TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE
‘Tainted’ officers get PCS posts
3 candidates had earlier paid lakhs
Chandigarh, March 5
The tall claims of the Capt Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab of launching a crusade against corruption seem to have fallen flat with the nomination of certain “tainted” officers to the PCS (Executive) cadre.

Badal for probe into Punjab liquor auctions
Chandigarh, March 5
The Shiromani Akali Dal President, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today demanded probe by an independent agency into the controversial multi-crore auction of liquor vends in Punjab.

 Punjab page
CM justifies liquor vends’ auctions

India, Brazil, S. Africa to strengthen trade ties
New Delhi, March 5
India, Brazil and South Africa today thrashed out broad contours of a tri-continental trade regime of sorts, set up a quarter million dollar fund to combat poverty and hunger in the developing world, and adopted “New Delhi Plan of Action” envisaging stronger economic relations among each other.
In video (28k, 56k)

Condition on irrigation not restrictive practice: SC
New Delhi, March 5
In an important judgement related to agriculture sector, the Supreme Court has held that imposing of certain conditions by the government for the supply of irrigation water to the farmers will not amount to restrictive trade practice.

ONGC issue oversubscribed within minutes
Mumbai, March 5 
The government’s mega offer to sell its 10 per cent stake in the ONGC was oversubscribed by 1.07 times today within 45 minutes of opening of the bidding process. (Details on Business page)

Pak cricket visa camp in Amritsar from March 17 New Delhi, March 5 India today permitted Pakistan to set up a special cricket visa camp in Amritsar from March 17-20, while the Pakistan High Commission here is expected to issue the first batch of cricket visas only on Monday, March 8. Lahore-Amritsar bus service soon In video: India and Pakistan to increase transport facilities before cricket tour. (28k, 56k)