PM-Musharraf meeting still possible?
New Delhi, oct. 26. Time may be running out for diplomatic efforts to organise a meeting between the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, on the margins of the United Nations next month in New York. While the likelihood of such a meeting has dimmed in the recent days, informed sources here do not completely rule out the possibility of a brief meeting in New York.

Confusion over Abu Salem's arrest
New Delhi, Oct. 26. Confusion prevails over the whereabouts of the alleged underworld extortionist, Abu Salem, as the authorities here are cautious in confirming whether he had been arrested by the United Arab Emirates law enforcement agencies in Sharjah on Wednesday.

Taliban executes major Opposition figure
Kabul, Oct. 26. In a grim warning to opponents, the Taliban today captured and executed a former guerilla leader accused of spying for the United States and Britain. And in continuing air raids, U.S. jets struck a Red Cross compound in the Afghan capital for a second time this month.

Respect Ramadan sentiments: Pak.
Islamabad, Oct. 26. Pakistan today urged the U.S. and its allies to respect the sentiments of the holy month of Ramadan (beginning on November 17) and not to undertake any military operations in Afghanistan.

Hizb replaces Kashmir commander
Islamabad, Oct. 26. The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen has replaced its field commander in Kashmir, Majid Dar, with another of its commanders, Saiful Islam.

'Puja pandals' targeted
Guwahati, Oct. 26. Militants belonging to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland targeted `Durga puja' pandals for the first time in the State, killing an Army jawan and three civilians, besides leaving 30 injured in Dhubri and Nalbari districts last night, police sources said.

A greener card?
Berlin, Oct. 26. The German Chancellor, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder, who is to visit Bangalore on Monday, may be bringing with him a gift package for IT professionals.

Attack repulsed
Srinagar, Oct. 26. Militants, belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), opened fire at the heavily-guarded Chadoora police station in Badgam district early today. Security forces returned the fire, forcing one of the intruders to take shelter in the bathroom.

A festive date with 'Jai Shri Ram'
New Delhi, Oct. 26. The enhanced threat perception due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan did not come in the way of Dussehra celebrations in Delhi on Friday as people from all walks of life converged at different places to commemorate the traditional victory of good over evil.

Union Minister's relative abducted
Karimnagar, Oct. 26. Naxalites of the CPI-ML Jana Shakti group abducted a close relative of the Union Minister of State for Home, Mr. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, from Korem village of Boinapally mandal in the early hours of Friday. The fate of the kidnapped man, Mr. Marthanda Rao, a contractor, was not known till this evening.