India ex-leader Venkataraman dies

Ramaswamy Venkataraman, who helped to draft India's constitution and served as president from 1987 to 1992, has died at the age of 98.

Mr Venkataraman was admitted to the hospital on 12 January but his condition deteriorated, a government statement said.

Announcing seven days of mourning, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India had lost an "outstanding figure".

Mr Venkataraman was an MP in the first parliament and also a vice-president. MORE...