• NATIONAL NEWS

Parliamentary Committee suggests stringent measures for prevention of torture

Parliamentary Committee examining Prevention of Torture Bill has recommended capital punishment or life imprisonment for death due to torture in police custody. Threat of sexual abuse and torture of children have been added to the list, while a minimum compensation of Rs1 Lac has been recommended.

SC commutes death penalty, calls earlier judgments violation of human rights

In the case of Ram Deo Chauhan, SC has held that its earlier judgments, confirming death penalty to the accused for murder of four persons in Assam in 1992, were a mistake and violation of human rights. The accused had submitted that he was only 16 years old when the crime was committed.

DGCA examining passenger fares disclosed by various airlines

DGCA is closely examining the airfare charts put up on websites by various airlines. In most cases the fares are not consumer friendly, as the availability of seats in each price range is not disclosed. DGCA had earlier asked the airlines to bring in transparency in disclosing fares to passengers.

SC questions massive loans granted by banks against hypothecation of telecom licences

In a case filed by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation, SC has expressed surprise that public sector banks including SBI advanced huge loans to telecom companies against hypothecation of licences only. It has also said that it is a matter of public importance and needs to be covered by CBI

New MMDR Bill stuck due to lack of consensus on payment terms for welfare of project affected people

Planning Commission has reportedly termed the idea of 26% profit sharing by mining companies, for welfare of project affected people, as proposed in the draft MMDR Bill, as impractical. It has instead suggested payment of 26% royalty by mining companies.

Trading in sugar futures to resume, indicates FMC

Forward Markets Commission Chairman has indicated that trading in sugar futures will be relaunched on the commodity exchanges in 8-10 days. The trading in sugar futures had earlier been banned for fear of speculation leading to steep price rise, but the ban lapsed two months ago.

Bank mergers to be out of CCI purview?

Though Competition Act doesn't exempt any sector from vetting of M&A deals as per its provisions, the finance ministry and RBI reportedly favour keeping crisis driven mergers of banks out of CCI purview. The matter needs to be resolved before notifying merger provisions under the Competition Act.

MFs encountering roadblocks in complying with KYC norms

Mutual funds are finding it difficult to comply with the new KYC norms of SEBI for investments under Rs 50,000. Apart from hesitation in disclosure, there is the additional problem of small investors in rural areas and towns not possessing the documents required for KYC processing.

Bombay HC stays termination of Kings XI franchise, sends dispute to arbitration

Bombay high court has stayed the termination of IPL franchise of Kings XI by BCCI, and sent the dispute for arbitration. HC has also directed Kings XI to provide security of $3.5m to protect BCCI against notional loss, as it is unable to seek bids for a new franchise as of now.

Delhi HC questions lack of supply of books and uniforms to poor students

Delhi HC has questioned Directorate of Education of Delhi govt regarding lack of free supply of books and uniforms by private schools to students belonging to economically weaker sections. Poor students are supposed to get upto 25% reservation in unaided private schools under RTE Act 2009.

PIL in Delhi HC seeks action against bus depot on Yamuna flood plain

Delhi HC has granted 4 more weeks to DDA to file reply on the PIL of an environment activist. The PIL seeks action against DDA for allowing construction of world's largest bus depot on the flood plain of Yamuna, which not only violates Delhi Master Plan2021 but also spells disaster for the environment.

Govt striving to resolve telecom equipment supply impasse

Govt has indicated that it is trying to evolve a solution to address the concerns of foreign telecom vendors. DOT had recently made it obligatory for foreign suppliers of telecom equipment to share 'source code' of their hardware, a move resisted by many vendors on grounds of 'Proprietary concern'.

TRAI comes out with recommendations on National Broadband Plan

TRAI has issued recommendations on National Broadband Plan to increase broadband penetration. Among other things, it envisages review of duties and levies on inputs and finished products, 100% depreciation for modems and routers, establishment of extensive open access optic fibre network etc.

National procurement law proposed to enhance transparency in govt procurement

Commerce ministry is reportedly working on a proposed national procurement law, that will lay down rules to make the process of procurement by all govt organizations including public sector entities more transparent and competitive. The law is aimed at reducing collusion amongst bidders.

Gujarat announces new pro-farmer land acquisition policy

Gujarat has announced new land aquisition policy, under which farmers will be paid market price for their holdings, as also share 10% of the profit on sale of developed land.Provision of ITI training, allotment of alternative commercial plot are also envisaged.

AP govt to introduce MFI Bill on Dec 10

AP govt is reportedly planning to introduce MFI Bill on December 10. The Bill envisages mandatory registration for MFIs and curb on coercive recovery methods. Howevr, cap on interest is unlikely.

