Syrian rebel group demands hostage swap for abducted nuns – paper
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Syrian rebel group calling itself “Free Qalamoun” has claimed the kidnapping of 12 nuns and said it wants to trade them for a thousand female detainees held by the government, a pan-Arab newspaper reported on Friday. Rebel spokesman Mohannad Abu al-Fidaa told... read more »
Pawar announces Rs. 7,200-crore bailout package for sugar industry
An informal Group of Ministers, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, on Friday recommended a slew of incentives to the sugar industry, including 12 per cent interest subsidy on Rs. 7,200-crore loan that mills can avail of from banks for paying cane farmers. The panel, constituted by the... read more »
Gold prices fell by Rs 465 to Rs 30,785 per ten gram
Gold prices fell by Rs 465 to Rs 30,785 per ten gram in the national capital on Friday on reduced offtake by stockists at existing higher levels amid a weak global trend. Silver remained under selling pressure for the fourth straight day and lost Rs 200 to Rs 43,600 per kg, after losing Rs 1,275 in... read more »
Five-day state mourning as mark of respect to Mandela
The government on Friday announced a five-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela. A decision to this effect was taken at a special meeting of the Union Cabinet, which condoled the death of the anti-apartheid icon. “Mandela was the tallest leader of not only his generation but... read more »
Tehelka assault case: Reports suggest arrest of Tejpal on arrival in Goa
Panaji – Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal is reported to be on his way to Goa, but is not responding to calls or messages of police in the state to appear before them by 3 p.m. today. Goa... read more »
Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra survives no-confidence vote,protests continue
Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister has easily survived a no-confidence vote in parliament. Lawmakers in Bangkok voted 297 to 134 Thursday against unseating Yingluck Shinawatra, who faces... read more »
Campaigning intensifies in poll-bound Rajasthan
Jaipur – All political parties contesting in the Rajasthan election have intensified their efforts in the last leg of campaigning in the state. Polling for 199 seats will be held on... read more »
Rupee down 26 paise against dollar in early trade
The rupee on Thursday weakened by 26 paise to 62.40 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market due to appreciation of the greenback against other... read more »
Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury quit from Tehelka
Under fire from various quarters, including the media fraternity, for the way she handled a junior colleague’s sexual harassment charge against founder-editor of Tehelka, Tarun Tejpal, managing... read more »
