PM, Clinton news conference cancelled
The White House today cancelled a joint news conference with the President, Mr. Bill Clinton, and the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, at the Indian Government's request because of the latter's poor health.

Annan to 'play his role' in Kashmir, says Musharraf
The Pakistan military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, maintained here today that he was not worried about the recent warming of relations between India and United States. Addressing a news conference on his return after attending the United Nations millennium summit Gen. Musharraf claimed that he had prevailed upon the U.N. Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to visit Pakistan and play his role in resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Hizb ready for talks
The Hizbul Mujahideen today said it might consider a dialogue with the Centre on the Kashmir issue without the immediate participation of Islamabad if New Delhi accepted it as a tripartite issue.

India, U.S. sign deals worth $6 bn
In a bid to boost bilateral economic ties, India and the U.S. have signed five commercial deals worth $ 6 billion for projects in power, e-commerce and banking sectors during the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, here.

Putin visit from Oct. 2
The Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, will travel to India on a State visit from October 2 to 5, Moscow officially announced on Friday.

Appeals in Veerappan associates case listed for Sept. 19
The Supreme Court today directed that the appeals (and related petitions) in the `Veerappan associates- release case' be listed for ``directions'' before an appropriate Bench of the Court on September 19, 2000.

Escapes bid on life
A senior Sri Lankan Minister escaped a possible assassination attempt in an LTTE suicide attack that left seven persons dead and 28 injured in central Colombo this morning.

School ransacked
About a dozen people ransacked and set afire the office of a missionary school here last night over a land dispute, police said today.

Opening Ceremony a breath-taking blend of tradition and modernity
Like a pleasant dream on a midsummer night it unfolded, setting the tone and tenor for the first Olympiad of this century. The Opening Ceremony for the 27th Games at Stadium Australia tonight presented an enchanting vista, that was truly multi-dimensional.