Separatism or autonomy: NC
The ruling National Conference (NC) today gave a new twist to the ongoing debate in the State Assembly on the autonomy issue, saying the proposed dialogue of the Center with separatists was aimed at sabotaging the party's move to get greater autonomy restored.

Cronje clashes with examiners
The cross-examination of the sacked South African captain, Hansie Cronje, took an ugly turn today when Cronje, looking much more self-assured than he did yesterday, directly clashed with the evidence leader of the King Commission, Ms. Shamila Batohi.

CBI grills Azhar
Former Indian cricket captain, Mohammed Azharuddin, was today questioned by the CBI here for over four hours. Arriving at the CBI headquarters on Lodhi Road this morning, Azharuddin was swiftly taken inside by the officials of the Special Crime Branch.

More powers to States on profession tax
A meeting of Chief Ministers and State Finance Ministers convened here today by the Union Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, agreed in principle to give powers to the States to fix limits for imposition of profession tax.

RSS to attack economic policy
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is getting ready for an all-out attack on the Government's economic policies. And the Bharatiya Janata Party, which expects the fuse to be ignited at a three-day convention of the RSS front organisation, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, beginning tomorrow in Agra, has more or less made up its mind that it will remain a silent spectator in the war of words that may be unleashed.

Fiji talks fail
Talks aimed at ending the Fiji's political crisis ended here today without a deal to free the country's Prime Minister and other hostages held in Parliament, a spokesman for the military said.

42 killed in plane crash
A Chinese domestic airliner carrying 38 passengers and four crew members crashed today into a suburb of the central city of Wuhan, killing all on board, officials said a local police official.

Two killed in police firing
Two persons were killed and 10 injured when police fired 10 rounds to disperse a 500-strong mob protesting against the slum clearance programme in the municipal town area here today.

Petroleum price may go up
The Government may soon be forced to raise pries of petroleum products in case world oil prices continue to harden in the coming weeks. The latest decision of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase output by three per cent has not come as much of a relief.