China, US sign $2 bn deals
President Bill Clinton's trip to China began to pay dividends for businesses, with major US corporations announcing contracts worth some $2 billion dollars. A deal for 27 Boeing aircrafts was also signed. Chinese and US officials held a high-profile signing ceremony in Beijing yesterday and witnessed the signing of seven contracts.

Full statehood for Delhi -- Advani
In keeping with its promise in its National Agenda for governance, the BJP-led Government has decided to grant full statehood to Delhi. It also moved a step closer to fulfilling its assurances on creating the new states of Uttaranchal, Vananchal and Chattisgarh.

Bihar is fit case for Central rule -- Paswan
Senior Janata Dal leader Ram Vilas Paswan has reiterated Bihar was a fit case for imposing Central rule, he said the JD would not oppose if the Centre invokes Article 356 in the state.

LEISURE
  Face Off
  Tussle for Council Oppn leader's post on cards

EXPRESSIONS
  Folly of no first use pledge
  Drifting to poles

BUSINESS
  Mayya panel for uniform settlement
  India among top in food taxation -- Study

GENERAL
  Local heroes shine through Gujarat storm
  The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world

POLITICS
  Bihar Governor flies to Delhi for refuge
  Faultless Sampras storms into fourth round