New Delhi, Feb 13 : Janata Dal-United (JD-U) President Sharad Yadav on Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to call an emergency all party meeting to discuss the situation in Maharashtra. "The sad state of affairs is the inaction of the Central and State Governments. Both governments have become silent spectators," a JD-U statement said. The statement was issued even as reports were rife that Mumbai Police could soon arrest

Srinagar, Feb 13: The 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed for traffic on Wednesday due to landslides in Ramban district.

Rio De Janeiro, Feb 13: French Presi

Lolab (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb. 13: Abdul Hamid Chara has become the first Muslim soldier in Kashmir to be (posthumously) awarded the country's third highest gallantry award, the 'Shaurya Chakra', for his courageous effort in eliminating two terrorists in an operation.

Rich tributes were paid at a function in honour of this braveheart on Monday.

Chara, a resident of Dardpura Lolab, about 125 kilometers from Srinagar, was enrolled into 162 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army in 2004 and was deployed with the Markul (Divar) company of the 18 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion on June 12, 2007.

New Delhi, Feb 12: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) saw its first delegation arrive here today to participate in the inaugural "IONS Seminar 2008."

The 12-member Saudi delegation, headed by Vice Admiral Prince Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, was received by Rear Admiral BR Rao, Chief Hydrographer of the Indian Navy.

The Singapore delegation, which also arrived today, was headed by Rear Admiral CHEW Men Leong, Chief of the Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, was received by Rear Admiral HCS Bisht.

Lucknow