No talks with VHP, says Muslim Law Board
The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board today indicated that it was prepared to consider the possibility of a negotiated settlement of the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi issue, albeit with a proviso that the negotiations would only be held with the Central Government.

Political overtones to Sonia's Kumbh visit
The proposed visit of the Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, here tomorrow morning is fast becoming a political issue. Will she be coming here to send a message that she has embraced Hinduism? Will the visit send a signal that she is certainly no longer a ``foreigner'' but a person who has accepted Indian culture and traditions?

VHP unveils construction plan
Outlining the action plan for Ram temple construction at the disputed site in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad today declared that the ``faithfuls'' who had demolished the structure could build a temple there.

Taliban denies closure of its offices in Pak.
The Taliban has denied as ``baseless' reports in the Pakistani press that Islamabad has closed down all its offices, following the slapping of United Nations Security Council sanctions on the fundamentalist regime in Afghanistan.

West Bengal CM warns against imposition of President's rule
The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, today warned the Centre against imposing President's rule in the State.

Ethical norms set for new team
The first day ended as impressively as it began for the new President of the United States, Mr. George W. Bush. From a private prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church near Lafayette Park, Mr. Bush and Ms Laura Bush made their way through a number of glittering inaugural balls.

Clinton rides into sunset in a trail of adulation
In all the focus on the inauguration ceremonies including the parade that followed, there was also attention on something that had been a fixture of the media here for the last eight years - the outgoing President, Mr. Bill Clinton.

Engagement with Saudi Arabia not aimed at Pak: Jaswant
India's new engagement with Saudi Arabia is aimed at expanding the bilateral relationship and not directed at Pakistan, the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh asserted today.

'Ex-U.K. Minister lobbied for Hinduja's passport'
A fresh controversy has erupted over the grant of British citizenship to Mr. Srichand Hinduja two years ago, following allegations that it was given in exchange for his £ one million donation to the Millennium Dome and at the intervention of the Northern Ireland secretary, Mr. Peter Mandelson, who was then the Minister in-charge of the Dome.

Rail pact with Pak. extended by 3 years
India and Pakistan today agreed to extend the bilateral agreement on rail communications by three years. Both sides agreed to some minor modifications such as two extra coaches to the bi-weekly Samjhauta Express during the peak season, a truncated freight train comprising wagons of higher axle load and better quality coaches.

India, Bangladesh reintroduce rail link
The railway route between Bangladesh and India was re-established through Benapole today with the arrival of a goods train from the Indian bordering point of Petrapole.