Allies to pressure govt on prices
Oppn to move cut motions in House
NEW DELHI, April 26 — Allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) today decided to keep up the pressure on the government to roll back prices of foodgrain supplied through the public distribution system, (PDS), reduction in fertiliser subsidy and rise in the prices of LPG and kerosene.

Allow 600 cr as relief: Gujarat
NEW DELHI, April 26 — Facing the century’s worst drought, Gujarat today demanded that the Centre treat the nearly Rs 600 crore expenditure on tackling acute water crisis in the affected areas as permissible under calamity relief.



A woman pulls up water from a deep well  at Gadota on Wednesday in  Rajasthan where most of the water-wells have dried up and the remaining murky water has to be used as drinking water. Women have to walk several miles to fetch drinking water for their families. — AFP photo

CBI probe sought into Harpreet case
CHANDIGARH, April 26 — In petitions before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, social organisations today sought directions to the state of Punjab and other respondents for registering a first information report in Harpreet Kaur's alleged murder case, besides ordering a CBI probe into the allegations.

20 die as bus falls into gorge
SHIMLA, April 26 — At least 20 persons were killed and 15 injured when a bus No (HP-33-5417) of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation met with an accident near Neugal Seri in Kinnaur district, this afternoon.

Brain behind Indian plane hijack held
CALCUTTA, April 26  — In a major breakthrough West Bengal Police arrested an ISI agent, who masterminded the hijacking of the Indian Airline flight IC-814 from Kathmandu, from a border village in north 24 Parganas district last night, official sources said here today.

WB clears $ 743m for India
WASHINGTON, April 26  — The World Bank has sanctioned $ 743.68 million for various development schemes in India, including a power restructuring project to be undertaken in UP.

Samjhauta’s run extended
WAGAH, April 26 — On the categorical assurance given by the Government of Pakistan that foolproof security would be provided to Indian rakes during its night halt at Lahore, the Indian Railways agreed to extend the run of Samjhauta Express up to Lahore.