Post-terror Rumblings
Patil absent from Sonia meeting
New Delhi, September 15
Home minister Shivraj Patil faced renewed attack today from the Opposition, UPA allies and his own party for his handling of the internal security situation, even as the Congress officially dismissed demands for the minister’s resignation.

He will stay, says Cong

Antony blames it on Pak
New Delhi, September 15
Union defence minister AK Antony today pointed an accusing finger at Pakistan for supporting terror groups operating inside India. “A large number of armed groups have sanctuaries in our neighbouring states who use these bases and resources to carry out acts of terrorism across India,” Antony said, adding that “militants are getting support from across the border and this is a fact.”

Lalu has some ideas, wants all-party meet

Relations with India crucial: Prachanda

New Delhi, September 15 Nepal’s new Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal Prachanda today said relations with India were ‘crucial and vital’ for the Himalayan nation, in what is seen as a clear attempt by the Maoist government to dispel the impression that it was tilting towards China.

Nepali japphi Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as ‘Prachanda’, hugs Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when they met in New Delhi on Monday.

Financial Tsunami
Lehman bankrupt, Merrill taken over
New York, September 15
Global markets plummeted today after investment bank Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy protection, rival Merrill Lynch agreed to be taken over and the Federal Reserve threw a lifeline to the battered financial industry.
A man carries a box after leaving the Lehman Brothers European headquarters building in Canary Wharf in east London on Monday.
— AFP photo (Details on Business page)

Oil drops by 7 per cent
Sensex down 469 points
Indian firms lose over Rs 2,000 cr

Questioning of Capt up to police: Court
Chandigarh, September 15
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today brought under its preview Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s direction on subjecting Capt Amarinder Singh to custodial interrogation. Taking up the former Chief Minister’s petition, the Division Bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Ajay Tewari not only stayed the Vidhan Sabha’s directions on custodial interrogation, but also ruled the same were, prima facie, not binding.

Vacant OBC seats can go to general category students: SC
New Delhi, September 15
The Supreme Court today clarified that vacant OBC seats in educational institutions would go to students from the general category. Issuing a notice to the Centre for ascertaining the number of seats lying vacant, a five-member Bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan fixed the next hearing in the case for September 29.

Pak troop fire turns back US choppers
Islamabad, September 15
Firing by Pakistani troops forced US military helicopters to turn back to Afghanistan after they crossed into Pakistani territory early today, Pakistani security officials said.