Quicktakes

Bill to amend Patents Act
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a bill to amend the 1970 Patents Act to incorporate measures to protect bio-diversity, traditional knowledge and National security. The amendment is to comply with time-bound WTO obligations contained in the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights. The amendment also proposes to simplify and rationalise procedures in an attempt to modernise the country8217;s patent law.

Girl raped, burnt
JAIPUR: A sixteen-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped and burnt to death by three youths at Geejgarh village in Dausa district. The girl succumbed to burn injuries in hospital on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday when the youths forcibly entered her house after her parents left for work. They first raped her and then set her on fire, pouring kerosene over her body.

Airport tragedy
NEW DELHI: Three officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here have been suspended in connection with the death ofan eight-year-old girl in an escalator accident, the Government said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday even as it came under scathing attack from the Opposition for 8220;suppressing8221; facts and a 8220;delayed8221; response.

Devpt Boards
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Governor Dr P C Alexander on Wednesday reconstituted the three development boards in the State and appointed new chairmen, who will enjoy status of Cabinet Ministers.