What Can They Talk With the Kashmir cease-fire floundering amid repeated cross-border firing, the Centre takes a major initiative to resume a dialogue with Pakistan. However, the ghosts of Lahore loom over the horizon, raising doubts about any positive outcome in the new attempt at peace-making.

State Of Mistrust
With the fall of the Koijam government, a Samata-BJP battle has erupted in Manipur. But the stakes seem to be at the Centre.

Going By The Laws
Om Prakash Chautala has launched a flurry of criminal cases against his opponents in what is being seen as political vendetta.

Badland Badshah
As India's most wanted politician Mohammed Shahabuddin evades arrest, more details come out on his alleged links with Kashmiri militants and Pakistani agents.

Crash Landing
The MD's suspension has highlighted the rot in India's flag carrier.

NEWSNOTES

Voices

"I'm the only person with whom Vajpayee and Advani have no differences. Vajpayee has some dealings with Chautala but Advani hates him."
Ajit Singh, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader, on why Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala can't stop his entry into the NDA

"Priyanka is our trump card. Her arrival will be like a storm and nobody will be able to prevent the Congress from forming a government at the Centre."
Ajit Jogi, chief minister of Chhattisgarh, on Priyanka Gandhi

"After the stinking feeling generated by Tehelka and the sinking feeling generated by the assembly elections, the NDA is now a leaking boat. If it capsizes, we are not to blame."
S. Jaipal Reddy, Congress spokesman, denying that the Congress would try to destabilise the NDA Government

"Today our actors are like commodities. Jahan dekho, bas paisa pheko, nachao (just pay them and they'll dance). Where's an actor's dignity?"
Sunny Deol, actor, in an interview in Stardust

Vis A Vis

"Some people at the Centre say that an India-Pakistan match is not possible on Indian soil. I'll organise the match."
Laloo Prasad Yadav, New Bihar Cricket Association chief

"Let Laloo say what he wants to. I'll express my views only when he speaks at BCCI meetings."
Jaywant Lele, Secretary, BCCI

MetroScape

The Nifty Ways
When Shubhangini Singh saw the unglamorous tori (sponge gourd) at a vegetable stall, she didn't think "great culinary potential", she thought "great design possibility" instead.
more...

Looking Glass

Mumbai Tribal Art:
Anadi

Mumbai Photo Exhibition:
Madhu Manek

Kolkata Cultural Festival: Spic Macay

A growing band of men and women in their 50s and 60s are breaking social barriers to seek companionship. And why not, asks INDIA TODAY Namita Bhandare in
Age No Bar