changed. Those, who were planning to move to US for job, now might plan to settle in Britain, as British economy is one of the strongest economies in the world.

The appreciation of the rupees will have a positive impact, whereas in the global economy the Yen, Euro and other currencies would find place in the foreign exchange race. At the international level, the sliding dollar will have huge impact as it is the global player despite all the hiccups. Finally it would worthwhile to say - depreciation of dollar: a million rupees question.

Kibaki re-elected President of Kenya

Mwai Kibaki was re-elected president of Kenya after a tight election that witnessed a close finish. However, his opponent Raila Odinga accused him of using illegal means to win the elections. He has threatened to launch fresh agitation to demand re-election in the country. According to Election Commission sources, Kibaki got 4,584,721 votes , while Odinga could manage 4,352,993 votes.

Karunakaran returned to Congress

Taking a complete U-turn, veteran politician from Kerala, K Karunakaran returned to Congress and vowed to work hard to strengthen the unity of the party. He rejoined the party in presence of Party supremo Sonia Gandhi. Later, he called on PM Manmohan Singh.

Mamata Banerjee launches anti-CPM Front in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee launched an anti-CPM front in West Bengal. The front comprises 16 parties. However, Mamata kept both Congress and BJP out of the front. It is expected that Mamata will join hands with the Congress at a later stage and eventually dump the BJP.

Mamata's new initiative is certain to worry the CPM, which is already having a soured relationship with its alliance partners RSP and Forward Bloc.

Bilawal and Zardari to lead PPP in Pakistan, Fahim PM Candidate

Three days after Benazir Bhutto's tragical death, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has chosen her 19-year-old son Bilawal and husband Asif Ali Zardari as co-leaders of the party. It was announced in a meeting of the party executive. The party has taken the decision as per the will made by late Benazir Bhutto. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently studying in Oxford University.

In another development, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has chosen its deputy chairperson Makhdoom Amin Fahim as the Prime Ministerial candidate if PPP comes to power. It was announced by Asif Ali Zardari in a press conference.

Mystery deepens over Bhutto's death, Government role questioned

Even as the world mourns the death of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan government revealed that no bullet injury has been found on the body of slain Pakistani leader. According to Pakistan Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz, Benazir Bhutto died of head injury when her head rammed into the car window after the blast. Earlier, the police and the government claimed that five bullets were pumped into Bhutto's head and neck.

We have listed five solid points that raise questions over the government role over such a sensitive issue like Benazir Bhutto's assassination.

1) No post mortem was conducted despite the official norm requiring for it in case of an unnatural death.

2) Hospital authorities say there were no orders to conduct the post mortem. Did they really require permission from any government official?

3) Why did the Pakistan government make seven doctors sign Benazir's medical report? Was there any pressure from any quarter?

4) Why did the jammers dot work while they were integral part of Benazir's security system?

5) Why did the rescue team pour water over blood marks, weapons and other materials. That destroyed all vital forensic information.

Although the Pakistan government has ordered a judicial probe into Bhutto's assassination, the government role in this case remains questionable.

Benazir Bhutto buried, as Pakistan continues to boil

Benazir Bhutto was buried at his family graveyard in Larkana. Thousands of people have been gathered at the venue to bid farewell to the departing leader. Bhutto's husband, children and other relatives and friends were present on the burial site.

People burst into tears when Benazir Bhutto's last rites were performed. Thousands of grieving mourners packed the streets around Larkana, when Benazir's coffin was driven through the town towards the mausoleum where she was buried.

Violence continued unabated in several parts of Pakistan. A roadside bomb killed a local leader of the ruling party and three of his associates in northwestern Pakistan. In another development, police resorted to fire in Hyderabad to control the mob. At least three people were injured in the incident. According to unofficial sources, at least 10 people have been killed so far in the violence that followed Bhutto's assassination.

