PM welcomes U.S. initiative
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today welcomed the U.S. President, Mr. George Bush's initiative for steep reduction in nuclear arsenal but said India needed a credible minimum nuclear deterrent.

Statute panel for enlarging fundamental rights
The National Commission to review the working of the Constitution, headed by Mr. Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, has belatedly and silently moved to frustrate whatever narrow designs the NDA Government may have had in wanting to ``review'' the Constitution.

Adequate security for repolling in 302 booths today
The Election Commission has ordered repoll in 302 polling booths in Assembly constituencies in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Charges against Sonia to be 'examined'
With the voting in the Assembly elections out of the way, the Janata Party president, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, has been heard again over his allegations against the Leader of Opposition, Ms. Sonia Gandhi.

Panel wants amendments to Art. 356
The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, headed by the former Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, has suggested wide-ranging amendments to Article 356 of the Constitution and changes in the appointment and functioning of Governors.

Chinese Premier in Islamabad
The Chinese Premier, Mr. Zhu Rongji, arrived here on a four-day official visit to a tumultuous welcome from the military establishment in Pakistan. The high-level delegation led by Mr. Rongji was received at the military base by none other than the Pakistani Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Senior Ministers and chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force were present to accord a rousing reception to the Prime Minister of a country described as an `all-weather friend' of Pakistan.

Scientist protests
A scientist nursing a grudge against the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) caused a commotion when he smeared the face of its Chairman, Mr. N.K. Sharma, with pastry in the presence of the Vice-President, Mr. Krishan Kant, and the Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, here today.