Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan to meet Anna

Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra, Jan 10 (IBNS): Key members of Team Anna, Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan, are likely to meet the veteran social activist Anna Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi on Tuesday.

The two social activists may discuss with Hazare about the future strategy of the Team Anna in their fight against corruption.

Hazare is likely to take decision on their future moves specially in the wake of the upcoming assembly elections in the five states, media reports said.

He may announce that his team is likely to campaign in poll- bound states in the upcoming days.

However, he might not name any particular political party during the campaign, media reports said. 

Earlier on Monday, the core committee of Team Anna had met in New Delhi to discuss on the future course of action.

Iran begins uranium enrichment in lab

Tehran, Iran— Iran has begun uranium enrichment at a new underground site built to withstand possible airstrikes, a leading hard-line newspaper reported Sunday in another show of defiance against Western pressure to rein in Tehran's nuclear program.

The operations at the bunker-like facility south of Tehran, reported by the Kayhan daily newspaper, are small in comparison to Iran's main enrichment site. But the centrifuges at the underground labs are considered more efficient and are shielded from aerial surveillance and protected by up to 300 feet of mountain rock.

Uranium enrichment is at the core of the international standoff over Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. and its allies fear Iran could use its enrichment facilities to develop high-grade nuclear material for warheads.

Iran — which claims it only seeks nuclear reactors for energy and research — has increased threats and military posturing against pressures, including U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's Central Bank in attempts to complicate its ability to sell oil. A senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard force was quoted as saying Tehran's leadership has decided to order the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil route, if the country's petroleum exports are blocked.

In an interview broadcast Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Iran is laying the groundwork for making nuclear weapons someday, but is not yet building a bomb. Panetta reiterated U.S. concerns about a unilateral strike by Israel against Iran's nuclear facilities.

Govt to notify rules for 100% FDI in single-brand retail today

NEW DELHI: The central government is all set to announce 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in single-brandretail trading. The announcement will be made later today.

Sources said that the government was to announce the guidelines for single-brand retail trading later on Tuesday. The norms were ready for permitting 100% FDI in the segment.

At present the government permits 51% FDI in the sector. The move is expected to boost the prospects of global players such as Ikea to set up a wholly-owned venture in India to operate a chain of stores.