Briefly Nation

United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-Moon has set up a high-level panel on global sustainability with the objective of formulating...

Jairam Ramesh on new UN climate panel

NEW DELHI: United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-Moon has set up a high-level panel on global sustainability with the objective of formulating a new vision for sustainable growth and prosperity,along with the mechanisms for achieving it. The creation of this panel,to be jointly headed by South African President Jacob Zuma and Finnish President Tarja Halonen,was announced on Monday. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has been selected as one of the 21 members on the panel.

HC: Wont examine bullet-proof vests

MUMBAI:The Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL questioning purchase of bullet proof jackets by the Maharashtra government in 2002.The petitioner Santosh Daundkar had contended that a sub-standard vest caused the death of former ATS chief Hemant Karkare during the Mumbai attacks.The High Court said the decision as to what kind of jackets should have been purchased was a matter of administrative discretion and the court will not examine it.

Building collapse kills 9 of family

RAJKOT: Nine members of a family,including six women,were killed when a five-decade-old,two-storied building they were living in collapsed on them in Gujarats Junagadh district on Monday,SP Deepankar Trivedi said. At least 30 jawans of the National Disaster Management Force have been called in to clear the debris,Trivedi added.

Godhra accused: Lift stay on trial court

AHMEDABAD: Seventy two undertrials,lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad for their alleged role in the 2002 Godhra Sabarmati Express carnage case,have written to the Supreme Court,requesting that it lift the stay on a special trial court trying their cases,so that their trial is completed as soon as possible or they or granted bail.

Muslim scholar gets Sadbhawana Award

NEW DELHI: Eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan has been chosen for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhawana Award for his contribution to the promotion of communal harmony,peace and goodwill,a release issued by the Advisory Committee of the Award said. The award cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. It will be given to Khan on August 20,Rajiv Gandhis birthday.