12th OCTOBER 2014

Novelist and short story writer K.R. Meera has been chosen for this year’s Vayalar Literary Award for her novel ‘Aaraachaar’ (Hangwoman). The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs.25,000, statuette, and citation, would be presented to Meera at a function to be held here on October 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma, Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust president M.K. Sanoo said at a news conference here on Saturday.

                                                                                       

Judge of the High Court of Karnataka B. Sreenivase Gowda and member of the Karnataka State Law Commission Jawad Rahim have called for close coordination and convergence between various investigative agencies and the prosecution to ensure conviction of and punishment to those involved in human trafficking, bonded labour, and booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from G20 countries had sharp words for the U.S. Congress on Friday, with the Group Treasurer describing Capitol Hill as being a “very difficult… obstacle” in their bid to pass internal reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A British former army Major who was awarded a top bravery medal for service in Afghanistan has had it withdrawn by Queen Elizabeth II after an investigation, it was reported on Saturday. No reason was given for the move. The Military Cross is the third highest honor of its kind which can be bestowed on British troops. Major Robert Armstrong was awarded the Military Cross for his “calm leadership” when a British and Afghan army convoy came under fire in southern Afghanistan’s unstable Helmand province in 2008. Armstrong was dismissed from the army in 2012 for keeping secret documents at his home.

Fiery paceman Mithcell Johnson on Saturday said he was happy to be the aggressor in his team’s attack which contributed successfully in the one-day series win over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Australia continued its dominance over Pakistan with a five-wicket win in the second ODI, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.