Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has forwarded a copy of the report of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reforms Committee to the National Assembly unedited.

What this means is that the Acting President has accepted the entire proposals of the panel as the government’s recommendations.

Over 40 members of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra were yesterday arrested by the police in Enugu, while protesting the continued detention of their leader, Ralph Uwazurike. Reports say an encounter between a combined team of soldiers and mobile policemen with the protesting members, led to the MASSOB members arrest and detention.

Women in Kaduna State have said political offices in the state and all over the country should be shared 50-50 with their male counterpart. The women stressed that if given the opportunity to participate in decision making, as agreed by the Beijin conference, there will be good accountability in the governance of Nigeria.

South Africa's ruling ANC is asking Winnie Mandela to clarify comments attributed to her which starkly criticize her ex-husband, Nelson Mandela. Mrs. Mandela was quoted in UK newspaper the Evening Standard as saying former President Mr. Mandela was a "sell-out" who had agreed a "bad deal for blacks". The ANC said it wanted to verify the report before commenting further.

Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin is due in India for talks expected to focus on arms and energy contracts. The two sides are due to sign two deals worth over $10bn in defence and civilian nuclear reactors and Russia will refit an aircraft carrier.

Security officials say two missile strikes by US drone aircraft have killed at least 12 suspected militants in north-west Pakistan. The attacks took place in the tribal area of North Waziristan. The identities of those killed in the attack, the latest of more than 12 this year, are not yet known.

Officials say Indian security forces have intensified their operations against Maoist rebels.

Thousands of forces have joined those already operating in jungle areas of three eastern states where the rebels have a formidable presence. A major security offensive, to flush out the rebels, is under way in several states.