The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Saturday, February 5, 2000,
Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

S P O T L I G H T

Russia confirms seven N-tests
MOSCOW, Feb 4 (DPA) — Russia confirmed today it had conducted seven ‘‘subcritical’’ nuclear test blasts in recent months, the Itar-Tass news agency reported, citing the Atomic Power Ministry in Moscow. The last two explosions took place in early January on the vast northern island of Novaya Zemlya, when small quantities of atomic material were made to detonate using conventional explosives, triggering a chain reaction.

‘Rasta roko’
MUMBAI, Feb 4 (PTI) — Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported from various parts of the metropolis today as workers of the Republican Party of India (RPI-Athavale) staged a “rasta roko” for the second day in protest against desecration of a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar here on Tuesday. Political parties traded charges in connection with the incident which was followed by another desecration involving a bust of Shivaji Maharaj adorning a Shiv Sena shakha here yesterday by a group of people, allegedly owing allegiance to the RPI.

‘Hard’ Budget
NEW DELHI, Feb 4 (UNI) — Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha today hinted out at a “hard” Budget saying there are no soft options. “What is left are only hard options when we are determined to bite the bullet. Come February 29, you will see that we are prepared to bite the bullet”, the Finance Minister made the remarks while releasing a book written by Y. Venugopal Reddy on the monetary and financial sector reforms in India.

Govt sworn in
VIENNA, Feb 4 (Reuters) — Austria swore in a new government including the far-right party of Joerg Haider today despite an international uproar that saw Israel withdraw its Ambassador from Vienna.In Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, President Thomas Klestil indocted a Cabinet led by conservative Chancellor, Wolfgang Schuessel as several thousand angry opponents of Mr Haider’s freedom party scuffled with the police outside.

India-Nepal pact
KATHMANDU, Feb 4 (Reuters) — India and Nepal will cooperate to control criminal activities across their common border, a joint statement from the two countries said today. Security concerns about the India-Nepal border have mounted since five men commandeered an Indian Airlines airplane on a scheduled flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi, shortly after it took off from Nepal on Christmas eve.

HC Judge
NEW DELHI, Feb 4 (UNI) — Mr Kuldip Chand has been appointed Additional Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court for a period of two years. His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of his office, an official release said here today.