CBEC releases draft of AEO scheme to streamline trade

CBEC has released draft of 'Authorised Economic Operator' scheme, consistent with SAFE Framework adopted by World Customs Organisation. Scheme is aimed at simplifying customs procedures and saving time for approved parties engaged in facilitating international movement of goods.

SC Order restraining Gutkha in Plastic Sachets wef March 2011

The order restraining manufacturers of gutkha, tobacco, pan masala from using plastic materials in the sachets of gutkha, tobacco and pan masala w.e.f. 1st March 2011

RBI to issue draft guidelines on banking licences by January 2011

RBI is in the process of examining the feedback received on the discussion paper on granting new banking licences, and will come out with the draft guidelines on new licences by end January 2011. The most contentious issue is whether to allow corporate houses and NBFCs to enter banking.

RBI asks banks to cap cash deposit charges at Rs 5

RBI has asked banks to bring cash deposit charges in line with NEFT charges, and not to charge more than Rs 5 for any cash deposit at a non-home branch. The move is aimed at protecting customer interest, and curbing unnecessarily high charges.

Nandan Nilekani suggests UID no. as substitute for KYC identity proof

UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani has proposed that UID number may be used as a substitute for KYC procedures for opening 'no frills' bank accounts and securities market transactions. Due to unique biometric details attached, there's less chance of fraud,unlike other identity proofs.

RBI proposes bonds with inflation linked interest

RBI has proposed issue of a new type of index bonds, where the interest also gets adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Principal will be benchmarked to Wholesale Price Index, and interest will be calculated on index adjusted principal.

Delhi HC questions lack of action on tyre industry

Delhi HC has questioned lack of action by finance ministry on its Sep 24 order, whereby it had asked the ministry to set up a panel of experts to look into the grievances of tyre manufacturers. High local rubber prices, high import duties & cheaper tyre imports under FTA are killing the industry.

DOT sets up panel to examine procedures followed in allocation of licences and spectrum

DOT has announced setting up of a one-member committee, headed by retired SC judge Shivraj V Patil, to review internal procedures and policy followed in the allocation of licences and spectrum from 2001-09. SC had also suggested on Wednesday that CBI's 2G probe should go back to 2001.

Import duty on sugar may be imposed form January 2011

Govt might re-impose duty on sugar imports from January 2011 onwards, after reviewing the estimated output for the current season. Import duty on sugar had earlier been withdrawn to ease the prices in the domestic market.

SC refuses to expunge "rotten remarks", says it's time for introspection

The Supreme Court has refused to strike off the adverse remarks it had made against judges of the Allahabad High Court. The two judge bench also added that not all judges are bad, there are good judges too, and it's time for introspection.

Nandan Nilekani suggests UID no. as substitute for KYC identity proof

UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani has proposed that UID number may be used as a substitute for KYC procedures for opening 'no frills' bank accounts and securities market transactions. Due to unique biometric details attached, there's less chance of fraud,unlike other identity proofs.

CBI court in Ghaziabad declares former CEO of Noida Authority guilty in land allocation case

A CBI court in Ghaziabad has found former CEO and chairperson of Noida Authority Neera Yadav guilty in a land allotment case, and awarded her a four year jail term. Noida Entrepreneurs Association had alleged large scale rigging in the allotment of land during her tenure.

Bombay HC stays status quo order against Lavasa

Bombay HC on Tuesday stayed the 'status quo' order of the environment ministry against Lavasa Corporation construction in Maharashtra. The two judge bench observed that it was obligatory for the ministry to hear Lavasa and not suddenly pass an order ex-parte, as the construction had been going on for 6 years.

National mineral policy under the lens

The Committee on Public Undertakings has expressed concern over illegal mining depleting the country's resources and leading to encroachment of forest areas, and recommended that national mineral policy be reviewed and export of natural resources like iron ore and coal be banned.

SC upholds Rajasthan HC verdict

SC on Tuesday upheld a verdict of the Rajasthan HC, quashing two state notifications providing 'consequential seniority' benefit to SC/ST employees. State government was required to prove through data that reserved categories were inadequately represented in its services, as per Nagraj case judgment.

Government provides breather to tobacco companies

The government has allowed cigarette manufacturers to carry on with the current set of pictorial warnings for another 1 year. This will give time to the tobacco firms to clear their unsold inventory, before adopting the guidelines of health ministry regarding depiction of a cancerous mouth.

Delhi HC refuses to stay Delhi government notification to phase out Blueline buses from Dec 15

Delhi HC on December 7 refused to stay Delhi government's notification asking Blueline buses to go off the city roads from December 15. The bus operators are arguing that it will render them jobless. Matter is fixed for further hearing on December 15.

