S P O T L I G H T

Mother Teresa
Vatican City, December 19
Pope John Paul II is poised to approve, at a solemn Vatican ceremony tomorrow, the miracle needed for the beatification of Mother Teresa, whose dedication to the destitute earned her a special place in the pontiff’s heart. Once the announcement is made tomorrow by the Vatican, a date can be announced for the beatification ceremony, expected next spring. AP

Geelani in hospital
Ranchi, December 19
Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today admitted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences and Abdul Razzak Ansari Memorial hospital (Appolo group) for cardiac check-up. Mr Geelani, a cardiac patient, was recommended a thorough medical examination a few days ago by a medical board in Birsa Central Jail here. UNI

Logo unveiled New Delhi, December 19 The official logo of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, specially created by renowned painter M.F. Hussain, was unveiled by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha at the Parliament House annexe here today. TNS External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and renowned painter M.F. Hussain during unveiling of the official logo of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi on Thursday. — PTI photo

Vani’s bail plea
Mumbai, December 19
The Bombay High Court today reserved its order for tomorrow on a bail plea moved by suspended Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman P. D. Vani, an accused in the multi-crore government recruitment scam. Maintaining that it was not a fit case for bail, the Chief Public Prosecutor told the court that the accused was deeply involved in the crime, which was also confirmed by the co-accused in the case. UNI

Gas victims
Bhopal, December 19
The local Labour Court yesterday directed the state government to appoint the women survivors of the gas leak disaster employed at the government-run stationery production centre to the permanent posts of Junior Binder with effect from April 29, 1998. OC