BJP gets Majority in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh has been ousted of power. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal reclaimed Himachal Pradesh with a simple majority. Out of the 68 seats that went to polls, BJP won 41, while Congress managed to get 23. BSP got one seat, while the independents won 3 seats. Prem Kumar Dhumal won the Bamsan seat by 26,000 votes. He will be the next Chief Minister of the state.

Bhutto's body reached home, Burial in Larkana

Benazir Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari reached Pakistan just a few hours ago. Other family members including Bhutto's children Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Assifa too reached Bhutto's ancestoral home in Larkana. Thousands of people were seen crying when Benazir Bhutto's dead body reached her home.

The burial will take place later today. She would be buried at her family's ancestral graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh near Larkana. Bhutto's father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and elder brother Murtaza are buried at the same graveyard.

BJP set to conquer Himachal Pradesh

Just five days after securing a landslide victory in Gujarat, a rejuvenated BJP is all set to repeat its feat in Himachal Pradesh. This time, the party will regain power from a depleted Congress Party. The early trend for the counting in the 68 seats, has given a clear mandate to BJP with the party leading in 45 seats. The incumbent Congress is leading only in 17 seats. Prem Kumar Dhumal is all set to become the next Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.

Pakistan Boils, Al-Qaeda claims Bhutto's Assassination

Several cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Larkana are on fire after Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Firing, arson, robbery and killings have been reported from various parts of the country. It seems that Pakistan is heading towards anarchy with the troops failing to control the emotional mob. A train was set on fire in Karachi. At least seven people have been killed in the violence since yesterday night.

According to latest reports, Al-Qaeda has owned up Bhutto's assassination. Soon after the blast, Al-Qaeda's top commander in Afghanistan said, "We terminated the most precious American asset, which vowed to defeat mujahideen".

Pakistan shocked, Benazir Bhutto assassinated

Pakistan plunged into chaos, grief and despair, as former Prime Minister Benzair Bhutto was assassinated by a suicide bomber at Rawalpindi. Bhutto was returning from a massive rally addressed by her. The suicide bomber was riding a motorbike. He fired five shots at Bhutto from his AK-47 rifle. Later, he blew himself up. Another 30 people were killed in the blast. Bhutto was taken to Rawalpindi General Hospital, where she was declared brought dead.

It was the second attack on Bhutto in just over two months. At least 136 people were killed in another attack on October 19, 2007, when she was leading her comeback procession in Karachi. Benazir Bhutto was born on June 21, 1953. She was the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan. Benazir held the post twice.

Entire Pakistan went into grief, as the news spread like bushfire. Supporters of Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party resorted to violent protests in many parts of the country. President Musharraf has appealed for calm and peace. Many countries including USA, Russia, UK and India have condemned the attack. The January 8 general elections in Pakistan are likely to be deferred following the latest development.

Narendra Modi sworn-in as Gujarat CM

Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the third time amid much fanfare. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad. More than one lakh BJP workers and supporters attended the function. Senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Murli Manohar Joshi, Navjot Singh Sidhu and many others were present on the occasion. Former Vice President B S Shekhawat and all Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states attended Modi's "Raj Tilak". NDA convenor George Fernandez and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi too attended the function.

Narendra Modi was sworn in by Governor Nawal Kishore Sharma. Modi, attired in a brown kurta and a saffron shawl, took the oath in Gujarati. He was the only one to take the oath. BJP workers shouted slogans and exploded firecrackers to celebrate the biggest moment. Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Modi drove to rebel leader Keshubhai Patel's residence to seek his blessing. He is expected to meet former PM Atal Bihari Bajpayee in Delhi soon. Modi's swearing-in ceremony coincided with Bajpayee's 84th Birthday.

Narendra Modi - The Invincible King of Gujarat

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

Narendra Modi is back, and with a bang. Breaking News Online has been publishing a series of articles on Modi's campaign trail and the real situation in Gujarat. First, we were a bit apprehensive about Modi's chances. However, as the campaigning took a new turn with Sonia's "Maut Ka Saudagar" remark, we predicted a Modi win in Gujarat.

