S P O T L I G H T

More powers yes, autonomy no: BJP
VISAKHAPATNAM, July 2 (PTI) — BJP General Secretary M. Venkaiah Naidu said today that his party was for more devolution of powers to the states, but not for granting autonomy to any state. Addressing a news conference here, Mr Naidu said the BJP wanted a strong Centre and strong states. Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly passing a resolution on autonomy, Mr Naidu said his party’s “stand was very clear that there should be no question of going back to the pre-1953 status”.

General killed
PUERTO PRINCESA, (Philippines), July 2 (AFP) — A Philippine General was killed and up to 10 other persons went missing today when an air force plane crashed into the Sulu Sea, the police and radio reports said. Rescuers recovered the body of Major-General Santiago Madrid, commander of the military forces in the western Philippines, off the island town of Cagayancillo, said the regional police commander, Chief Superintendent Lucas Managuelod.