Veerappan associates case listed for Oct. 11
The Supreme Court today directed that appeals and related writ petitions in the `Veerappan associates- release case' be listed for hearing and final disposal on October 11.A Bench comprising Mr. Justice S. P. Bharucha, Mr. Justice S. N. Phukan and Mr. Justice Shivraj V. Patil made this order when these cases came up for `directions'.

Gopal mission despite SC ruling
A reluctant emissary, Mr. R.R. Gopal was today goaded by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, to again proceed to the Sathyamangalam forest to negotiate with Veerappan for the release of the Kannada actor, Mr. Rajkumar, and others despite the hearing on the TADA detenus cases being delayed in the Supreme Court.

Malleswari wins bronze, lifts Indian spirits
Karnam Malleswari added a glorious chapter to Indian sports history today at the Sydney International Convention Centre by becoming the first Indian woman to gain an Olympic medal.

I did not recommend Central rule: Fernandes
The Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, today said the law and order situation in West Bengal was even worse than Bihar and asserted that he had not recommended President's rule in the State.

Laxman welcome: Basu
The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Jyoti Basu, today said the BJP president, Mr. Bangaru Laxman, was free to visit any part of the State. ``It's a democratic country and anyone, except foreigners, can visit and participate in politics.

'Pak. efforts helped put pressure on India'
The Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, is convinced that thanks to Pakistan's concerted efforts international pressure is growing on India to resolve the Kashmir issue.

BJP sees U.S. tilt towards India
The Bharatiya Janata Party now sees ``an American policy tilt towards India rather than Pakistan'' after the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee's successful visit to the United States.

12 killed in Pak. blast
Twelve persons were killed and 50 injured in a bomb explosion in a crowded fruit and vegetable market here early today. Police believe it to be the handiwork of terrorists.

Jaiswal replaces Khursheed as U.P. Cong. chief
The Congress(I) president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, today replaced Mr. Salman Khursheed as the Uttar Pradesh Congress(I) Committee (UPCC) chief with Mr. Sriprakash Jaiswal, Lok Sabha MP from Kanpur and UPCC vice-president.