Gingrich quits as speakerWASHINGTON: Republican leader Newt Gingrich resigned from the post of Speaker of the US House of Representatives on Friday following a rebellion in the party over his leadership in last week's election which saw unexpected Democratic gains. Gingrich announced his decision not to contest for the powerful post of Speaker in the new Congress amid a rising tide of criticism from Republican legislators unhappy over his style of functioning. Mehta summonedMUMBAI: Big bull and securities scam-accused, Harshad Mehta, was today summoned by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in connection with the case of price manipulation in three blue-chip scrips that eventually led to payment crisis at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). SEBI officials, however, declined to comment as investigations were still in progress.UP bandhALLAHABAD: The Allahabad High Court today held as unconstitutional the Uttar Pradesh bandh on November 9 called by Samajwadi Partyand Rashtriya Janata Dal and directed the State Government to provide adequate security to its citizens. The ruling was given by a bench, comprising Justice M Katju and Justice S L Saraf.Abhisheki deadPUNE: Renowned classical singer and composer, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, credited with reviving Marathi `Natya-sangeet', died here today after a prolonged illness. He was 68. Abisheki, who belonged to Agra gharana, had composed music for Marathi plays like Yayavati Devyani, Katyar Kaljat Ghusli and Matsyagandha.
