tribuneindia...Spotlight

			Thursday, September 24, 1998
weather today's calendar

Cryogenic engine arrives
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 (PTI) — The first of the six cryogenic stages contracted from the Russian Space Agency Glavkosmos for India's Geostationary Launch Vehicle (GSLV) arrived today, according to Indian Space Research Organisation officials. The cryogenic stage which landed in Chennai will be taken 100 km north to the Sriharikota launch complex where it will be integrated with the two other stages of the GSLV. Its launch is expected in the middle of next year.

Sukhoi-30
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 (PTI) — India has asked Russia to undertake "some modifications" in the design of state-of-the-art combat aircraft Sukhoi-30 to meet certain "user needs" of the Indian Air Force, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today. Asked about the delay in the supply of further batches of the combat jets to India, Mr Fernandes told newspersons here, "We have asked for slight changes in configuration of the aircraft to meet new needs of the Air Force".

Notice to Jain
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 (PTI) — The Supreme Court today issued notice to media baron Ashok Jain on a petition by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging the Mumbai High Court order granting him bail in cases relating to alleged FERA violations. A three-Judge Bench comprising Mr Justice M.K. Mukherjee, Mr Justice S.P. Kurdukar and Mr Justice K.T. Thomas after issuing the notice fixed October 9 for further hearing on the directorate's special leave petition.

Srikrishna report
NEW DELHI, Sept 23 (PTI) — The Supreme Court today fixed October 7 for hearing on a public interest petition seeking implementation of the Srikrishna Commission report on Mumbai riots and quashing of the action taken report tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly. A three-Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice M.M. Punchhi fixed the date for hearing after lawyer Anis Suhrawardy mentioned the petition filed by the Action Committee for Implementation of Srikrishna Commission Report.

200 shops gutted
KARACHI, Sept 23 (AFP) — More than 200 shops were gutted today when a huge fire swept through a Karachi market, police and fire officials said. The blaze erupted before dawn and engulfed a three-storeyed complex in New Boulton market, a popular spot for buying toys and plastic goods, the officials said.

Explosives seized
MUDURAI, Sept 23 (PTI) — A six-member gang allegedly involved in bomb-making were nabbed by the police last night, and 16 bags of 3 explosives seized from them in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the police said today. The police was on patrol duty at Kunrakudi when the gang was found moving in a suspicious manner and taken into custody. After questioning them, the police raided the area near the grove and seized the explosives.

Envoy expelled
DUBAI, Sept 23 (PTI) — In a big blow to the ruling Taliban militia in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia today expelled its envoy in Riyadh while simultaneously recalling the Saudi Charge d' Affaires from Kabul, citing "national interests." Official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the Afghan envoy was asked to leave the country, the only country other than Pakistan and United Arab Emirates to recognise the Taliban regime to safeguard "Saudi Arabia's national interests."

Vananchal
PATNA, Sept 23 (UNI) — The Bihar Legislative Council tonight rejected the Bihar Reorganisation Bill, 1998, urging President K.R. Narayanan not to give his assent for its presentation in Parliament. The House also adopted a resolution suggesting the Centre to abandon its resolve to present the Bill in Parliament. The Bill was rejected after a two-day debate at the special session of the House, convened on the directive of the President.