Convicted lawmakers can contest polls
Cabinet negates Supreme Court order, clears ordinance to shield such MPs and MLAs 
New Delhi, September 24
The Cabinet today cleared an ordinance aimed at nullifying a recent Supreme Court judgment that said lawmakers convicted of offences punishable with two years or more would automatically stand disqualified from the membership of the Parliament or state legislatures from the date of conviction by a trial court.

NC, Congress dare Gen Singh to name beneficiaries
New Delhi, September 24
Former Army Chief VK Singh’s claim that money was paid to Jammu and Kashmir ministers from secret funds set off a political storm today with the ruling National Conference (NC) and ally Congress daring him to name the beneficiaries amid a demand for a CBI probe. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the government was ready to investigate the claim if the beneficiaries were identified. The NC further threatened to initiate legal action against General Singh if he failed to name the ministers.

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Strong quake jolts southwest Pak, leaves 45 dead
Islamabad/Karachi, Sept 24
Forty-five people were killed and dozens injured when a major 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan today, with most damage and casualties reported near the epicentre in Balochistan. Dozens of people were killed and houses and shops damaged in Awaran area of Khuzdar district in Balochistan province, TV news channels reported.

Portfolios of Punjab BJP ministers reshuffled
Chandigarh, September 24
On the recommendation of the BJP leadership that was not duly satisfied with the functioning and performance of its some ministers, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reshuffled the portfolios of BJP ministers in his cabinet. On Badal’s advice, Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil has approved the reshuffle.

PM leaves for US today, to address UN General Assembly
New Delhi, September 24
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will leave tomorrow on a visit to the US during which he will hold talks with President Barack Obama and attend UN General Assembly, besides having a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

We have defeated militants: Kenyan Prez
Five militants killed, 11 held 
67 others found dead 
Bodies still under rubble of collapsed floors
Nairobi, September 24
Kenya's President said on Tuesday that his forces had "defeated" Islamists from Somalia's Al Shabab, had shot five of them dead and detained 11 others suspected of killing 67 people after storming a Nairobi shopping mall. 

Kenyan soldiers take up position at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi on Tuesday. — Reuters

Exporter from Bangalore among 6 Indians killed