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DECEMBER 20-21
Rajnikanth gets down to politicking again
The Tamil superstar, who was dead-set against the AIADMK and is now said to be disillusioned with the DMK as well, is planning to form a 'third front' excluding both parties.
Samajwadi politicians head for Congress
Less than 24 hours after the AICC session in New Delhi, several leaders from various political parties in Uttar Pradesh, including former Union minister Ajay Singh, joined the Congress with their supporters.
BJP protecting Jaya, says Karunanidhi
The Tamil Nadu CM accused the Centre of protecting his rival from action in the corruption cases against her to retain her party's support.
Art 356 will not be abrogated, says Advani
The Union home minister said a consensus had emerged in the Inter-State Council on four safeguards to prevent misuse of the provision.
Primakov's visit will fortify Indo-Russian ties
Russia and India will sign major agreements on defence, trade and economic co-operation during the premier's visit beginning on Sunday.
Tohra's men plan session to counter Badal
Akali politicians owing allegiance to the SGPC president will assemble in Ludhiana on Sunday to chalk out a strategy to counter the camp headed by the Punjab chief minister.
CPI-M women get a raw deal despite Brinda Karat's revolt
Angry women members have accused the leadership of double standards. While the party has been campaigning for gender equality, it is reluctant to give them their due share in party fora, an activist said.
The joint family is going strong in India
Today, more than ever before, larger numbers of the elderly live in joint households in India, according to participants at a recent talk in New Delhi.
The stent man
Arun Tiwari gets his kicks by bringing advanced medical technology down to the masses.
Pakistan resolves F-16 deal with US
The money Islamabad had paid a decade ago for the undelivered fighter aircraft will be returned in cash and kind.
Germany calls for quick end to air-strikes
Regretting the US-led attacks on Iraq, it called for a return to diplomatic efforts to make Saddam Hussein co-operate with UN weapons inspectors.
THE REDIFF SPECIAL
A municipal commissioner and a gentleman
It is not every day that citizens take to the streets in support of a bureaucrat. But that is just what more than 10,000 Thane-ites did on December 13.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
A leader called Sonia
'An alliance between the Congress and the AIADMK now appears a certainty. Interestingly, there is no middleman between Jayalalitha and Sonia. They talk over the telephone directly. Jayalalitha's decision about the Lok Sabha deputy speaker was the outcome of this new friendship,' says Rajiv Shukla.
The Zero of the day
'A few minutes later, BJP general secretary Venkaiah Naidu walks up, and on. But not before he pats Nirupam and mumbles something. Follow leaders of several "secular" parties, none of whom moves on without cutting jokes with the man who has seemingly shocked all of them by his unsavoury remarks...' Capital Buzz. Political gossip from the Delhi Durbar.
Choli ke peeche
'Shopping for matching blouse pieces is among the most hazardous and frustrating experiences. I have known conservative husbands explain they do not mind their wives switching from sarees to miniskirts, provided it spares them the ordeal of going with them to shop for blouse pieces,' says V Gangadhar.
Andhra Pradesh: Parcel bombs kill 11 persons
Assam: 8 killed in bomb explosion
DECEMBER 19
Sonia sets terms for Congress-led coalition
Any arrangement with regional parties will have to be on the terms of the Congress and the basis of the principles put forward in its Pachmarhi declaration.
Congress roots for Sonia as PM
Delegates at the AICC session credited her with single-handedly reviving the party. CWC member Rajesh Pilot said there would be no other contender for the post if the Congress wins the next election.
Congressmen bow to the dynasty
Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijay Singh set the tone when he emphasised that he, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were "saplings planted by Rajiv Gandhi who had grown in stature under [Sonia's] leadership".
SC stays order on top army appointment
The court stayed the operation of the Delhi high court judgment directing the Centre to appoint Lt Gen R S Kadiyan as commander of the Eastern Army instead of Lt Gen H R S Kalkat.
Centre claims power to transfer Jaya's corruption cases
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice G T Nanavati and Justice S P Kurdukar recorded the assertion put forward by Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee, but declined to express any opinion on it.
US welcomes Indian statement on capping N-programme
It is clear that Prime Minister Vajpayee is trying to build a national consensus against further nuclear testing and for signing the CTBT by September next, said an official.
FMCT aimed at India than Pakistan, Israel
Savita Pande of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses said the focus is on India because, unlike the other two, it has in place an elaborate indigenous civilian nuclear infrastructure.
