National Events in 2000

Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Jan. 2:

The author of the timeless classics, `Charitraheen' and Grihadaha, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee has been chosen novelist of the century in an online poll conducted by a literary magazine.

Jan. 3:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee accuses Pakistan of having been behind the hijack of an Indian Airlines aircraft. (The crisis ended on Dec. 31 last with the Vajpayee Government agreeing to free three terrorists in exchange for the passengers).

The Centre ask the State Governments and the Union Territories to deport all foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, who have either stayed in the country unauthorisedly or remained untraced.

Jan. 4:

The BJP Government in Gujarat amends the Gujarat Civil Services conduct Rules, lifting the ban on participation by employees in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Jan. 6:

Police nab four key accomplices of the Pakistani hijackers involved in the hijack of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 in Mumbai.

Police announce that DNA testing on the exhumed body found at a South Kashmir village in 1997 confirmed that it was of Paul Wells, one of the four foreign tourists abducted by Al Faran militants in July 1995.

Jan. 7:

The teenage head of one of the four sects of Tibetan Buddhism escapes from Chinese Communist rule to India after a trek through the Himalayas.

Jan. 8:

The Government reconstitutes the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and Trust and retains Mrs. Sonia Gandhi as a trustee along with Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao, Prof. Yashpal and Dr. Abid Hussain.

Jan. 11:

Accord reached, QR on imports between the U.S. and India to be totally removed by April 2001.

Mrs. Anju, wife of Shoaib Ilyasi of India's most wanted fame serial, dies under mysterious circumstances.

Jan. 12:

The Union Cabinet gives assent for a fresh probe into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by a one-man judicial commission.

Mr. T. S. Krishna Murthy is appointed Election Commissioner in place of Mr. G.V.G. Krishnamoorthy who retired.

The Union Cabinet approves a proposal of the Civil Aviation Ministry to privatise the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta and a new airport in Bangalore on a 30-year lease which can be extended by 19 years.

Dr. Gurudev S. Khush of the Manila - based International Rice Research Institute wins the Wolf prize for Agriculture for the year 2000.

Jan. 13:

The Madras High Court discharges the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK General Secretary, Ms. Jayalalitha from two cases pertaining to the ``TANSI land deal''.

The Centre announces a six-point strategy for revamping the Public Distribution System.

Jan. 14:

The Government announces an across-the-board one per cent cut in the deposit rates (from 12 per cent to 11 per cent) on all small savings schemes.

Jan. 15:

Social artist, Baba Amte receives Gandhi Peace Prize, 1999 from the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan.

Jan. 16:

Indian High Commission Staff member, Mr. P. Moses, badly beaten up and abducted by Pakistani intelligence operators in Islamabad.

Jan. 17:

Delhi police seize toys packed with RDX from a Pakistani national described as an ISI agent.

Pakistan authorities free Indian High Commission staffer in Islambad following strong protest.

Jan. 18:

Pakistan expels P. Moses, a staffer of the Indian High Commission - abducted and arrested on false charges of carrying a ``remote device'' for a bomb. The Port and dock workers strike hits operations at 11 major ports across the country.

India and the U.S. resume talks to narrow their differences on the CTBT.

Mr. S. S. Dawra is appointed new Director of the Enforcement Directorate.

Jan. 20:

The EC derecognises the Samata Party president and Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes and virtually the entire top brass and debars them from allotting the party symbol to candidates in the Assembly elections scheduled in February.

J&K accepts the report of the State Autonomy committee tabled in the Assembly last year.

The International Film Festival of India comes to a close with India, Japanese directors sharing honours.

Jan. 21:

Mr. Rakesh Roshan, actor-turned producer and director, shot at by two unidentified persons in Santacruz, Mumbai, while travelling in a car.

The Samata Party National Executive elects Mrs. Jaya Jaitley, president.

Jan. 22:

The port and dock workers call off strike.

Twenty five Pak. soldiers killed near LoC in the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu division.

Jan. 23:

India will be taught a lesson if it tries to cross the LoC, says the Pakistani military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Row over shooting of Ms. Deepa Mehta's film `Water' in Varanasi erupts as according to the RSS, it depicts Hinduism in a bad light.

