SC turns down Centre’s review plea on convicted lawmakers
But agrees to reconsider ban on jailed netas to contest elections
New Delhi, September 4
The Supreme Court today dismissed the Centre’s petition seeking a review of the July 10 judgment disqualifying MPs and MLAs immediately upon their conviction by the trial court in serious criminal cases, maintaining that the verdict did not suffer from any infirmities, legal or otherwise.

Congress, BJP join hands to pass pension Bill
New Delhi, September 4
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the long-pending Pension Bill that seeks to promote old age income security, with the government saying it is based on the principle that "you save while you earn".

Rajya Sabha passes land Bill

Haryana House set to clear five key Bills
Chandigarh, September 4
The Haryana Assembly is set to clear five key Bills, including the one regularising hundreds of illegal settlements in the state, and another on encouraging eco-friendly colonies in various upscale suburban areas.

Top Hizb militant, two aides held in north Kashmir
Srinagar, September 4
Security forces in Kashmir today arrested the longest surviving militant commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen along with his two associates from north Kashmir's Bandipore district.

Back in Amritsar, Sidhu cold-shouldered by BJP top brass
Amritsar, September 4
BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu was forced to skip a meeting with party workers, apparently due to lukewarm response, on his return to his constituency after a gap of over six months today.

New RBI Governor allays fears, unveils ‘big initial package’
Mumbai, September 4
New RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday came out with a slew of measures, including more trade settlement in rupees to rescue the battered financial markets, and hinted at a shift in focus from inflation control to boosting growth.

New banking licences by January 2014: RBI
Mumbai, September 4
The RBI today said it plans to issue new bank licences around January, "consistent with the highest standards of transparency and diligence." (Details on Business page)

From Sharif to Sonia: A ‘get well’ bouquet New Delhi, September 4 Amid speculation about the possibility of a meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan in New York later this month, Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif had sent a bouquet of flowers along with a ‘get well’ message to Congress President Sonia Gandhi last week, it is learnt.