• NATIONAL NEWS

New National Competition Policy on the anvil

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is mulling introduction of amendments to the present Competition Act to turn merger and acquisition scrutiny more industry-friendly.

NHRC dismisses complaint against Vedanta on human rights violation

he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has dismissed a complaint against Vedanta authority's inaction on human rights violations of workers in Orissa.

SEBI mulls change in IPO norms

The Security and Exchange Board of India is considering to reduce the time for investors to apply for an initial public offering through the Applications Supported by Blocked Accounts (ASBA) mode. The new system would reduce the 21-day long process to a week.

IRDA gives LIC clean chit in transfer of profits

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has given a clean chit to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), in respect of possible violation of rules pertaining to transfer of profits among its various schemes in order to hide the deficit.

Government mulls norms to split PF money in stocks

The Ministry of Finance has ruled out investing any amount from corpus with Government Provident Fund (GPF) in stocks, while planning to invest a part of funds managed by Employee Provident Funds Organisation (EPFO) in equity markets.

Government proposes legislation on personal data misuse

The government is proposing legislation that will empower citizens to take legal recourse against any misuse of personal data. The main aim of the legislation is to ensure that personal data is not revealed without consent, except in case of national security.

SC - UPSC has to divulge selection details

The Supreme Court has dismissed Union Public Services Commission's (UPSC) special leave petition (SLP) against divulging details of selection process followed by it over the years under Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Government expedites proposal to implement 3G Auction Model for Infrastructure Projects

The government has put on fast-track a proposal to award infrastructure projects in a transparent manner through electronic auction. A key ministerial panel is examining how the auction model used for 3G airwaves can be used for awarding infrastructure projects.

Panel recommends establishment of National Vaccine Security Advisory Board

An expert panel has recommended to the Health ministry to constitute a "National Vaccine Security Advisory Board" comprising of stakeholders like public health specialists, pediatricians & social activists, to advise it on important issues relating to the National Vaccine Security Policy.

Central government rejects West-Bengal debt proposal for thermal power plant

The Central government has rejected the proposal of West Bengal to borrow funds for a nearly 2,500 crore thermal power project from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as the state is already under massive debt.

DGCA seeks monthly air tariff report

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked air carriers to furnish route-wise tariff on their entire network at the beginning of each month, so as to prevent flight operators to escalate prices on heightened demand.

Government may allow more time to air carriers to phase out expat pilots

The Central government may extend the deadline for Indian air carriers to phase out foreign pilots, to help flight operators deal with the shortage of pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked all leading players to submit a five-year hiring and training plan.

Government plans to ask companies to name 'lobbyists' in annual report

The government is planning to ask companies to disclose the names of lobbyists employed by them and their positions on issues affecting their business, in an effort to bring in greater transparency in its dealings with companies. Such disclosures will be entirely voluntary.

SEBI wants MF's to simplify new fund offers

SEBI has asked asset management companies (AMC's) to rework some proposed new schemes and file offer documents afresh, as they are too complex for average investors to understand them fully.

Government changes EPF, EPS rules for foreign workers

The government has changed the policy for withdrawal of their contribution towards the EPF scheme & Employees Pension Scheme. Now, a foreign worker can withdraw his money on retirement, at any time after attaining 58 yrs of age or on retirement on account of permanent & total incapacity from work.

Orissa government plans to regulate MFI's

The Orissa government has expressed its intentions to look into the Micro-finance institutions (MFI's) business processes and practices in the state, amend existing laws if needed.

SC rejects CBI's plea for transfer of PF scam trial to Delhi

The Supreme Court has rejected Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea for transfer of the multi-crore Provident Fund scam case, in which six judges including three former High Court judges have been accused, to Delhi.

SC directs three-member committee to manage Prasar Bharti

The Supreme Court has directed a three-member committee to handle the day-to-day business of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti, till Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) concludes its probe.

CCI imposes Rs 1cr fine on Kingfisher

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on Kingfisher Airlines for not furnishing information it sought during the investigation into its proposed strategic agreement with Jet Airways.

HC upholds iron-ore export ban

The Karnataka high court has upheld state government's orders banning export of iron ore and issue of permits to transport iron ore meant for exports, in order to curb illegal mining.

SC denies Obulapuram mining to transport minerals

The Supreme Court has refused to grant permission to the promoters of Obulapuram mining company to transport minerals mined from undisputed areas in Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh and directed Central Environment Committee to verify whether any mining is done in forest areas.

