National Events in December 2001
Dec. 4:
The Madras High Court, acquits the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa and all others of all charges in the TANSI land deal and Pleasant Stay Hotel cases.
India and the U.S. unveil an expansive agenda for bilateral defence engagement.
The Union Cabinet clears the Protection from Domestic Violence Bill, 2001.
Dec. 5:
The Centre declares the PWG and the Maoist Communist Centre ``terrorist organisations'' under the POTO and bans them.
India and Kenya sign an MoU on institutionalising of framework of cooperation and collaboration in the communication sector.
The new rule on `automatic suspension' of MPs entering the Well of the House to protest, comes into effect.
Dec. 6:
The acting CBI Director, Mr. P.C. Sharma, is appointed the full-time chief.
The Supreme Court makes fastening of seat belts mandatory for front seat occupants in cars.
Dec. 7:
The Irish civil rights activist and Nobel laureate, Mr. John Hume is nominated for this year's Gandhi Peace Prize.
The 20-month-old Mawlong Government in Meghalaya is voted out of power after the Assembly adopts a no-confidence motion.
The Tatas pull out of the bid for Air India bringing to a standstill disinvestment in the civil aviation sector.
The second phase of Tehri Dam construction begins and water enters Tehri township.
Dec. 8:
Dr. Flinder Anderson Khonglam, leader of the People's Forum of Meghalaya, is sworn in the Chief Minister, the third since the 1998 polls.
Dec. 10:
The Supreme Court upholds BALCO disinvestment.
The Government finalises a milder POTO limiting its operations to three years from five years.
Dec. 11:
`Kargil was an excuse to push through procurement' and defence contracts negotiated in a slipshod manner, says the CAG report triggering a furore in Parliament. Financial impropriety in purchase of coffins.
The Law Commission Chairman, Mr. Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy quits citing personal reasons.
The ADB clears loans worth $ 410 millions to India to improve roads and other infrastructure.
Ms. Asha Bhosle, is presented the Dada Saheb Phalke Award at the 48th National Film Awards function, in New Delhi.
Dec. 13:
A suicide squad storms Parliament . In the ensuing 30-minute gun battle, five militants are killed and six security personnel also perish.
Dec. 14:
Lashkar-e-Taiba behind attack on Parliament, says the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh. India delivers demarche to Pakistan. The U.S. offers FBI help in probe.
Dec. 15:
India cannot be cowed down by terrorism and the attackers on Parliament were beyond the pale of humanity, says the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, delivering the convocation address at the Viswabharati.
The Union Commerce Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran launches India's first trade portal, tradeportalindia.com.
J and K police arrest Mohammad Afzal, one of the masterminds of the Parliament attack in Baramulla. Fidayeen squad led by one of the hijackers of the IA plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar in 1999, he reveals.
Dec. 16:
Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar carried out attack with ISI guidance and initial plan to target Delhi Airport, says the Delhi Police Commissioner, Mr. Ajai Raj Sharma.
Dec. 21:
India recalls Envoy to Pakistan, and terminates bus, train services, effective Jan 2002.