Congress only case for BJP remaining in power, says Surjeet
The CPI-M chief said the Congress was under a wrong idea of its own clout after its recent success in the assembly elections, and ought to realise that the days of single-party rule were over.
Don't get too big for your boots, BJP tells TDP
Andhra BJP chief Vidyasagar Rao pointed out that the TDP is supporting the BJP-led government at the Centre for its own compulsions.
PIL filed against Official Secrets Act
The petition challenges section five, which prohibits government servants from divulging confidential information.
CPI-ML general secretary Vinod Misra dead
The former underground leader passed away following a massive heart attack in Lucknow. He was 52
Thane court summons Bal Thackeray
The Shiv Sena chief and two others have been issued summons in a case filed against them by a police inspector.
Council erupts over reference to Thackeray
There were heated exchanges between CM Manohar Joshi and Leader of the Opposition Chhagan Bhujbal when the latter accused the Sena chief of protecting Social Welfare Minister Baban Gholap who is facing corruption charges.
Goa's political battle gets personal
The fight between Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro and his predecessor Wilfred de Souza over the latter vacating the CM's bungalow has cost four cops, including the district police chief, their jobs.
Fire show cancelled
The theatre-owners suddenly remembered that the film has been referred back to the censors.
Church channels television to improve morality
The Syro-Malabar Church plans to counter "the threat posed to society" by commercial television through a new channel. To be set up at a cost of Rs 100 million, it will telecast only 'moral' programmes.
TV emerging as first choice for news: CMS
A survey by the Centre for Media Studies suggested that the medium has higher credibility after last month's elections.
Shipyards in Bombay, Gujarat violate environmental norms
The allegation comes from Greenpeace. Samples it collected from shipyards in Bombay and Alang show a high level of asbestos, heavy metals and toxic biocide.
Free Indian media impresses British jurist
An eminent British jurist has praised Indian courts for protecting the constitutional guarantee of free expression. He said Britain lacks such guarantees.
Lankan women were sexually exploited in war
A Colombo-based movement has presented evidence of majority Sinhalese women -- in villages bordering the war zone in the east and north of the island -- being used by government soldiers.
US, British pound Iraq again
Russia recalled its ambassador in Washington as 25 persons were killed and 75 injured in the attacks.
Bhim Singh witnesses attack on Baghdad
The National Panthers Party president, who was in the Iraqi capital when the "neo-imperialist US-UK axis" attacked, described it as a "most shameful and naked act".
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Assault on Parliament
'The spectre of irrelevance is haunting Mulayam Singh. He fears being crushed between the BJP and a rejuvenated Congress. Yadav, of course, was never the most popular leader in Uttar Pradesh; he was content to rely on Muslims and Yadavs. But Muslim voters are returning to the Congress,' says T V R Shenoy.
Please Inform Allah etc
'Everybody feels that his allies hold down our honourable prime minister. But I feel the RSS is hampering him the most. Hope the RSS realises that it's cutting its own throat. And above that throat is its only acceptable face,' says A Ganesh Nadar.
Delhi: HC inquires about health of Quackery Bill
Punjab: Badal rules out action against Tohra
Tamil Nadu: Six accused in Pudukkottai incident surrender
The living dead
The AICC session started off with a faux pas -- a condolence resolution that included the names of a few living!
THE WEATHER
Orissa, UP witness chilly nights
And the cold wave continues in Jammu.
DECEMBER 18
Kumaratunga may question PM on LTTE activities in India
Ever since the BJP came to power, reports that the government has eased the crackdown on the LTTE have been worrying the Lankans. Colombo suspects Defence Minister George Fernandes has told the Coast Guard to reduce its vigil in the Palk Straits.
Vande Mataram row still resonates in BJP
Ravindra Shukla, the dismissed UP basic education minister, is unwilling to let the matter lie. "If the chief minister had asked me to step down, I would have done so without a second thought. What has hurt me is the accusation that I misled the prime minister."
Naidu packs the laptop, woos the electorate
Congress gains and worrying intelligence reports hinting at a TDP reversal have brought the chief minister out of his ivory tower.
Digvijay threatens agitation over Chhattisgarh
The Madhya Pradesh chief minister has charged the Vajpayee government with "dilly-dallying" on the issue of creating a separate state.
Disciplinary panel to serve notice on Tohra
"If he does not reply within the stipulated period, serious disciplinary action will be initiated," Akali Dal secretary general Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said.
Sayeed becomes Lok Sabha dy speaker
Vajpayee moved the motion proposing the veteran Congressman's name. Pawar seconded it. The motion was then adopted by a voice vote.
