Friday, March 18, 2011, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 2:30 am (IST)

Cong goes on offensive as Oppn seeks PM’s ouster
n A 2008 WikiLeaks cable alleges bribing of MPs to win the vote of confidence during the passage of Indo-US N-deal n The cable was sent by an American diplomat, who was political counsellor in the US Embassy, to his government
New Delhi, March 17
Just when the Congress thought it was recovering from a spate of corruption charges which were levelled against it over the past several months, the party was hit with another crisis today. The latest WikiLeaks cables have suggested that the UPA government won a crucial trust vote in 2008 on the India-US nuclear agreement through the unscrupulous use of money power.

Hasan Ali Khan surrenders after SC cancels his bail
New Delhi/Mumbai, March 17
Pune-based stud-farm owner Hasan Ali Khan surrendered before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai tonight after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail in a money laundering case and remanded him to the four-day ED custody. “I respect the SC's order,” said Khan, while entering the ED premises in south Mumbai. The SC had earlier in the day remanded Khan in the custody of the ED for four days after pulling up the trial court judge, who had granted bail to Khan while dismissing the agency's plea for his remand.

RBI ups key rates, loans to get dearer
Savers can now earn higher interest rates on fixed deposits
New Delhi, March 17
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today raised key policy rates by 25 basis points (100 basis points equals 1 per cent) in its continuing fight against inflation which is likely to make home, auto and corporate loans more expensive and slow down growth in the economy. However, it is good news for savers who can earn higher interest rates on their bank fixed deposits.

No talks with Jats till they suspend stir, says govt
New Delhi, March 17
Hardening its stance on the agitating Jat community, the government has decided there will be no talks with protestors till the ongoing stir is suspended. The government is also ready with an action plan to thwart the agitation to ensure that it does not spread further or acquires a violent form. 

Choppers sent to pour water on Japan reactors
A US nuclear expert warns of a “potentially catastrophic situation” 
Fukushima/Tokyo, March 17
Japan today made desperate efforts to douse overheating spent fuel rods at its quake- crippled reactors in the Fukushima plant, dumping tonnes of water using helicopters and water cannon trucks amid growing concerns of a nuclear disaster. A top US nuclear expert warned that a “potentially catastrophic situation” could be round the corner.

The Last Word
Justice SH Kapadia, cji
Wielding the gavel judiciously
The nation was watching and the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was in his element during the day-long hearing last month. The CJI fired a volley of acutely embarrassing questions at the government and PJ Thomas. The packed courtroom resonated with the pointed queries as the CJI’s baritone voice left the counsel for Thomas and the government scurrying for cover. Even then, the advocates and the journalists present in the court remained sceptical, given their past experience in such high-profile cases.