Nedumaran did it
The long wait for the release of the Kannada actor, Mr. Rajkumar, ended today with the bandit Veerappan setting free his star- hostage and his relative, Mr. Nagesh, at Bannari in Tamil Nadu's Erode district around 3.a.m.

Florida SC urged to delay handcount
The Florida Secretary of State, Ms. Katherine Harris, has asked the State Supreme Court to delay handcounting of votes and to consolidate all the lawsuits filed in the last several days.

Thumping victory for Sonia
In the end, it turned out to be a no-contest. The Congress today gave Ms. Sonia Gandhi a thumping mandate, with 7,448 out of the 7,712 votes polled going in her favour.

Cricket series with Pak. cancelled
India today cancelled the proposed cricket tour to Pakistan in January next on account of Islamabad's ``hostile propaganda.''

Pak. threatens boycott of all matches
The Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Gen. Tauqir Zia, today threatened to boycott all matches with India after India declined an invitation to tour Pakistan.

Maran's condition improves
The Union Industries Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran's health condition has improved considerably and he is now on oral fluid diet.

Order against Pathak, Bhatt set aside
The Gujarat High Court today set aside a city sessions court order framing charges against the former Union Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Harin Pathak, the former Gujarat Health Minister, Mr. Ashok Bhatt, and others for their alleged involvement in the April 22, 1985 riots, in which a police constable was murdered.