Our article titled "Advantage Modi: The Voter turnout says it all" on December 16, 2007, predicted that BJP would win 105 - 115 seats. And our observation came true when BJP under Modi secured 117 seats out of 182, while the Congress managed to get only 59.

In another article titled "Controversy comes as a boon for Modi", we made it clear that only a miracle would ensure a Congress win in Gujarat. That too came true. No miracle happened and Modi won handsomely.

Sonia Gandhi's aggressive campaigning, Rahul Gandhi's roadshow, Keshubhai Patel's anti-Modi remarks, BJP rebels, negative media, mobilization of minority votes, a strict and vigilant Election Commission all failed to defeat Modi's Charisma in Gujarat. He got more than expected. He kept his cool and answered his critics with the results. Finally, it is proved beyond doubt that Modi is the tallest leader Gujarat ever had. This election meant a lot for BJP and Modi and they have done it.

While Keshubahai Patel and Kashiram Rana were issued notices, 2 other BJP MPs were suspended by the party. Six of the seven BJP rebels who fought on Congress tickets, lost badly. Interestingly, Modi won his Maninagar seat by a much bigger margin, as compared to 2002. The final political scenario - "All defeated, Modi won". The historical victory in Gujarat is all set to rejuvenate BJP cadres across the state. If BJP wins Himachal Pradesh back from the Congress, then it would be big moral booster for the party in the forthcoming general elections.

There is no doubt that Congress Party is in tatters. They won't be able recover from this shocking defeat. Congress did its best and it's prestige and reputation both were stake in Gujarat. and, it lost everything. The fight was not between Congress and BJP. It was between Modi and Sonia. They crossed swords, matched each other in words and statements. Finally, Modi battered Sonia forever. He proved that he is invincible when it comes to Gujarat.

Be it the Gujarati Americans or Diamond Lobby or the Industrial Lobby and Cyber Campaign, everything worked in favor of Modi. Gujaratis wanted him to win, and he won with a near two-third majority. This is a big ...big...big win for him. Now the Congress Party is on back foot. They don't have the Left shoulders to cry on. The party looks helpless. It's allies have no longer trust on it.

Is it the beginning of the end of road for Sonia Gandhi's party? In all probability, the government will collapse by March or April and the country will go to poll again? With a rejuvenated BJP going for a kill, it will be tough for a fragile Congress to come back to power again. What Vajpayee and Advani failed to do, Modi did it in style. Kudos to the "Leader of Masses". Hats off to Modi and his confidence! He proved that he is the invincible king of Gujarat.

Teji Bachchan Passes away

Teji Bachchan, mother of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, died in Mumbai. She was 93. She was the wife of Hindi literary legend Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Teji was an amatuer actor as well as a singer. She married Harivansh in 1941, after his first wife died. Harivansh Rai Bachchan died on 2003 at the age of 96. Teji Bachchan's last rites will be performed on Saturday.

BJP issued Notices to Keshubhai and Kashiram Rana

The BJP has taken a tough stand on the rebel leaders in Gujarat. It issued show cause notices to former CM and veteran BJP leader Keshubhai Patel and MP Kashiram Rana for anti-party activities. It also suspended two more MPs Vallabhai Kathiria and Somabhai Patel from primary membership of the party.

All of them have been accused of sabotaging party's electoral prospects in the state directly or indirectly, which helped the opposition Congress in the recently concluded elections. Patel and Rana have been asked to explain their conduct within a week.

Suicide Attack in Pakistan: 54 Killed

At least 54 people were killed, when a suicide bomber exploded himself at a mosque in Charsadda, Pakistan. The bomb was targeted at former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, who is considered close to President Pervez Musharraf. Sherpao escaped unhurt, but the blast claimed the lives of 54 and injured over 100.

