Friday, April 21, 2006, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

New Delhi, April 20 Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Karan Singh today expressed hope that King Gyanendra would make an “announcement” shortly on the political crisis there. In video (28k, 56k) King Gyanendra (right) shakes hands with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Special Envoy to Nepal Karan Singh during an audience at the Royal Palace in Kathmandu on Thursday. — AFP photo

Four protesters killed, over 40 hurt in Nepal
Kathmandu, April 20
At least four protesters were killed and over 40 injured in Nepal today when security forces opened fire on thousands of pro-democracy activists who defied a curfew and shoot-at-sight orders in the capital to march against King Gyanendra’s rule.

In video (28k, 56k) Nepalese riot policemen push back pro-democracy activists during demonstrations in Chabahil district of Kathmandu on Thursday. — Reuters photo

Chinese coal found substandard
Scam surfaces in PSEB
Chandigarh, April 20
A coal scam has allegedly surfaced in the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB). Informed sources said today that the imported Chinese coal being supplied to the various thermal plants of the PSEB was of substandard quality.

Graft case: Bhattal seeks further probe
New Delhi, April 20
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal today moved an application in the Supreme Court for further investigation in the case of alleged misappropriation of Rs 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s fund by her when she was heading the government.

Sensex breaches 12,000 mark
Mumbai, April 20
The Sensex crossed yet another milestone today when it breached the 12,000 mark. After hitting an intra-day low of 11,866 points, the Sensex returned to its upward swing to close at 12,040 points gaining nearly 144 points at close.

Karnataka fined for obstructing highway project
New Delhi, April 20
Taking strong exception to obstructing mega projects by filing “frivolous” petitions, that too, by the government agencies, the Supreme Court today imposed fine of Rs 5 lakh on the Karnataka Government and Rs 50,000 on two MLAs for the same reason, and allowed construction of Rs 2,250-crore Bangalore-Mysore express highway project mired in “political” controversy. (Details on Nation page)

India rejects Saudi offer on J&K
New Delhi, April 20
India today rejected Saudi Arabia’s reported offer of mediation for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir problem and said it was discussing with Pakistan all issues under the composite dialogue process.

Ganguly ignored, Kaif retained
Mumbai, April 20
An unfit Sachin Tendulkar was left out, a struggling Mohammad Kaif retained and Sourav Ganguly was again ignored by national selectors today when they announced a 15-member Indian one-day squad that will tour the West Indies next month. (Details on Sports page)

Dhoni on top of the world London, April 20 Swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni today became the world’s top batsman in one-day rankings with a phenomenal average of 52.76 and an awesome strike-rate of 103. Editorial: Games people play