A step backward, U.S. tells Pak.
The United States has deplored a Pakistani Government decree that judges take an oath of allegiance to the provisions of military rule, seen as a step back from promises to restore civilian rule. The decree has added to the gap between Washington and Islamabad, which are also at odds over Kashmir issue, nuclear tests and ties with the Taliban.

Justice must be affordable, says President
While lauding the judiciary for its progressive and humanitarian role, the President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan, lamented that justice was still not affordable to the people.

I will not stop VHP from building temple: Gupta
The Uttar Pradesh Government will not come in the way of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) or the Bajrang Dal constructing a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya unless it became a law and order problem.

Bid on NC MLC
Unidentified militants last night made an abortive bid on the life of the ruling National Conference MLC, Mr. Javed Hussain Shah.A group of militants hurled a grenade towards the residence of Mr. Shah in Roop Nagar area causing an explosion. However, there was no loss of life or injury.

Four killed in Pak. blast
At least four persons were killed and 25 others injured when a bomb exploded inside a mosque in the Afghan Basti area of Karachi today, reports said. A second blast occurred near a court building in the city a few hours earlier, injuring seven persons. This bomb was planted on a motorcyle parked outside the court building.

New SC judges sworn in
Three new judges were today sworn in at the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice, Dr. A. S. Anand, in the Chief Justice's court.

Indian juniors are world champs
Even as India's senior cricketers were caving in against the Pakistanis at Perth in the Carlton and United Series, the nation today received the heart-warming news of a trophy triumph for its under-19 team in the World Cup, with a comfortable six-wicket victory over the host, Sri Lanka.

Azhar forms group to wage 'jehad'
Masood Azhar, the Pakistani cleric released in the terrorists-for-hostages deal by the BJP-led Government on December 31, has announced the formation of the Lashkar-i- Muhammadi (LiM), a new outfit, to wage ``jehad'' (holy war) against India.

Mars lander may be crying for help
NASA may have received a cry for help from its lost Mars Polar Lander. The U.S. space agency on Wednesday broadcast commands to Mars to try to establish if a signal detected earlier in the week was sent by the missing craft.