Jan. 24:

The President gives his assent to the Constitution (19th Amendment) Act, 1999 extending reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for a further period of 10 years beyond January 25, 2000.

The Supreme Court imposes with immediate effect a ban on industries in Delhi and Haryana from discharging untreated industrial effluents into the Yamuna.

Jan. 25:

The Government awards Padma Vibhushan for R.K. Narayan, Dr.M.S. Gill; Padma Bhushan for Rajnikant and Padmashri for A.R. Rehman.

The Government issues an ordinance for reconstitution of the TRAI and creation of a telecom dispute settlement and appellate tribunal.

The Centre begins the process of privatising the country's domestic carrier, Indian Airlines and also approves the sale of majority equity in Modern Foods India Limited.

The Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Imran Singh excommunicates the SGPC President, Bibi Jagir Kaur.

Jan. 26:

Mr. K. Vadivel Raj gets the 1999 Kabir Puraskar, for rescuing 11 persons of another community during caste violence in September 1998 in a village in Tamil Nadu.

Two official television channels - the first educational channel (DD Gyan Darshan) and DD Kashmir, targeted at Kashmir and areas across the border launched.

Jan. 27:

The President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan opposes any tinkering with the Constitution.

Thailand arrests the general secretary of the outlawed Nagaland insurgent outfit, NSCN (I-M), Mr.T. Muivah on charges of travelling on `fake' passports from Karachi.

Jan. 28:

Mr. M. S. Verma, former Chairman of the SBI is appointed Chairperson of the reconstituted Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for three-year-term.

Jan. 30:

Following violent demonstrations on the sets of Ms. Deepa Mehta's film Water, in Varanasi, the district administration stops the shooting on the orders of the U.P. Government.

I have forgiven Dara Singh, says Gladys Staines, widow of Graham Stewart Staines, Australian missionary, who along with his two minor sons, was burnt to death at Orissa's Manoharpur, village.

Jan. 31:

All seven accused in the Jain hawala case discharged.

A city court hearing the Purulia armsdrop case convicts a British National, Peter Bleach and five Latvians of conspiring to wage war against the Government of India.

Police nab Dara Singh alias Ravinder Kumar Pal, wanted in 14 cases, including the murder of the Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines, and his two sons at Gahira village, Keonjhar district.

Feb. 1:

The Government decides to form a panel to review Constitution.

The Centre decides to place almost all items under the automatic approval route for foreign direct investment and NRI and OCB investments.

Feb. 2:

The Government decides to appoint the former Chief Justice of India, Mr. M.N. Venkatachaliah as the Chairman of the National Commission to review the Constitution.

A Special Court in Chennai convicts the AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha in the Pleasant Stay Hotel case and sentences her to one year RI and pay a fine of Rs. 1,000 for each of the two counts.

Three women undergraduates of the TNAU, Coimbatore burnt alive by AIADMK men in a bizarre incident of arson near Dharmapuri.

The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry clears Ms. Deepa Mehta's film ``Water'' after the director agreed to make some changes in the script.

The City Civil Sessions Court, Calcutta sentences Peter Bleach and five Latvians to rigorous imprisonment for life and slaps a fine of Rs. 25,000 each for their role in the Purulia arms drop case.

An estimated 15 lakh employees of over 200 Public Sector Units strike work across the country demanding payment of salaries and DA to the workers of the sick State-owned units, besides a five-year wage settlement period.

The Government increases the cap on FDI through the automatic route in eight sectors.

Feb. 3:

The RBI Governor, Dr. Bimal Jalan unveils a seven-point agenda for banking sector reforms.

Feb. 5:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee defends the Gujarat Government order lifting the ban on Government employees from participating in RSS activities.

Shooting of ``Water'' begins in Varanasi.

Feb. 6:

``Water'' shooting stopped following suicide by a Shiv Sena activist and director, Ms. Deepa Mehta asked to leave Varanasi.

Feb. 7:

Former APCC(I) president and four times Congress MP, Mr. Kamaluddin Ahmed joins the BJP.

Nod for Internet service providers to set up international gateways for carrying Internet traffic outside the country.

