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THE TRIBUNE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

Taliban kill hostage
PM outraged; Karzai promises better security

New Delhi, November 23 Taliban terrorists have killed an Indian hostage in Afghanistan, M R Kutty, barely within three days after taking him captive, sending a chilling reminder to the international community that the medieval mindset jihadi outfit is once again on the resurgence path.

In this undated family photograph, kidnapped Indian driver who worked for the Border Roads Organisation, Maniappan Raman Kutty is pictured with his family at Chingoli village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. — AFP photo Kutty’s family devastated BJP flays killing Editorial:  Kutty’s killing

Makkar is SGPC chief Bhaur back as General Secy Amritsar, November 23 After half a century, an urban Sikh, Mr Avtar Singh Makkar, who is considered greenhorn in Sikh politics, became the 38th President of the SGPC, with a voice vote at the general house of mini parliament of the Sikhs here today. Editorial: New SGPC President Mr Avtar Singh Makkar after his election as SGPC chief on Wednesday.  — A Tribune photo

A Tribune Exclusive
RSS, BJP block Uma’s return to MP chief ministership
New Delhi, November 23
Whatever the former Chief Minister, Ms Uma Bharti, may be doing, she will not get her old job back.

Nitish’s swearing-in today
Sushil Modi to be Deputy CM
Patna, November 23
The NDA leader and Chief Minister designate, Mr Nitish Kumar, today officially staked claim to form the next government in Bihar before Governor Buta Singh marking the end of six months of President’s rule in the state, which began with the dissolution of 13th Bihar Assembly on May 23 this year.
In video (28k, 56k)

UPA, Left prepare counter-strategy
New Delhi, November 23
With a belligerent opposition all set to take on the government in the winter session of Parliament which opened here today, united UPA and Left leaders today made it clear that they will not stand in the way of a discussion on the Volcker report but will resist any debate on the Mitrokhin Papers, which has alleged that the erstwhile Soviet Union had bankrolled several Congress and Left party leaders.

House condoles deaths of Narayanan, quake victims

Jaya may be disqualified
New Delhi, November 23
The Election Commission has set a date next month on a complaint filed against cinestar and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan alleging that she was holding two offices of profit and should be disqualified from Parliament.

Pensioners’ DA increased
Chandigarh, November 23
The Punjab Government has increased the dearness allowance (DA) of government pensioners and family pensioners from 17 per cent to 21 per cent. Informed sources said the decision would be implemented with effect from July 1, 2005. — TNS

Ban shahtoosh shawl trade, SC directs J&K New Delhi, November 23 After being declared one of the five mascots of the Beijing Olympics, Tibetan antelope chiroo, hunted for its precious wool, got protection from the Supreme Court as it directed the Jammu and Kashmir Government to put a complete ban on the manufacture and trade of shahtoosh shawls made of it.