Haneef wins Visa Appeal in Australia

Indian Doctor Dr Mohamed Haneef won his Visa appeal in Australia, which paved the way for his return to Australia. He can now work in Australia without any legal restrictions. The Federal Court's ruling came as a big blow for Ex-Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews who worked hard to ensure that Haneef does not get a work visa in Australia again.

Victims to get US Citizenship

Samirah and Enung can now heave a sigh of relief, as they would now be eligible to get the US Citizenship as per the Justice Department. These two Indonesian women are the victims of Sabhnanis who are convicted for “modern slavery.” At present these two women are being taken care of by the Catholic charities.

They are given a visa for one year to testify, which will expire in May at the end of which they would be provided a special visa for four years after which they will be provided Green Card and can go on to be US citizens if they wish. Shabnanis are at present on bail and are living in their mansion with a tight security to prevent them from escaping. To get the real story of this slavery and harassment of the women you can go to true face of modern slavery.

Active Glacier found on Mars

Scientists have detected a new active glacier on Mars. It has been found in the Deuteronilus Mensae region between southern highlands and northern lowlands of Mars. This glacier is said to be an “active” one as Dr Neukum estimates it to be developed from water that came from underground in the last 10,000 to 100,000 years. To know more regarding this glacier you can click here.

Chopra Commission rejects Gujjars' Demand

The Chopra Commission set up by the Rajasthan government has rejected the Gujjar community's demand of Scheduled Tribes status. However, it has made a few suggestions to bring Gujjars to the mainstream and asked the government to launch new measures to alleviate their poverty and lack of awareness.

The Chopra Commission visited 147 villages and conducted a survey in another 450 villages of the state. According to the Commission, it would not recommend ST status for Gujjars, as the statistical data for their socio-economic conditions do not meet those criteria. Gujjars have expressed shock and anguish over the report and have threatened to start fresh agitation if their demands are not met.

67 % turnout reported in HP Assembly polls

After Gujarat, it's the turn of Himachal Pradesh. The assemble elections in the state were held peacefully with a record 67 percent turnout. 65 out of the 68 seats went for the poll on Wednesday. If we believe the predictions made by the psephologists, the ruling Congress Party may suffer a setback with BJP all set to claim Himachal Pradesh after 5 years.

NDC approved 11th Five Year Plan

The National Development Council approved the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007 - 2012) amid demands by the Chief Ministers for greater flow of funds to them for tackling regional imbalances. PM Manmohan Singh expressed confidence that Indian economy would achieve a growth rate of 10 per cent in the terminal year of the plan. He also cautioned against the price pressures on food items and the adverse impact of global financial crisis on the economy.

The 11th Five-Year Plan has given highest priority to agriculture, education and health. The total outlay for the plan is Rs 36,44,718 crore out of which, budgetary support would be Rs 14,21,711 crore. There was a hot debate in the meeting when Gujarat CM Narendra Modi accused the UPA government of minority appeasement while implementing the plan. However, PM Manmohan singh refuted the charges, saying there was no attempt to divide the people on caste or religious lines and the focus remained on the most marginalized sections of the society.

Karachi Train Derailment: 56 People killed

At least 56 people were killed and more than hundred were injured when an Express train derailed near Karachi. The train was going from Karachi to Lahore when 12 of its 16 boggies came off the rails. Rescue workers have recovered the bodies and injured have been rushed to the hospital. According to some other sources, death toll could be 65 or more.

Pravin Mahajan gets Life Term

Pravin Mahajan was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his brother and BJP leader Pramod Mahajan. He was convicted under the charges of murder and trespass with the intention to commit a serious offense. Although the government counsel sough death penalty for Pravin, the court did not view the case as "the rarest of rare" and sentenced him to life. He was also fined Rs 20,000.

The Special Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikkam said that they would appeal in High Court for the maximum (death by hanging) to be given to Pravin Mahajan. Pravin looked unperturbed by the judgment and said, "I have no regrets".

