Anti-corruption court starts trial of ex-PM Sharif, family

A Pakistani anti-graft court formally began trial of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members in corruption cases linked to the Panama Papers scandal as two prosecution witnesses recorded their statements against them. The National Accountability Bureau court also accepted Sharif’s application for exemption from court hearings till November 27. However, it conditionally allowed his daughter Maryam one month’s exemption.

BJP can’t use ‘Pappu’ in advertisement

The Election Commission of India has barred the ruling BJP from using the word “Pappu” in an electronic advertisement, which apparently targeted Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, calling it “derogatory”.

“Pappu” is perceived as a social media slur coined to target Gandhi. However, the BJP maintains that the word is not targeted at any individual. The media committee under the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) objected to the word mentioned in the script of the advertisement which was submitted by the party for approval last month.

“Before making any election-related advertisement, we have to submit a script to the committee to get a certificate.However, they raised objection to the word ‘Pappu’, saying it is derogatory. They asked us to remove or replace it,” a senior BJP leader is reported to have said.

He said the party will replace the word and submit a new script for the EC’s approval.

Finally ! ROSOGOLLA is from BENGAL

It was sweet victory for West Bengal after a bitter feud over one of India’s most celebrated desserts. For two years, the neighbouring states of Bengal and Odisha have been battling it out. The Geographical Indications registry announced that the rosogolla originated in the state, and not in Odisha.

“This has been settled under the GI Act that authenticates products to either geographical locations or to communities or societies,” said Sanjay Bhattacharya, deputy controller of patents and designs in Kolkata, declaring the possible end of a tussle going back two-and-a-half years and a debate raging for decades. “Sweet news for us all. We are very happy and proud that #Bengal has been granted GI status for rosogolla,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tweeted after the news broke.