SC pushes for swift justice in rape cases
Wants drastic changes in CrPC, sends notice to Centre
New Delhi, September 1
Setting up of fast-track courts to try rape cases is not sufficient to ensure speedy justice to the victims, the Supreme Court has said, favouring "drastic" amendment in the law for quick disposal of such matters.

Asaram questioned for 4 hours; sent to one-day police custody
Jodhpur, September 1
Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram, was today remanded to police custody for a day after being grilled by Jodhpur police for about four hours. Asaram (72), who was flown from Indore where he was arrested after midnight amid high drama, cleared a potency test conducted on him at the SN Medical college here.

Asaram Bapu comes out of district sessions court in Jodhpur on Sunday. — PTI

AICC yet to discuss leadership change in Haryana
Chandigarh, September 1
Those expecting a change in the leadership of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee may have to wait as the Congress high command is yet to consider the issue. In fact, there may be no change in the immediate future or even in the long run.

CBI to quiz Army officers in VVIP chopper deal
New Delhi, September 1
The CBI will soon examine Army officers who were part of the selection process for the ight utility helicopter deal that came under the scanner of Italian authorities probing bribery allegations against AgustaWestland.

Proposal to shut petrol pumps at night
New Delhi, September 1
The government is considering various proposals, including shutting petrol pumps in the night, to taper fuel demand as it looks at ways to cut the massive oil import bill, Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily said today, drawing a sharp reaction from BJP. 

10% DA hike on cards
New Delhi, September 1
Ahead of festival season, the Central Government will this month announce a hike in dearness allowance to 90 per cent from existing 80 per cent, benefiting about 50 lakh central employees and 30 lakh pensioners. According to official sources, dearness allowance hike will be 10 per cent and would be effective from July 1 this year.

Assad: Syria can confront any external aggression
Beirut, September 1
President Bashar al-Assad said on Sunday that Syria was capable of confronting any external aggression and that threats of a US strike would not discourage the country from a fight against what it described as "terrorism".