Centre may go in for Presidential reference
Punjab’s law on water
New Delhi, July 19
The Centre is keeping its options open on going in for a Presidential reference under Article 143 of the Constitution on Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s unilateral move to abrogate water-sharing pacts with neighbouring states. This will enable the matter to be taken up by a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court.

Centre to decide on SYL in a day or two
New Delhi, July 19
The Centre will come up with its decision on the vexed Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue in a day or two, Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj informed the Rajya Sabha today.

Haryana traders ignore BJP bandh call
Chandigarh, July 19
The BJP-sponsored Haryana bandh evoked poor to partial response in most of the towns of the state today.

Haryana Cong leaders meet PM, Sonia
Haryana page: National parties in a tight spot
Editorial: Resignations a charade

5 dead, 34 hurt in Anantnag blast
J&K Dy CM, 2 ministers escape bid on life

Srinagar, July 19 Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and two other ministers escaped an attempt on their lives in a grenade attack killing five persons and injuring more than 34 at a function at Kapran, Dooru in Anantnag district this afternoon. Asghar Samoon, Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, is carried by doctors into the hospital for treatment minutes after being airlifted to Srinagar on Monday. — Tribune photo by Amin War

Natwar Singh in Pak for talks
Islamabad, July 19
External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh arrived here today to hold talks with his counterparts from Pakistan and other SAARC countries, saying he has come with a message of goodwill from the Government and people of India.

Relief after two decades for Bhopal gas tragedy victims
New Delhi, July 19
After a relentless wait for two decades by the Bhopal gas tragedy victims for the payment of compensation by US major Union Carbide, the Supreme Court today directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to release Rs 1503 crore deposited with it by the company for disbursement to them. (Details on Nation page)

Hospitals await information on faulty stents
New Delhi, July 19
Hospitals around the country have become cautious over the use of drug-coated heart stents, manufactured by Boston Scientific Corp, after the news of a death and serious injuries.