Feb. 8:

The Supreme Court drops contempt proceedings against the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna after he expresses ``sincere regrets'' over his statement on the Alamatti dam issue.

Feb. 9:The Madras High Court suspends the one-year jail sentence passed by a Special Court against the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha in the `Pleasant Stay Hotel Case'.

Feb. 12:

Seventeen persons, including 12 police personnel die as naxalites strike terror during the first phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly.

The highest French Civilian ward, Commandeur de la Legion Honneur for sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Feb. 13

The Government announces the setting up of an 11-member Constitution review commission to be chaired by Mr. Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah.

Feb. 14:

The Supreme Court stays the Karnataka High Court judgment quashing the State Government's Ashraya scheme for providing plots to the poor.

Feb. 15:

The Union Cabinet decides to freeze for 25 more years - from 2001 to 2026 - the number of representatives in the Lok Sabha on the basis of the 1971 census.

The President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan presents Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 1998 to Mr. B.R. Chopra for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Indian-origin Manoj Night Shyamalan's film The Sixth Sense, nominated for six Oscars.

The Union Cabinet approves SAIL restructuring and waives loans to the tune of over Rs. 5,400 crores.

Feb. 16:

An agreement to promote and protect mutual investments between India and Switzerland comes into effect.

Feb. 18:

Pandit Ravi Shankar, is selected for this year's Subbarami Reddy Kalapeetham Foundation Award, a life-time achievement award, for his contribution to Indian music.

Feb. 19:

Pakistan proposes to India a relaunch of the derailed peace process on the eve of the first anniversary of the Lahore summit. No talks until return of PoK, says the Prime Minister.

Eighteen people die following a fire on the Ferozepur-bound 2137-down Punjab Mail between Dushkeda and Savada stations near Bhusaval, about 433 km from Mumbai.

Doordarshan signs $ 43.75 million (Rs. 190 crores) pact with U.S.-based TransWorld-Stracon combine for global marketing rights for four-and-a-half years.

Feb. 20:

Naxalite landmine blast kills 22 policemen in Bastar district, Madhya Pradesh.

The Supreme Court stays the Karnataka High Court order quashing charges framed against the former Chief Minister, Mr. S. Bangarappa and directs the trial court to proceed in a corruption case.

Feb. 22:

India, China sign pact on WTO and for boosting bilateral trade.

Feb. 24:

The Subrahmanyam Committee report tabled in the Lok Sabha. The panel has concluded that the Pakistan intrusion in Kargil took the Indian security establishment by surprise.

Feb. 25:

Nineteen new trains; Ms.Mamata Banerjee spares passengers and hikes freight rates in her maiden Railway Budget.

The Supreme Court stays the Madras High Court order discharging the former Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo, Ms. Jayalalitha from the two TANSI deal cases.''

In an unprecedented order, a special court in Mumbai declares the absconding suspended judge, Mr. J.W. Singh, the underworld don Chota Shakeel and his associate `Pydhonie' as proclaimed offenders in a case of alleged extortion filed against them.

Feb. 27:

The Assam Minister for Forests and PWD, Mr. Nagen Sharma and four others die after ULFA militants blow up their vehicle by a remote- controlled IED at Nij Bahjani village in Nalbari district.

In the biggest ever deal in the Indian Corporate history, the Tata Tea Limited buys out all the brands of the Tetley Tea of the U.K. for œ 271 million (Rs. 1,870 crores).

Feb. 28:

The Supreme Court orders notice to the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, on a special leave petition filed by the State Government against the Madras High Court judgment upholding the trial Court's order discharging her in the ``coal import case.''

Mar. 1:

The Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi and the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar stake their claim to form the next government in Bihar.

The United Front leader, Mr. W. Nipamacha Singh takes office as new Chief Minister of Manipur.

The landmark India-Sri Lanka free trade agreement takes effect, paving the way for large-scale liberalisation of bilateral trade.

Mar. 2:

The Indian National Lok Dal supremo, Mr. Om Prakash Chautala sworn in 18th Chief Minister of Haryana.

