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Govt blames NDA for VVIP copter mess
Says changes made after Brajesh Mishra’s observations
Asks manufacturer for details of ‘bribes’
New Delhi, February 14
Apportioning blame on the Atal Behari Vajpayee-led PMO, the Ministry of Defence today said specifications in the VVIP helicopter deal were mooted in 2003, while it separately asked AgustaWestland to categorically state its financial transactions with agents in India.

India and France sign Rs 30,000-cr missile deal
To co-produce surface-to-air missile
To expedite talks on Rafale fighter jet
New Delhi, February 14
Consolidating their strategic partnership, India and France today announced conclusion of negotiations to jointly produce the short range surface-to-air missile and committed themselves to speeding up negotiations on the $10 billion deal for Rafale aircraft and on the setting up of six European Power Reactors (EPRs) at Jaitapur as part of bilateral civil nuclear cooperation.

Nation page: French Prez: Won’t tolerate graft in defence deals

Punjab industrialist shot dead in Himachal
Crime took place in front of his Mehatpur factory
Contract killing suspected
Una, February 14
An industrialist from Punjab was shot dead in broad daylight in Himachal on Thursday in what seems to be the first contract killing in the state.

Pak troops violate ceasefire in Poonch
Jammu, February 14
In a fresh ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops tonight fired at Indian posts along the LoC in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, but there was no casualty. Pakistani troopers resorted to small and medium weapon firing in Balnoi forward area at 8.05 pm. Indian troops retaliated resulting in exchange of fire which continued till 10.50 pm. There was no loss of life, a defence spokesperson said.

India joins world in ‘One Billion Rising’ New Delhi, February 14 Roars of “Strike! Dance! Rise!” on Conga beats rocked the Parliament Street today as thousands of men and women enthusiasts participated in the “One Billion Rising” campaign with rest of the country and 200 other nations to raise their voice in support of women rights. A One Billion Rising rally in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui