Hindujas granted bail
The three Hinduja brothers chargesheeted in the Rs. 65-crore Bofors payoffs case last October finally submitted themselves before a court of law. They appeared before the Special Court for CBI cases here today.

Ram temple construction next year
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad-led `dharam sansad' is expected to formally announce tomorrow that construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya will begin on Shivratri, some time in late February or early March next year, coinciding with the scheduled Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh in March-April 2002.

Indo-U.S. ties exciting: Bush
The U.S. President-elect, Mr. George W. Bush, has described America's friendship with India as ``one of the most exciting and promising relationships.''

Greece backs Indo-Pak. peace process
Greece hopes that ties between India and Pakistan will enter a new constructive phase through dialogue at an early stage. While urging either side to avoid escalation of tension, it fully backs ``the current peace process.''

Cong. retracts directive on AICC members
Nearly a fortnight after the Congress leadership asked the State units not to include the names of the members of the All-India Congress Committee in the list of PCC office- bearers or the State executive and the State election authority, it has now eaten humble pie, saying the directive be ignored.

No dialogue on masjid, says Bukhari
The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has ruled out the possibility of any dialogue with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal or the Shiv Sena over the issue of Babri Masjid.

Shaheen all set for test
Pakistan has completed preparation for the flight test of Shaheen II and Haider I and is in a position to conduct tests at 24 hours notice in response to the Agni-II test carried out by India.

Jaswant to discuss Afghan developments with Saudis
The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, is expected to review the latest developments in Afghanistan in his talks with the leadership of Saudi Arabia over the next couple of days.