US House expects showdown over vote on health legislation

WASHINGTON – Democrats in the US House of Representatives were preparing for a showdown over a critical vote Sunday on a sweeping overhaul of the health care system.

President Barack Obama was on Capitol Hill Saturday rallying Democratic lawmakers, who believed they had secured enough support – the 216 votes needed for the health legislation to …. Original source  : US House expects showdown over vote on health legislation.

FIR against Obama over drone attacks sought by Pak human rights group

LAHORE – A petition has been moved in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) against US President Barack Obama and other top American officials holding them responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians during drone strikes in the country.

The petition filed by Khalid Khawaja, spokesperson … Read more >>.

Bank told to pay Rs.11 lakh for negligence

NEW DELHI – The Delhi consumer commission has asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to pay Rs.11 lakh for ignoring a request from an Italian company not to honour cheques from a lost cheque book.

Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission president Barkat Ali Zaidi and member M.L. Sahni pulled up the Defence Colony branch …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bank told to pay Rs.11 lakh for negligence.

Health Care Vote Details

New York (GaeaTimes.com) The House will finally decide on the health care overhaul by voting this Sunday, March 21, 2010. There will be two separate bills on the Senate health care bill and the reconciliation ‘fix it’ bill. If both bills are passed by the House, the Senate Bill will be signed into …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Health Care Vote Details.

Tripura announces economic aid for girl child

AGARTALA – The Left Front government of Tripura Saturday announced a special economic package for girl child in families living below the poverty line (BPL) to continue their education and maintain the minimum required nourishment.

“Under the scheme, the state government would provide Rs.300 to the mother of girl child every month for their care and …. Source  : Tripura announces economic aid for girl child.

BJP legislator among 14 acquitted in Kandhamal riot case

BHUBANESWAR – A fast track court in Orissa’s Kandhamal district Saturday acquitted 14 people, including a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator, in a Kandhamal riot case, an official said.

“Fourteen people have been acquitted in the case,” public prosecutor Bijay Pattnaik said.
BJP legislator Manoj Pradhan and 13 others were acquitted in absence of evidence against … Read more : BJP legislator among 14 acquitted in Kandhamal riot case.

Life term for student leader’s killer who shot witness’ father

NEW DELHI – A Delhi court Saturday sentenced a man, already convicted for gunning down a students union leader of a Delhi University college in 1999, to rigorous imprisonment for life for also killing the father of a witness who had informed the police.

Jitender alias Kalla was served with a second punishment days after he …. Original article  : Life term for student leader’s killer who shot witness’ father.

Hooters workers sue against skimpy uniforms, short pay, long hours

SYDNEY – The employees of five Hooters restaurants have filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status against the business owners in the Sacramento area, Fresno and Bakersfield, claiming employees are treated unfairly under California labour laws.

In a complaint filed in Sacramento Superior Court, employees claim they paid for their own uniforms, worked through breaks, worked “off … Read more >>.

West Bengal to hike women’s quota in civic agencies

KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Saturday said the women’s quota in the elected seats of panchayat and municipal committees will be raised to 50 percent.

“I have told the panchayat and municipality and municipal affairs departments to amend the acts for this,” Bhattacharjee said at a State Summit organised by Bengali news channel … Read more »».

Delhiites to queue up outside toilets to spread sanitation message

NEW DELHI – Realising that simply talking about an issue is of little help, an NGO here has gathered the support of scores of people in resettlement colonies to stand in queues in front of public toilets to draw the government’s attention to the lack of proper sanitation in the capital.

Ahead of World Water Day …. Read the original article  : here.