Tytler's role in '84 Riots to be reinvestigated

In a major jolt to the Congress and CBI, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) of Karkardooma Court, Sanjiv Jain has ordered re-investigation into the role of senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in the infamous '84 anti-Sikh riots case. The Court ordered the CBI to question Jasbir Singh, a key witness, who fled India, after being "prevented" from testifying against Tytler. The CBI will have to submit report by January 15.

Jasbir Singh is a witness to an incident that occurred on November 1, 1984, when a mob set Gurdwara Phulbagash on fire, killing at least 3 people. According to Singh, Jagdish Tytler not only led the mob, but also incited them to commit the crime. The latest development has put the Congress Party in a tight spot, as it has always given a clean chit to Jagdish Tytler.

Sketches of Louisiana Murder Suspects Released

The Louisiana police have finally achieved a major breakthrough by releasing the sketches of two persons wanted in connection with the murder of two Indian students of Louisiana State University. One of the suspects is believed to be a black driver in his 20's. His hair is twisted in rows. Te other suspect is also a black male between 20 and 30. He is a tall and well-built guy.

According to the investigators, there could have at least 3 to 4 black men involved in the murder. These two suspects were seen on the complex property at 9:00 pm on December 13. The police have launched a massive manhunt to nab the suspects.

Photos available for download at www.lsu.edu/pa/photos

Lapse in PM's Security, Blame Game begins

Yesterday's incident involving the Air Deccan Helicopter that landed near the Prime Minister's chopper at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, took an interesting turn with Air Deccan authorities producing documents that proved beyond doubt that a major security lapse occurred. The Deccan Aviation pilots were given clearances despite the fact that Prime Minister's chopper was landed at the helipad.

The pilot and co-pilot of the Air Deccan helicopter were unaware of PM's movement. The helicopter was meant to pick up senior Congress leader R K Dhawan. The pilot and co-pilot of Air Deccan helicopter were arrested yesterday; however, they were later released on bail. The Air Deccan company wanted a thorough probe to ascertain as to where the lapse was committed.

Pravin Mahajan convicted in Pramod Mahajan Murder Case

The long wait is finally over. Pravin Mahajan, the lone accused in the sensational Pramod Mahajan murder case, has been pronounced guilty by the Mumbai Sessions Judge S P Davare. The 48-year-old Pravin has been charged for murder and house trespass with intention to commit a serious offense. The court will announce the sentence tomorrow.

The Judge relied on the statements of Pramod's wife Rekha, servant Mahesh and his own dying statement to his brother-in-law and BJP leader Gopinath Munde. While Pravin's wife Sarangi broke down inside the court, Pravin looked calm and quite. He said he was not surprised by the verdict. Sarangi's brother told the media persons that they would appeal against the verdict in higher court.

The Great Khali loses to Finlay in WWE Final

Khali's hopes of winning the World Title has been dashed, as she went down to 49-year old Finlay of Ireland in the WWE title match at Armageddon, USA. Khali started as a favorite, but in the end, he helplessly lost to Finlay by a complete pin, who has a 29-year experience in the mat, as compared to Khali's 11-year experience.

Khali's real name is Dalip Singh Rana and he belongs to Himachal Pradesh. Currently, he is working for Punjab Police. The entire country including Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have been praying for Khali's win. However, fortune did not favor the brave this time.

Narain Karthikeyan creates History, wins A1 GP in China

Narain Karthikeyan became the first Indian to win the A1 GP, the World Cup of Motorsport. He achieved the feat at Zhuhai, China. Narain recorded his fastest lap in 1: 25.183 seconds on lap 28 with a top speed of 262.8 kph. His team has been working hard to get this morale booster victory.

A1 Team India now has 27 points. The team stands 10th among 22 nations competing for the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.