Japan demands binding commitments on emission reduction, India opposes move

Japan has demanded that countries like India & China should be bound by emission reduction commitments before they allow Kyoto protocol to continue or negotiate a long term deal. India has opposed the move, as it wants to continue action on voluntary basis only towards emission reduction targets.

RBI waiting for Malegam Committee report

RBI has ruled out any policy support to microfinance institutions, till the Malegam Committee submits its report. An umbrella organization of MFIs had requested RBI to direct banks to create a corpus of Rs 1000 crores to end the cash crunch for these institutions.

India should not agree to IP norms of EU, demand eminent NGOs

Some international NGOs have urged India not to commit to Europe's tough IP regime, under the proposed India-EU trade pact. India's IP regime is TRIPS compliant, under which India has the right to produce and export generic drugs to poor countries that do not have such capability.

Government allows pulse processing units in SEZ

Government has allowed four firms to set up processing units for pulses in SEZs, provided they import all their raw material and do not carry out any procurement in local or Domestic Tariff Area till the ban on export of pulses continues.

Foreclosure penalty on home loans not against the competition laws, rules CCI

CCI on December 7 ruled that levy of foreclosure penalty does not amount to abuse of dominant position by banks or housing finance companies, as no bank or housing finance company could be said to be in a dominant position in the domestic market, using the current parameters. So question of 'abuse' doesn't arise.

NIMHANS Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha on December 7, 2010

Government on December 7 introduced National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bill in the Rajya Sabha, to grant statutory powers to Bangalore based NIMHANS, as it has become an institution of international repute.

UID data to be linked with NREGA

The UID biometric authentication system will soon be linked with the NREGA data, to bring in more efficiency and transparency into the system and ensure smooth functioning of NREGA.

Corporate Affairs Minister assures meeting IFRS convergence deadline

Corporate Affairs Minister clarified on December 7 that all issues relating to tax implications for convergence of Indian accounting norms with IFRS norms had been resolved, and the April 2011 deadline for beginning the phased transition to IFRS standards would be met.

Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill introduced

Government introduced Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at workplace Bill 2010 in the Lok Sabha on December 7, 2010.

I&B task force to evolve consensus on draft content code for TV

I&B ministry has set up a task force for holding talks with all stakeholders to evolve a consensus on the draft content code for TV channels, and to review programming and advertising codes, including self regulating guidelines.

Finance ministry suggests new model for road projects

Finance ministry has come up with the idea of a transparent auction system of road projects, with least involvement of the government. Suggestions are to release 10% funding upfront, pay balance in EMIs spread over 20 years, and let the developer manage toll collection as well as maintenance of the road.

Parliamentary Committee suggests stringent measures for prevention of torture

Parliamentary Committee examining Prevention of Torture Bill has recommended capital punishment or life imprisonment, for death due to torture in police custody. Threat of sexual abuse and torture of children have been added to the indicative list, while a minimum compensation of Rs1 Lac has been recommended to the next of kin of the victims.

SC commutes death penalty, calls earlier judgments violation of human rights

In the case of Ram Deo Chauhan, SC has held that its earlier judgments, confirming death penalty to the accused for murder of four persons in Assam in 1992, were a mistake and violation of human rights. The accused had submitted that he was only 16 years old when the crime was committed.

Appointment of Judges in Kerala High Court

Hon'ble Justices Shri S. M. Kuriakose, Shri P.R.N.R. Menon, Shri Chandra Villa K.A. Rehim, Shri C.T. Ravikumar, Shri Parameswaran Bhavadasan, Shri S.A.S.P. Satheesachandran, Additional Judges of Kerala High Court, have been appointed to be Judges of that High Court.

Additional Judge of Kerala High Court Appointed

Shri Narchi Kundil Balakrishnan has been appointed as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court for a period of two years with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

SEBI proposes past track disclosure by merchant bankers

SEBI has circulated a paper, proposing that merchant bankers managing an IPO disclose past 3 year record of share sales arranged by them, in the offer documents and on their website. The aim is to increase investor awareness of price rigging, steep pricing of IPO or deficiency in due diligence by these institutions.

SC questions massive loans granted by banks against hypothecation of telecom licences

In a case filed by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation, SC has expressed surprise that public sector banks including SBI advanced huge loans to telecom companies against hypothecation of licences only. It has also said that it is a matter of public importance and needs to be covered by CBI.

