Hesitancy over peace offensive?
Though the Vajpayee Government has repeatedly observed that despite the many provocations by militant groups the ceasefire decision would be reviewed only after January 26, 2001, an element of ``hesitancy'' is creeping in in the higher echelons of decision-making about the advisability of the peace offensive, especially on the question of whether or not Pakistan is interested in lowering the tensions.

Normality returns to riot-torn Kathmandu
The Nepalese Capital was mostly calm today after Left wing students called off a fifth day of protests at an alleged slur by film star Hrithik Roshan out of respect for the King's birthday.

PM's joy ride in a house-boat
After staying indoors for three days on account of rain, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today ventured out, taking a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Vembanad.

Ball back in Pak. court
The reported decision of the Indian Government to clear the travel documents of the leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), to enable them to proceed with their visit to Pakistan, puts the ball back in the court of Pakistan on the new initiatives in Kashmir in the last few weeks.

Nepal will curb anti-India elements: envoy
The Nepalese Ambassador to India, Mr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, today termed the disturbances in Kathmandu a result of ``media fabrication'' of alleged remarks made by film star Hrithik Roshan and asserted that Nepal would take to task the elements responsible for anti-India activities there.

Anand arrives to a hero's welcome
On this cold Friday morning, the reception accorded to Viswanathan Anand at the Indira Gandhi International Airport fell grossly short of matching the `rousing' ones extended to Olympic bronze medallists, Leander Paes in 1996 and more recently, to Karnam Malleswari.