India steps up efforts for release of hostages

New Delhi/Islamabad, July 22 India today stepped up efforts to secure the safe release of its three nationals held hostage in Iraq along with four others as a video showed the captives making desperate pleas for their lives.

A video grab shows the Indian hostages at an undisclosed location in Iraq. — Reuters photo In video: India hopes Iraqi captors will release hostages. (28k, 56k)

Nation page: 5,000 Indians working in Iraq

Take all I have but free my son, man to Iraqi militants

Dehlan (Una), July 22 I am ready to give anything to them for releasing my son. They can take every penny I have in lieu of my only son. Kusum Lata, wife of kidnapped driver Ataryami, with her daughter.

President refers Punjab water law to SC
New Delhi, July 22
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam today sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on the Punjab Government’s decision to abrogate all water-sharing treaties with its neighbouring states after the Union government sought a Presidential reference on this issue under Article 143 of the Constitution.

SAD appeals to President, PM on SYL issue
Special article: Logic and law of water-sharing

Judge refuses to hear Soren plea
CJ orders hearing today
Ranchi, July 22
The Jharkhand High Court posted for hearing tomorrow Coal Minister Shibu Soren’s petition challenging the non-bailable warrant issued against him in Chirrudih massacre case.

Nation page: Soren issue rocks Parliament
In video (28k, 56k)

Punjab cuts admission fee to MBBS, homoeo courses
Chandigarh, July 22
The Punjab Government today slashed the admission fee and fixed the limit of other charges to be taken from students for joining the MBBS, BDS, Ayurvedic and homoeopathy courses in the government recognised private colleges in the state.

Haryana buying power worth 16 cr each day
Panchkula, July 22
Haryana Power Utilities is spending Rs 15 crore to Rs 16 crore each day for buying power from Himachal Pradesh and Orissa to meet the increasing demands of power.

Last date for filing IT returns extended

Pak extends visa of Indian woman facing deportation Islamabad, July 22 The Pakistani Government today allowed an Indian doctor, who faces deportation from Pakistan on expiry of her visit visa, to stay in the country for another 60 days. Dr Divya Dayanan, 22, now Hafza Aman, married Aman Khan Hoti last year after embracing Islam.