Anything To Declare, Mr Verma?
The arrest of the Central Board of Excise & Customs chairman has revealed the rot that has set in the premier revenue- collection authority. An inside story of his assets, and rise to position of power. Plus: The sex and smuggling controversy arising from his dubious links with Uzbek nationals.

The Silk Route
The Customs played an active role in a smuggling racket by Uzbek couriers that could have compromised the nation's security.

Rites Of Passage Despite stringent internal controls, the CBEC is one of the most sullied departments in the country.

The Earth Citizen
The former United States president returns to India to share the sorrows of quake-hit Gujarat.

In Quest Of Numbers
There's a scramble for winning combinations, from caste-based alliances in Tamil Nadu to political pragmatism in Bengal and Assam.

Green And Bear It
The Delhi Government's complacency leads to a bumpy ride for commuters.

Free At Last
Removal of quantitative restrictions on all imports will transform the Indian market like never before.

NEWSNOTES

Voices

"How can my name not be there? Everyone knows I am the Government's Enemy No. 1."
Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader, at a news conference in Lucknow where he alleged that the Union Government was tapping the telephones of opposition leaders

"If a leader is put under a cloud, it would have an impact on the cadres and the voting public. People should be allowed to vote freely."
J. Jayalalitha, AIADMK leader, while moving the Madras High Court, seeking suspension of her conviction in the tansi land deal case

"Why are they so keen on India? Because without India, Indian money and Indian TV audiences, cricket in Sharjah is a big flop."
Arun Aggarwal, former Prasar Bharti financial adviser, who exposed the alleged fixing of TV rights of matches featuring India

"This issue really put me off. I will request a simple Indian coin for tomorrow's match."
Saurav Ganguly, Indian cricket captain, on the controversy that he claimed he had won the toss at Indore despite it going Australian captain Steve Waugh's way

VIS-A-VIS

"We will do everything to help the domestic industry. There will be a reasonable transition period."
Murasoli Maran, Union Industry Minister

"Small entrepreneurs will face problems following the announcement of the new exim policy."
Sitaram Yechuri, Politburo member, CPI(M)

MetroScape

Rock Solid
Here's the big truth for those who doubted the band's durability: Deep Purple is still together--and after 33 years of full-detonation rocking.
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Looking Glass

Delhi Exhibition:
Ghislaine Aarsse Prins

Delhi Restaurant:
Art Diva Cafe

Mumbai Bar:
Starboard Bar