We will be ruthless with infiltrators: Fernandes
New Delhi, Oct. 16. A day after firing took place across the Line of Control (LoC), the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, said India would be ruthless in dealing with infiltrators in Jammu & Kashmir.

Pak. won't get backing on Kashmir: Advani
Manesar, (Haryana), Oct. 16. India is fully capable of dealing with its problems on its own, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, said here today, scoffing at Pakistan's attempt to link its support to the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism with Jammu and Kashmir.

India raises Powell's remarks on Kashmir
New Delhi, Oct. 16. The U.S. Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell arrived here this evening on a mission to keep Indo-Pak. tensions on Kashmir in check, expand bilateralism and hold detailed discussions with New Delhi on the future of Afghanistan.

U.S. switches to low-level attacks
Kabul, Oct. 16. The military onslaught against Afghanistan took a decisive turn today with U.S. forces bombing the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar in the first low-level aerial attacks of the campaign. The daytime raids followed all-night attacks involving at least two AC-130 gunships - a heavily-armoured plane with formidable cannon firepower and a helicopter-like ability to move slowly over battlegrounds.

Fiscal situation under strain: Sinha
New Delhi, Oct. 16. The fiscal deficit for this year will not be far from the budget target of 4.7 per cent, the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, said today, even while conceding that the fiscal situation was ``under strain,'' following the tense global environment after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Anthrax: infant tests positive
New York, Oct. 16.A seven-month-old baby became the latest victim of anthrax even as authorities tried to quell fears of terrorist anthrax attacks after 110 envelopes containing white powder were sent to abortion clinics and planned parenthood facilities across the U.S.

Cuddapah inundated
Hyderabad, Oct. 16. About 18 persons were killed and train services between Chennai and Gudur were suspended for a few hours and thousands were rendered homeless due to heavy rain and the cyclonic storm which crossed the coast near Sulurpet at 8.30 a.m. today.