Confusion still prevails over minimum wages under NREGA

Principal advisor to the Planning Commission, who heads a committee on wages, has said that states are required to pay their respective minimum wages to workers under NREGA. However, the centre may compensate them only to the extent of its own declared rate, that is, Rs 100 per day.

BIPA with Nepal in the pipeline

Nepal is in negotiations with India to sign a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA), to attract finances from India. India has signed such an agreement with many countries to facilitate higher foreign investment.

Road transport ministry reduces toll rates for three axle trucks

Faced with the threat of strike by truckers, the road transport ministry has signed an agreement to reduce the toll rate for three axle trucks by Re 1 per km. New rates are to immediately apply to all public funded toll roads, and will also be applicable for all new PPP projects in the future.

DGCA demands date wise fares for all routes

DGCA had asked all airlines to post fares for all categories as per dates of purchase, for various routes, on their websites by Dec 8. It had earlier rejected fares furnished by the airlines based on distance, for being very high, and even hinted at investigation by Competition Commission of India to find out if cartelization was involved.

Though the airlines speedily complied, the fares published by the airlines were not very consumer friendly, as passengers could not decipher availability of seats in a particular price band. DGCA is now closely examining the date -wise fare charts for different routes.

Convergence with IFRS norms may get delayed

Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament is likely to suggest delay in modifying the laws to achieve convergence with IFRS norms. The government had earlier committed at the G-20 meet to timely modification of the current taxation & company law provisions to achieve convergence in a phased manner from April 1,2011

Due diligence by online brokerage sufficient for opening account under National Pension Scheme

Acting on a clarification from the finance ministry that due diligence done by an online brokerage will be adequate for opening new pension accounts,the Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority has tied up with ICICI Securities to offer online investment option, to rope in more subscribers.

SC issues notices in mining case on petition from Geomin

SC has issued notices to the centre, Orissa government and POSCO, on a petition filed by Geomin Minerals, challenging the grant of iron ore prospecting license to POSCO for Khandadhar mines. Geomin has claimed that being the first applicant, it had a preferential right to the license.

Higher interest on EPFO deposits to be exempt from income tax

Minister of State for Labour and Employment has informed the Lok Sabha that additional interest on EPFO deposits, resulting from the revised rate of 9.5% announced by the trustees earlier this year, would be exempted from income tax once it is approved by the government.

India-EU FTA expected to get delayed

Though India-EU Free Trade Agreement was eagerly awaited by the Indian exporters and had been under negotiation for some time, it was not ready before the PM's visit to India-EU summit during this week. The FTA is expected to ease restrictions on imports in 27 countries of the EU, and is now likely to be signed by March 2011.

FCRA Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha

Forward Contracts (Regulation)Amendment Bill was introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha on December 6, 2010. The bill proposes to restructure and strengthen Forward Markets Commission, that regulates forward trading in commodities.

Delhi High Court guidelines on right of accused to get copy of FIR

Delhi High Court on its own motion has issued guidelines on right of accused to get copy of FIR and steps required to be taken to facilitate its availability.

The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 introduced before Rajya Sabha

Bill to provide for the establishment of the National Identification Authority of India for the purpose of issuing identification numbers to individuals residing in India and to certain other classes of individuals and manner of authentication of such individuals was introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

SC Notice to PJ Thomas questioning why his appointment as CVC should not be cancelled

The Apex Court has issued notice to PJ Thomas asking why his appointment as Chief Vigilance Commissioner should not be cancelled. The matter has been listed for 27th January 2011 for final disposal.

Right to Service Act in the offing

Bihar government is reportedly proposing a Right to Service Act,to give citizens the right to demand service from public authorities. The legislation is being seen as the next logical step after the RTI Act 2005, to enable people to enjoy their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

M&A deals under the lens

Ministry of Finance has informed the Lok Sabha that the Department of Revenue is examining the tax implications of some of the mega cross border M&A deals that have taken place in the recent past, to study possibility of tax evasion or avoidance. Even domestic deals are under the scanner.

Bombay HC to decide on who is the regulator for futures trading in power

Bombay HC might hear senior government officials' views on Dec 10, on who should have regulatory control over futures trading in power in the country - CERC or Forward Markets Commission? While FMC maintains that under the law such power vests only with it, CERC has indicated through its quasi-judicial rulings that it is the sole regulator.

CLB halts sale of assets by subsidiary of an SEZ, on complaint from JV partner

Company Law Board has halted the sale of assets by a subsidiary of Ansal Seagull SEZ, on a petition filed by the JV partner Seagull Buildwell. The JV was formed to develop an SEZ at Murthal near Sonepat, and the CLB order came over a 'prima facie breach' of rules and regulations.

