Dera Sacha Sauda members to marry sex workers

SIRSA - Six members of Dera Sacha Sauda, a religious sect, will marry sex workers here Monday in keeping with their word on fighting for the rights of women who have been forced into prostitution.

Pakistani lawyers to go on strike Jan 28

LAHORE - Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has decided to go on strike Jan 28 to protest over non-appointment of high court judges, a media report said Sunday.

Bangladesh aims to cut poverty rate to 15 percent

DHAKA - Bangladesh is working on a plan to cut its poverty rate to 15 percent by 2021, Local Government Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said Sunday.

Court declines relief to Ashok Chakra winner’s parents

NEW DELHI - The Delhi High Court refused to grant relief to the parents of Major Mohit Sharma — posthumously selected for the Ashok Chakra award this year — to attend the award-presentation ceremony. The court said the government had done its bit to send an invitation.

Court to hear lawsuit against ‘Veer’ Monday

NEW DELHI - The Delhi High Court will Monday hear a lawsuit against Salman Khan-starrer “Veer” and its director Anil Sharma for alleged illegal use of some concepts from author Pavan Choudhary’s book.

Official accountability: City clerks to be fined for not complying

NEW DELHI - Delhi government ‘babus’ can no longer afford to procrastinate on citizens’ problems. From April 1, authorities will levy a fine of Rs.10 per day on erring officials who do not provide services in a time-bound manner, becoming the first city in the country to do so. The radical measure has the backing of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Uttar Pradesh government employees call off stir

LUCKNOW - A three-day strike by Uttar Pradesh government employees and teachers has been called off following a late night settlement between the agitating workers and the government.

Focus on girl child lost with ad faux pas: Women activists

NEW DELHI - It’s the national girl child day, but thanks to the women and child development ministry’s faux pas issuing an advertisement in newspapers that features a former Pakistani air chief, the focus on the day and important issue like female foeticide is lost, said women activists.

Government considering issuing driving licences to deaf

NEW DELHI - Around 50 million people in India with impaired hearing may soon be permitted to drive. The central government is considering issuing driving licences to the hearing impaired and is consulting health specialists on the issue.