Mar. 3:

The Samata Party leader, Mr. Nitish Kumar sworn in Bihar Chief Minister and the Governor, Mr. V.C. Pande's decision evokes widespread criticism.

Mar. 4:

The nation will not succumb to any pressure on signing the CTBT and will keep intact its sovereignty and rights, says the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee.

Mar. 5:

Mr. Naveen Patnaik assumes office as the Orissa Chief Minister.

Mar. 6:

India and China begin the first ever bilateral security dialogue in Beijing on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mr. B.B. Lyngdoh resigns, making way for the Speaker, Mr. E.K. Mawlong to hold the reins.

Mar. 7:

The Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister,Mr. A. Madhava Reddy dies in a landmine blast at Ghatkesar village in Ranga Reddy district.

Mar. 8:

The Gujarat Government withdraws its January 3 notification, thus reimposing the ban on its employees from participating in RSS activities.

The Supreme Court rules that women daily wage earners are entitled to maternity benefits in a decision that will benefit lakhs of people in the unorganised sector.

The former Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker and AIADMK leader, Mr. Sedapatti R. Muthiah gets 25 months RI and Rs.5,000 fine in the ``disproportionate wealth case.''

Mar. 9:

The Centre grants industry status for the construction sector and notifies ``construction'' as another approved activity for IDBI financing.

Mar. 10:

The Bihar Chief Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar submits resignation without putting his motion seeking a trust vote to test in the Assembly. The RJD leader, Mrs. Rabri Devi, meets the Governor and stakes claim to form the Government.

Mr. K.S. Sudharshan, takes over as the new RSS Sarsanghchalak (chief).

Distinguished Hindi writer, Mr. Nirmal Verma and eminent Punjabi novelist, Mr. Gurchal Singh selected jointly for the 35th Jnanpith Award for 1999.

Mar. 11:

Rabri Devi takes office as Bihar Chief Minister.

The CBI arrests the `inventor' of `herbal fuel', Ramar Pillai in Chennai.

Mar. 13:

The Congress(I) decides to join the RJD Government in Bihar, arguing that it could ``try to provide better governance'' by doing so.

Parliament approves TRAI Bill seeking to bifurcate it into a Tribunal and a Regulator, with the Rajya Sabha passing the measure by a voice vote.

Mar. 16:

The Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi wins trust vote.

Mar. 17:

The Bihar Governor, Mr. V.C. Pande accords sanction to the CBI to prosecute the RJD president, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav, in a disproportionate assets case.

Mar. 19:

The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton arrives to a warm welcome, the first presidential visit in two decades.

Mar. 20:

Mr. Bill Clinton pays a day's visit to Bangladesh - the first by a U.S. President in the country's 29-year-old history.

Unidentified militants gun down 35 Sikhs in the south Kashmir village of Chatti Singhpora in one of the worst incidents of violence in the State.

Mar. 21:

Respect for LoC must for dialogue to ease Indo-Pak tensions over Kashmir, says Mr. Bill Clinton.

U.S. eases economic sanctions further to restart a $ 25 million programme to modernise Indian financial markets.

The œ10,000 bond scheme for short-term visitors to the U.K. will not be applied to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, says the British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Keith Vaz.

Mar. 22:

India's first third generation satellite, Insat-3B put in orbit by Europe's latest Ariane-5 rocket from Kourou in French Guyana.

Mr. P. Shanmugham, sworn in Chief Minister of Pondicherry.

The Government announces hike in the administered prices of LPG, kerosene and aviation turbine fuel.

Mar. 24:

Cabinet panel clears new power sharing system, a highlight of which is that the paying capacity of the SEBs will be the main criteria while deciding on how the power should be shared.

Mar. 25:

The U.S. will not mediate on Kashmir, says the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton in a message on State-run Pakistan television after two-hour long talks with the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad.

Mrs. Rabri Devi, Bihar Chief Minister, accommodates 82 in jumbo Cabinet, including all the 20 Congress MLAs.

Mar. 27:

After more than two-and-a-half-years, a Delhi court resumes trial in the St. Kitts forgery case following a Delhi High Court order upholding the lower court's verdict on framing of charges.