Hospitality major Hilton files appeal in SC over ''Hilltone" case

Global hospitality chain Hilton has filed a petition in the SC, challenging an earlier order of the Jodhpur bench of Rajasthan HC in the 'Hilltone' case, which had rejected its claim to the exclusive use of the trademark 'Hilton' for its hotels in India.

Delhi HC suggests a time frame for disposing of appeals of appellants who are serving jail terms

Delhi HC has suggested that a time frame be fixed for hearing appeals where the appellant is in jail and the sentence is not suspended. Otherwise prisoners, especially poor people, end up serving a major part of their sentence, even while their appeal keeps pending.

Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women tables its report on 'Women in Paramilitary Forces'

Committee on Empowerment of Women, which submitted its report on 'Women in Paramilitary Forces' to the Parliament on 03.12.2010, has pointed out that it is mandatory for such forces to set up complaint cells headed by women officers to investigate complaints of sexual harassment.

SC: Government can refer daily wagers' dispute to court 'at any time'

In a case relating to a daily wage worker, SC has ruled that there is no prescribed time limit for government to exercise its powers under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, and that appropriate government authority can refer the dispute to a labour court or Board at any time.

SC rejects appeal of La Marts School against Calcutta HC order

SC has turned down the appeal of La Martiniere School against the Calcutta high court order, which directed the school to take back a student who had been denied promotion to the next class for two consecutive years. SC also asked the boy's parents to consider dropping charges against the school.

Government files curative petition in SC seeking review of Bhopal gas tragedy compensation

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has filed a curative petition in the SC, seeking revision of the compensation for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims under the 1989 agreement, on the ground that the figure of dead and injured was erroneous. Petition also seeks compensation for environmental damage

Making dowry demand not sufficient to convict husband and in-laws for unnatural death

The Delhi high court has ruled that merely making demand for dowry is not sufficient in itself to convict husband and in-laws for the unnatural death of a woman. The prosecution has to prove that demand for dowry was coupled with cruelty or harassment.

Government to review bilateral trade pacts

While a host of bilateral trade pacts are in various stages of negotiations, including one with the EU, the government is reportedly planning a review of the ones which have already been operationalized, to assess their overall impact, and whether lowering the import duties has generated higher demand or granted greater access to our exports to these countries in return.

PAN mandatory for mutual funds investments from next year

All mutual fund investors will be required to furnish their PAN no. from next year, irrespective of the size of their investment. Presently, individuals have to furnish their PAN details only if the investment is above Rs 50,000.

SC clears 'Statues' project in Noida park

The Supreme Court has given 'go-ahead' to the UP government's project of installing statues of political icons in a Noida park, close to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Work on the project had been halted due to PILs filed over environment impact concerns.

Madras HC directs banks not to refuse education loans on technical grounds

Madras HC has directed various nationalized banks to take a sympathetic view on education loans sought by youngsters in our country, and not to reject loan applications on hyper technical grounds, as the cause of education needs to be promoted. The judgment came in response to a writ petition.

Nagaland declared 'disturbed area'

The home ministry has declared the entire state of Nagaland to be a disturbed area under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, from 20.10.2010 to 30.06.2011.

Government hikes price of gas for non priority users

The government has hiked up the price of natural gas by 10 percent for non priority sectors. As per a 2005 decision, gas is to be sold at APM prices only to the power and fertilizer sectors, while non priority users not connected to any other source can buy the same at market price.

Haryana introduces 'No Litigation' incentive

Haryana government has introduced a 'No Litigation Incentive clause' in its land acquisition policy, to give 20 percent over and above the fixed rate to those landowners who agree not to resort to litigation once the government acquires their land. The move is expected to speed up urbanisation.

Guidelines to regulate banks' investments into mutual funds in the offing

The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly drafting a set of guidelines in collaboration with SEBI, to regulate banks investments in mutual funds. RBI and SEBI are concerned over the unpredictability of the inflow and outflow of cash from banks to the mutual fund industry.

SEBI takes tough stance on share price rigging

SEBI has barred the promoter groups of four mid size companies from dealing in their shares, after it uncovered evidence of share price rigging by them preceding issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds.

Calcutta HC restrains authorities from holding commercial functions in Botanical Garden

A Division Bench of Calcutta High Court has allowed the appeal of green activists, claiming neglect on part of the authorities of Botanical Garden, to preserve and protect trees in the heritage garden. Moreover, the court restrained them from holding any social or commercial function in the garden.

Andhra Pradesh HC - Gold plating work at Tirumala temple "illegal"

A division bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that the gold plating work of the sanctum sanctorum of Tirumala temple, undertaken by the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD) is "illegal and unconstitutional".

