Toll in Kolkata liquor tragedy rises to 23, six arrested
Kolkata, Jan 5 (IANS) The number of people who died in Kolkata after consuming poisonous country-made liquor has risen to 23, a West Bengal minister said Monday. Six people were arrested and raids conducted on illicit liquor shops in the Khidirpore port area.

"Twenty-three people have died after consuming spurious liquor since Saturday night at Khidirpore port area (south-west Kolkata)," Finance and Excise Department Minister Asim Dasgupta told reporters Monday.

Dasgupta said six people have been arrested ... Read More

Omar Abdullah takes oath as Jammu and Kashmir chief minister
Jammu, Jan 5 (IANS) National Conference president Omar Abdullah Monday took oath as the eighth chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir along with nine ministers, including Tara Chand of the Congress as his deputy, ending six months of Governor's rule in the state.

Clad in a black sherwani and white payjama, Abdullah, 38, walked up the aisle to the flower decked dais with a smile on his face to be administered the oath of office ... Read More

'Blasts have become part of our lives, we have to move on'
Guwahati, Jan 5 (IANS) Even as people were greeting one another and praying for a more peaceful 2009, a string of three bomb blasts tore through Guwahati on New Year's day, killing six people and leaving more than 50 injured. The next day, a stoic population, benumbed by the endless explosions rocking their lives, went about their daily chores.

"How much can you discuss the bomb blasts, the explosions? How much can you be scared? ... Read More

Journey of Chandigarh woman - from telephone booth to mayor's office
Chandigarh, Jan 5 (IANS) She does not have an upscale address or family connections to boast of, but she holds the highest civic position in the union territory of Chandigarh. That Kamlesh Banarsi Das has managed to become mayor of the city for the second time is a tribute to her hard work, dedication and simplicity.

The story of Kamlesh is special.

From running an ordinary telephone booth, Kamlesh is back in the ... Read More

Explosion on rail track in Assam derails goods train
Guwahati, Jan 4 (IANS) A goods train was derailed after an explosion on a railway track in Assam Sunday, officials said.

A railway spokesman said the explosion took place near the Maibongdisa and Harangajao stations in Assam's North Cachar Hills district, about 320 km south of here.

"The explosion on the track led to derailment of three wagons of the goods train carrying candles and papers," a railway official said.

There were no casaulties. "The explosion caused damage ... Read More

Thirteen die after drinking poisonous liquor in Kolkata
Kolkata, Jan 4 (IANS) At least 13 people died and 25 others fell sick after consuming poisonous country made liquor here, the police said Sunday.

"Three persons died late Saturday night and 10 others have died till Sunday evening after consuming poisonous country-made liquor at West Port area near Khidderpore in south-west Kolkata. At least 25 people have been admitted to three city hospitals in critical condition," Deputy Commissioner (detective department) Jawed Shamim told reporters Sunday ... Read More