GSLV launch successful, satellite in orbit
India today bridged a technological gulf when its biggest rocket, a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), placed a satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), just past 4 p.m.

BJP is being obdurate: Cong.
The stalemate over the Tehelka expose continued with both Houses of Parliament being forced to adjourn for the day without transacting any substantial business. The bone of contention remained the Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the fallout of the expose, and the Government's refusal of the same.

'High point of space programme'
The President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan, the Vice- President, Mr. Krishan Kant, and the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, have congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisations and its scientists for the successful launch of the first developmental flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota this afternoon.

16 BSF men killed as BDR opens fire
Atleast 16 BSF personnel were today killed in firing by Bangladeshi Army and border force men in a forward village in Assam.

'Cong. demand has come too late'
The Government seems to have decided not to give in to the Congress demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the Tehelka affair even as it decided to push through the Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday, April 20.

India backs China on human rights
In an important signal of its commitment to an independent foreign policy, the Government on Wednesday supported Beijing in beating back a Washington-sponsored resolution at the United Nations condemning alleged human rights abuses in China.

Hurriyat leader launches tirade against Delhi
The All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) executive member and Chairman of the People's League, Shaikh Abdul Aziz, began his three-week visit to Pakistan today a bang calling for ``Kashmir's accession to Pakistan''.

India strengthens team for WTO
With the World Trade Organisation (WTO) becoming an increasingly powerful multilateral institution, India has decided to strengthen its negotiating team by appointing a senior foreign service official for a three-year tenure. It is timely as it should give enough time for the new incumbent to familiarise himself with key issues before the Qatar Ministerial conference is held in November.

Bangladesh action unwarranted: India
India today expressed its ``serious concern'' over the firing on the Indo-Bangladesh border and the takeover of a village by the Bangladesh security forces.