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India pips China on development index
New Delhi, October 21
A day before the National Development Council meets in the national capital, the Planning Commission released the second India Human Development Report 2011, which records controversial claims and a few surprises on income, education, health, literacy and sanitation. The last India-specific report had come out in 2000.

Can’t rear snakes in your backyard to attack others, Hillary warns Pakistan
Islamabad, October 21
As expected, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday delivered a blunt message and piled more pressure on Pakistan to act against the Haqqani terror network within “days and weeks” and not in ‘months and years’.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) listens to Pakistan's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Friday. — Reuters

Strong Lokpal top priority, says PM
New Delhi, October 21
Under pressure to take urgent and effective steps to curb corruption, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the UPA government has put the establishment of a Lokpal Bill and other anti-graft measures on top of its agenda.

AFSPA to go from some areas soon: Omar
Srinagar, October 21
The J&K government has decided to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the next few days from some areas of the state in view of a gradual improvement in the security situation.

J&K page: AFSPA revocation will affect anti-terror operations: Army

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a police function in Srinagar. Photo: Amin War

HC cancels land acquisition in three Noida villages
Farmers of 60 others to get enhanced compensation
Lucknow, October 21
In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court today ordered that the land of three villages in Noida and Greater Noida be returned to farmers while farmers of another 60 villages would now receive enhanced compensation for their land.

Farmers celebrate after the Allahabad High Court order in Noida on Friday. — PTI