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Attention NRI's from Haryana State

Latest news, updated at 5:45 pm 2G: Govt defends Chidambaram...more AMRI directors sent to 10-day police custody...more Punish the guilty, Kolkata echoes in one voice...more Sreedharan not to head Kochi Metro...more

 89 die in Kolkata hospital blaze
n Fire tears through 7-storey private hospital n Most of the dead suffocated in the intensive care ward n Firefighers take an hour to arrive, witnesses say n Police arrest 6 hospital directors for negligence
Kolkata, December 9
A devastating fire tore through a seven-storey private hospital in south Kolkata before dawn on Friday, killing at least 89 persons, mostly patients who were asleep when the blaze started. The pre-dawn fire broke out at 3.30 am, catching many in their sleep.



Firemen rescue a patient with an orthopaedic injury. — PTI

‘We told guards about fire, but they paid no heed’
Kolkata, December 9
Insufficient and faulty fire-fighting systems, ill-trained hospital staff more interested in saving their own lives — survivors of Kolkata's AMRI Hospital fire today had horrific tales to tell about the tragedy in which at least 89 persons, mostly patients, were killed.

AIIMS, 4 other Delhi hospitals lack NoC from fire brigade
New Delhi, December 9
The Cardiovascular and Neuro Sciences Centre of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which houses the VVIP ward, is among five hospital buildings here that do not have the no-objection certificate (NoC)" from the Delhi Fire Services.

A firefighter battles flames at AMRI Hospital. — PTI

Din in Parliament as Oppn wants Krishna to quit
New Delhi, December 9
The Opposition today forced the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament after repeatedly disrupting the proceedings, demanding the resignation of External Affairs Minister SM Krishna for his alleged role in a mining scam in Karnataka during his tenure as the Chief Minister.

Lokpal Bill report tabled in House
n Govt asks Anna to put agitation plans on hold n Hazare to go on 1-day fast tomorrow 
New Delhi, December 9
No Parliamentary document has perhaps generated so much public interest and speculation as the report on the contentious Lokpal Bill

Fighting corruption
‘Negligible deviation from CVC’s advice’
New Delhi, December 9
With the anti-corruption debate heating up, the Centre has told the Lok Sabha that it was doing well as far as compliance with the advice of the corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was concerned. It reported non-compliance with the Central Vigilance Commission’s advice in less than 0.4 per cent of the cases recommended for action against officers. (Details on Nation page)

Protests across Russia to test Putin, opponents
Moscow, December 9
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's opponents hope to bring large numbers of people out onto the streets across Russia on Saturday for rallies that will test their ability to channel outrage over allegations of election fraud. (Details on World page)