Mar. 28:

Delhi police arrest Shoaib Ilyasi, producer of the crime serial ``India's most wanted'' for the death of his wife Anju on January 10.

Mar. 29:

The Centre announces a steep upward revision of the Central issue price of wheat and rice distributed through the PDS effective from April 1.

Mar. 30:

A special court remands to police custody the suspended sessions judge, Mr. J.W. Singh, facing charges of extortion and nexus with the underworld.

Mar. 31:

The Government announces creation of two special economic zones on the Chinese model in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and lifts quantitative restrictions on 714 items to allow free imports.

Apr. 1:

The RBI cuts savings deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks from 4.5 to 4 per cent with immediate effect.

Disinvestment not distress sale, says the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee at a conference of Chief executives of PSUs, in New Delhi.

HUDCO announces cut in interest rates and yet another increase in ceiling on loan amounts, from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs.

Apr. 2:

Guru Granth Sahib is a juristic person and can hold property, says the apex court in a judgment of ``far-reaching consequences and great significance''.

Apr. 4:

The CBI files chargesheets against the Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi and the former Chief Minister, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav in the ``disproportionate assets case''.

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, inaugurates samvidhan.com, a website containing the Constitution. The site is part of the Hindi portal, webdunia.com.

Apr. 5:

The Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi and the RJD president, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav surrender before the CBI designated court in Patna. The court rejects Mr. Laloo's bail petition, but grants bail to Mrs. Rabri Devi.

Apr. 6:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee rules out roll back of prices and says ``these measures were the need of the hour''.

The Government permits use of LPG as auto fuel.

Mr. Justice Ratnavel Pandian, is named the one-man judicial commission to inquire into the circumstances that led to a police firing in Anantnag.

The NSCN (Khaplang) announces ceasefire with the Centre.

Apr. 7:

The Delhi police unearth a multicrore cricket betting and match- fixing racket involving five South African cricketers, including the captain, Hansie Cronje. A Delhi-based Indian operator, Rajesh Kalra put behind bars.

Apr. 10:

A triumph of sorts for Indian diplomacy as the NAM summit in Colombian capital, Cartagena endorses democracy norm.

Apr. 11:

Ms. Jhumpa Lahiri, an author of Indian origin wins the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her debut collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa sacks Hansie Cronje and orders a commission of inquiry into the ``match-fixing saga''.

Apr. 12:

Ban on LTTE for two more years from May 14, says the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani.

Apr. 13:

Twentynine participants in a Ram Navami fete die of electrocution in the Chotanagpur belt of South Bihar after they come into contact with a snapped high tension wire.

Apr. 14:

Pakistan frees an Indian, Mr. Roop Lal after 26 years in jail on charges on espionage.

The AIADMK expels senior leaders Mr. Sedapatti R. Muthiah, Mr. S. Raghupathy and Mr. Karuppusamy Pandian for ``anti-party activities''.

Mr. J. M. Coetzee, two-time Booker prize-winning South African author, bags the Commonwealth writers prize for best book for his novel ``Disgrace''.

Apr. 15:

Tribal guerillas massacre 72 villagers at Khas Kalyanpur in West district, Tripura.

Apr. 17:

``The modern world does not permit boundaries to be redrawn in blood'', says the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook and regrets the Kargil episode that undermined the Indian peace initiative at Lahore last year.

Apr. 18:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee constitutes a Group of Ministers to review the national security system in its entirety in the light of the recommendations of the Kargil review committee.

The Company Law Board orders supersession of the Board of Director of the RBF Nidhi Ltd., Chennai and appoints seven new directors.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India adopts a six-point code of conduct for the players.

Apr. 20:

The Government tables the Chandrachud Committee report on match-fixing and betting in Lok Sabha, and promises to get to the ``bottom of the truth''.

A full bench of the Madras High Court quashes the Tamil Nadu Government order making Tamil (or mother tongue) as the compulsory medium of instruction in all schools in the State up to Standard V.

Apr. 22:

Mr. Justice G. T. Nanavati to head one-man inquiry commission to probe the lathicharge on lawyers during their all-India marchto Parliament on February 24.

