Shun violence for peace talks, separatists told
PM slams Pak for Baloch, Taliban funding charges
Srinagar, October 29
Asserting that the Centre was ready for “serious discussions” with separatists in Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here today that a dialogue could be held with every group provided they shunned the path of violence.

India ticks off OIC over J&K envoy
Editorial: PM’s offer well-meant

Major blaze at Jaipur IOC depot; 5 killed, 150 hurt
Jaipur, October 29
A major fire broke out in the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depot in Sitapura Industrial Area here this evening, causing death of five persons and injuries to around 150 persons, including three depot officials and fire personnel. The condition of 20 persons is reported to be critical.

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No work, only perks for Punjab CPSs
Chandigarh, October 29
A “jhandi wali car” is a dream of all politicians. In Punjab, 14 legislators of the SAD-BJP combine have been given ministerial status by appointing them as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

Centre sees reason in Haryana’s plea for separate HC
New Delhi, October 29
Acknowledging the need for a separate High Court for Haryana, Law Minister M Veerappa Moily says the Centre is “processing” the state's demand in this regard. “They can have a separate High Court. We are processing and examining the proposal,” Moily told The Tribune yesterday.

Paddy bonus of Rs 50 gets nod
New Delhi, October 29
Amid reports that paddy procurement this year so far has crossed last year’s mark by 1.68 lakh tonnes, the government today announced a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal to farmers on paddy over and above the minimum price announced for the kharif marketing season (October-September).

Punjab Page: Paddy bonus too little, too late: Badal

Password pause over filing of VAT returns
Chandigarh, October 29
Introducing a facility without the requisite infrastructure seems to be a habit with the Punjab government. The latest in a series of such faux pas is the decision taken by the state Excise and Taxation Department making e-filing of VAT returns mandatory for inter-state traders.

Booked ‘falsely’, Muktsar man acquitted after 47 years Jaipur, October 29 In a bizarre tale of delayed justice and police incompetence, a resident of Muktsar district in Punjab had to wait for nearly five decades to get absolved by the court of “unknown” charges filed against him.