Karunanidhi's gunning for Muslims, says Jaya
The AIADMK chief hinted that the Tamil Nadu CM harassed the community and subjected it to police searches before the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary to get the BJP's approval.
ULFA dead serious about ultimatum
The banned outfit said its one-month ultimatum to the Assam government to stop the "mysterious killings" of its sympathisers should be taken seriously.
Jailed gangster's reach gobsmacks UP police
The state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into notorious gangster Babloo Srivastava's operations from Naini jail in Allahabad.
Indian painter makes it into Guinness Book
Sixty-three-year-old Professor Sanat Kumar Chatterjee's claim to fame is the world's longest scroll painting on silk.
US, British forces attack Iraq
The attacks were reportedly made on key military units and places said to be manufacturing weapons of mass destruction. At least two persons were killed and 30 injured, a doctor said.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Tempural Affairs
'All Japanese seasoning is a permutation of soy sauce, mirin, horseradish, sugar and dashi. What variety or magic can possibly be conjured from these? If an incipient cuisine can find place in gourmet columns, I can't see why the humble yet zingier zhunka-bhaakar should have no lauding partisans,' says Varsha Bhosle.
Nationalism versus Secularism: Why should the two be distinct?
'Since Muslims are against images or bowing to anyone but Allah, why must anyone insist that they bow before India or an image of her? Is it not enough if they love India (just as the rest of us Indians do)?' wonders Amberish K Diwanji.
Maharashtra: Bombay ex-mayor survives
murder bid
THE WEATHER
Cold wave continues in Kashmir
Night temperatures were also appreciably below normal in north coastal Orissa and parts of north Gujarat.
DECEMBER 17
PM says national interest is above CTBT
Replying to Rajya Sabha members who sought clarifications on his statement on Monday on Indo-US ties, Vajpayee said the government has the supreme obligation of ensuring the security of present and future generations in a nuclearised world ''which has been thrust upon us".
Pak support to terrorism continues -- Jaswant
The external affairs minister told the Lok Sabha that India had also made known to the international community Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism. "As a result of our efforts, there is widespread international recognition of these activities,'' he said.
Pak to carry on talking despite India's 'non-serious' attitude
Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz said India is not sincere about resolving the disputes between the two countries, or bringing about peace in the region.
Delhi HC dismisses government plea against army promotion
The court dismissed the Centre's appeal against its earlier order quashing the appointment of Lt Gen H R S Kalkat as Eastern Army commander and upheld Lt Gen R Kadyan's appointment to the post.
Badal supporters call for Tohra's head
Ten of the 15 SGPC executive committee members, who held a special meeting in Chandigarh, resolved that Tohra should quit for "trying to sabotage the celebrations of the Khalsa Panth tricentenary".
New Bombay woman corporator set afire
Home Minister Gopinath Munde said the three accused, who have been arrested, all belong to the Congress. Meena More, who suffered 77 per cent burns and is in serious condition, belongs to the Civic Development Front, a Shiv Sena splinter.
IUML divided on action against Kunhalikutty
With the Supreme Court directing the Kerala government to take action against all those involved in the Kozhikode sex scandal, Muslim League leaders fear the worst.
SC rejects plea to review JMM bribery verdict
A five-judge constitution bench dismissed the Centre's appeal on grounds of "unexplained, inordinate delay". The appeal came more than seven months after the verdict which held the bribe-givers liable for prosecution, but not the takers.
Private sector may be involved in defence
There is a constant increase in the indigenisation of the country's defence needs and private firms could get involved in areas where potential exists, Defence Minister George Fernandes said.
Insurgency claims 588 civilians in Kashmir
In the last six months, 588 civilians were killed and 704 injured in militancy-related incidents.
Remembering the Tiger of Mysore
The year-long celebration of Tipu Sultan's bicentenary begin in January.
Tamil actor put through DNA test
Film villain Mansur Ali Khan has been charged with off-screen villainy. A former employee, Sneha Sharma, claims her illegitimate son was born of a tryst in a drugged state with the actor.
THE REDIFF SPECIALS
The Fire rages on
'It is no more about homosexuality. It is now a Hindu-Muslim issue... The next battle will be to see whether the Hindutva forces accept homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle. That will determine whether they are really a Hindu version of the Taliban or a reaction to the lop-sided nature of secularism in this civilisation,' says Ashok Row Kavi.
Past perfect, future tense
'The old panchangs (almanacs) are once again being studied as an effective means of predicting rainfall...' Rajni Bakshi on the efforts to revive past glory.
