Hindus Upset Over Ban on Holy Dot

A senior official in India's Bihar state faces suspension for wearing the Hindu red mark on his forehead at work. He is accused of breaching a new government code. He says he has worn the mark, or tilak, on his forehead at work for 30 years and it is his religious right to do so. He is supported by his colleagues, nearly all of them arrived at work on Friday wearing red marks in protest and unions are threatening mass action.

India Parties Mull Nuclear Deal

Communist allies of India's government are holding meetings to discuss their opposition to a landmark nuclear deal with the US. The communists say the deal, under which India gets access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel, gives the US leverage on India's foreign policy. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has refused to back down, even challenging the communists to withdraw support for his government. Separately, Australia has defended its decision to sell uranium to India.

Fresh Rains Worsen South Asia Floods

Fresh rains in north India have flooded new areas and worsened the situation in regions already badly hit by some of the worst floods in 30 years. Relief operations are being hampered in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and landslides suspended the pilgrimage to a key shrine in Uttarakhand state. In Bangladesh, more than 50,000 people have fallen sick after eating stale food or drinking contaminated water. About 28,000 people have been affected by floods in India. Bangladesh and Nepal. The number of those killed varies widely from 500 to 3000.

India's First Female President Sworn In

Indian has it's first female president. She vowed to eliminate the practice of aborting female fetuses and to empower women, who are often treated as second class citizens. White clad, mounted honor guard escorted her to a limousine to Parliament where she took the oath of office. The ceremony was followed b a 21-gun salute announcing the inauguration of Indians 13th president. Women feel this is only a lukewarm response that gives women little more than a symbol - not a leader that represents them. One of her goals is to do away with the head scarves Muslims and Hindus alike wear.