tribuneindia...Spotlight

			Tuesday, July 27, 1999
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Unit to manage N-waste opened
TARAPUR, July 26 (UNI) — Nuclear Scientists in India achieved a major milestone in radioactive waste management, when the country's first solid storage surveillance facility of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was inaugurated here today. India became the fourth nation in the world to have such a high-tech facility, proving the country's track record in environmental protection. The facility, which is situated about 125 km from Mumbai, was commissioned by BARC Director Anil Kakodkar.

HDW probe extended
NEW DELHI, July 26 (PTI) — The Delhi High Court today gave further time of four months to the CBI to expedite investigation into the alleged kickbacks in the Rs 420 crore HDW submarine deal with a German company by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1987. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.N. Variava and Mr Justice S.K. Mahajan allowed further time to the CBI after perusing its "periodic status report" filed in "sealed cover" on the progress of investigation in Germany and Switzerland so far.

Naga leader back
KOHIMA, July 26 (PTI) — The grand old man of Naga political movement and vice-chairman of NSCN (I-M), Khadao Vanthan, has returned to Nagaland after a prolonged self-imposed "exile" in London, a spokesman for the organisation said. The return of 83-year-old Vanthan, a close associate of legendary A.Z. Phizo, is significant in view of the ongoing peace talks and the recent visit of NSCN (I-M) top leaders Issac Chishi Swu and Th Muivah.

Assam floods
GUWAHATI, July 26 (UNI) — Vast areas of habitation and crop land have been submerged in 11 districts of the Brahmaputra valley in Assam with water level receding in almost all rivers, including the Brahmaputra. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), even though the water level was receding, rivers were still flowing above danger mark at some points, which was expected to recede further in the next 12 hours.

Civil Services exam
Tribune News Service
CHANDIGARH, July 26 — The Union Public Service Commission has declared the result of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, held on May 30. The successful candidates have qualified for admission to the Civil Services (Main) Examination to be held later this year. The result can be checked by visiting the UPSC website at http :// www. nic. in/pib/fo2607991. html.

‘Mann’ row over
NEW DELHI, July 26 (UNI) — All references to Maharshi Balmiki in Hindi film ‘Mann’ are being deleted with immediate effect following protests from certain quarters. The producers of the film, ‘Maruti International’ have assured the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) about the deletion of the said portions following a reference made in this regard by the Information and Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan.

Ships banned
JOHANNESBURG, July 26 (PTI) — South Africa has banned two British ships carrying nuclear cargo destined for Japan from entering its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Deputy Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Joyce Mabudafhasi yesterday said the government's overriding interest was to minimise "any risk to human health, marine life and the environment by ensuring the safe passage of the ships to Japan".

Plane crash
MOSCOW, July 26 (AFP) — Seven crew members bailed out of a plane to safety just as a Russian Lluyshin 76 cargo plane crashed and burst into flames after takeoff today from the Siberian city of Irkutsk. Two of the crew members were taken to the hospital with burns, the Emergencies Ministry said.

Lankan violence
COLOMBO, July 26 (PTI) — Six persons, including three soldiers, were today killed when a suspected Tamil Tiger guerrilla sprayed bullets at a crowd of people at a road block in northern Sri Lanka, officials said. The gunman, believed to be from the LTTE, opened fire at a police barrier in Vavuniya town, 254 km north of here, and escaped in a three-wheel taxi.