April 12, 1999

Sink or Swim with George
Defence Minister George Fernandes has managed to survive the many controversies that have dogged him. But he is now the weakest link in the Centre's defence in the face of a hostile opposition campaign to bring down the Government over the issue of navy chief Vishnu Bhagwat's sacking.

Amma-Mia
Jayalalitha holds the key to the government's survival and the possible formation of the next. She played ducks and drakes with Vajpayee. Now Sonia is cosying up to the AIADMK chief. Are they made for each other?

Nobody's Babies
Lambada girls are fair and have sharp features. Reasons why they are being illegally sold to foreigners under the guise of adoption.

At the Lord's Mercy
Two-figure salaries, the status of peons and a life of penury. That's the plight of Karnataka's temple priests, who have now decided to fight for a better deal.

Killer Quakes
Chamoli's midnight tremblor could be a precursor to a larger earthquake predicted to savage the Himalayas. But don't expect anyone to be ready.

Renaissance Man
The multi-faceted Jnanpith winner Girish Karnad, has a historic vision but a contemporary voice.

Free For a Price
With profit margins coming down, package tour firms are ladling out unbelievable offers to attract tourists. But these freebies are loaded with hidden costs.

Radical At Last
The commerce minister has proposed sweeping reforms to stem the slide in exports -- and if he's able to deliver, trade will respond favourably.

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