Telecom sector problems coming to an end: PM

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday said the problems facing India's troubled telecom sector are nearing a solution and the new policy being brought in would address concerns of worrying investors, providing a new impetus for growth of the communications industry.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the country's manufacturing capabilities in telecom in particular and in electronics in general.

"This sector has had to face some tough challenges in the past months. However, I believe that under the distinguished leadership of (Telecom Minister) Kapil Sibal, the period of difficulties is now coming to an end," the prime minister said, inaugurating the India Telecom 2012 conclave in the capital....Read More.

SP accuses government of forcibly evicting members from Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Soon after staging a walkout from the Rajya Sabha, the Samajwadi Party (SP) Thursday accused the government of forcibly evicting two of its members and slammed other parties for not supporting them.

"This is totally unconstitutional. The chair took the name of our members under a rule after which if we had not left (the house), the marshals would have been called," SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said.

The SP members were protesting against a bill seeking reservations for Dalits and tribals in job promotions...read more.

Millions vote in Gujarat in Modi-versus-rest battle

Ahmedabad, Dec 13 (IANS) Millions voted across Gujarat Thursday in elections that have pitted Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has ruled the state since 2001, against a disparate opposition.

An estimated 53 percent of the 18 million eligible to vote in the first phase of polling had exercised their franchise by 3 p.m. in 87 of the 182 assembly constituencies, officials said....read more.