India

Washington, Dec 18: Amid rising tensions over the arrest and "barbaric" treatment of an Indian diplomat in New York, the US stuck to its guns saying it acted "appropriately" and demanded restoration of security for its missions in India. Even as it spoke of a "broad and deep friendship" and an "important relationship" with India, US officials Tuesday expressed no regret, leave aside an

Bangalore, Dec 18: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday increased the minimum autorickshaw fare to Rs 25 from Rs 20 for the first 1.9 km. For every subsequent kilometre, passengers will have to shell out Rs 13 as against the existing Rs 11. The new fare will come into effect from December 20. The RTA approved the hike after a consensus was reached between officials, traffic police and

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, which provides for creation of an anti-corruption ombudsman. The most prominent of the group of anti-graft bills on the anvil, the Lokpal Bill establishes a lokpal at the central level and asks states to establish lokayuktas in a year's time from the date of notification of the law. The format of the lokayukta will

New Delhi, Dec 17: Reflecting anger in the government, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon today termed as "despicable" and "barbaric" the treatment meted out to India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade in New York. "It is despicable and barbaric," Menon said here while commenting on the arrest of Khobragade in New York on charges of violating visa rules. The strong comments by the

New Delhi, Dec 17: Massive protests took place outside the Parliament in New Delhi against the Communal Violence Bill. BJP, too has reiterated the protests against the bill early morning today. The Communal Violence Bill is likely to be tabled by the Parliament today, as announced by the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. As per sources, the Cabinet cleared the Bill on Monday. Several

Ralegan Siddhi, Dec 17: Anna Hazare has thanked Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for his "commitment" to the passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament, while demanding inclusion of recommendations of the select committee in the bill. "The country awaits a strong Lokpal," Hazare said in the letter to Rahul, dated December 15 and released to media today. "I welcome your commitment to get the Bill

New Delhi, Dec 17: With almost all political parties on Monday reiterating their desire to pass the Lokpal Bill at the earliest, the Samajwadi Party, which is opposing the legislation, is likely stage a walkout during the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Emerging from an all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said all parties which attended the meeting were unanimous

New Delhi, Dec 17: Integration of police administration with mobile phone network to trace distress calls in the shortest possible time and installation of GPS in public transports are some of the measures for safety of women that will soon be a reality, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said on Monday. “Instructions will be issued by the Ministry of Information Technology to all mobile phone

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Aam Aadmi Party refused to reveal its cards on Monday after the Congress replied to the former’s 18 issues that sought clarity before forming a government with the Congress’ “unconditional support”. An AAP meeting is scheduled on Tuesday to take a final decision. All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge for Delhi, Shakeel Ahmed, said 16 of the 18 points

New Delhi, Dec 17: Road Transport and Highways Minister Oscar Fernandes has been given the additional charge of Labour and Employment Ministry following the death of Sis Ram Ola. Fernandes had held the Labour portfolio during the UPA 1 rule. According to a Rashtrapati Bhawan statement, the President, advised by the Prime Minister, has directed that Fernandes shall be given additional charge of the