Pak must end terror for better ties: Kalam
New Delhi, February 25
The President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, categorically said today that normalisation of relations with Pakistan “is critically dependent” on the neighbouring country “fulfilling its assurance of ending support to terrorist activities.”

HIGHLIGHTS Nation page: Kalam departs from convention World page: Aziz wants to give peace a chance President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam arrives to address Parliament’s Budget session with Lok Sabha Speaker Som Nath Chatterji, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in New Delhi on Friday. — PTI photo

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President unveils new deal for rural India
New Delhi, February 25
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam today unveiled what he described as a “New Deal for Rural India” or ‘Bharat Nirman’ involving reversing the declining trend in investment in agriculture, stepping up credit flow to farmers, enhancing public investment in irrigation and creating a single market for agricultural produce.

GDP projected at 6.9 per cent
Economic survey stresses on fiscal consolidation
New Delhi, February 25
The pre-Budget Economic Survey (2004-05) struck a strident note of caution that the overall fiscal scenario would critically depend on the “credibility” of the budgetary process and projected that foodgrains production would decline by six million tonnes compared to 212 million tonnes last year.

HIGHLIGHTS
Editorial: Focus on growth

Business page: Survey calls for harmonious
Centre-state fiscal reforms and more)

NDA to boycott Railway Budget today
New Delhi, February 25
The National Democratic Alliance will boycott the Railway Budget tomorrow by Rail Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, reviving its protest against the tainted ministers. The decision was taken by NDA leaders at a meeting held at former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence this evening.

Avalanche threat looms over Pir Panjal

Banihal (J&K), February 25 Though it was a bright sunny day today the havoc caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches looms large over scores of villages on the foothills of the Pir-Panjal ranges.
A woman removes snow in front of her hut in Batote, 120 km north of Jammu, on Friday. — Reuters photo J&K page: Harrowing experience for journalist in snow

Jolt for Congress
Karunanidhi recalls ministers
New Delhi, February 25
Already faced with the RJD’s ire, the Congress received another jolt today when one more dependable ally, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, upped the ante by “recalling” his ministers to Chennai for a special review meeting on Sunday.

Sri Dashmesh Academy to shut down on March 31 Anandpur Sahib, February 25 A prestigious educational institute of North India, Sri Dasmesh Academy of Anandpur Sahib will be closed down on March 31. The fact become clear today as the management of the academy issued termination notices to all employees. Mr Karunanidhi has taken umbrage to the derogatory and personal remarks made by Congress leader and Union minister of state E.V.K.S. Elangovan at a party meeting.