SC notice to Jayalalitha on PILs
A two-member Bench of the Supreme Court today issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, its Chief Secretary and the Union of India (respondents) on a group of five connected writ petitions challenging her appointment as chief minister by the Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi, on May 14. The Bench comprised Mr. Justice Syed Shah Mohammad Quadri and Mr. Justice Doraiswamy Raju.

Nambiar, Haq prepare ground for summit
The Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Vijay K. Nambiar, today called on the Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Mr. Inamul Haq, and held what could be termed a ``preliminary round'' of discussions on the proposed summit meeting between the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Pakistan military ruler and Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

No 'pro-active' role for India in Nepal
The Indian Government is watching the ``tense and confusing'' developments in Nepal but has no intention whatsoever of playing a ``pro-active'' role in the Hindu Kingdom. Delhi prefers to let Nepal's traditional political institutions recover their equilibrium.

Vajpayee sees 'shortcomings' in quake relief work
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today censured the Gujarat Government for ``some shortcomings'' in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the victims of the January 26 earthquake and said the State and the Centre had plans to remove the shortcomings.

Cong. demands White Paper
Objecting to the manner in which the Gujarat Government has handled relief and rehabilitation work in the quake-ravaged areas, the Congress today demanded a ``White Paper'' on it, containing the complete details.

Widespread rain likely
A trough of low pressure, which developed over north Tamil Nadu-south Andhra Pradesh coast on Sunday, persists. Fairly widespread rain is expected over the State and the Union Territory of Pondicherry on Tuesday.

India to step up defence purchases from Russia
India is planning to increase defence purchases from Russia in the coming years and will seek joint development and production of new weapon systems, it was announced at the opening of a high-level defence talks here.