Apr. 25:

The Supreme Court clears the decks for continuing the trial against the AIADMK leader, Ms. Jayalalitha, in the controversial ``TANSI land deal case'' by ``erasing'' the Madras High Court judgment discharging her from the case.

The Tamil Nadu Governor, Ms. Fathima Beevi commutes the death sentence of Nalini, accused in the Rajiv assassination case, to life sentence.

The Supreme Court allows Karnataka to raise the height of Alamatti dam from 509 metres to 519.6 metres but holds that Andhra Pradesh can use the surplus water till a new tribunal decides the share of the riparian states afresh.

West Bengal police nab Belal alias Lalu Mian, the suspected mastermind behind the hijacking of IC-814 IA flight to Kandahar last December, from a hideout in North 24 Parganas district.

Apr. 26:

The three death convicts in the Rajiv assassination case - Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan appeal to the President for clemency after the Tamil Nadu Governor rejects their mercy petitions.

Apr. 27:

Mr. Arun Bharat Ram, takes over as the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Apr. 28:

India, Russia sign protocol on defence tie-up establishing a direct apex link between their security establishments.

A major fire devastates one of the largest army ammunition depots, in Bharatpur district, Rajasthan.

The Centre announces a CBI probe into charges of match-fixing in cricket.

Apr. 29:

The Army institutes a high-level court of inquiry under Maj. Gen. C.B. Suku to look into the causes of the arms depot conflagration.

May 1:

The Supreme Court refers to a Constitution Bench whether MPs can be prosecuted for voting along a particular line on bribery.

May 2:

India, Uzbekistan sign an extradition treaty and a legal assistance pact on criminal matters.

May 3:

The Government modifies the guidelines for Nidhi Companies by liberalising the deposit mobilisation and branch network norms.

May 5:

The Supreme Court permits the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha (petitioner) to have herself and the others examined as ``defence witnesses'' in connection with the trial of the `Colour TV scam case.'

May 6:

A lifetime of my service to cricket ``has been finished by an irresponsible allegation of match-fixing by third parties,'' says the national coach, Kapil Dev.

May 7:

Ranjit Singh Gill, one of the prime accused in the murder of Lalit Maken and his wife Geetanjali, daughter of the late President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on July 31, 1985 extradited to Delhi from the U.S. to stand trial in the case.

May 8:

India not for Eelam and it favours a solution to the crisis in the island country ``within the framework of Sri Lanka's unity and integrity,'' says the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee at an all- party meeting in New Delhi.

May 9:

The Supreme Court directs the AIADMK leader, Ms. Jayalalitha to stand trial in the Rs. 6.5 crore coal import scam case and sets aside the orders of a Chennai Special Court and the Madras High Court discharging her from the case.

May 11:

The Indian population touches the 1 billion mark.

May 12:

The EU Governments allow India to export an extra 3,500 tonnes of textile products to the 15-nation bloc this year.

May 13:

Ms. Laura Dutta (21), who said beauty pageants give women a platform to ``voice our choices and opinions''is named Miss Universe 2000 in the Cyprus capital, Nicosia.

The Union Government gives its approval for the creation of the three new States of Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chhattisgarh to be carved out of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

May 14:

The Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani announces extension of the ban on the LTTE by two more years.

Forty persons lose their life after an Amritsar-bound Punjab Roadways bus falls into the Sirhind Canal near Ropar.

May 15:

The Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Power, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Bhat dies in a powerful IED explosion near Mandipore in Anantnag.

The U.S. cancels a patent on the use of turmeric in healing wounds after India challenges the patent.

May 16:

The ESIC decides to increase the amount of family pension to the dependents of deceased workers and the permanent disablement allowance for physically disabled workers.

Parliament approves two separate Constitution Amendment Bills seeking to nullify the Supreme Court judgment fixing 50 per cent ceiling in filling up backlog of vacancies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to devolve 29 per cent central taxes to states.

May 17:

Parliament approves the Information Technology Bill giving legal sanction to e-commerce and seeking to curb cyber crime with the Rajya Sabha passing it through a voice vote.

The Union Cabinet clears a proposal for setting up a new appellate tribunal for foreign exchange following the repeal of the FERA and the enactment of the FEMA in its place.

