Indo-US N-deal by early 2006
New Delhi, October 21
Washington looks upon India as “a global partner” with which it has consciously decided to cooperate in a dizzying array of transnational challenges and as a major pointer to this the US Congress would approve the July 18 Indo-US nuclear deal before President George W. Bush visits New Delhi early next year.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran (left) shows the way to US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday. — Tribune photo by Mukesh Aggarwal

Army for recognition of ground position in Siachen
New Delhi, October 21
As India and Pakistan are trying to work out a diplomatic solution to the Siachen Glacier, Chief of Army Staff General J.J. Singh today said that New Delhi had conveyed to Islamabad that ‘‘some form of acceptance and verification of the existing ground position was essential, before any withdrawal could take place’’.

Nation page: Navy promised long-term funding

Onion prices shoot up
New Delhi, October 21
Onion prices rose sharply across the country and virtually doubled in Maharashtra as heavy rain destroyed crops in six major onion producing states signalling a crisis-like situation.

No interference in BJP’s internal matters: RSS
Chitrakoot, October 21
The RSS today refuted suggestions that it was interfering in the internal affairs of the BJP, saying it was entirely the prerogative of the party to decide who should be its President or the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.

Adoor gets Phalke award

Ansari innocent, says complainant
Lucknow, October 21
In a dramatic development Jitendra Yadav, a Mau resident, met Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today to give a clean chit to Independent Mau MLA and muscleman Mukhtar Ansari in the case of his (Yadav) younger brother’s murder.

Uma temporarily halts oust Gaur campaign
New Delhi, October 21
Ms Uma Bharti, who had kept the BJP Central leadership on tenterhooks in the past one week, today agreed for a temporary truce and announced that she will not take up the issue of removal of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babu Lal Gaur till the end of Bihar Assembly polls on November 18. (Details on Nation page)

Infosys accuses Gowda of lying
Bangalore/Hyderabad, October 21
Software giant Infosys today virtually accused former Prime Minister H D Dewe Gowda of lying even as it indicated that it had a right to create its own campuses in Karnataka. (Details on Business page)

Editorial: Driven to despair