HEADLINES

• No consensus on the Lokpal Bill at the all-party meet; Govt may not be able to pass the law in the current session; CBI remains the sticky issue
• Anna Hazare may shift fast venue from Delhi to Mumbai due to the cold weather in Delhi
• Kerala parties call off the stir near Mullaiperiyar Dam
• Petrol price to go up soon

NATIONAL NEWS

• Kapil Sibal moots less work, more playtime for kids in educational system
  • As Human Resource Minister, Mr.Sibal said that the centre can bring a concrete policy to the effect that children below the age of 6 should not be given formal education. He said that many state Govts admit students in their state schools at the age of 5 and he wants to bring the age to be consistent with the Right to Education Act which provides free and compulsory education for children from the age of 6 till 14.
• Advani moves adjournment motion on black money issue. Pranab Mukher promises a 'White Paper' on black money

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• India-Russia ties, an anchor of peace and stability
  • Indian ambassador to Russia said that India and Russia were part of the transformation and shift of the global balance of powers. This statement came ahead of the PM's visit to Russia next week. He said that India and Russia have identical, close or common perspectives on a wide range of international issues;
  • This assumes significance also as India is the chair for the next BRICS session in March next year. The two countries also aim to increase trade between them to around USD 20 billion by 2015. Visa rules between the two countries have also liberalised;
  • During the upcoming summit India and Russia will focus on deliverables in Defence and Strategic communications besides taking forward talks on partnerships in nuclear energy and hydrocarbons spheres.

EDITORIALS, OPINIONS & COLUMNS

• Read this article on the issues relating to war crimes during the Bangladesh struggle for independence
• Read this article about the first Indian expedition to Antartica

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• Read this detailed interview on the recent Higgs Boson discussion

ECONOMY & BUSINESS NEWS

• LIC Bill passed in Rajya Sabha after being passed in the Lok Sabha. The amendment bill increases the paid-up capital of the LIC to 100 crore as is the requirement of all private insurance players
• Rupee closes at all time low of Rs.53.72 against the dollar
• UK investigation against UBS reveals that Anil Ambani is the ultimate owner of an offshore fund managed by ex-employees of the bank. The fund invests into India through the FII route from a Mauritius company. Indians are not permitted to invest in India through FIIs
• The Govt is likely to come out with a new aviation policy in the next few months aiming to boost the investment and infrastructure in the sector over the next 10 years