May 24:

The Supreme Court rejects the proposal for setting up benches outside Delhi.

May 26:

In a significant development, the Government decides to allow disinvestment up to 60 per cent equity of Air India.

May 27:

In a mini Cabinet reshuffle, Mr. Nitish Kumar gets back his Agriculture portfolio, while Mr. Dilip Ray resigns as Minister of State for Steel.

May 29:

The Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan announces a bonanza of free telephone connections to the entire 3.2 lakh strong, non- gazetted workforce in the Telecom Department.

The extradition treaty with the UAE comes into force with the exchange of the instrument of ratification at a ceremony in Dubai.

May 30:

A Special Court in Chennai, acquits the former Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, her close associate, Ms. Sasikala, and another accused, Mr. S. R. Bhaskaran in the ``Rs.10.16 crore colour TV scam''.

Jun. 1:

The Foreign Exchange Management Act comes into force and the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 stands repealed.

Jun. 2:

Sixteen persons die after a bomb explosion at a Shia meet at a village 30 km from Srinagar. The former J & K Minister, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari escapes with splinter injuries.

Mr. Justice A. M. Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India appointed Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award.

Jun. 3:

Sri Lanka should either agree for a `territorial separation' on the lines of the Czech and Slovakia republics or grant more rights to the Tamils to enable a ``permanent solution'' to the ethnic strife, says the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi.

Jun. 7:

Telecom Commission approves the free phone bonanza for all telecom employees announced by the Union Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan.

Jun. 8:

Bomb blasts rock churches in three States (A.P., Karnataka and Goa).

Jun. 9:

The CBI-designated court frames charges against the Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi and the RJD president, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav in the disproportionate assets case.

The MTNL announces 30 per cent cut in Internet tariffs.

Jun. 11:

Twenty-seven army personnel die after the bus carrying them plunges into a gorge at a spot 80 km from Jammu.

Assailants gun down 12 upper caste persons, including eight of a family in Bihar's Nawada district.

Jun. 12:

India announces $100 million credit to Sri Lanka.

The Government appoints Mr. S. K. Mahajan of the Delhi High Court as the chairman of the one-man tribunal to adjudicate whether or not there was sufficient cause for declaring LTTE as unlawful.

Centre's nod for 100 per cent foreign equity in petroleum refineries and e-commerce business-to-business ventures and removal of ceiling on FDI inflows in the power sector.

Jun. 13:

The Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, announces a one-time settlement of outstanding loans below Rs. 10 crores, in a move aimed at ridding public sector banks of Rs. 51,000 crores of bad loans.

Major General Manuel Saavedra of Uruguay appointed Chief Military observer of the U.N. Mission monitoring the LoC in Kashmir.

Jun. 16:

Ranvir Sena men gun down 34 people in Mianpur village in Aurangabad district, Bihar.

Jun. 19:

Babu Parmanand, former speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, sworn in as the 12th Governor of Haryana.

Jun. 21:

We have no jurisdiction, rules the ICJ, The Hague and Pakistan loses its case against India regarding a dispute concerning the destruction on August 10, 1999 of a Pakistani Atlantique aircraft.

Jun. 22:

The Government clears a proposal for wage revision for all classes of employees in the insurance sector.

Jun. 23:

The Cabinet Committee for Disinvestment clears 14 more public sector undertakings, including the STC, the MMTC, SCI and the IBP for disinvestment.

Indian journalist, Mr. Palagummi Sainath gets Amnesty International global award for human rights journalism..

Jun. 24:

Maruti Udyog Ltd. slashes the prices of Maruti 800, Wagon R and Omni by up to Rs. 25,000 in a bid to boost its sagging sales.

Jun. 25:

The Government agrees to the bifurcation of the Telecom Ministry.

Jun. 26:

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passes autonomy resolution by voice vote.

Rough draft of human genetic code ready, British researchers working on the publicly-funded Human Genome Project announce in London.

Jun. 27:

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms. Maneka Gandhi, launches National Initiative for child protection, of which childline is an integral part.

