Six SC judges refuse to toe Musharraf line
In a major setback to the Musharraf regime, six judges of the 13- member Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Saiduzzaman Siddiqui, refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) No. 1 and consequently ``ceased'' to be judges of the apex court.

Rocket attacks mar celebrations in Jammu
Republic Day passed off peacefully in Srinagar on Wednesday while militants fired at least eight rockets in Jammu district disrupting the celebrations there. However, there was no loss of life.

Priests reject 'ex-communication'
In a day of hectic activity in the politico- religious circles of Sikh religion, five head priests who met at the Golden Temple complex today rejected the `hukumnama' issued by the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Puran Singh, wherein he had ordered `excommunication' of the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Bibi Jagir Kaur.

Pak. shells Indian posts
Pakistani troops have been shelling Indian positions along the line of control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Kupwara district in north Kashmir since last night, official sources said here today. Indian troops have retaliated effectively, they told PTI.

Nawaz Sharif trial starts
The trial of the deposed Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif got underway today. Mr. Sharif's lawyers had sought an adjournment until the Supreme Court ruled on a plea challenging the October 12 coup that ended Mr. Sharif's 32-month rule and seeking his reinstatement.

World oil prices go up
World oil prices made a renewed push towards nine-year highs today as fresh data showed larger- than-expected declines in U.S. petroleum stockpiles. North Sea benchmark Brent blend for March delivery climbed more than 40 cents per barrel in opening trade in London to hit an early peak at $26.95 per barrel.

NDA partners wrangle over seats in Bihar
The seat-sharing accord among the partners of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the assembly elections in Bihar has proved to be shortlived as the four parties have failed to identify the seats they will contest from within their quota.

IED found at Red Fort
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detected this morning at the Red Fort grounds where the Republic parade culminates.

U.S. 'considering' Indian `Intelligence'
The United States is considering the `Intelligence' India has shared with it by way of proving Pakistani complicity in the recent hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane, The Washington Post has said.

Azhar arrives in Lahore
Dozens of bearded men in camouflage uniforms and wielding automatic rifles overran the Lahore International Airport today to welcome Maulana Masood Azhar, one of three militants freed by India to end last month's hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane.