Troop movement routine: India
New Delhi, Oct. 18. India today denied reports of any ``heightened tension''along the Line of Control (LoC) and described the remarks of the Pakistani spokesperson to the contrary as ``intemperate and uncalled for.''

A security lapse at Ayodhya, admits PM
Chennai, Oct. 18 The Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, made it clear today that ``there is no proposal to have formal talks with Pakistan,'' though the two countries are in touch.

A challenge to SC: Opposition
New Delhi, Oct. 18. The Opposition today condemned the forcible entry of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists into the disputed site at Ayodhya and demanded the arrest of those responsible for it. Describing the entry as a challenge to the Supreme Court, they urged the apex court to initiate suo motu action against the culprits.

Islamabad denies firing
Islamabad, Oct. 18. Pakistan has denied India's charge of firing by its troops in the Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir early today, and maintained that New Delhi could be making it up to cover up the ``embarrassment over detection'' of movement of its forces along the LoC and the International Border.

JeM threatens fresh attacks
Srinagar, Oct. 18. Close on the heels of the Lashkar-e-Taiba threatening to step up violence, another Pakistan-based militant outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has warned of intensified suicidal attacks across the country.

Postal Dept. closely monitoring overseas mail
New Delhi, Oct. 18. A close watch is being maintained on all international mail in the wake of anthrax scare. ``We are keeping our fingers crossed and maintaining a close watch on international mail,'' Member Secretary (operations) of the Postal Department, Mr. Gautam Gupta, said here.

$50 m. U.S. aid for Pak.
Washington, Oct. 18. The U.S. President, Mr. George W. Bush, has ordered release of a $50 million grant for Pakistan, citing it as vital to the security interests of Washington.

4 sentenced in embassy bombings case
New York, Oct. 18. Four terrorist followers of Osama bin Laden, convicted in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa, were sentenced to life without parole on Thursday.

Phalke award for Asha
New Delhi, Oct. 18. With the Dada Saheb Phalke Award now being added to her kitty of awards, the ``evergreen'' singer, Ms. Asha Bhosle, today joined an elite club of 31 eminent film personalities, including her sister, Ms. Lata Mangeshkar. The award will be presented by the President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan, at the National Film Awards presentation ceremony not scheduled yet.