U.S. may lift sanctions soon
Economic sanctions imposed by the United States on India after its nuclear tests of May 1998 may be lifted soon. This was hinted at by a U.S. Congressional delegation at a meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here today.

Other steps must follow, say parties
The Government decision to extend ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir today was made easier with party leaders across the political divide virtually giving their prior approval.

Napster makes a billion-dollar offer
Napster Inc. has offered $1 billion to the recording industry to settle the copyright infringement suit that threatens to shut down the free internet song-swapping service. Under the proposal made yesterday, $150 million would be paid annually for five years to Sony, Warner, BMG, EMI and Universal. An additional $50 million would go to independent labels in each of those five years.

Koijam seeks ceasefire in Manipur
The Manipur Chief Minister, Mr. Radhabinod Koijam, today suggested that the Centre declare a unilateral ceasefire in the State and appealed to all insurgent groups operating there to come to the negotiating table.

Predictable reaction by Pak.
There is no surprise element in Pakistan's reaction to the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security to extend the Kashmir ceasefire. The military establishment has been a bit low-key in its response only because New Delhi has not made any formal announcement in this regard.

Major parties hail ceasefire extension
Major political parties today welcomed the Government's decision to extend the unilateral ceasefire for the third time in Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that Pakistan would respond positively.

Dialogue should accompany ceasefire, says Hurriyat
The Hurriyat Conference tonight said the extension of ceasefire by the Centre should be accompanied by a dialogue between India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.

Karmapa in Delhi
Buddhist devotees played traditional music, burnt incense sticks and waved dharma flags to welcome the controversial 17th Gyalwa Karmapa as he arrived in the Capital from Dharamsala today enroute to pilgrimage amidst tight security.