Bush Allays Indian Concerns (December 26, 2006)
US President George Bush called Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to wish him for the season and to also allay fears in India over the civilian cooperation bill and both leaders concluded that these concerns can be addressed in the “1-2-3 Agreement.”<More>

Israel Proposes Prisoner Exchange (December 26, 2006)
In an act of good faith, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggested that his government would be willing to release Palestinian prisoners even though the captured Israeli soldiers remain in Gaza but also proposed a formal agreement with the Palestinian Authority.<More>

Japan Considering Nuke Deterrent (December 26, 2006)
In a move that has consequences way beyond the region, a Japanese daily Sankei report says that the Japanese government is apparently considering a nuclear warhead as deterrent to North Korean (NK) nuclear weapons program which is being denied by government spokesperson.<More>

Bangla Polls On (December 26, 2006)
After objecting bitterly about election planning irregularities and breach of Constitution, Awami League led 14-party opposition is reportedly decided to contest in parliamentary election scheduled January 22 next year.<More>

NCW Rejects Adultery Proposal (December 26, 2006)
The National Commission on Women (NCW) citing social disempowered position of women, has reportedly recommended that a woman, even if she is involved in an illicit relationship, cannot be punished for adultery and be treated as the victim under law. It has asked the government not to amend Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).<More>

Massive Aid for J&K (December 26, 2006)
The Prime Minister's Special task force on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has proposed a Rs 8,302-crore (USD 1.8 billion) aid package to develop that state and proposed another Rs. 200 crore (USD 43.47 million) to develop a satellite business city satellite business city..<More>

Diabetes a Major Worry (December 26, 2006)
According to the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) India continues to don the dubious distinction of being the Diabetic capital of the world with the largest number of diabetics—China comes second but leads on pre-diabetic phase population.<More>