It is 'Talibanisation' of education: Arjun Singh
New Delhi, Nov. 23. The Rajya Sabha, which had barely gone through the second question of the day, adjourned today after tumultuous scenes marked the proceedings over a disagreement on the usage of the word - Taliban - which the BJP wanted expunged but the Opposition refused to withdraw.

'Terrorism anywhere should be rooted out'
New Delhi, Nov. 23. India and the European Union (E.U.) have decided to initiate a structured political dialogue even while calling for decisive measures against states harbouring or financing terrorism.

Anti-Taliban forces besiege Kunduz
Bangi (Afghanistan), Nov. 23. Anti-Taliban forces advanced on Kunduz on Friday and a spokesman for the Northern Alliance in Takhar province near Kunduz claimed that his forces had taken Aliabad, a town just east of Kunduz behind the Taliban front lines without a fight. The Taliban fighters there turned themselves in, he said.

Sena to observe Dec. 6 as 'victory day'
Kanpur, Nov. 23. The Shiv Sena today threatened to offer prayers at the disputed site in Ayodhya on December 6, and observe it - ninth anniversary of the demolition of the ``disputed structure'' - as a ``victory day.''

Bilateral talks on J&K will help: Jack Straw
Islamabad, Nov. 23. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, has said that resolution of the Kashmir issue is important for peace and stability in South Asia.

Howard flays India, S. Africa
Sydney, Nov. 23. Backing the International Cricket Council, the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, today described as a ``terrible development'' the action of Indian and South African cricket authorities sacking the controversial match referee, Mike Denness, by defying the cricket governing body.

MCI chief removed
New Delhi, Nov. 23. In a hard-hitting judgment, the High Court today ordered removal of Dr. Ketan Desai as president of the Medical Council of India (MCI) and directed the CBI to initiate prosecution against him for his ``involvement'' in corrupt practices while observing that the apex body for doctors was a ``den of corruption''.

Probe panel's term extended
New Delhi, Nov. 23. The Centre today extended the term of the Justice K. Venkataswami Commission, probing the Tehelka portal's expose on corruption in defence deals, till March 23, 2002. This is the second extension given to the Commission.