Signing five key accords, including an extradition treaty, on Tuesday India and Egypt pledged to jointly combat the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The agreements lay a 'sound basis for a vibrant strategic partnership' between the two ancient civilizations - India and Egypt.
One of the five agreements signed was on cooperation in outer space and a MoU for cooperation in trade and economic fields. A MoU on increasing links in health and medicine was also signed, as was another agreement on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports.
In reaction to the propaganda by Raj Thackeray and other leaders that ‘outsiders’ were taking away jobs from locals in Maharashtra, Industries Minister Ashok Chavan clarified on Tuesday that the government resolution asking industrial units to reserve 80% jobs for the “locals”, is just a directive - it was not mandatory.
Despite her reportedly rocky relationship with singer John Mayer, the actress claims that no matter whether or not they are together, the two still 'adore one another'. The 'Friends' star said she and Mayer are always 'watched' by people because the rocker is nine years younger to her, and also because of his past relationships with starlets like Jessica Simpson.
In its second successful strike within a week, Indian Navy stealth frigate INS Tabar repulsed an attack by pirates off the Somali coast and sunk their ship. According to official sources, the incident happened at around 9.45 pm Tuesday night, and there were no casualities from the Indian side.
Breaking his silence on Malegaon main accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Leader of Opposition L K Advani openly came out in support of the sadhvi, saying that he was shocked and outraged by the way the sadhvi was being treated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad.
Bringing cheer to the industry and aiming at a marginal relief to the government revenues as well, the government on Tuesday slapped a 5% import duty on specified iron and steel products, and a basic customs duty of 20% ad valorem on crude soyabean oil. However, there is however no change in the import duty on refined soyabean oil. 