Advantage Modi: The Voter turnout says it all

With 63 - 65 per cent voter turn out reported in the second and last phase of Gujarat polls, the BJP win has almost remains a formality in the state. Narendra Modi, the Conqueror, is all set to take charge for a third time in a row. Here, the question is how many seats will BJP win in total. After the mixed predictions in the exit polls conducted after the first phase polls and other reports that indicated a slide in BJP's seat share, the BJP under Modi went all out to leave no stones unturned for the second phase.

With BJP's aggressive campaigning reaching its zenith and Modi taking all advatage from the charged atmosphere in the state, BJP is all set to win 105 - 115 seats in the 182-member assembly. If Modi wins, it will be historic win for him and the BJP, whereas it will be major setback for the Congress that will shake the basic foundation of the grand old party. Both BJP and Congress pride are on stake in Gujarat.

Dantewada Jailbreak: 299 Prisoners escaped

In an unprecedented development, Maoist prisoners attacked the Jail officials at Dantewada, Chhatisgarh and released 299 prisoners including 40 Maoists. They also looted arms and ammunition from the jail. At least 3 security personnel and 2 inmates have been injured in the attack.

It was a pre-meditated attack by the prisoners. There were 377 inmates inside the jail when the jailbreak took place. The government has admitted security lapse and has ordered a high-level probe. A massive manhunt has been launched to trace those prisoners.

Two Indian students killed in Louisiana

Two students of Indian origin were shot dead by unidentified intruders inside a university apartment in Louisiana. According to police sources, the gunmen could be burglars. The victims have been identified as Chandrasekhar Reddy Komma and Kiran Kumar Allam. They were international Ph.D students at Louisiana State University. The state police has launched a massive manhunt to nab the culprits.

Health risk of getting Tattoos

I recently stumbled upon an article called "What are the Health Risks of Getting Tattoos" posted at Tattooing Tips. The article lists the health risks of getting tattoos and how to minimize the danger of contracting a disease or infection. Tattoos have become the latest craze among the youth. The article reveals that if a tattoo needle or ink is not sterile, then there is a risk of getting Hepatitis B or C, HIV, AIDS or some kind of infection. Read more here.

Musharraf lifts Emergency, restores Constitution

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf lifted emergency in the country and restored the constitution. The general elections in Pakistan will be held as per the schedule next month. The caretaker government in Pakistan has promised to hold free, fair, transparent and impartial elections and restore democratic values.

Sania apologizes

India's tennis sensation Sania Mirza has apologized for hurting the "religious sentiments" of her community by shooting a commercial ad inside the Mecca Masjid. She is also facing a trespass charge for this. Her letter of apology was sent to the Imam of the Masjid.

Minibus rams into Train in Punjab, 17 killed

In a heartbreaking tragedy in Moga, Punjab, at least 17 people were killed and 16 injured when a private minibus collided with Ludhiana-Ferozepur Satluj. The bus was carrying college students and teachers. 15 out of the 17 victims were college students. Most of the injured are in critical condition.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the bus could not see the gate due to heavy fog and broke the level crossing. Seeing the approaching train, he jumped out of the bus and fled. A case was registered against the gate man, Kulvinder Singh along with driver Iqbal Singh. The police has launched a massive manhunt to nab the driver, who is still absconding.

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each dead. A compensation of Rs 50,000 each will be given to critical injured and Rs 15,000 each to minor injured. In addition, the Railways would consider giving jobs to one family member of the dead people who belong to the poorest of the poor section. The Punjab government has promised to compensate the families of those killed in the accident. The government will bear the funeral cost.

Critics slam Government on Afzal Guru Issue

The latest revelation by "Samay" TV channel raised public outcry against the Congress-led UPA government. Politicians, media professionals, lawyers and other intellectuals of the country have slammed the government for intentionally delaying the Afzal Guru case in order to save him from hanging.

Senior lawyer V K Garg, who sought clarification over the delay in Afzal Guru hanging from Rashtrapati Bhawan under the Rights to Information Act, found that it was the Home Ministry that delayed the execution of Afzal Guru in connection with the Parliament attack case.

Although the