21% pay hike for central, defence staff
New Delhi, August 14
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led UPA government lavished a bonanza on the country’s civil and defence staff on the eve of the country’s 61st Independence Day by approving a wage hike higher than that recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.

Highlights Editorial: Pay them more, but make employees serve better
Nation page: Kirti Chakra for Kabul embassy attack victims CRPF IG Jain’s name deleted from Police Medal list 124 get Gallantry Award

Amarnath Row
4 more die in Kashmir violence
Srinagar, August 14
Four persons were killed and 50 others wounded when the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the police opened fire, burst tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse demonstrators in different parts of the valley since overnight.

Vohra seeks parties’ support
J&K page: Muzaffarabad bus service suspended
Nation page: No place for violence: Prez
India objects to OIC statement on J&K

‘The truth is, I am numb’
New Delhi, August 14
Abhinav Bindra’s 10-metre air rifle gold at the Beijing Olympic Games was the culmination of years of toil, sweat, tears and a never-wavering faith in himself to hit bull’s eye. But it has also taken a heavy toll on his mind and body.

Sports page: Federer, Williams sisters out Anjali, Avneet eliminated Bindra gets rousing welcome Abhinav Bindra gets a pat on the cheek from President Pratibha Patil as he shows her his Beijing Games gold medal in New Delhi on Thursday. — Tribune photo by Mukesh Aggarwal

Coalition spurns Mush’s patch-up plea
West seeks safe passage for him
Islamabad, August 14
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's reconciliation appeal to his opponents was rejected by the ruling coalition today as western diplomats reportedly made last-ditch efforts for his “graceful exit” with Turkey as a possible destination.

Inflation soars to 12.44 pc
New Delhi, August 14
The rate of inflation surged to 12.44 per cent for the week ended August 2, as compared to 12.01 per cent reported last week. After being nearly stable for four weeks, this rise has come as a major disappointment.
(Details in Business page)

Business page: Revised pay scales not to hit inflation: FM

Marooned 70-yr-old farmer rescued after 28 hrs Ludhiana, August 14 A 70-year-old farmer’s zeal to save his maize crop almost cost him his life. Tara Singh of Sainsowal Khurd near Macchiwara was marooned on a raised part of the Sutlej bed for 28 hours. The land had got water locked after the river swelled last evening. He was rescued by four youths in the evening today. Punjab page: Sutlej flows above danger mark Flood situation in Ferozepur grim Swan water receding Flood threat looms in Moga