Hizb chief rules out another ceasefire
The Pakistan-based chief of Hizb-ul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, has ruled out the announcement of another ceasefire but said his outfit was willing to hold a dialogue with New Delhi outside the Constitution and was even ready to participate in elections.

A needless controversy: PM
Faced with a barrage of criticism on his description of himself as a ``swayamsevak'', the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today clarified that he had made the remark in the context of his being a volunteer in the service of India and its people and ruled out any change in his Government's position on the Ayodhya issue.

India, U.S. to sign accords in power, textile sectors
India and the United States are likely to settle major economic issues, sign cooperation accords in the areas of textiles and power besides taking steps for promoting foreign direct investment in telecom.

Krishna rules out use of force
The Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna, said today that Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were looking for a practical solution to the impasse arising out of the kidnap of the Kannada actor, Mr. Rajkumar, without going in for ``a show of bravado''.

Kapil quits as coach
``I am more relieved than disturbed,'' said a relaxed Kapil Dev here on Tuesday, soon after he sent his three- page resignation letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Oil prices rising
World oil prices bubbled just below 10-year highs today. Brent crude oil, the benchmark grade, was up at $34.23 a barrel. Early trade in New York was just one cent below a 10-year-high at $35.84 a barrel.

Telecom stir
Indian Telecom Service(ITS) officers all over the country today went on an indefinite work-to-rule agitation to press for Government status for themselves in the proposed corporation and exclusion of IAS officers from the proposed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.