Tainted ministers’ issue rocks Parliament
New Delhi, August 16
The tainted ministers’ issue resurfaced in Parliament today as both Houses met for the first time after a three-week recess, with Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha creating a pandemonium and later walking out as the Chairman refused to allow discussion on the issue.
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SAD boycotts Tytler
Hearing put off
Nation page: Try Taslimuddin outside Bihar, says BJP
Soren granted bail

Oppn, Pranab agree on truce in LS
New Delhi, August 16
After repeated boycotts and adjournments during the first phase of the Budget session, the Lok Sabha today conducted business in a peaceful manner after a three-week recess, though the issue of “tainted ministers” continued to cast its shadow on the proceedings.
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Cable operators to go on strike today
New Delhi, August 16
Cable television services across the country will be suspended from tomorrow with a major cable operators’ forum today announcing its decision to go on an indefinite strike against the proposal to bring them under the service tax net.

Himachal page: Centre gives nod to run four units of Nathpa Jhakri Water of the Sutlej gushes in full force beside Rampur town which faces a flash flood threat from the expanded lake in Tibet. — PTI photo

Hostages safe, says Ahamed; MEA mum
New Delhi, August 16
The Ministry of External Affairs today remained tightlipped on the Iraq hostage crisis and no statement was issued by the ministry, even though the Crisis Management Group met for a couple of hours this afternoon.

Hostage’s family turns to gods
KGL man speaks to Antaryami’s family
World page: Foreign scribe, translator abducted in Iraq



CPM MP’s husband held for running brothel
Kolkata, August 16
Aftar Singh, husband of CPM MP Jyotirmoyee Sikhdar, was arrested today from Salt Lake for allegedly running a brothel. Nine others — four girls and five youths — were also arrested on the charge of indulging in immoral activities from the hotel the MP owns.

Follow-up
I-Day liquor sale brings excise laws under scanner
Chandigarh, August 16
UT Excise officials have no explanation for allowing liquor sale on Independence Day except that they had decided to follow Punjab.

SC to hear liquor vends case on Aug 23