Mumbai, Sept 19 : The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark Sensex surged by 645 points at midsession on Friday following reassurance from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram that the Indian economy will remain unaffected from the global financial crisis.

Sensex, the 30-share index, which remained under selling pressure on weak global cues, spurted by 644.98 points to 13,960.58 at 12:45 P. M. on heavy buying by funds.

Dr. Singh''s statement that there will be no impact of US crisis on the Indian economy boosted investor''s confidence, according to reports.

New Delhi, Sept 19: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will convene a meeting of all members of the Planning Commission on Saturday to discuss the integrated energy policy and take stock of the country''s nuclear energy programme.

The meeting comes ahead of Dr. Singh’s U. S. visit, to which he will leave on Monday to attend the meeting of the 63rd session of UN General Assembly in New York.

New Delhi, Sep 18 : More than two lakh Indians in France will be eligible to avail social security benefits under an agreement India and France sign during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh''s visit to Paris later this month.

The Union Cabinet today approved the terms for signing a Social Security Agreement between the two countries.

"The social security agreement will provide various benefits to Indian nationals working in France," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters after a cabinet meeting here.

New Delhi, Sept 17 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that the recent terror strikes in various cities show vast gaps in intelligence network in the country. 

Speaking ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting on countering terrorism in New Delhi, Dr. Singh suggested better coordination and integration among the existing agencies for devising effective counter-terrorism strategy.

However, the Prime Minister rejected a proposal for a new central agency for countering terrorism.

New Delhi, Sept 17 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said that there is no question of the Government being soft on terror.

Addressing the Governors Conference in New Delhi today, Dr. Singh said, “Government is actively considering legislation to further strengthen anti-terror law.”

“Pakistan-based terrorist outfits are constantly trying to set up new modules within the country which is a matter of utmost concern,” said Dr Singh.

The Prime Minister further said that while the role of Pakistan-based groups cannot be minimised but the involvement of local elements in the recent blasts adds a new dimension to the terrorist threat.

New Delhi, Sept 12 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today reviewed the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Flood hit Bihar at a high level meeting here.

Meanwhile Bihar has demanded over 8900 crore rupees for rehabilitation, construction and repair of the infrastructure damaged in the floods.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who met the Prime Minister on Friday also wanted him to take up with the Nepalese Prime Minister, Pushpa Dahal Prachanda the outstanding issue of Kosi river to prevent recurrence of devastation. Prachanda is coming to India on Sunday.