Wednesday, November 22, 2006, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

China mum on nuke deal
‘Useful exchanges’ on boundary; 13 pacts signed
New Delhi, November 21
China today assured India that it “will not be an obstacle” to India’s aspirations for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. However, on an issue of urgent importance — Beijing’s support for the Indo-US nuclear deal at Nuclear Suppliers’ Group — the top Chinese leadership kept its cards close to its chest.

Nation page: India, China ink 13 pacts
India, China sign farm pact to protect property rights of scientists

In video (56k) Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before their official meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Tribune photo by Mukesh Aggarwal

THE POWER OF TEN

Ensuring comprehensive development of bilateral relations. Strengthening institutional linkages and dialogue mechanisms. Consolidating commercial and economic exchanges. Expanding all-round mutually beneficial cooperation. One of the important highlights under this section is that the two sides will set up an expert-level mechanism to discuss interaction and cooperation on the provision of flood season hydrological data, emergency management and other issues regarding trans-border rivers.

Instilling mutual trust and confidence through defence cooperation. Seeking early settlement of outstanding issues. Promoting trans-border connectivity and cooperation. Boosting cooperation in science and technology. Revitalising cultural ties and nurturing people-to-people exchanges. Expanding cooperation on regional and international stage. (Details on Nation page)

Offices of Profit
EC puts Punjab CM, 37 Cong MLAs on notice
Chandigarh, November 21
With less than three months to go for the 12th Punjab Vidhan Sabha to complete its term, 37 members of the ruling Congress Legislature Party, allegedly holding “offices of profit”, have received show-cause notices from the Election Commission of India.



Dubai deports 10 D-Co. men
Mumbai, November 21
The government of the United Arab Emirates have begun a major crackdown on the Dawood Ibrahim gang by rounding up several of its members in a major clean-up operation.

In video (56k) Ten members of Dawood Ibrahim's gang, deported from the UAE to Mumbai, are taken into police custody on Tuesday. — PTI photo

Lara = Sunny Multan, November 21 A majestic unbeaten 196 from Captain Brian Lara put West Indies in complete control of the second cricket Test against Pakistan today. With this century, he has equalled the Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test centuries. (Details on Sports page)

2 undertrials escape near Ludhiana
Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 21
Two undertrial criminal brothers made a daring escape from police custody at Latala village after chopping off a hand of a policeman and stabbing another.

AIDS & Punjab — II Quacks thrive, Satnams suffer Anandpur Sahib (Ropar), November 21 For eight long years, Satnam Singh was on anti-retroviral treatment hoping that this would check a certain count in his blood from falling further. Satnam Singh tries to live a normal life after he was cleared of his HIV-positive status. — Tribune photo by Pradeep Tewari