Sunday, January 5, 2003, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

PM to control N-trigger
Commander-in-Chief to be appointed
New Delhi, January 4
More than four years after India officially declared itself as a nuclear power, the Cabinet Committee on Security today decided to set up the first Strategic Forces Command and approved the appointment of a Commander-in-Chief to manage and administer all nuclear and strategic forces.

Nine Pakistan nuclear scientists absconding
New Delhi, January 4
At least nine Pakistani nuclear scientists have “secretly” left the country adding to the fears of the world community about the safety of Islamabad’s nuclear weapons falling into wrong hands.

Sinha raises Pak-N. Korea nexus with Powell
New Delhi, January 4
A subtle diplomatic message is being conveyed of late by the USA to the traditional rivals in the Indian subcontinent — India and Pakistan. US Secretary of State Colin Powell telephoned External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha last night to review bilateral relations.

Punjab has no surplus water
Capt Amarinder Singh writes to Vajpayee
New Delhi, January 4
The Sutlej-Yamuna-Link canal has again become an emotive issue in both contending states of Punjab and Haryana with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh seeking the Prime Minister’s intervention for reviewing allocation of the river waters between the two states as the Supreme Court’s deadline for its completion draws near.

PM to honour 10 eminent NRIs
New Delhi, January 4
In keeping with the Vajpayee government’s earnest desire to explore and tap the potential of the Indian diaspora besides protecting their interests, the inaugural three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held here from January 9 to 11.

Justice Phukan to head Tehelka panel
New Delhi, January 4
Retired Supreme Court Judge Justice S. N. Phukan was today appointed as Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry to probe into the Tehelka expose alleging corruption in defence deals, official sources said.

Bihar orders CBI probe into encounter
Patna, January 4
In a bid to stem political opposition following large-scale violence, the Bihar Government today decided to hand over to the CBI the investigation of last Saturday’s killing of three youths here allegedly in a fake police encounter.