THE REDIFF COLUMNIST
Let's scorn hypocrisy
'No one is interested in changing the rules of this rotten game. Sounding off on irrelevant issues and pretending that the future of India depends on whether a play is banned or a film censored. If we want a liberal India, it is time to cut the bullshit. Scorn the in-built hypocrisy of the system and look for real issues,' urges Pritish Nandy.
How Sushma gambled and lost
'Out-of-work BJPwoman Sushma Swaraj doesn't always speak the truth. Like when she said Prime Minister Vajpayee wasn't opposed to her quitting the Delhi assembly. Of course, Vajpayee didn't want her out...' Capital Buzz. Gossip from the Delhi durbar.
TV serials can be the death of you
Reposing blind faith in the hero of a television serial, two 10-year-old girls in Karnataka set themselves ablaze -- and waited for him to come to the rescue.
THE WEATHER
Cold wave in Kashmir
Night temperatures were appreciably below normal in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Orissa and coastal Tamil Nadu too.
DECEMBER 16
Sena MP withdraws slur on Dilip Kumar amidst din
The issue again sparked a fire in the Rajya Sabha. Sanjay Nirupam first read out an apology in English, then said in Hindi, "Lekin maine jo kal kaha tha woh sach hai (but what I said yesterday is true)".
Nuclear tests were actually scheduled for September '99, says Gen Arora
The hero of the 1971 war says the BJP government advanced the date to May this year, possibly to derive political mileage.
India refuses to stay fissile material production
Prime Minister Vajpayee said India remains opposed to any suggestion that seeks to place it at a technological disadvantage, though it is committed to convert its voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests into a de jure obligation.
Top politicians left out of Kozhikode sex scandal indictment
K Ajitha, a former Naxalite who exposed the scandal, said that at this rate the only development the state is likely to see is the development of the sex industry, which, she said, is set to be Kerala's biggest in the next decade.
Mamata assault referred to privileges panel
The Trinamul Congress served a notice for breach of privilege against Daroga Prasad Saroj of the Samajwadi Party for allegedly assaulting Banerjee in the Lok Sabha on December 11.
Women's bill will sharpen divide between Congress and RLM
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Lal Khurana said his party was grateful to the Congress for its support on the women's quota bill, since it exposed the Samajwadi Party for what it was.
Congress will back sub-quotas in women's bill
But spokesman Ajit Jogi said that since the government piloted the bill, the amendments should also be initiated by it.
Five Punjab ministers quit
Tohra's supporters handed in their papers after criticism of the SGPC chief's demand that Chief Minister Badal quit the post of party president.
Jaya trying to do a balancing act
In the absence of a positive signal from the Congress and the Left, Jayalalitha has probably thought it wiser to keep the alliance with the PMK alive, if only to checkmate the options available to her rival, Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi.
774 civilians killed in N-E this year
Home Minister L K Advani told the Lok Sabha that insurgency is on the rise in Assam and Tripura.
Now TN wants Tamil flight announcements
The DMK government wants airhostesses on domestic as well as international flights to make announcements in Tamil when they land in the state. If that is not possible, a recorded message will do.
DMK didn't stall Coimbatore blasts probe, say police
The Tamil Nadu police have denied that the crime branch of their Criminal Investigation Department was restrained from interrogating two DMK leaders about the February 14 blasts.
DMK is not anti-Muslim, says Karunanidhi
He was reacting to a television interview by a leader of the Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, in which he said the state government had done nothing for the community. The CM saw it as an attempt to create a rift between Muslims and Christians.
Sacked UP minister demands probe into dismissal
Chief Minister Kalyan Singh knew of the order issued under the Kalp Yojna to be implemented in government schools in the state, Ravinda Shukla insisted, adding that he was ready to be punished if found guilty in a high-level probe.
A toilet's the minimum qualification
Only a certified loo owner can apply for panchayat membership in Karnataka.
200 affected in Kalyan gas leak
But all those affected by the leak from the National Rayon Corporation's Mohane unit are out of danger.
THE REDIFF SPECIAL
Burden of the Cross
Assaults on Gujarat's small, isolated, unprotected Christian communities were inevitable. These may intensify since the police force is pressurised at the top and becoming increasingly communal below. Grievous attacks on clergymen could now follow. Whipping and intimidation of evangelists have already begun.
THE REDIFF COLUMNIST
Might and right
'The issue that has been thrown up by the plebeian act of a handful of miscreants ransacking cinema houses is that the majority's concurrence, acquiescence, in a patently illegal act has once again been presumed and formalised. The Sena now talks on behalf of millions of Hindus like me who have no agreement whatsoever with its version of what a society must be,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy.
