Bush sworn in 43rd U.S. President amid hopes
The former Texas Governor, Mr. George W. Bush, was sworn in amid the booming of a 21-gun salute as the 43rd President of the United States today, with the former Defence Secretary, Mr. Richard B. Cheney, as the Vice-President.

No date set for temple at dharam sansad
It was not a bang but a whimper. There was no announcement at the `dharam sansad' here of a date for the start of construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya. There was no threat to occupy by force the land acquired by the Centre in and around the disputed site.

Muslim law board meet to discuss Ayodhya issue
The executive committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is meeting here tomorrow to review the situation arising out of the various ``belligerent'' postures of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the RSS and other leaders on the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Srichand grilled for 3 hours
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned Mr. S. P. Hinduja, one of the accused in the Bofors payoffs case, for nearly three hours today. The other brothers, Mr. G. P. Hinduja and Mr. P. P. Hinduja, would be interrogated tomorrow on their role in securing the Rs. 1,437-crore gun deal for Swedish arms firm, A. B. Bofors, in 1986 and the commissions allegedly received by them.

Bush accepts honour with pride
The new U.S. President, Mr. George Walker Bush, speaking at the Texas State Society Black Tie and Boots Ball on Friday evening, had said, ``in less than 24 hours I will have the highest honour and that is become the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest nation in the world. I accept that honour with pride. I accept that honour with purpose.''

Protestors boo inauguration
Thousands of demonstrators booed the inauguration of the Presidency of Mr. George W. Bush today, holding signs such as ``hail to the thief'' to protest his swearing-in which took place amid the tightest security measures ever.

Clinton's farewell pardon
In one of his final acts as the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, pardoned more than 100 Americans including his former Whitewater Business partner, Ms. Susan McDougal, and the one time Housing Secretary, Mr. Henry Cisneros. Mr. Clinton also has pardoned his brother Mr. Roger Clinton, who was convicted on a drug charge.

'India's negative attitude hurting peace initiative'
Pakistan today said the opportunity provided by the recent Kashmir peace initiatives appeared `slipping away,' thanks to the `visible negative attitude' of the Indian authorities.

Relief as Clinton gets off with a rap
The 42nd President of the United States, Mr. Bill Clinton kept the promise he made on the day the House of Representatives impeached him that he would be busy till the last hour of the last day. And one of which had to do with a ``deal'' that spared himself possible indictment.

New Philippine President
The President, Mr. Joseph Estrada, quit today as tens of thousands of people marched on his residence and the supreme court declared no one was in charge.

India, Saudi Arabia vow to fight terrorism
India today asked Saudi Arabia to join hands in fighting terrorism saying the two countries were committed to the U.N. principles of strengthening global peace, security and stability.