Musharraf following a 'fascist agenda': Benazir
The former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Ms. Benazir Bhutto, has accused the Musharraf Government of following a ``fascist agenda'' and declared her determination to return home to fight for the restoration of democracy despite threats of arrest.

ROs interpreted EC circular correctly: Gill
Expressing satisfaction over the decisions taken by the Returning Officers (ROs) in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. M.S. Gill, today said the Commission's August 1997 circular had the legal backing and the ROs had correctly interpreted it.

Declining ODA, a worrying factor: Sinha
The financial crisis in Turkey and Argentina and the cyclical slowdown of the global economy underline the fact that developing nations as a whole are still exposed to an uncertain and challenging economic and social future.

Raghavan hands over charge
The CBI Director, Mr. R. K. Raghavan, retired from service today, handing over the charge of the post he held for 27 months to the Special Director, Mr. P. C. Sharma.

Moopanar rejects charge
The TMC president, Mr. G.K. Moopanar, today rejected the charge of the Chief Minister, Mr.M. Karunanidhi, that he denigrated Kamaraj by drawing a comparison with Ms. Jayalalitha.

13 killed in poll violence
At least 13 persons including a homeguard were killed and several others injured as violence erupted once again during the sixth and final phase of panchayat polls today taking the toll in the long-drawn election to 79. The overall turnout was 65 to 70 per cent.