BJP's tragi-comedy of errors
'The Insurance Regulatory Authority Bill in Parliament was a tragi-comedy of errors. It was a marathon 10-day drama which proved that frenetic ideologues who forget rationality and nincompoop politicians who fly to the media without doing their homework can combine to create the sort of dangerous divides which can destroy any government in power,' says Arvind Lavakare.
THE WEATHER
Showers in the South
Rain or thundershowers are likely at many places in Lakshadweep, at a few places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Tamil Nadu, and at isolated places in coastal Karnataka and Kerala.
DECEMBER 15
Women's quota bill introduced against all odds
In the pandemonium, Law Minister Thambi Durai moved the motion introducing the bill, Speaker Balayogi put it to vote, and the Congress and Left parties joined the ruling coalition in adopting it with a voice vote. Delighted women MPs thumped their desks hysterically even as members of the RLM and BSP raised slogans demanding its withdrawal.
Bill paves the way for 140 male MPs to lose their jobs
It is the fear of the mostly male backbenchers that they might be axed to make way for women candidates that has seen widespread opposition to the bill even from parties that seek to support it.
Mulayam warns of nation-wide protests
The Samajwadi Party described the introduction of the bill in the Lok Sabha as undemocratic as it had been introduced amid uproar and stiff opposition from a sizeable number of members. It also accused the Congress of colluding with the BJP.
Khakhi sees red in saffron's green to Whites
The RSS has strongly opposed the Vajpayee government's decision to open the insurance sector to foreign investment.
RS adjourned over Sena member's comment against Dilip Kumar
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day without transacting any business following an objectionable remark by Sanjay Nirupam that thespian Dilip Kumar "is a Pakistani".
SC orders security for Fire petitioners
Chief Justice A S Anand, Justice V N Khare and Justice M B Shah said adequate security cover and protection should be ensured for all the petitioners to ensure that no harm comes to them.
Maharashtra opposition walks out to protest against strip show
The entire opposition in the state assembly walked out to protest against the half-naked demonstration by Shiv Sena activists outside the residence of film star Dilip Kumar in Bombay.
Sharma pulls the plug on Dawood plan to eliminate rivals
Romesh Sharma had arranged for fake passports for Dawood's men to travel to Singapore via Kathmandu to attack the growing criminal empire of Chhota Rajan in East Asia. Rajan, who got wind of the plan, fled to Australia for a couple of weeks.
AIADMK dares Ramamurthy to recontest LS seat
Party deputy general secretary K A Sengottaiyan said Ramamurthy had won the last election and become a minister only on the basis of Jayalalitha's popularity. "Now he is interested only in sticking to the post of Union minister," he charged.
SC clears work on Almatti crest gates
But the court warned Karnataka against raising the crest level beyond 509 metres or, in any circumstance, obstructing the free flow of water.
Su-33 stars at Bangalore air show
But the Indian government isn't biting -- yet
DAE units achieve very high safety record
There were 391 industrial accidents in DAE units, but none involved the release of radioactivity or radiation injury, according to the Industrial and Radiation Safety Division of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
INS Ganga being affiliated to the army
The frigate will be formally affiliated to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment at a function in Bombay on Tuesday.
US hospital decides to contest compensation to Indian family
A New York jury declared that doctors at Elmhurst Hospital failed to properly oversee Tina Patel's birth in November 1988. Though the infant had been in the breech position, they attempted a vaginal birth. Her head remained inside the birth canal for 10 minutes after the rest of her body had emerged, causing permanent brain damage. Though the original award was for $116 million, the judge reduced it to $26 million.
US, Pak close to deal on mothballed F-16s
The talks are focussed on the American offer of a cash payment of about $360 million out of the balance of $501 million it owes Pakistan. The rest will be paid in the form of commodities.
THE REDIFF SPECIAL
A Walk in the Clouds
Two young Muslim couples from Alipura village near Gauribidanur in Karnataka got married in a helicopter, thereby creating a first of sorts.
THE REDIFF COLUMNIST
Her wits about her
"If he can get his act together, Vajpayee may well emerge a winner from this defeat," says Vir Sanghvi.
Rajasthan: Gehlot shuffles bureaucrats
Uttar Pradesh: Commissioner trips up ban on burials in Ayodhya
West Bengal: 7 burnt alive in Purnea
THE WEATHER
Cold wave claims first victim in Rajasthan
A 25-year-old man died in Begod town, Chittorgarh district, on Sunday.
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