tribuneindia...Spotlight

			Saturday, September 5, 1998
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Central rule under 'consideration'
NEW DELHI, Sept 4 (PTI) — The BJP today said the Centre would "seriously consider" imposition of President's rule in Bihar. Asked whether the BJP would press for it as its ally Samata Party was also demanding it, party spokesman Krishan Lal Sharma told newspersons here, "We are confident that government would consider it seriously and there is no need for putting any pressure on the government."
Dropsy probe
NEW DELHI, Sept 4 (PTI) — The Centre today handed over to the CBI the probe into the outbreak of dropsy following consumption of adulterated edible oil in Delhi and other parts of the country. This decision was taken by Home Minister L.K. Advani as the matter had acquired inter-state dimensions and could be effectively probed only by a premier investigating agency, an official spokesman told newspersons.
Delhi High Court Judge Anil Dev Singh will head a one-man judicial panel to probe the outbreak of dropsy in the Capital, identify culprits in the adulteration of mustard oil and fix responsibility for the spread of the disease which has claimed 44 lives so far.

Missiles with experts
ISLAMABAD, Sept 4 (ANI) — Pakistan has given the two US tomahawk Cruise missiles discovered in a remote area of Baluchistan to its scientist organisations which are working on various missile programmes, including a Cruise missile project. The two missiles which were found in the adjacent districts of Kharan and Turbat have been dismantled into pieces, a science expert said. The missiles landed in Pakistani territory last month, well short of their target in Afghanistan.
Scribe detained
BEIJING, Sept 4 (AFP) — The Chinese police has detained a freelance journalist working for the US television network CBS three days ahead of a rights issues, sources said on Friday. Netalie Liu, a Chinese national with right of abode in the USA, was handcuffed in front of her children and taken from her Beijing home on Wednesday, journalists and human rights groups said. Fourteen national security officers searched her apartment and confiscated notebooks and tapes.
Settlement panel
NEW DELHI, Sept 4 (PTI) — The government is considering establishment of two more Benches of the Settlement Commission in Delhi and Mumbai to bring down the pendency of cases to within four years. Settlement Commission Chairman N.K. Nayak told the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) today that the commission dealt with tax liabilities which were delinked from the tax collecting machinery.
36 drowned in Assam
GUWAHATI, Sept 4 (PTI) — At least 36 people were feared drowned when their boat capsized in the flood waters at Mechakichapori under Dhemaji district yesterday, an official report said today. It said a boat pressed for rescue operation capsized with about 50 people on board in the flood waters. Fifteen people were rescued but the rest were reported missing, the report added.
President's tour
NEW DELHI, Sept 4 (PTI) — President K.R. Narayanan will have discussion on a wide range of issues with his counterparts during his fortnight-long visit to Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg and Turkey beginning September 6 to strengthen bilateral ties. Mr Narayanan's visit to these countries assumes significance in the light of recent nuclear tests which drew sharp reaction from western countries.
100 feared drowned
DHAKA, Sept 4 (PTI) — More than 100 persons were feared drowned today when a boat carrying them capsized in Shaniazan river, a tributary of the Teesta, in north Bangladesh, official BSS news agency said.
The agency, quoting administration sources, said the mechanised ferry with 125 passengers on board was enroute from Baurabazar to Zamzam Ghat in Lalmonirhat district when the mishap occurred due to heavy current in the river..