G8 pledges $20 bn for food security to poor nations
* Resolves to resist trade protectionism
* Focus on oil market speculation
L'Aquila, Italy, July 10
After dealing with issues of climate change, trade and global economic downturn, the G8 and G5 countries Friday turned their attention to food security pledging to mobilise US $20 billion over three years by substantially increasing aid to agriculture for achieving food security across the nations.

World page:
Obama to visit India
India’s role vital in meeting global challenges: Obama

Medvedev threatens US over missile shield
L’Aquila (Italy), July 10
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned the United States today that if it did not reach agreement with Russia on plans for missile defence systems, Moscow would deploy rockets in an enclave near Poland.

Shopian Case
Jan panel finds evidence of police involvement
Srinagar, July 10
The judicial commission probing the alleged rape and murder of two Shopian women has said the state police could be involved in the ghastly crime.

Power crisis dominates Punjab House proceedings
Chandigarh, July 10
The power crisis in Punjab dominated the proceedings of the (Punjab) Vidhan Sabha today with the Congress taking on the ruling SAD-BJP alliance for “not doing enough” to ensure adequate supply to farmers and domestic consumers in the state.

Editorial: In the dark

SC reprieve for Maya statues
New Delhi, July 10
The Supreme Court today refused to restrain the Uttar Pradesh government from carrying out work for installation of statues of Chief Minister Mayawati and other Dalit leaders at a park in Noida.