India

New Delhi, October 28: Battling perceptions of policy paralysis, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday effected a major reshuffle of his council of ministers and expressed confidence that the new team would be able to meet the challenges ahead. "It is a combination of youth, experience and relevance to the portfolios that have been entrusted to the ministers," Singh told reporters soon after the

New Delhi, October 28: Salman Khurshid on Sunday took over as the External Affairs Minister, the only minister to assume the charge immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. “The Prime Minister and Congress President have placed a very important responsibility on my shoulders. It will be my endeavour to ensure that I live up to their very high standards,” Mr. Khurshid, 59-year-old lawyer by

New Delhi, October 28: Resorting to corporal punishment in class or forcing students to purchase books, uniforms and other stationery from a particular shop could land one up to three years in jail, according to a draft Bill on curbing unfair practices in schools. The draft 'Prohibition Of Unfair Practices in Schools Bill', 2012 makes it clear that no school shall directly or indirectly demand or

Mumbai, October 28: Veteran social activist Anna Hazareis likely to rope in Bollywood actor Aamir Khanfor the new phase of his movement, which he plans to launch in January. Hazare would speak to Aamir in this regard after the actor returns from Haj pilgrimage, sources close to the anti-graft crusader told PTI. Aamir's hugely popular TV show "Satyamev Jayate" had raised public awareness about

New Delhi, October 28: Personal chemistry helps in diplomacy. Recalling his years as foreign minister, SM Krishna on Saturday said he forged a "good understanding" with his Pakistani and Chinese counterparts, Hina Rabbani Khar and Yang Jiechi respectively, which helped him to improve India's relations with these countries. "I had a good understanding with Hina Rabbai Khar and Yang Jiechi," Krishna

Greater Noida, October 28: Exactly a week after the government suspended Kingfisher's licence to fly, the airline's near bankrupt chief Vijay Mallya flew in from London on his private jet and headed to the F1 circuit on Saturday and slammed the Indian media. "You believe that Indian papers have any credibility?" Mallya said in response to coverage of Kingfisher troubles. "There is no libel law in

New Delhi, October 27: Union Council of Ministers is set for a major revamp tomorrow with at least 10 new faces likely to be inducted and some Ministers of State to be promoted besides a rejig in Cabinet portfolios wherein Anand Sharma may be made External Affairs Minister. Ahead of the reshuffle, three Cabinet Ministers Ambika Soni (I&B), Mukul Wasnik (Social Justice) and Subodh Kant Sahai

New Delhi, October 27: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Saturday said he has learnt the hard way that wealth should not be displayed in India, and that it is better to be a multi-billionaire politician in the country. "I have learnt the hard way that in India wealth should not be displayed. (It is) Better to be a multi-billionaire politician dressed in Khadi," Mallya tweeted amid a long-continuing

New Delhi, October 27: Devout people thronged mosques across the capital Saturday to offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. "On this auspicious day, we offer prayers and do charity. People prayed here for peace in the country, greeted each other and exchanged sweets and gifts," Maulana Mufti Mohammed Mukkaram, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid in old Delhi, told IANS. After offering prayers

New Delhi, October 27: S M Krishna, who resigned as External Affairs Minister, on Saturday said it was “time up” for him to make way for younger blood and appeared to keep his options open on playing a role in Karnataka politics. “...the flavour of the season is that youngsters must take over the reins of responsibility and I felt that it was time up for me to make way for younger blood to take