Shift in Indo-Nepal relations: Patil

India8217;s approach towards Nepal after the end of democracy there has changed, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said during question hour at t...

India8217;s approach towards Nepal after the end of democracy there has changed, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said during question hour at the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Earlier, India used to help Kathmandu with arms, he said. Now, there is a bilateral mechanism for interaction and exchange of information on security and border management.

Self-propelled gun under study, Pranab tells RS

The government has decided to ascertain details of the 155mm/52 calibre wheeled Self Propelled SP guns in the global market and a Request For Information RFI has been issued for the same, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.To another question, he said the US had agreed in principle to sell a Landing Platform Dock LPD to India. He also informed the House that contracts for indigenous construction of six French Scorpene class submarines at Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai were signed in October, 2005.

Govt taking steps to check crime on trains

Concerned over crime on trains, Home Minister Shivraj Patil assured Rajya Sabha that action would be taken and he would discuss the issue with the Railway Minister. He said the RPF Act was amended to enable the Railways to control crime properly with police collaboration.

Govt mulls one-time financial package for private hospitals

Government is considering a one-time financial package for private hospitals and evolving a formula to ensure they fulfill their obligations towards people below poverty line, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss told Lok Sabha.

Pakistan building bunkers, towers near border: Govt

Pakistan is building bunkers, observation towers and new posts in close proximity to the international border, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. MoS for Home S Raghupathy said in a written reply that though construction and improvement of defences along the border is an ongoing process, Pakistani activities are being closely monitored.

Panel to study trade deal between India and China

A joint task force JTF will be constituted to study in detail the feasibility and benefits of India-China regional trading arrangement, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said. Nath, in a written reply, said a ministerial level India-China joint economic group is considering recommendations of the joint study group constituted during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh8217;s visit to China in June.

Govt shoots down TRAI8217;s ombudsman proposal

Turning down Telecom regulator TRAI8217;s recommendation of an ombudsman to address grievances of consumers, government said service providers have been asked to set up their own consumer redressal mechanism. Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran told this to the Lok Sabha while replying to a question.

Member opposes shifting of recycling facility to Rajasthan

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Congress member Santosh Bagrodia strongly opposed shifting of a proposed waste recycling facility for the capital to Rajasthan saying 8216;8216;what is hazardous for residents of Delhi, will be hazardous for the people of Rajasthan8217;8217;. He said 7,000 tonne of effluents were generated in the capital to which the metro added another 60,000 tonne and yet the capital had no recycling facility.

Central sales tax to be phased out: Centre

Government on Wednesday said it would phase out the central sales tax within two to three years as Parliament had approved a legislation to further amend the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956.