Cabinet approves 2 year tenure for foreign secretary

The Union Cabinet has amended Fundamental Rule 56(d) to provide extension in service to the foreign secretary for period or periods "as may be considered necessary in public interest", provided the total term as foreign secretary does not exceed two years.

Ministry of Labour & Employment adopts new National Employment Policy

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has prepared a draft National Employment Policy with an objective to accelerate employment growth in the organised sector and improve the quality of jobs in terms of productivity, average earnings and protection of workers in the unorganised sector.

MCD - No property tax on illegal colonies

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has passed a resolution, which provides exemption from house tax to the owners of properties in unauthorized colonies, rural and urbanized villages in the city, with immediate effect.

SC directs government to hand over leaked tapes in 2G spectrum scam

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to hand over all original intercepted conversations to it, after preparing copies for investigating agencies like CBI, Income Tax department and Enforcement Directorate.

HC provides a breather to IMA secretary general

The Delhi High Court has granted an interim stay on the suspension of the secretary general of the Indian Medical Association, on the issue of endorsement of products of Pepsi and Dabur, which violated the Medical Council of India's regulation on medical ethics.

SC rejects Bayer's petition in patent case

The Supreme Court has dismissed the special leave petition filed by German drug MNC Bayer Corporation, challenging Delhi high court's judgment to allow registration of a generic version of its patented cancer drug.

HC rejects plea of HIV-infected army personnel over disability pension

The Chandigarh bench of Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has held that the soldier suffering from HIV infection with disseminated tuberculosis (TB) can't claim disability pension, as the virus can neither be attributed to nor aggravated by military service.

The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010 introduced in Lok Sabha

The bills lays down judicial standards and provides for accountability of judges, and strives to establish credible and expedient mechanism for investigating into individual complaints for misbehaviors or incapacity of a judge of the SC or HC, and to regulate the procedure for such investigation.

Environment Panel seeks more information from POSCO on captive port

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment & Forests has sought additional information from South Korean steel maker, Posco, on the captive port near its proposed integrated steel plant in Orissa.

Government - Phone tapping is lawful, but subject to checks

The government has clarified that tapping of telephones is permissible under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, in the interest of public safety and national security. Moreover, there is a proper mechanism to ensure that intercepts are utilised in a strict and legal manner.

Women officers inducted into army on permanent commission

For the first time, twelve serving women officers have been granted permanent commission (PC) in the Indian Armed Forces. Till now, only women officers from the non-medical streams were allowed to serve for a maximum of 14 years as short-service commission (SSC) officers.

Delhi government - Farmhouses to lose licence if guests park cars on road

The Delhi Traffic Police is preparing to crackdown on people who park their cars on the main road opposite a wedding venue. The offenders would be booked under the Delhi Police Act, including farmhouses losing their licences for allowing parking of vehicles on road.

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS

EU Competition Commissioner fines foreign electronics companies for price fixing

EU Competition Commissioner has imposed a fine of Euro 649m on 6 Taiwanese and S.Korean electronics companies, for fixing prices on LCD panels for computers and TVs, between 2001 -06. The watchdog said that it was a well organized cartel, and the companies knew they were breaking competition rules.

China faced most anti dumping investigations in the first half of the year, says WTO

As per a WTO Secretariat report, China faced 23 new anti dumping investigations in the first half of the year, highest for any member. EU and USA came in second and third. India launched 17 new investigations, highest by any member, followed by EU and Argentina.

Court says county does not have to pay damages

The US Supreme Court has said that Los Angeles County does not have to pay damages to a couple listed as child abusers, even though they were declared innocent years ago. Craig and Wendy Humphries were arrested by sheriff's deputies nine years ago, after their rebellious daughter accused them of abuse. State courts ruled that the allegation was false, but they remained on California's Child Abuse Central Index. Federal appeals in 2008 found the system unconstitutional because there's no way for the innocent to clear their names. It ordered the state to come up with a new system and the county to pay damages. But the High Court now says Los Angeles County does not have to pay.

Court questions government's broad use of FOIA exemption

The US Supreme Court has questioned the government's broad use of an exemption in the Freedom of Information Act, to withhold documents from the public. The justices heard argument in an appeal from Glen Milner, a Washington state resident who sued under FOIA for maps showing the extent of damage expected from an explosion at the Navy's main West Coast ammunition dump on an island near Port Townsend in western Washington. The administration defended the decision to deny Milner the maps under a provision of FOIA that exempts from disclosure documents "related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency."

