-The Times of India NEW DELHI: Faced with intense pressure from Rahul Gandhi, the UPA government is likely to approach the President for his consent for the promulgation of ordinances on anti-corruption legislations. Sources in the Congress said the government is likely to take up the matter with the President shortly. Rahul himself indicated that the ordinance route was on. "These bills were in national interest and we felt the opposition would help...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon start a probe into alleged misappropriation of funds under MNREGA in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh. The agency will probe alleged financial irregularities and abuse of power in implementation of the centrally-sponsored rural employment scheme in the state during 2007-10 in seven districts, CBI sources said. The decision comes after the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court directed...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: Major initiatives of the 49-day Kejriwal government may not get quietly buried under President's rule. Lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung has directed the chief secretary and departmental heads to honour and follow decisions taken by the former Aam Aadmi Party government. So, the anti-bribery helpline launched to combat corruption will remain a priority, said sources. The free water and power subsidy schemes will continue. The public grievances...

-The Times of India MUMBAI: After Parliament's assent to the Lokpal Bill, India Inc has engaged legal eagles and consultants to examine its ramifications. At first glance, it appears that nothing much changes for the corporate sector, which is governed by anti-corruption legislations such as the Indian Penal Code or The Prevention of Corruption Act. Besides, as business is now global, anti-corruption laws of other countries also apply. Yet, with the bill...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: There was one aspect of the Lokpal bill Rahul Gandhi felt strongly about but finally decided to let go for now: Stronger accountability checks for members of the anti-corruption ombudsman. Having prodded his party to belatedly adopt the Lokpal bill, the Congress vice-president felt recent controversies involving the judiciary did raise questions about stricter standards that require closer attention. But tinkering with the Lokpal bill, already screened...