-Reuters New York: WalMart Stores Inc’s Mexican affiliate routinely used bribes to open stores in desirable locations, according to a New York Times investigation published Monday, which cites 19 instances of the Retail giant paying off local officials. The Times first reported in April that Walmart had intentionally stifled an internal probe into bribery at its Mexican affiliate Walmex. Late last month, Mexico’s anti-corruption body said it found no irregularities in the...

-The Hindustan Times With just three days left before the ongoing winter session winds up, the UPA floor managers are in a hurry to clear its pending legislative agenda. For Tuesday, the government has listed as many as seven bills for discussion and passing. Top government sources indicated that it may list heavy agenda for the remaining two days as well. With a large part of the session already disrupted over the...

-The Indian Express In what could give a legal validation to severe punishments in cases with grave “social consequences”, the Supreme Court has ruled that “punishment should acknowledge the sanctity of human life” and hence not just an act but its result must weigh heavy while ascertaining adequate penalty. Sending across a strong message to all trial courts to take note of the impact of a crime on the society and its...

-The Hindu It will bring many customers into banking fold: Andhra Bank CMD Hyderabad: Andhra Bank Chairman and Managing Director B. A. Prabhakar on Sunday said the cash transfer scheme of the Central government was a game changer for banks as it would help bring a large number of Retail customers into the banking fold. The scheme had the potential to bring about a second revolution in the industry after nationalisation of banks...

-The Hindu The Retail vegetable sellers have now started quoting the prices of almost all items in pao or 250 grammes. The concept of darjan or dozen has almost been replaced by the kilogramme for the humblest of fruits like bananas and oranges. But this means little to the common household which now literally thinks twice before buying any grocery item. A common refrain heard often from politicians is that prices are...