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SC commutes Bhullar’s death penalty to life term
Reduces sentence for delay in deciding mercy plea, medical condition
New Delhi, March 31
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that death-row convict Devender Pal Singh Bhullar should not be hanged. A four-member Bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam reduced his sentence to life term in jail, mainly for two reasons: he has gone insane due to 19 years of incarceration and there was an “unexplained/inordinate” eight-year delay in the disposal of his mercy petition by the government.

In Haryana, Sonia says Modi’s only aim is to grab PM’s post
Nuh (Mewat), March 31
“Indian democracy faces its toughest challenge as the political war this time is not between parties but secularism and fundamentalism. We seek your support to defeat the people who wish to rule this country on principals of staunch bias,” said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in a veiled attack on Modi at a rally at Kherla village here today.

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Everyone will feel the heat, warns UN climate change report
* Asia to face more extreme weather conditions
 * India, China to see negative impact on wheat yield
New Delhi, March 31
If rich nations think they can escape unscathed from the damaging effects of global warming, it’s time for a re-check. The new report of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has one again sounded a warning bell about impending disasters, raising it to a whole new level this time.

Pak court indicts Pervez for treason
The Special Court on Monday indicted former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf (retd) for high treason. He was indicted on five counts, including subversion of the 1973 Constitution and sacking and detaining of over five dozen judges of superior courts in November 2007.

Petrol cheaper by 75 paisa The government has cut petrol prices by 75 paisa a litre, excluding state taxes, with effect from midnight. The monthly diesel price hike of 50 paisa a litre has been put on hold.

US envoy to India Nancy Powell resigns
New Delhi, March 31
US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell tonight resigned from her post days after reports in the media stated that she would be replaced soon. An announcement by the American Embassy said: “Nancy J Powell announced in a US Mission Town Hall meeting on March 31 that she has submitted her resignation to President Obama and, as planned for some time, will retire to her home in Delaware before the end of May.”

More damage to fresco near Golden Temple Amritsar, March 31 The rare fresco that adorns the 'samadh’ in front of the Golden Temple’s main entrance has suffered further damage as the authorities and its caretakers have failed to initiate any steps for its conservation. The ongoing construction work of the Golden Temple entrance plaza — a state government project that started in October 2011 — has also done it no good. A damaged fresco near the entrance to the Golden Temple.