BJP keeps up its tirade against Centre
Flays govt for its failure on law and order front
Seeks its intervention in Manipur
New Delhi, December 25
The BJP today kept up its tirade against the Manmohan Singh government for its failure on law and order front and its handling of the situation over the "accumulated anger'" of the people following the December 16 gang rape of a young woman in the national capital.

10-member Virbhadra ministry sworn in
Shimla, December 25
Virbhadra Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister for a record sixth time in front of a mammoth crowd on the historic Ridge Maidan here today.

Urmila Singh, Governor, Himachal Pradesh, administers the oath of office and secrecy to Virbhadra Singh as Chief Minister at the historic Ridge in Shimla on Tuesday. Photo: Amit Kanwar

Editorial: A new beginning

Dense fog blinds North; affects flights, trains
New Delhi, December 25
A thick blanket of fog enveloped most parts of North India, disrupting normal life and hitting air, rail and road traffic, while the relentless cold wave pushed up the death toll to 11. The Met office has forecast a further drop in minimum temperatures in the region and said that poor visibility due to foggy weather would continue over the next 24 hours.

Youth Akali leaders assault Ludhiana AIG
Ludhiana, December 25
Senior Punjab Police officer SS Mand, currently holding the charge of Assistant Inspector General (Counter-Intelligence), Ludhiana range, suffered a fracture after he was assaulted by three Youth Akali Dal leaders and bouncers at a night club in the Ghumar Mandi area here late last night.

Punjab page:
Capt flays assault
Sunny, Banda were expelled in May this year: YAD
Sack Sukhbir and Majithia, says Bajwa

Tough liquor laws drive plum cakes off Mumbai shelves Mumbai, December 25 Gourmets, who eagerly await Christmas for that slice of rich plum cake and a glass of wine, have been forced to sponge off their Christian friends as tough laws regarding sale of alcohol has forced cakes made of rum-soaked fruits off the menu in Maharashtra.