Optimistic PM pegs growth at 8.5 pc
Releases 67-page UPA-II report card
Says Naxalism, price rise remain top challenges
Reiterates govt’s commitment to welfare of aam aadmi
New Delhi, June 1
Presenting the UPA Government’s “report to the people”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today praised the ruling combine for its management of the unprecedented global financial crisis and severe drought that the country faced last year but also acknowledged that rising prices and Naxalism remain a big challenge.

Jharkhand under Central rule, again
Second time in two years; Prez accepts Union Cabinet’s recommendation
New Delhi, June 1
Jharkhand today came under Central rule with President Pratibha Patil accepting a recommendation of the Union Cabinet after the Congress and the BJP gave up efforts to form an alternative government following resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

Editorial: Jharkhand in a flux

Won’t send squads for China Asiad: BCCI
Mumbai, June 1
The BCCI today announced that it will not send either the men's or the women's cricket team for this year's Asian Games in China where the game makes its debut in its Twenty20 format.

Akshardham attack
HC upholds death for three
Ahmedabad, June 1
The Gujarat High Court today upheld the death sentence awarded to three convicts by a POTA court for the 2002 Akashardham terror attack by Pakistan-based LeT terrorists in which 32 persons were killed.

India wants UK to return Kohinoor
London, June 1
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has joined an international network for the return of priceless artifacts, including the Kohinoor diamond and the Sultanganj Buddha, taken away during British rule.

Gold at all-time high of Rs 19,050
New Delhi, June 1
Gold prices zoomed to an all-time high of Rs 19,050 per 10 grams in the national capital today on skyrocketing global rates amid the ongoing marriage season in India.
(Details on Business page)

Class XII topper, only for a day Mohali/Moga, June 1 Citing error in compilation of result, the Punjab School Education Board today withdrew the name of Moga girl Mohini Singh from the toppers’ list in the Class XII result declared yesterday. In the humanities stream, the girl had been placed at the first position, along with Nega Jagga of GTB Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Malout (Muktsar). The Blooper Mohini was given 86 marks out of 75 in Punjabi Name withdrawn from merit list More such mistakes not ruled out