The Ashok Gehlot Government's decision to make use of agriculture land for residential schemes easier is likely to revive the real estate market in the state.

The builders and consumers of the state believe the amendments in Section 90-B of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, which deals with use of land for residential schemes, will give a boost to the market that has seen poor sales due to global recession.

With provision of time-bound approval of the schemes, the cost of budget involved in construction process will be reduced that will further extend benefit to the buyers, both investors and end users. The realtors feel that the new amendments would give a fillip to the real estate market and ensure transparency.

Congress Parliamentarian allays fears of joining politics

Congress MP Priya Dutt on Friday participated in a women's meet organised by the Vadodara Congress to boost the membership drive of the Youth Congress.

The membership drive, initiated by the Youth Congress president, Rahul Gandhi, aims, at a broader level, to bring about a change in the political system. After the success of such an initiative in Punjab, the Youth Congress is now working hard to bring more youths in politics. With this objective, the Youth Congress has initiated a membership drive across the state. Rahul Gandhi has himself visited almost all parts of the state to generate enthusiasm among the youth to join the Youth Congress.

Numbers don't lie: At 5.3%, Growth slowest since 2003

All the prime minister's men have been telling the country that India will continue growing at more than 7%. The claims are only to be expected in an election year. But the PM's team does not have the numbers to back these projections.

'26/11 terrorists didn't go by sea'

The Asif Ali Zardari-led civilian administration's failure to control Pakistan's defence establishment came to fore again on Friday with the navy chief contradicting the government and claiming the terrorists did not use the sea route in the 26/11 attack.

India rubbished the denial as another Pakistani flip-flop.

Pakistan has publicly admitted that the 10 terrorists, including Mohammed Ajmal Amir aka Kasab, the lone gunman to be captured alive, had set sail from Karachi. In fact, interior minister Rahman Malik had publicly given details of the boat used by the terrorists, admitting the strikes were partly plotted in Pakistan.

Harare - Zimbabwean state lawyers Friday agreed to the release of a group of political prisoners held since October by President Robert Mugabe's secret police - on the condition that they withdraw litigation against their captors for the brutal torture they suffered, their lawyer said.

Most of the group of 16 abductees have already been granted bail by judges, but state security and legal officials have either defied the orders or blocked their release.

Baghdad - Minister of State for National Security Shirwan al-Waili said Friday that Iraq is prepared for any early withdrawal of the US troops.

His remark came after US President Barack Obama announced a withdrawal of most US combat troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010, sharply reducing the American presence but keeping in place thousands of soldiers to support and train Iraqi forces.