Pak. High Commissioner clarifies remarks
The Pakistan High Commissioner, Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, today clarified that the interpretation of his remarks by a news agency to the effect that the Hurriyat was unlikely to have an audience with the Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, coming here for a summit meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, was `totally unwarranted'.

Deceptive calm in Nepal
With the main political parties united on preserving Nepal's constitutional monarchy, King Gyanendra appears to have warded off the first serious challenge to his authority.

'Centre will help nab Veerappan'
The Centre has assured the Tamil Nadu Government of all assistance to nab the forest brigand and sandalwood smuggler, Veerappan, who has been evading arrest.

PDS foodgrains to cost less
The Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies proposes to reduce the central issue price of foodgrains distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Food-For-Work Scheme to increase the offtake and reduce stocks in preparation for the kharif season.

'Jayalalitha keen on third alternative'
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader, Ms. Jayalalitha, today said the recently-formed People's Front was progressing steadily and her party enjoyed cordial relations with two constituents of the Front - CPI and CPI(M).

Russia 'sways' India on ABM Treaty
Russia appears to have swayed India back to its view on strategic stability and the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.

Musharraf's advice evokes mixed response
The Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf's advice to the militant outfits and extremist religious outfits, to refrain from making reckless statements, has evoked a mixed response.

Ackerman speaks up for Hindus in Afghanistan
The former Chairman of the Congressional India Caucus, Mr. Gary Ackerman, today asked all U.S. Congressmen to wear yellow arm band and the slogan ``I am a Hindu'' on the day the Taliban edict against the Hindus in Afghanistan comes into force.