Disinvestment not 'distress sale': PM
The Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, today called for dispelling unfounded fears about the effects of disinvestment, saying ``we are fully aware of the legitimate and measurable interests of employees and we are committed to protecting them.''

Steps taken to to meet bus shortage: Delhi CM
The Delhi Government today claimed to have taken adequate measures, including diverting all the 750 buses plying on inter-State routes, to bridge the gap in the fleet of the city bus service in the wake of the Supreme Court's order to withdraw eight-year old public transport buses.

'100 p.c. equity in SEZs likely'
The Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran, today said the new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be set up in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu may allow 100 per cent foreign equity in all sectors.

India, China hold border talks
Indian and Chinese army authorities held a commemorative border meeting in east Sikkim's Natu La (pass) today on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

India wins over Turkey
India has won a new political partner in West Asia. High level consultations here with the visiting Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Bulent Ecevit, have helped consolidate India's burgeoning ties with a large Islamic nation at the cross roads of Europe, West Asia and Central Asia.

U.S. alerts Americans in Pak.
The United States has warned Americans in Pakistan that there is a threat of its citizens being kidnapped in or near Karachi within a week.

30 LTTE men killed
Sri Lankan troops killed at least 30 rebels in a fresh fighting near a strategic causeway linking the mainland with the northern Jaffna peninsula, the Defence Ministry said today.

IAF cook held for spying
A cook at the air force station in Jodhpur has been arrested for allegedly providing defence-related information to a Pakistani spy, police said here today.

Volcano erupts again
Superheated steam today cracked open a new crater on Japan's Mount Usu volcano in a third eruption that stoked fears of a major explosion ahead.

Maran rules out change in labour laws for SEZs
The new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be set up in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu may allow 100 per cent foreign equity in all industries. A proposal for a special dispensation on these lines for the SEZs would shortly be considered by the group of Ministers on foreign direct investment.

SEZs, a humble beginning: Maran
The Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran, today said creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) announced in the Exim Policy 2000-2001 was only a humble beginning and the Government's aim was to replicate the free trade zones in China which were contributing about 40 per cent to Beijing's total exports.