Cabinet approves RITES report on BRT Corridor

The Union Cabinet has given an 'in principle' approval to the RITES (Government of India enterprise) report on the proposed 350 km of BRT corridors across the capital. The Delhi government has been directed to study the execution plan in coordination with UTTIPEC.

HC rules against Coca0-Cola in transfer pricing case

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled against Coca-Cola India's contention that transfer pricing rules cannot be applied in the absence of prima facie evidence of profit transfer outside India.

India and Norway to establish a "Centre for Biodiversity Policy and Law".

The governments of India and Norway have decided to initiate a joint project on technical and institutional cooperation for establishing a Centre for Biodiversity Policy and Law

Petroleum ministry wants state governments to rationalize tax structure on petro-products

The Central government has asked states to shift from ad-valorem tax rates to specific tax components on the four petroleum products which are petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas to provide relief to the consumers.

DCGI bans anti-diabetic drug

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has banned the manufacture and sale of anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone in the country. All the companies will have to discontinue the production of the drug and withdraw existing stocks from the market with immediate effect.

Move to shuffle ministries responsible for FDI

There is a proposal to shift all decision making on FDI from DIPP in the ministry of commerce to DEA in the Ministry of Finance. At the moment, FIPB under DEA clears proposals on foreign investment, while policymaking remains in the domain of DIPP.

Rajasthan government to link NREGA wages to inflation

The Rajasthan Government is contemplating linking payment to the workers under NREGA to the rate of inflation. The minimum wages under NREGA were frozen by the Central Government two years ago, at Rs 100 a day.

New UNIDO guidebook for exporters

United Nations International Development Organisation (UNIDO) has launched a new guidebook on private standards for exporters in developing countries. The guidebook is expected to help exporters in the garments, footwear and furniture industries.

Ministry revising CSR norms to make companies accountable for environment damage

The ministry of corporate affairs is revising the guidelines on corporate social responsibility issued last year, to add detailed norms on measures taken by companies to prevent environmental damage and treat industrial waste. A new accounting standard is also in the offing.

Government reworking norms for Biotechnology Regulatory Authority

The cabinet is today likely to consider a bill to create a biotechnology regulatory authority. The new authority is slated to give the environment ministry a fair amount of control in the approval of biotechnology products in the country.

Environment clearance made mandatory

The environment ministry has made it mandatory for all new projects, (including expansion and modernization of existing projects) to obtain environmental clearance before commencing work. The developer is required to give a written commitment to the ministry within 90 days.

TRAI recommends cancellation of 38 2G licences

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended immediate cancellation of 38 telecom licences found to be ineligible allotees by CAG and legal scrutiny of another 31 licences.

Government planning to monitor progress of all the power projects closely

The government has formed a panel headed by the Cabinet Secretary to monitor the power sector projects in the country on a monthly basis. The new set up is not only expected to identify delays, but also fix responsibility and take action for lapses.

EU official coming to resolve drug dispute

The EU director general for trade is likely to arrive in India next week to resolve the dispute over seizure of Indian medicines at European ports. Illegal confiscation of drug consignments in- transit, by the customs authorities in EU countries, has resulted in hardship for Indian exporters.

HC allows Central government's plea in DGCA appointment case

The Delhi High Court has allowed the Central government's plea against a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order in the appointment of Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), stating that the government is empowered to relax recruitment rules but it cannot be claimed as a matter of right.

Andhra Pradesh government seeks RBI probe on microfinance lending

The Andhra Pradesh Government has sought RBI investigation into the banks' practices, followed in lending to Microfinance institutions (MFI's). The state of A.P wants to know if the banks have adhered to the guidelines on microcredit while lending to MFI's.

SEBI wants SAT to intervene in MCX-SX case

The Security and Exchange Board of India is likely to ask the Bombay High Court to dismiss the appeal of MCX-SX challenging regulator's order barring it from trading in equity, equity derivatives & interest rate futures and send it to the Securities appellate tribunal (SAT) to resolve the case.

Government to set up a committee to review EOU's

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has decided to set up a committee to rework the export-oriented units (EOUs) scheme to ensure that it remains attractive even after the tax sops lapse at the end of March, 2011.

China set to impose price controls to contain food inflation

The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top planning agency is planning to impose food price controls to crack down on speculation in agricultural commodities and contain inflationary pressures in the economy.

