Disappointed on the hike in VAT rates, members of Indian Industries Association (IIA) held a demonstration in which over sixty of them were arrested by the police on Monday. However they were set free after three hours.

Annoyed with the State’s decision and henceforth demand to have VAT at par with the other states, the industrialists had earlier proposed to have a car rally which was supposed to end at Patel Park after which they wanted to have a dharna but the administration did not give its approval for the same. On Monday about 250 cars were parked at Moti Mahal but on the car rally’s disapproval, the industrialists resorted to march through the market. On this the police got enraged and arrested them.

New Delhi/Dhule, Oct 8: Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal will visit Dhule district of Maharashtra to review the situation.

According to Home Ministry spokesman, Jaiswal is scheduled to have a meeting with leaders of various communities to ensure immediate restoration of peace.

Meanwhile, the situation in Dhule is tense but under control.

According to official sources, the death toll has risen to seven. Police has arrested more than 250 anti-social elements.

New Delhi, Oct 8: President Pratibha Patil today greeted the nation on the occasion of Dusshera, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

In her message, the President said, "On the occasion of Dusshera, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

"Dusshera symbolizes the victory of good over evil. May this day bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of the nation," she added.

New Delhi, Oct 8: Both the Sarang helicopter team and Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) on Wednesday enthralled the audience by their breathtaking display of synchronized low level maneuvering in close formation on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

Fifty-two aircraft at an Air Force Day parade-cum- investiture ceremony at Air Force Station, Hindon, conducted the air display.

The Sarang helicopter display team comprising of four ''Dhruv'' Advanced Light Helicopters and SKAT performed the aerobatics ballet leaving the audience mesmerized by their maneuvering.

The rupee depreciation witnessed a 5 year fall on Monday. It has lost by 17.6% so far this year. The rupee was very volatile on Monday. 

There was no inflow of dollar in the market as the investors and oil firms were purchasing dollars. The traders have forecasted further depreciation of rupee to touch as low as 49 against the dollar. It was 1.5 percent weaker than last Friday and closed at 47.80/81 per dollar.

New Delhi, Oct 8: Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil here last evening.

Abbas also met Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani.

Earlier, Abbas and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone of the chancery-cum-residence complex of the Embassy of Palestine and formally dedicated the building to the people of Palestine from the people of India.

Dr. Singh also pledged 20 million US dollars to Palestine authority for budgetary support as well as for various development projects.