PM calls for review of energy pricing policy
''Are we contributing to environmental degradation through some of our energy pricing policies. Are we hurting our future energy security by shirking the responsibility to grapple with the political challenges at hand. We need a much wider national detate on such issues,'' said Dr Singh. Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (2R) talks with Indian PM Manmohan Singh (L) as former PM of the Netherlands, Ruud FM Lubbers (R) looks on during the inauguration of a World Sustainable Development Summit on Climate Change in New Delhi on Thursday. Singh said the government is considering setting up a Venture Capital Fund to promote green technologies. AFP
BILATERAL DEFENCE CO-OPERATION
India, US ink billion-dollar aircraft deal
The deal was signed recently following the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security clearing last month the purchase of the six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The planes are expected to be delivered starting 2011.
Ban on cluster bombs urgent: Red Cross
''We need a strong, legally-binding treaty urgently, in 2008, that would ban the use, development, stockpiling and transfer of inaccurate and unreliable cluster munitions,'' said Peter Herby, who heads the International Committee of the Red Cross' Arms Unit.
Centre extends ban on SIMI The Cabinet Committee on Security decided to extend the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for its anti-national activities.
Mourners prepare for special prayers to end the 40-day mourning period of slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto near the mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Feb 7, 2008. Thousands of people massed around Benazir Bhutto's tomb in south Pakistan to mark the end of mourning period. The day also signals the launch of campaigning by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for elections on Feb 18, with her widower Asif Ali Zardari set to deliver a keynote speech. AFP
Bhutto's murder: 2 more suspects arrested
Two more suspects have been arrested by the Pakistani police in connection with the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
Aussie paceman Kasprowicz retires
Kasprowicz, who turns 36 on Sunday, made his first-class debut in 1989-90 while he was still in high school and made his Test debut in 1995. He played 38 Tests for Australia with his best figures of 7-36 against England in the 1997 Ashes Test at the Oval.
Major narcotics haul in TN
About 32 kg of narcotic substances, worth Rs 65 lakh in the international market, were seized in Tamil Nadu late last night...
Alert sounded in Goa
An alert has been sounded in Goa following the arrest of a suspected militant in Karnataka who had allegedly confessed about his plans to strike in Karnataka and Goa...
SABARIMALA Kerala moots separate season for women
A separate season for women was necessary in view of the practical difficulties in providing facilities for women when lakhs of devotees converge...
Nobel Laureate Martin J. Evans shows the Genome Valley Excellence Award presented to him by the Vice President of India, M Hamid Ansari (not in pic) at the Bio-Asia Conference at Hyderabad International Convention Center on Thursday. AP Photo
Golfer Ernie Els is a Tendulkar fan
A three-time Major winner and a perfect ambassador of the game, Els has been eyeing the pole position once again and in 2007 he announced a three-year plan to oust Tiger Woods.
South African golfer Ernie Els (L) and India's Jeev Milkha Singh walk on the greens in New Delhi. Els leads the field in the $2.5 million Indian Masters, the first European Tour which got underway at the Delhi Golf Club today.
Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie: India vs Uzbekistan Somdev set to make his Davis Cup debut
Paes chose to throw the "fearless" youngster at the deep end and see how the US Collegiate champion performs at the big stage, instead of risking half-fit Prakash Amritraj, who will play doubles alongside Mahesh Bhupathi. Bopanna takes on Farrukh Dustov in opener
''I decided about Bopanna and Somdev after consulting other team members. It is an effort to spread the responsibility, '' Paes told mediapersons after the draw. I picked Mahesh ahead of me for doubles on his form: Paes "If I was healthier, I could have played singles and doubles. It was a hard decision for me. I had to pick one and Mahesh is the right player to carry the team forward...It's not about ego between Mahesh and me, it is about the team."
Ponting urges CA to clear Aussies for IPL
Ponting said it would be "unfair" if CA stopped players from taking part in the BCCI-backed venture to protect its sponsors. He said CA's interference would be opposed by the Aussie Cricketers' Association.
Is the slowdown of the US economy going to adversely impact on the IT sector in India? What can the IT industry do to sustain its high level of growth?
We invite our readers to send their opinion in about 100 words to Deccan Herald, No 75, M G Road, Bangalore - 560001 or e-mail: editordh@deccanherald.co.in latest by 2 pm on Saturday. A selection of responses will be published in Sunday’s edition.
Mourners prepare for special prayers to end the 40-day mourning period of slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto near the mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Feb 7, 2008. Thousands of people massed around Benazir Bhutto's tomb in south Pakistan to mark the end of mourning period. The day also signals the launch of campaigning by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for elections on Feb 18, with her widower Asif Ali Zardari set to deliver a keynote speech. AFP 
for women
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