S P O T L I G H T

Pipeline damaged in blast
GUWAHATI, Jan 24 (UNI) — A high-pressure gas pipeline of Oil India was damaged in a blast, official sources said today. The pipeline was damaged in an explosion. Subsequently there was a fire between Joypur and Ushapur in Upper Assam. While the police suspect the involvement of ULFA militants in the explosion, the oil authorities termed it as an accidental blast.

Rakesh Roshan
MUMBAI, Jan 24 (UNI) — A crime branch team under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime, and Law and Order) D. Shivanandan has launched a massive manhunt to trace the assailants who fired at actor-director Rakesh Roshan last week. The police has been carrying out “nakas”, and raided hideouts of gangsters.

Kalyan men sacked
LUCKNOW, Jan 24 (PTI) – Uttar Pradesh BJP today expelled seven loyalists of former party leader Kalyan Singh, including state working committee member Ram Kumar Singh and controversial corporator Kusum Rai, from the party’s primary membership for six years on charges of indiscipline.

Urdu teachers
NEW DELHI, Jan 24 (UNI) — Part-time Urdu and Punjabi teachers in Delhi will soon get enhanced pay, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced today. Addressing a function organised by the Urdu Teachers Association, Mrs Dikshit said her government would accord priority to promoting the language.

MoD website
NEW DELHI, Jan 24 (UNI) — The Defence Ministry’s website — http://mod.nic.in — was launched at South Block today to provide information about the role and activities of the ministry. The website launched by Defence Secretary T.R. Prasad comprised nine modules and seven sub-modules.