IRDA investigates LIC profit transfer

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has launched a probe to ascertain whether Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) violated rules to transfer profits between its various schemes to conceal deficit in some of its funds.

NCW, DCW asks SC to prescribe age of marriage for girls

The National Commission for Women (NCW) and its Delhi counterpart (DCW) have sought an answer from the apex court as to what should be the age of marriage for a girl, as there are different figures given in different laws which creates confusion.

HC rejects Vedanta's plea in university land acquisition case

The Orissa High Court has declared that the process of land acquisition for Vedanta's university project near Konark Puri is 'illegal' and ordered Vedanta to return the acquired plots to their owners.

SC questions inaction in 2G spectrum scam

The Supreme Court has asked the Central government to explain within two days why the 'sanctioning authority' remained silent for months over a request seeking sanction for the prosecution of former telecom minister in the 2G spectrum scam.

Government allows transfer of capital goods, manpower to SEZ's

The government has clarified that companies are free to shift both men and machinery from units in software technology parks (STP's) or anywhere else to special economic zones (SEZ's)and such shifting will not lead to cancellation of approvals.

HC upholds ICAI's plea against DGIT (Exemption) in income tax exemption case

The Delhi High Court has allowed the appeal of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) against the order of Director General of Income Tax (Exemption)denying ICAI's foundation exemption under Section 10(23C)(iv) of the IT Act, 1961.

Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill 2010 introduced in Rajya Sabha

The central government has introduced the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)Amendment Bill 2010 in the Rajya Sabha .

India is not in favour of commissioning WTO body to settle drug dispute

India has not yet sought establishment of a settlement panel in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against detention of Indian generic medicines by European countries, while in transit through the EU ports.

Karnataka plans 'walk to work' industrial townships

The Karnataka state government is mulling a new 'walk to work' model for SMEs, which entails new industrial estates having residential colonies in the vicinity of workplaces. Moreover, it is planning to reserve 10% of the total land notified for industrial use for small and medium enterprises.

India and Germany to collaborate in food processing sector

India and Germany have agreed to cooperate in the field of food processing and the allied sectors including the packaging sector through technology transfers & investment promotion to foster economic and social development of the two countries.

Government to maintain 100% FDI in pharmaceuticals

The government has clarified that there is no effort to restrict foreign direct investment in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector. The current policy allows 100% FDI in pharmaceuticals sector.

CAG suggests amendment of mobile service licence agreements

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has asked the telecom ministry to amend mobile service licence agreements to enable audit of account books of private telecom firms.

Rajasthan Royals, BCCI to settle issues through arbitration

Rajasthan Royals and the Board of Cricket for Control of India (BCCI) have agreed to take their dispute over the IPL franchisee's contract termination to an Arbitrator.

CBEC - Brokers to pay more service tax

The Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC)has clarified that turnover charges, exchange transaction charges, dematerialisation charges and regulator fees charged by brokers from clients will be added to the brokerage amount while calculating tax except stamp duty and security transaction tax.

Government suspends patent official over irregularities

The government has suspended a Chennai patent official and initiated enquiry against another for granting patent to German medical device maker B Braun, in violation of certain provisions of the Patents Act.

SEBI notifies increase in retail investors' cap in IPO's

SEBI has notified the increase in retail investor investment limit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakhs in public offerings. Further, it has asked companies to make a public announcement about the filing of draft offer documents in national dailies

New ground rules for airports by next year

Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to roll out the new ground-handling policy in January 2011. The new policy will eliminate deployment of outsourced manpower, restrict the number of service providers operating at airports & nominate Air India or independent agencies to manage ground handling.

Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) bill, 2010 introduced in Lok Sabha

The Minister of state for agriculture, food and consumer affairs introduced the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) bill, 2010, in the Lok Sabha. The Bill aims to strengthen cooperative societies with transparent and effective functioning of the management.

New fuel efficiency norms on the anvil

Bureau of energy efficiency is planning to bring new fuel-efficiency norms in India, which are in alignment with the prevailing fuel-efficiency rules in U.S and the European countries.

Tribal bodies moves HC against Vedanta's ban

Some of the leading tribal organisations from Orissa have approached the Orissa High Court against the recent decision of the Union ministry of environment and forests denying permission to Vedanta Aluminium's plan to expand its refinery project in some of the most backward districts of Orissa.

