Indian govt set for showdown over anti-graft bill

NEW DELHI, Dec 21, (AFP): The Indian government geared up Wednesday for a showdown with opposition parties and civil activists over a landmark anti-corruption bill to be presented in parliament. The new legislation was the focus of mass protests in August, spearheaded by veteran activist Anna Hazare, that saw millions take to the streets of cities across India to denounce the corruption that permeates all levels of Indian society. The proposed law would create a powerful new ombudsman, or "Lokpal", tasked with probing and prosecuting senior politicians and civil servants suspected of graft.