A.P. fit case for more aid: Nitish
The Andhra Pradesh Government stepped up its relief and rehabilitation efforts following a let up in the rains in the State for the last two days, but the day in Hyderabad was marked by breaches to the small tanks resulting in flooding of some residential localities, and rumours that created temporary panic below the Hussainsagar lake.

Pak. expels Indian embassy staffer
In what is seen as a `tit-for-tat action', Pakistan today ordered the expulsion of a staffer in the Indian High Commission on the ground that his activities are ``incompatible with his official status''.

Jamaat differences to the fore
The differences in the Jamaat-e-Islami over the Kashmir issue came to the fore today with its former chief, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, attacking the new incumbent, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, for his policies were ``detrimental'' to the organisation.

APHC will stand united, says Bhat
Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat, chairman of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, is hopeful of swinging the entire organisation in favour of his proposal that two Hurriyat teams simultaneously engage New Delhi and Islamabad on the Kashmir issue.

Commonwealth for early restoration of democracy in Pakistan
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr. Don McKinnon, today called on the Pakistani military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, to convey the Commonwealth concerns over a time-table for early restoration of constitutional and democratic rule in the country.

Nawaz Sharif's party on verge of split
The Pakistan Muslim League headed by the former Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, is on the verge of a split with a section of the party leaders openly revolting against the leadership of Mr. Sharif.

Cong(I) to sharpen attack on NDA
The Congress President and leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, has said her party intended sharpening its attack on the ``fragile'' NDA coalition. Talking to newsmen at a dinner hosted here last night by the party functionary, Mr. Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, she said the Government had ``failed on all fronts''.

2 killed in Sri Lankan blast
A Sri Lankan soldier on leave exploded a grenade following a quarrel, killing himself and a civilian and wounding eight others. The Government said in a statement today that the incident occurred yesterday at Arapattai in the eastern Batticaloa district.