SC directs Central government to set up "Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission"

The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to establish an Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission within two months, to address grievances of armed forces personnel, both serving and retired.

Delhi government to bring stringent law against touts

The Delhi Government has decided to lay the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Act which will replace Tourists Ordinance 2010, set to be tabled in the legislative assembly in the winter session.

HC issues notice to government in sedition case

The Delhi high court has issued notice to state government seeking its response on a petition seeking criminal prosecution of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, writer Arundhati Roy and others under the charge of sedition for making anti-India speeches.

HC - Delhi University teachers should follow semester system

The Delhi high court has paved the way for implementation of the semester system and directed all Delhi University teachers to start taking classes in accordance with the new system, failing to which could be treated as "absenteeism" for the deviation period.

Lawyers in Bihar abstains from work in the evening court

Over 70,000 lawyers in Bihar abstained from work in the evening court following an appeal from Bihar State Bar Council (BSBC), citing bad law and order situation.

New CRZ rules set to be introduced

The new set of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules will be introduced anytime after November 15, 2010. They will put the onus on the state coastal zone management authorities to undertake swift action against the violators of CRZ rules.

Bill to amend enemy property law introduced in Lok Sabha

The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Second Bill 2010 has been introduced by Mr P.Chidambaran in the Lok Sabha.

SC - Nominee of Bank Account does not get succession rights.

The apex court has clarified that the nominee of a depositor in a bank does not get ownership of the money in the account after death of the depositor. The money in the account will form part of the estate of the deceased depositor and passed on according to the rules of succession.

SC upholds Municipal Committee's plea in inflated billing case

The Supreme Court has allowed the appeal of Municipal Committee of Hoshiarpur claiming that Punjab State Electricity Board never sent any notice of inspection of meter. Further, no check meter was installed and the new meter too was not showing the correct reading.

Indian Ports Bill aims to corporatise major ports

Parliament, which will replace existing Indian Ports Act and the Major Port Trust Act. The bill will allow ports to fix their own rates, unlike the current system where the rates are fixed by the Tariff Authority of India.

SC directs Vodafone to deposit Rs 2500 crores

SC has today directed telecom major Vodafone to deposit Rs 2500 crores within 3 weeks, and furnish bank guarantee of Rs 8500 crores within 8 weeks, as part of its capital gains tax liability in an ongoing case relating to the takeover of telecom operations of Hutch group.

Bar Exam postponed by 3 months

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) has been further postponed by 3 months. The new date for the exam is yet to be disclosed. The exam will no longer be conducted on 5th December, 2010.

Coal Ministry allows R-Power to divert coal from UMPP blocks to other projects

The Ministry of Coal has allowed Reliance Power to divert 26 million tonnes of coal per annum from the Tilaiya ultra-mega power project (UMPP) coal blocks in Jharkhand to other projects, despite an ongoing case filed by Tata Power in the apex court over transfer of coal from Sasan power plant.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs, NACAS close to finalising draft of IFRS

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs & National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards (NACAS),after consultations with all stakeholders and regulators has drawn up a clear roadmap for implementation of Indian Accounting Standards converged with IFRS.

MSME ministry proposes 18% FDI in multi-brand retail

The Ministry for Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has proposed to allow up to 18% FDI in multi-brand retail, while cautioning that entry of global retailers could harm interests of kirana stores, small farmers and consumers.

Environment panel recommends to revoke forest clearance of Posco

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has recommended that forest clearance for the Posco's integrated steel project in Orissa be "temporarily withdrawn" on the grounds of violations of Forest Rights Act.

Indian doctor moves to HC against German publisher over copyright violation

An Indian medical practitioner has filed a civil suit in the Bombay High Court against a German publication firm for allegedly copying his work on treatment of AIDS & cancer and selling it all over the world under its brand name.

HC rejects PepsiCo's appeal against Heinz

The Delhi High Court has rejected an appeal filed by beverage maker PepsiCo against Heinz over trademark infringement case claiming that Heinz's Glucon-D Isotonik uses a similar tagline as PepsiCo's Gatorade sports drink.

SC - Let family size determine quota for subsidised food

The Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider if the quantum of food grains under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) for below poverty line (BPL) people could be based on the number of members in a family holding a ration card.

MCD - Farmhouse owners to pay tax for vacant land

The Municipal Council of Delhi has decided to start collecting tax for vacant land from farm owners. Till now, the vacant plots were exempted from payment of property tax, as it is considered 'agricultural land'.

