Monday, February 6, 2006, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

Left seeks debate on Iran issue
CPM to discuss support to UPA
New Delhi, February 5
The UPA government embarked on a damage-control exercise with the Left parties and the NDA strongly opposing India’s stand on the Iran nuclear issue and a CPM Politburo meeting this week slated to discuss the question of outside support to the Manmohan Singh government.
In video (28k, 56k)

CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat (right) and his CPI counterpart A B Bardhan at a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday. — PTI photo

Now, focus on Iran-Russia nuclear talks
New Delhi, February 5
The Iranian crystal ball turned denser and foggier today with Tehran’s announcement of ending all its voluntary cooperation with the IAEA in retaliation to the UN nuclear watchdog yesterday referring the Iranian nuclear file to the UN Security Council. Now, the focus has turned to Iran-Russia talks in Moscow on February 16 to discuss the Russian formula.

GMR, GVK issued airport deal letters
New Delhi, February 5
The government today issued letters of intent to the consortia led by GMR and GVK industries, awarding them the contracts for the two Rs 5,400-crore projects. Reports here suggested that the representatives of the two consortia were handed over the letters during the day, informing them about the awarding of the contracts in accordance with the decision of the Union Cabinet taken last week.

Badal promises octroi abolition, rethink on VAT
Bathinda, February 5
In an attempt to woo trade and industry ahead of the Assembly poll, the SAD President, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today promised immediate abolition of octroi and setting up of statutory state development boards for large, medium and small-scale industry on the party’s return to power. He also promised a rethink on VAT.

125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS,
INAUGURAL SESSION

	PUNJAB: Sikhs defy Takht directive, honour Sarna
	HARYANA: Hooda defends renaming of thermal plant
	HIMACHAL: Dhumal: govt callous over drought-like situation
	J&K: PDP feels heat after change of guard
	CHANDIGARH: Punjab Govt, UT cut grant to PU
	LUDHIANA: Dharna against shortage of potable water
	DELHI: Stop demolition drive immediately: Mahapanchayat
	Opinions: Iran in the dock
	BUSINESS: ADAE fires salvo at Mukesh
	NATION: Centre sounds Gujarat on Shabri Kumbh Mela
	WORLD: India needs another Green Revolution: Kalam
	SPORTS: We can hit back: Dravid

SAD President Parkash Singh Badal and senior party leaders at the party’s conference for representatives of trade and industry in Bathinda on Sunday. — Tribune photo by Kulbir Beera

Pending cases in HCs to go to Army tribunal
Chandigarh, February 5
The much-awaited appellate tribunal for armed forces, which will become a reality once Parliament passes the Bill tabled in this connection and the President gives his assent, will also deal with all pending cases involving disputes between serving and retired personnel of the three wings of the Indian armed forces.

Two youths set on fire while asleep
Killings outcome of rivalry
Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar), February 5
In a barbaric act, two youths were burnt to death by about six persons, when they were sleeping in the house here last night. The incident is reportedly the outcome of rivalry between two families in Mandothi village which started about 10 years ago during panchayat elections.

Trinamool vice-president shot
Kolkata, February 5
In a major pre-poll incident in West Bengal, unknown gunmen shot dead Trinamool Congress vice-president Sachin Mukherjee while he was returning home at Garia in South 24 Parganas district tonight.