Bush's South Asia policy is music to Indian ears
The first indications from the new Bush administration regarding its South Asia policy points to a broad continuation of the Clinton dispensation's revitalised engagement in the region with increasing weightage for India and a backing for its peace initiative in Kashmir.



UK clears human embryo cloning for research
British scientists will be allowed to clone human embryos for medical research after a government-sponsored Bill on the issue cleared the last legislative hurdle on Monday night. In the House of Lords, the upper house of the British parliament, peers voted 212 to 92 against a delaying amendment.



Indonesia denies lifting Israel trade barriers
Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation, denied on Tuesday that it had lifted trade barriers with Israel, a move that would ignite protests from Islamic groups opposed to ties with the Jewish state.



Other headlines
Cellphone text revolution helps people power revolt
Putin transfers Chechen war control to secret police
Bush senior to go to Kuwait for celebrations
US composer Bacharach awarded top music honour
Sri Lanka troops retake Tiger territory in night offensive
Philippines freezes Estrada bank accounts
Japan's new economy minister seen soft on reform
Woman Yemeni pilot overpowers Iraqi hijacker
Bush blocks funds for abortion groups abroad