UPSC - Recruitment process for PP's to be completed by February

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has assured the Delhi High Court that public prosecutors for various courts would be recruited in four months time. The court observed that lack of adequate number of Public Prosecutors has led to increasing pendency of cases & prisoners serving in jail as undertrials.

Government likely to free sugar exports soon

The government is considering to free up sugar exports and allowing export of 2 million tonnes of sugar under its Open General Licence (OGL) scheme.

HC clears a three-year-course for 'non MBBS' doctors

The Delhi High Court has given green signal to the introduction of a three-year-course for non-MBBS persons to practise medicine in primary health centres in rural areas.

India signs "Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement" with Denmark

India has signed a "Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement" with Denmark to facilitate legal migration & enhance integration of migrants between the two nations. The government of India is in the process of negotiating a similar agreement with other European countries as well like France, Netherlands etc.

Companies Bill to be tabled in next Parliament session

The government will not be able to introduce the Companies Bill in the ongoing Parliament winter session. The final draft of the bill will now be presented before Parliament in its budget session next year.

Motorola Mobility sues Microsoft over patents issue

Motorola Mobility, a unit of Motorola Inc has filed a suit in a federal court against Microsoft over infringement of 16 of its patents, relating to a wide range of functions in Microsoft's PC and server software, Windows mobile software and Xbox game console.

Haryana government slashes stamp duty

The Haryana government has decided to reduce stamp duty by one percent on the purchase of residential property, dwelling unit or plot by serving and retired defence personnel.

HC judge set to be impeached

A judicial committee has been set up by Rajya Sabha Chairman Mr Hamid Ansari to initiate the process of impeachment against Justice Soumitra Sen of Calcutta High Court on the grounds of misappropriating funds and making a false statement about it.

Delhi High Court: Right to use the words "indiatimes" vests only with the TIMES Internet Ltd.

The Court held that the domain name "indiatimestravel.com" adopted and registered by Belize Domain Whois Service Ltd being identical to the coined trademark of Times Internet, on account of use of words "indiatimes" in it, makes it a clear case of passing off.

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS

House ethics panel says Rep. Rangel violated rules

Rep. Charles Rangel, once one of the most influential House members, was convicted on 11 counts of breaking ethics rules and now faces punishment. An ethics panel of eight House peers deliberated over two days before delivering a jarring blow to the 20-term New York Democrat's career. Rangel was charged with 13 counts of financial and fundraising misconduct.

The conviction also was another setback for Democrats who lost control of the House to the GOP in the midterm elections.

Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, is not expected to resign. He is 80 years old and remains a dominant political figure in New York's famed Harlem neighborhood. He was forced to step down last March as Ways and Means chairman, when the House ethics committee, in a separate case, admonished him for taking two Caribbean trips paid for by corporations. At his one-day trial, Rangel was reduced to pleading for a postponement - arguing that his lawyers abandoned him after he paid them some $2 million but could afford no more. The panel rejected his request, and Rangel walked out of the proceeding. The full ethics committee will now conduct a hearing on the appropriate punishment for Rangel, the silver-haired, gravelly-voiced and sartorially flashy veteran of 20 terms in the House.

The congressional panel, sitting as a jury, found that Rangel had used House stationery and staff to solicit money for a New York college centre named after him. It also concluded that he solicited donors for the centre with interests before the Ways and Means Committee, leaving the impression that money could influence official actions. He also was found guilty of failing to disclose at least $600,000 in assets and income in a series of inaccurate reports to Congress; using a rent-subsidized New York apartment for a campaign office, when it was designated for residential use; and failure to report to the IRS, rental income from a housing unit in a Dominican Republic resort.

The ethics panel split 4-4 on a charge that Rangel violated a ban on gifts because he was to have an office - and storage of his papers - at the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York. Two counts charging him with misuse of Congress' free mail privilege were merged into one.

Ohio city consumed by search for missing family

People in the tiny Ohio city of Mount Vernon used to have to think back years to recall a violent crime. Now, days after a 13-year-old girl was found bound and gagged in a basement, residents are dwelling on the disappearances of the girl's mother, brother and family friend.

Search teams scoured vacant buildings and wooded areas for Maynard's mother, 32-year-old Tina Herrmann; Herrmann's 10-year-old son, Kody Maynard; and her 41-year-old friend, Stephanie Sprang. They haven't been seen for a week. Authorities fear that the three missing people are dead. A deputy searching Herrmann's home last week in nearby Howard, Ohio found an "unusual" amount of blood inside.

