SC: Rape trials must end in two months
New Delhi, December 26
At a time when the nation-wide demand for fast track courts (FTCs) to hold expeditious trial of rape cases has reached a crescendo, the Supreme Court has noted that even under the existing laws the trial courts were bound to hold day-to-day hearings and complete the trial in such cases within two months.

No justice in 45 custodial rape cases in past 8 years (Details on Nation page)

Three AIG attackers land in police net
Patiala, December 26
A team of Punjab Police arrested Maninder Pal Singh, alias Sunny Johar, and Rishi Banda, key accused in the Ludhiana hotel brawl case, near Zirakpur in Mohali this afternoon.
The Accused: Maninder Pal Singh (L), Rishi Banda

CCTV footage shocks police
Ludhiana, December 26
The close circuit television (CCTV) footage showing the assault on SS Mand, AIG, counter intelligence, Ludhiana, has left the police in a state of shock.

Centre increases wheat MSP by Rs 65 per quintal 
Farmers say it’s not enough
Agri panel chief says they must diversify 
New Delhi, December 26
After keeping the contentious issue pending for almost two months, the Centre on Wednesday announced an increase of Rs 65 per quintal in the support price of wheat, taking it up to Rs 1,350 per quintal for Crop Year 2012-13. 

Cold kills 4 in North; Punjab, Haryana shiver
Chandigarh, December 26
Four persons died due to extreme cold in North India where temperatures plummeted and fog disrupted normal life. In Delhi, the maximum temperature was recorded at 18.3°C, two less than normal and the minimum temperature was 7.8°C.

Modi takes charge as Gujarat CM for fourth time Ahmedabad, December 26 Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his 16-member Cabinet, seven Cabinet-rank ministers and nine ministers of state, were sworn in today. This is Modi’s fourth consecutive innings as Chief Minister of Gujarat since he took over the office in October, 2001, replacing his predecessor Keshubhai Patel.Governor Kamala Beniwal administered the oath of office to Modi and his ministers at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad in the presence of a galaxy of leaders from all over the country besides around one lakh supporters.