How it started: It was 10 years ago when news of increased infiltration at the Indo-Pak border in Kargil began pouring in. The Army sent its troops to counter the infiltrators, but soon realised that it was more than just an infiltration bid, suspecting the involvement of Pakistani armed forces. This was the beginning of the Kargil War. (NDTV)

M Jagannatham: A Congress MP has recently hit the headlines for slapping a rural bank manager. But M Jagannatham from Nagarkurnool in Andhra Pradesh, is not the only one to have indulged in public misconduct. Rather, he is an addition to the long list of lawmakers known for gross abuse of power. Here is a look at Indian politics' hall of shame.

Mumbai's new landmark: The first bridge to be built over the sea in India has opened in Mumbai. This undated handout photograph shows an aerial view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The eight-lane, 5.6 km (3.47 mile)-long, bridge links the western suburbs of Bandra with Worli over the Arabian Sea. (AFP)

Iconic, almost: These Ashoka Pillar lookalikes have elephants instead of lions - Mayawati's party icon. When asked the UP government officials present there refuse to speak about it. There will be a statue of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati," says a contractor. As is available to the eye, neither sweat nor money has been spared. But detractors question the very moral behind it, the very need, and all the whys and wherefores about it. Well, icons are hardly answerable, or are they?

Mamata’s Janata Express: Of, by and for the people Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the Railway Budget. The budget comes up with a host of populist measures. While passenger fares and freight rates remain unchanged, an upgraded security system is high on the priority list. Presenting her third budget, Mamata said the Railways must set an example of inclusive growth and the old mindset of economic viability must be substituted with social viability. Praising the budget, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The railway minister has done a highly competent job in the time available to her. She has presented a budget which does not impose any burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger fares."

Nation's hope: As Rahul Gandhi, the political scion of the Gandhi dynasty, turns 39, an entire nation waits to see what shape his political convictions take in future.