Kraft Foods seeks injunction against Starbucks

Kraft Foods is seeking a preliminary injunction against Starbucks, saying the coffee chain violated terms of a distribution deal. The two businesses had started arbitration proceedings late last month as Kraft looked to keep Starbucks from ending an agreement to distribute and promote its packaged coffee in stores. Kraft said that Starbucks Coffee Co. was taking on an aggressive strategy that threatens to hurt its business. Starbucks said that it wanted to end the agreement, which began in 1998. The chain previously said it felt Kraft Foods Inc. didn't meet its responsibilities under the contract. Kraft says it has expanded Starbucks' packaged coffee business. The contract between the two companies gets automatically renewed for successive 10-year terms and has no end date.

French court found Continental mechanic John Taylor guilty in Concorde crash

A French court has found Continental Airlines, Inc. and one of its mechanics guilty of criminal wrongdoing in the crash of a supersonic Concorde jet outside Paris a decade ago that killed 113 people. The court in the Paris suburb of Pontoise ruled that the U.S.based airline Continental and its mechanic John Taylor must pay fines over the July 2000 crash of an Air France Concorde. Taylor was also handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence. All other defendants were acquitted in the verdict. Investigators have said a Continental DC-10 dropped titanium debris onto the runway at Charles de Gaulle airport before the Concorde took off. They said the debris gashed the Concorde's tyre, propelling bits of rubber into the fuel tanks and sparking a fire.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested in UK

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange surrendered to London police as part of a Swedish sex-crimes investigation, the latest blow to an organization that faces legal, financial and technological challenges after releasing hundreds of secret U.S. diplomatic cables. Assange was due at Westminster Magistrate's Court.

WikiLeaks has seen its bank accounts cancelled, its web sites attacked and the U.S. government launch a criminal investigation, saying the group has jeopardized national security and diplomatic efforts around the world. It has also seen supporters come to its aid by setting up over 500 mirror sites around the world. The legal troubles for Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, stem from allegations leveled against him by two women he met in Sweden. Assange is accused of rape and sexual molestation in one case and of sexual molestation and unlawful coercion in another. Assange denies the allegations, which his British attorney Mark Stephens says stem from a "dispute over consensual but unprotected sex." Assange and Stephens have suggested that the prosecution is being manipulated for political reasons.

A spokesman for WikiLeaks called Assange's arrest an attack on media freedom and said it won't prevent the organization from releasing more secret documents. WikiLeaks has angered the U.S. government by releasing tens of thousands of secret U.S. military documents, followed by the ongoing release of what it says will eventually be a quarter-million cables from U.S. diplomatic posts around the world. It provided those documents to five newspapers, which have been working with WikiLeaks to edit the cables for publication.

Key federal investigation in oil spill panel nears final stretch of probe

A key federal investigative panel is nearing the final stretch in its quest to assign blame for the Gulf of Mexico rig explosion and worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The panel is set to question BP and Transocean officials, as well as technicians responsible for alerting rig workers when gas levels may be too high in drilling mud. It's the panel's sixth series of hearings, and at least one more is expected after this one before the panel issues its report. The panel is still awaiting the results of forensic testing on a key piece of evidence - the blowout preventer that failed to stop the spill. Investigators are analyzing it at a NASA facility in New Orleans.

Besides issuing conclusions on the cause of the explosion, the panel also was expected to make recommendations on how to improve regulation, safety and oversight. However, this panel's inquiry, which began in May, has been among the most exhaustive and has included sworn testimony from dozens of key officials, rig workers and contractors.

Subsequent proceedings will examine the recovery, examination, analysis and evaluation of the blowout preventer. Witnesses expected to testify at the hearings that were to begin and run through which includes a BP drilling engineer manager and several Transocean officials. The panel also was expected to hear from two technicians known as mud loggers who use an assortment of electronic instruments to monitor the drill bit for traces of oil or gas and check for concentrations of hydrocarbons in the drilling mud, and notify rig personnel when levels are too high. Hydrocarbons, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon, are found in crude oil.

US Supreme Court to look at huge sex bias suit versus Wal-Mart

The Supreme Court will consider whether a massive lawsuit that claims Wal-Mart pays women less than men and promotes women less frequently can proceed as a class action suit.

The case could involve 500,000 to 1.5 million women employees who work or once worked at the world's largest private employer. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. calls it the largest employment class action in history. Wal-Mart is appealing a ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco that the class-action lawsuit could go to trial, with potentially billions of dollars in legal damages at stake.

