Hazare gives government deadline to meet demands
India’s prime minister made a renewed bid to end days of anti-graft protests Thursday by offering to debate all versions a new anti-corruption bill. Talks to end the crisis broke down Wednesday night, with protest leader Anna Hazare vowing to continue his hunger strike until sweeping legislation is passed. Hazare wants India’s parliament to approve a new anti-corruption ombudsman with powers to oversee all sectors of society. The prime minister, Manmohan Singh, has introduced a less stringent bill. Hazare, who has lost 14 pounds during his strike, has given the government an August 30 deadline to meet his demands.