India in UN budget panel; US defeated
Six countries, including India and Pakistan, have been elected to the United Nations budgetary committee, while the United States was defeated on account of its failure to pay its arrears to the world body.

Gingrich quits as US Speaker
Republican leader Newt Gingrich resigned from the post of Speaker of the US House of Representatives on Friday following a rebellion in the party over his leadership in last week's election which saw unexpected Democratic gains.

Clinton lifts economic sanctions in part
US president Bill Clinton has decided to use the one-year waiver authority granted by Congress to lift some of the sweeping sanctions imposed against India and Pakistan because of progress in the non-proliferation talks with both countries. The ban on the IMET (International Military Education and Training) programme against India and Pakistan will also be lifted.

  Bombing culprits will be traced
  No civilian flights to Jaffna
  Sanctions eased but Pakistan is priority
  Body parts made to order
  People
  Living with the Chinese
  Small domestic firms scout for opportunities in the US