Michigan Supreme Court says woman can sue over toilet paper dispenser injury

Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that a case involving a woman who was injured by the toilet paper dispenser in a restaurant bathroom will proceed to a jury trial. On New Year's eve 2007, Sheri Schooley and her husband were at the Texas Roadhouse in the suburbs of Detroit. When she went to the restroom, the toilet paper dispenser fell onto Schooley's hand. Schooley says her hand was broken and years later, she still has lost most of the use of her hand. She has had to give up her job as an administrative assistant because she can no longer type and the injury has also impacted some of her ability to crochet and bowl.

Wisconsin Supreme Court says juveniles better off getting DUIs at home than out of state

The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently handed down decision in a confusing case. However, the lesson from the case is crystal clear. Young drivers need to be aware of zero tolerance laws regarding alcohol in their own states, and in any other state they drive in.

The Wisconsin court addressed the case of Gerard Carter, an Illinois man who was 26-years-old when arrested for DUI in East Troy. Carter already had one prior drunken driving conviction in Wisconsin, so he was charged with it being a second offense. Then prosecutors found out he had been charged with two more violations of the Illinois zero tolerance laws. This law applies to drivers under 21 who either have a trace of alcohol in their system, or who refuse a blood alcohol test.

Ground Zero Workers to get upto $815m in 9/11 settlement

The City of New York was sued for its failure to provide proper equipment to rescue and cleanup workers following 9/11. After years of sickness (including asthma and blood cancers from continued exposure to toxic dusts) and legal complaints, the much publicized 9/11 settlement has been reached.

Those individuals who opted into the Ground Zero class action, 10,043 in total, settled for up to $815 million -- a group that represents cops, firefighters, and emergency workers. Most Plaintiffs approved of the settlement figure that took over two years to negotiate.

Judge dismisses challenge to Obama Healthcare Law

The requirement that most Americans purchase health insurance by 2014 was one of the many controversial parts of the Obama healthcare law. It has now been challenged and dismissed a couple of times over, but close to two dozen challenges still await review in federal court. The latest dismissal was a 54-page opinion by federal judge Norman Moon who examined the constitutionality of a healthcare requirement. The issue before the Virginia court was whether the Federal government could, in fact, govern how and when Americans get healthcare insurance.

'Farmville' Creator Zynga settles suit over Trade Secret it.

Zynga, the maker of the popular Facebook game "FarmVille," and Playdom just settled their heated lawsuit over trade secret theft allegations. Zynga sued Playdom, alleging that four former Zynga employees stole trade secrets and then joined Playdom. Playdom is the maker of "Mobsters" and "Sorority Life." Playdom was acquired by Disney in July for $563 million. Former employee Holmes was sentenced to 10 days in jail and a $4,000 fine for destroying and withholding evidence relating to the case.

Supreme Court denies Tiffany appeal against eBay

Tiffany & Co., the famous jewellery line, has lost its bid against eBay and other online retailers in a trademark case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. In a case that has been widely seen as attempting to define trademark responsibilities for online retailers, the Supreme Court did not comment on the denial.

Tiffany & Co.'s suit against eBay dates back to 2004, when the New York-based company sued the internet giant for the trademark infringements of their users. Tiffany essentially argued that eBay should be held liable for operating a marketplace in which the company knows a substantial amount of goods being sold are counterfeit. eBay spends close to $20 million a year in anti-fraud measures but is not individually responsible for the frauds that are perpetrated by their vendors, unless eBay specifically knows of the counterfeit item; and even in those cases the company's obligation is limited to removing the listing.

Supreme Court says ignorance no defense for illegal downloaders

U.S. Supreme Court delivered a blow, by denying certiorari in the case of a Texas teenager who appealed her case to the highest court. The choice not to hear the case means that, at least for now, the Court will not review the RIAA's lawsuits against file sharers.

$1.3B verdict against SAP is largest copyright award ever

An Oakland, California jury has awarded the largest ever copyright award in a suit between Oracle and SAP. The $1.3 billion verdict against SAP was just shy of the $1.7 billion Oracle experts asked for. The sizeable sum also represents the 23rd largest jury verdict of all time.

For an intellectual property case, the issue was fairly straightforward: Oracle sued SAP claiming SAP's U.S.-based "Tomorrownow" unit was illegally downloading their software in order to avoid paying licensing fees and steal customers from Oracle. To arrive at the largest copyright award ever, the jury looked at the scope, timing and duration of the illegal downloading.

European Commission planning to regulate derivative trading by banks

European Union is reportedly set to regulate share trading inside banks, by making it mandatory to shift derivative trading to an electronic platform or exchange. This is expected to promote transparency, competition and provide enhanced protection to investors.

Switzerland government enacts law on recovery of illicit assets

The Switzerland government has enacted a new law "Return of Illicit Assets Act", which would come into force from February 1, 2011.