PLANE MISHAP AVERTED
Nagpur, March 12
A major accident was averted when after a bird-hit the Mumbai-bound plane (CD-7630) was successfully grounded seconds before the take-off at the Nagpur Sonegaon civil airport. The airlines authority stated that the flight carrying 67 passengers and six crew members suffered a bird-hit on its right engine on Sunday. The 737 Boeing was rolling on and pilots were preparing for the take-off when the passengers heard a loud bang and noticed sparks on the right side of the engine. Immediately the pilot brought the plane to a halt averting a major tragedy. UNI

BUDGET PRESENTED IN PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry, March 12 — Pondicherry Chief Minister P. Shanmugham, holding the finance portfolio, on Monday presented a Rs1101.10 crore budget for the year 2001-02 in the territorial Assembly. The Budget included a vote on account for Rs 474.92 crore for the next six months. Mr Shanmugham said since an interim Budget was being presented before the elections, he did not propose any change in the existing tax structure and tariffs. UNI