Govt withdraws ordinance, Bill on lawmakers
New Delhi, October 2
In one of the swiftest reversals of its decision, the Union Cabinet tonight announced the withdrawal of the controversial ordinance providing protection to convicted lawmakers as also the Bill in Parliament.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday. — PTI

Allies go with the tide, but have some reservations
New Delhi, October 2
Allies in the UPA went with the lead partner Congress in deciding to withdraw the controversial ordinance providing protection to convicted lawmakers, but there were rumblings over the manner in which the collective view of the Cabinet was sought to be overturned.

Not much help from Centre, states struggle on food security
Chandigarh, October 2
With the Central Government issuing numerous instructions with regard to the implementation of the National Food Security Programme under the provisions of the National Food Security Act, it will not be an easy task for the states to handle. In fact, the Centre, after taking the credit of enacting the welfare law, has put the ball in the court of the states to implement it without extending any logistical support and without making any firm commitment to give fiscal help to meet the overhead cost.

Pakistan special troops backing infiltrators along LoC: Army
Srinagar, October 2
The Army today said the militants holed up between the Line of Control and the fencing in the Keran sector had “the training and backing of special troops”. The operation in Kupwara district, 130 km from Srinagar, entered its ninth day on Wednesday with the Army claiming to have killed 12 infiltrators so far.

Haryana’s award-winning goalie awaits job
Sirsa, October 2
Indian women hockey team’s award-winning goalkeeper Savita Punia (23) is without a job. Punia was adjudged the best goalkeeper in the 8th Asia Cup Hockey that concluded in Kuala Lumpur on September 27. She was instrumental in India’s victory over China in the playoff as she stopped a crucial penalty stroke in the sudden death to clinch a bronze medal for the country.

Double delight for Punjab, via train
Holy City to Nainital, direct, once a week
Amritsar, October 2
A long-pending demand of the Sikh community residing in and around Nainital was today met.


Passengers on the Amritsar-Lal Kuan AC Express, at Chandigarh on Wednesday. Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Hoshiarpur finally linked with Delhi