Telecom firms allowed to acquire foreign shares
The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal allowing the Indian partner of a telecom sector licensee to acquire the share-holding of its foreign partners at the time of restructuring the company's equity. The much-awaited migration package for radio paging operators was also approved.

Pakistan says it is ready for 'purposeful dialogue'
Pakistan today said it was ready to a join a ``purposeful dialogue'' with India for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute even as the Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, expressed satisfaction over the ``gains made by the liberation struggle, securing worldwide recognition as a legitimate indigenous movement'.

Hizbul Mujahideen denies split
Putting all speculation of a possible split in Hizbul Mujahideen at rest, a spokesman of the organisation said that it supported the withdrawl of the ceasefire and ruled out the possibility of having contacts with the Government.

Another cassette on the way?
With no signs of an immediate end to the kidnap drama, another audio cassette with messages from the abducted Kannada thespian, Mr. Rajkumar, and the official emissary, Mr. R. R. Gopal, editor of the Tamil bi-weekly Nakkeeran, is expected to reach Chennai anytime now.

Abdullah confident of talks with other groups
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, believes that the withdrawal of ceasefire by the Hizbul Mujahideen is not the end of the game and is confident that some groups will come for talks.

Chattisgarh Bill okayed
Parliament today gave its nod for the creation of a separate State of Chattisgarh with the Rajya Sabha passing the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2000 by voice vote. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last Monday.