WASHINGTON: The International Monetary fund (IMF) today recommended sweeping reform measures for India, including privatisation of state-owned banks, reduction in public sector deficit, deregulation of product markets and liberalisation of the trade regime, to perk up the economy."

Sidhu acquitted

PATIALA: Former test cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was facing a murder charge in a 11-year-old case, was on Wednesday acquitted by the Patiala sessions court . The case dates back to Dec 27, 1988. A dispute between Sidhu and a landlord Gurnam Singh rose over taking one's car ahead of that of the other. A scuffle followed in which Gurnam Singh suffered blows which led to his death, the prosecution had said.