Cong-ruled states to have Lokayuktas by Feb-end
Reconsider Adarsh report, says Rahul; puts Chavan in bind
New Delhi, December 27
Eager to establish his image as a practical crusader against corruption, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today challenged the Opposition to join hands and legislate on a slew of bills pending in Parliament to tackle graft in public life through a framework and system.

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference along with Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states at the AICC office in New Delhi on Friday. PTI

Cong high command’s please-all PPCC list out
New Delhi, December 27
With the 2014 General Election a few months away, the Congress today announced the members of much-delayed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) that comprises 292 members, including 14 vice-presidents, 35 general secretaries, 61 secretaries and 34 permanent invitees. The new state Congress’ Executive Committee will have 148 members and the party high command also named 27 new urban and rural district presidents.

Punjab Govt ready to release 145 convicts undergoing life term
Chandigarh, December 27
The Punjab Government is mulling the premature release of 145 convicts undergoing life term in jails across the state. The case files are being cleared at a fast pace and the release orders are expected by December 31.

Valley ‘half-widows’ can remarry after 4 yrs
Srinagar, December 27
For years, the 'half-widows' of Kashmir have suffered silently, forgotten by society and the government. Now, a group of prominent Islamic scholars (or Ulemas) in the Valley have held that women in Kashmir, whose husbands went missing during the over two-decade militancy period, can remarry if their spouses remained untraced for four years.

Diplomat’s Arrest in NY
US embassy yet to file details of Indians employed by mission
New Delhi, December 27
The US embassy has not yet submitted the details of the salary and income tax details of the Indian staff working for the mission as well as consulates, as sought by India following the diplomatic row over the Devyani Khobragade episode.