Deep-cleaning Gulf beaches amid new worries

Bulldozers and dump trucks shake the ground and a giant sifting machine spits clean sand out one end, tar balls out another. What's typically a beautiful, quiet stretch of beach in the fall now resembles a construction site. With its oil-well dead and few visitors on the Gulf Coast during the offseason, it is the biggest push yet to deep-clean the tourist beaches that were coated with crude during the worst of the oil spill. Machines are digging down into the sand to remove buried tar mats left from the disaster.

The work is getting mixed reviews. Many are anxious to see the beaches cleaned as quickly as possible by whatever means available. Others say BP may be making matters worse by bringing heavy equipment onto beaches and spreading the petroleum stain.

Wife of Justice Thomas may play less public role

Sarah Field, Liberty Central's chief operating officer, said in a statement that "several options are on the table" because of the group's effectiveness in serving as a bridge between conservative leaders and the Tea Party movement since Liberty Central's founding last year.

A person familiar with the discussions said the most likely suitor is the Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty in Manassas, Va. An agreement to join forces probably also would include a less prominent public role for Thomas, this person said on condition of anonymity, because the talks are private.

Thomas has worked for many years in Republican and conservative politics, but she attracted additional attention last month when she left a voicemail message for Anita Hill asking her to apologize for a 19-year-old sexual harassment accusation that nearly kept Clarence Thomas off the Supreme Court. Thomas began Liberty Central to oppose what she has called a power grab by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats and her speeches at Tea Party events around the country have been well received. Her group attracted two initial donations of $500,000 and $50,000, but Liberty Central is not required to identify the source of the money. The site also calls on supporters to stop Senate approval of a pending nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia and to oppose all action in the lame-duck session of Congress, other than extending the tax cuts and passing legislation to allow the government to keep operating, but at 2007 spending levels.

Justices advised to adapt to Facebook world

The 72-year-old Justice Breyer said in a speech at Vanderbilt Law School that he was perplexed when he recently saw the film "The Social Network" about the origins of Facebook. But the film illustrates his argument that modern conditions - like the development of the social-networking site - should inform justices when interpreting a Constitution written in the 18th century. Although Breyer was making a point about judicial philosophy, he also touched on the court's sometimes limited grasp of technological developments. For example, Chief Justice John Roberts in a public employee privacy case before the court earlier this year tried to figure out the role of a text-messaging service in enabling an exchange between two people.

Breyer, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by Democratic President Bill Clinton in 1994, said his views contrast with originalist members like Scalia, whose approach focuses on giving a fair reading to the words of the Constitution as they were meant when they were written. He disagrees with those who argue that originalism is "a good system because it will keep the subjective impulses of the judge under control."

Court affirms longer prison term in gun, drug crimes

The Supreme Court has upheld longer prison sentences for people convicted of carrying or using a gun while committing drug trafficking crimes. The court voted 8-0 to affirm lower court rulings involving defendants who had five years tacked onto their drug trafficking prison terms because they had a gun with them. Some federal courts had decided that the additional five years could not be added onto related sentences for federal crimes.

Court weighs sex differences in citizenship rule

The Supreme Court confronted a U.S. citizenship law with evident distaste recently, because it treats fathers and mothers differently, even as justices offered little hope to a Mexican-born man who says he should be declared an American.

Woman becomes nation's 1st transgender trial judge

A 49-year-old California patent lawyer has been elected as the nation's first openly transgender trial judge.

Michigan teacher ejects student for anti-gay remarks

Michigan high school teacher Jay McDowell says he didn't like where the discussion was going after a student told his classmates he didn't "accept gays". In return, the teacher was suspended for a day without pay for violating the student's free speech rights.

The incident has sparked intense debate in Howell, about 45 miles northwest of Detroit. And it's gained far wider attention since the Livingston County Press & Argus released video of a 14-year-old gay student from another city defending McDowell at a Howell school board meeting. The video has drawn thousands of YouTube views. Howell schools on Monday hosted a community forum to discuss tolerance and diversity issues.

'Bribed' witnesses will not testify in Kenya case

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says three witnesses who claim they were bribed to provide false evidence against a prominent Kenyan politician will not be used in a case the court is building on post election violence in Kenya.