Statescape — Quota Bill to figure on Aug 11

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of petrol stations across northern India remained closed today following a day’s strike called by the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) demanding higher commission on petroleum products. The Government termed the strike as “unjustified” since a high-level committee was looking into its demands and the report was awaited. Reports said serpentine queues were witnessed outside the oil companies-run outlets at several places in the northern region.

Rains claim 34 in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: A total of 34 people have been killed in landslides, house collapse and drowning in the Uttar Pradesh hills as torrential rains lashed Garhwal and Kumaon regions during the last 48 hours cutting off the area from the rest of the State, officials said. Reports reaching here today said 11 people each have been killed in Tehri and Pauri Garhwal districts, eight in Udhamsingh Nagar and four in Chamoli in landslides, drowning and road accidents. At least 40 have been injured in these incidents.

Laloo men continue to court arrest

PATNA: Thousands of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supporters today courted arrest in different parts of the State on the third day of the week-long `jail bharo’ campaign launched to protest against the detention of former Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav in connection with fodder scam. The `jail bharo’ campaign is an extension of the August one State-wide bandh called by the ruling part in protest against Laloo’s detention.