Barak, Arafat agree on truce
Israel's Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Barak, and the Palestinian Authority President, Mr. Yasser Arafat, today agreed to immediately call and implement a ceasefire to end the violence that has rocked West Asia since September 28.

'Veerappan firm on TADA detenus release'
Forest brigand Veerappan is firm in his demand that the TADA detenus currently lodged in the Mysore jail be released, Mr. S.A. Govindaraj, son-in-law of Kannada thespian, Mr. Rajkumar, freed by the outlaw on Monday, said here today.

Storm may cross A.P. coast today
The cyclonic storm lay in the west central region of the Bay of Bengal, 400 km east of Nellore today evening. Officials of the Meteorological Department said it was likely to intensify further, move in a west north-westerly direction and cross the coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on Wednesday evening or night.

Britain backs India's bid for Council seat
Britain today strongly signalled support for India's bid to become a permanent member of an expanded U.N. Security Council .

Israel, Palestine seek India's mediation: Jaswant
Israel and the Palestinian authorities have sought India's mediation in ending violence and establishing peace in the strife-torn Gaza strip and West Bank, the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, said tonight.

FCI chief wants to quit
The Chairman of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Mr. Bhure Lal, has asked to be relieved of his post following the Centre's decision to procure sub-standard paddy in Punjab, even as Haryana Government has also sought similar concessions.

Quake hits Jabalpur
An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale rocked the city and many towns in Mahakoshal region of Madhya Pradesh early today.

Minister calls on PM
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, who is recuperating at the Breach Candy Hospital here after his left knee joint replacement surgery, today met the Union Minister for Disinvestment and Planning, Mr. Arun Shourie, to discuss official matters.