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SAARC puts trade pacts on fast track
Leaders call for speeding up transport connectivity between member countries
Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, in Maldives
Addu, November 11
As the heads of state gathered for the retreat and the closing ceremony of the 17th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held at different venues at the Addu atoll, it was the headgear and clothes that reflected the unique South Asian identity that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had hoped they would be able to forge.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Addu on Friday. — PTI

The Addu declaration

Unified Command in J&K will decide on AFSPA: Antony
New Delhi, November 11
Defence Minister AK Antony today backed the Army’s stand on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. He made it clear that the unified command in Jammu and Kashmir would decide which areas can be removed from under the purview of the AFSPA.

Beant Singh assassin Hawara attacked in Chandigarh court
Chandigarh, November 11
Exposing chinks in the police security of late Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh’s assassins, a group of right wing activists today attacked dreaded Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara on the premises of the district courts in Sector 17 here.

Kingfisher seeks govt bailout
New Delhi, November 11
Beleaguered Kingfisher Airlines today sought a government bailout on a day when its shares crashed to a record low amid continuing debt fears, as it cancelled more flights for the fifth straight day, with 40 flights being cancelled.

India ‘jigri dost’, Pak twin brother: Karzai
Addu, November 11
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and is understood to have discussed with him the regional situation, particularly in the war-torn country.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Nepali counterpart Baburam Bhattarai in Addu on Friday. — PTI

India-Nepal taxation pact soon

Gilani a peacenik? BJP ready to corner PM in Parliament
New Delhi, November 11
Ahead of the crucial winter session of Parliament, the BJP today signalled that it would corner the government on the certificate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday issued to his Pakistani counterpart in Maldives, calling the latter a “man of peace”.

Social security for Indians in Canada soon
New Delhi, November 11
Nearly 10 lakh people of Indian origin in Canada, a majority of whom are Punjabis, will soon get a compact social security cover in their host country. After months of thorny negotiations, India and Canada have finalised a social security pact which would be signed soon. Officials in the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry said New Delhi wanted to sign the accord at the earliest.

2G: Raja refuses to examine witnesses
New Delhi, November 11
The 2G Spectrum scam case today entered a crucial stage with a Delhi court commencing the trial amidst protest by former Telecom Minister and prime accused A Raja refusing to cross-examine witnesses, saying trial cannot start when the probe is still underway. (Details on Nation Page)