Lastnight Nation

UP bans plastic near Ganga
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a notification banning sale and use of plastic in 2-km area on both sides from the mid-stream of the Ganga across the state. The government has issued the notification to check pollution in the Ganga.

Chiranjeevi likely to meet Sonia today
New Delhi: Amid speculation that he will merge his party with the Congress,Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi is expected to meet AICC President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday and hold discussions on strengthening the relationship between the two parties in Andhra Pradesh. Among other things,the meeting is expected to discuss proposals like induction of PRP members into the Kiran Reddy government.

Special courts for drugs offence
Hyderabad: The Centre is planning to set up special courts to try offences like manufacturing of spurious drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said here on Saturday. We should soon be taking up with the respective authorities for setting up of designated special courts for trial of offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,1940, he said.

Six cops hurt in encounter
Ranchi: Six policemen were injured in an encounter with Maoists at Barangburu forests in Jharkhands Khunti district on Saturday. The encounter took place during search operations in Barangburu,about 80 km from here,said to sources in the police.