Eight miscreants protesting against Panchayat polls killed in police firing in Assam

Feb 12,  3:55 PM In Assam,8 miscreants including two women have been killed in police firing in Goalpara district, following protests against Panchayat elections that are being held across the state. All of those killed belong to a particular community in the district, which has been opposed to the government's decision to conduct Panchayat elections in the area. Police say that they had to open fire after a CRPF jawan posted on election duty was stabbed, and arms were snatched from the local police by a group of protestors. The situation in the area continues to remain tense with reports of vehicles being torched along the highway that passes through the district. State Home Secretary G D Tripathi told that security force retaliated when miscreants attacked police station and security personnel at Palsar, Kahibari, Kachubal and Silapathar in Goalpara district. Curfew has been imposed in the parts of Krishnai area in the district. New bidding norms for upcoming power plants ready,awaiting clearance: Power Min Feb 12,  2:16 PM Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia today said the new bidding norm for the upcoming power projects are ready and awaiting clearance. Addressing a CII conference in New Delhi today, Scindia said that the Empowered Group of Ministers have to give the final nod to the Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs). These SBDs would speed up the process of awarding 4,000 MW ultra mega power projects (UMPP) each in Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Chhatisgarh. In Case-II type of bidding, a captive coal block is packaged along with the thermal station for sourcing fuel. The Minister said he is hopeful that the fuel supply agreements will be signed soon. The power minister said, efforts also are on to implement the process of price pooling on imported coal. Swine flu outbreak:Delhi records highest number of 27 cases Feb 12 The national capital continues to be in the grip of swine flu with the highest number of 27 cases recorded yesterday. 121 people testing positive for the influenza virus have been reported till date. Three people have died due to the disease in Delhi so far. The Delhi government has designated 22 hospitals, including five private ones for treatment of swine flu. Tests for H1N1 cases are being carried out at National Institute of Communicable Diseases, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Patel Chest Institute. Delhi Health Minister A K Walia said five private laboratories are also equipped with testing facilities. He said there is enough stock of Tamiflu and isolation wards have been created in hospitals to attend to swine flu patients. Patients with severe symptoms like high fever, difficulty in breathing, blood in sputum and lower respiratory tract infection should immediately visit a doctor. H1N1 influenza or swine flu is treatable with Tamiflu and preventive vaccinations are also available