New Delhi  - At least 61 people were killed and 275 injured Thursday in nine bomb blasts triggered by suspected separatist and Muslim militants in India's north-eastern state of Assam, officials said.

There were nine blasts within 20 minutes, the first at 11:20 am (0550 GMT).

Three blasts took place in the state capital, Guwahati; three in Kokrajhar district; two in Barpeta district and one in Bongaigaon district, all in western Assam, a top state spokesman said.

New Delhi - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in India Thursday on his first official visit to the South Asian region that will also take him to Nepal and Bangladesh, officials said.

Ban flew to New Delhi from Manila for a two-day visit during which he is due to discuss regional and international matters with Indian leaders, including the global financial crisis.

Terrorism, the food crisis as well as efforts to push democracy in India's eastern neighbour, military-ruled Myanmar, will also figure in the discussions, UN officials said.

New Delhi, Oct 30 : The Union Home Ministry has sought an immediate report from the Assam Government on serial blasts, in which at least 26 people are feared dead and over 100 injured.

Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta spoke to Assam Chief Secretary P. C. Sharma, saying the situation was being closely monitored.

The Ministry is keeping a constant watch on the situation, Madhukar Gupta said.

New Delhi, Oct 30 : President Pratibha Patil today condemned the series of bomb blasts that took place in Assam in which at least 26 people are feared dead and over 100 injured.

In her message, Patil said, "Such acts are condemnable and there is no place for violence in our society. At this moment all of us should stand united against divisive forces in the country.

At least four blasts were reported from Guwahati and five in Kokrajhar District.

New Delhi, Oct 30 : The annual rate of inflation, year on year as conventionally measured, declined to 10.68 per cent for the week ending October 18, 2008 compared to a rate of 11.07 per cent reported in the previous week, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

Inflation in the same period in the previous year at 3.11 per cent, however, was significantly lower.

New Delhi, Oct 30 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today congratulated Viswanathan Anand on winning the World Chess Championship title in Bonn, Germany after ending the 11th game with Russia''s Vladimir Kramnik in a draw.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that Viswanathan Anand has done the country proud with his exemplary performance at the highest level in his discipline. He has set a stellar example with his dedication and consistency to all sportspersons in the country.