India Is Now A Space Power
Hurling the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle into orbit from Sriharikota marks the maturing of India's space faring capabilities. Besides saving on the costs of launching its own satellites, the country has entered the billion-dollar space launch market.

Moment Of Reckoning
The polls are likely to be milestones for the political parties. In Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi is poised to hand over the mantle of the DMK to his son Stalin. And in West Bengal, Mamata may find it takes more than aggression to win a mandate.

Breaking Trust
UTI's dealing in Ketan Parekh's favourite shares has been under a cloud and SEBI's report on the stock-rigging scandal reaffirms suspicions. Bogged down with chunks of worthless shares, UTI's credibility has taken a nose dive.

Cold-Blooded Gamble
Sudden, violent skirmishes along the India-Bangladesh border leaves many dead and raises worrisome questions about peace and security in the North-east as a "friendly" neighbour's problems spill over.

Blue Sari Mystery
A dead polo player, a beautiful woman, an unclaimed garment. The Rajasthan High Court orders the police to look into the case.

NEWSNOTES

Kerala CM aspirant V.S. ACHUTHANANDAN feels the CPI(M) stands to benefit from the rift within the Congress.

Q. Will the Left Democratic Front gain from the squabbles in the Congress?
A. This kind of thing is always going on in the Congress and we don't attach much significance to it. But this time we may gain something out of it.

Q. Earlier, the CITU lobby worked against you and ensured your defeat. Any such fears now?
A.The forces which worked against me last time are still around. There are people with a price tag who operate within and outside the party. But we are vigilant this time.

Q. Why have you shifted your constituency this time?
A. It is the party's decision and I have to abide by that.

Q. You had stated that the CPI(M) would not have any truck with the Indian National League (INL), saying it is communal. Yet your party has allotted it four seats.
A. The INL is a communal party and it will not be admitted into the Left Democratic Front. However, we are not averse to taking their support in our attempt to defeat both the Congress and the BJP.

Q. How many seats will the front win this time?
A. More than what it won last time.

-M.G. Radhakrishnan

MetroScape

Operation Opera
If he can pull it off, it might well be the highpoint in India's cultural and tourism calendar for 2002. After restoring heritage properties and turning them into highly successful resorts, Francis Wacziarg is now turning to producing a full scale opera in Delhi.
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Looking Glass

Calcutta Restaurant: The Hub

Delhi Film Club:
Habitat Film Club

Delhi Bar: Golf Bar

Mashobra Resort: Wildflower Hall