Opinion polls predict hung parliament
Pakistan is all set to go to the polls tomorrow. The election, billed to be one of most crucial in country’s history, will take place amid pervasive uncertainty, sporadic violence and widespread scepticism being expressed by opposition and political analysts about fairness and transparency.

Mush juggles paranoia and confidence on poll eve
Zardari warns against rigging
World page: Musharraf promises fair polls

Pakistan votes today

ON HIGH ALERT: Pakistani troops patrol a street in Rawalpindi on Sunday. — AFP photo

CBI arrests kidney scam kingpin’s brother
New Delhi, February 17
The Central Bureau of Investigation today arrested Dr Jeevan Rawat, the brother of the alleged kidney transplant racket kingpin Dr Amit Kumar.

Online organ trade market is booming

Eye on poll, Mayawati bats for ST status to Gujjars
Jaipur, February 17 With an eye on Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati today said her party favours ST status for Gujjars but without disturbing the share of other castes. ANOTHER CROWN: UP Chief Minister Mayawati with a gold crown at a rally in Jaipur on Sunday. — PTI photo

Boeing bends, ready to transfer technology of F-18
New Delhi, February 17
Boeing Integrated Defence Systems today raised the pitch for the order of the 126 multi-role combat aircraft which the government is to buy for the Indian Air Force by saying that it was ready to transfer the technology for the manufacture of its F-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

20 Naxalites shot dead in Orissa
Bhubaneswar, February 17
At least 20 Naxalites were killed and the figure is likely to rise further as the state government launched an intensive combing operation at various places bordering Kandhmal, Ganjam, Gajapati and Nayagarh districts.

Nation page: Govt seeks help from private agencies
Declare entire Orissa Naxal-affected, demand cops

Company’s board meeting on Feb 24
Reliance Power may issue bonus shares
New Delhi, February 17
Under attack for poor showing of Reliance Power at the stock market after its listing on Monday last, Anil Ambani group today announced to consider free bonus shares for investors in the company and hit out at rivals for hammering down the shares of all the group companies.

Dada, Dravid axed from Team Pepsi
New Delhi, February 17
The change of guard in Indian cricket team is reflecting in the endorsement market, with soft drinks major Pepsi deciding to drop Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid as ambassadors while roping in youngsters Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma, in line with its brand ideology.

Sports page: Indian batsmen come a cropper

Vat woes: Gold loses lustre in Punjab Chandigarh, February 17 The Punjab government’s decision making it compulsory for all gold traders to declare the quantity of gold being brought in the state, has curtailed the inflow of gold in Punjab. Winter being the main season for gold sales, especially in the wake of the marriage season and with NRIs flocking home, the sales have been hit hard.