The Clinton administration rejects a demand by 21 U.S. Congressmen for declaring India a terrorist state in the wake of attacks on Christian priests and churches.

Reversing its long-standing decision, India derecognises the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), paving the way for special ties with Morocco.

Jun. 28:

India striving for consensus on CTBT, says the Prime Minister at the first-ever summit with the EU in Lisbon.

The World Bank announces loans totalling $130 millions and a grand $ 5 million for eco-friendly energy development in India.

Jun. 29:

The Election Commission derecognises seven regional parties in some States. Samata Party in Haryana, Shiv Sena in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and the RJD in Manipur. The NTR-Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, the Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) in Chandigarh, the United Minority Front in Assam and the Haryana Vikas Party in Haryana will remain registered but unrecognised parties.

Jun. 30:

Autonomy resolution within the framework of the Constitution, says the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee.

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council adopts a resolution seeking separation from J and K.

The EPF rate brought down to 11 per cent from 12 per cent with effect from April 1, 2000.

Jul. 2:

At least 30 people die after a boat collapses in Kumla river near Pratapur in Madhubani district of Bihar.

Jul. 3:

The Japanese Government gives its top civilian award of the order of the Sacred Treasure, golden rays with neck ribbon to Dr. Ashok Jain, Emeritus Scientist, CSIR, and Dr. Raj K. Buddhiraja, noted Hindi literary figure and president, Indian Council for Japanese Culture.

Jul. 4:

The Union Cabinet rejects J&K autonomy resolution.

The trial of the Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi, and the RJD president, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav in the disproportionate assets case begins.

Volvo's Environmental Prize for Prof. Amulya K. N. Reddy of India and three others for their work on how the world's energy resources can be made to suffice as the population grows.

Four white tigers die in the Nandankanan Zoological Park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

Jul. 5:

The Prime Minister rules out restoring pre-1953 status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Six more tigers die at the Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Jul. 6:

India, Nepal sign agreement to set up a specialist joint unit to counter terrorism and share information about criminals operating along the border.

Mohan Lal bags Best Actor Award for his sensitive portrayal of a Kathakali artist in ``Vaanasprastham'' and the film wins the Best Feature Film and Best Editing Awards at the 47th National Film Festival-2000.

Jul. 7:

The 11th Finance Commission headed by Prof. A. M. Khusro submits report to the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan.

Another white tiger falls victim to the parasitic infection in the Nandankanan Zoological park.

Fifty peacocks die due to haemmorhage of stomach after consuming bajra mixed with fertilizers in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh.

Jul. 11:

Noted litterateur, Ms. Amrita Pritam honoured with the highest award for Punjabi literature for the century, the ``Shatabdi Samman.''

The Union Cabinet offers the five-lakh strong non-executive workforce of PSUs the option of choosing the periodicity of wage revision.

Jul. 12:

The Bangalore Police arrest S.M.Ibrahim, the brain behind all explosions at Churches in Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

Sixtyseven persons die in landslip triggered by torrential rain in Ghatkopar, a Mumbai suburb.

Jul. 14:

Kashmir will never secede from India to become independent or part of Pakistan, says the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

Jul. 15:

The Maharashtra Government gives the green signal to police to proceed against the Shiv Sena Chief, Mr. Bal Thackeray for his alleged role in the 1992-93 Mumbai communal riots.

Jul. 16:

World witnesses' a total lunar eclipse lasting one hour and 47 minutes, the longest such in 150 years and the second in a series of three in a month.

In the biggest ever haul of RDX in 11 years, security forces recover 315 kg of the explosive in a raid at Zaina Kadal area in Srinagar.

All the 150 Indian peacekeepers besieged within a UN base in the rebel stronghold of Kailahun in Sierra Leone since early May set free by a rescue team.

Jul. 17:

Fiftyfive persons die as a Boeing 737 of Alliance Air from Calcutta to Delhi via Patna and Lucknow, crashes at Gardanibagh, one km from the runway at the Patna airport.

The Government lifts ceiling on FDI in the power sector.

Jul. 18:

The Cabinet clears a turnaround plan for the HMT involving an investment of Rs. 250 crores, the closure of five unviable units and conversion of three divisions into subsidiaries.

In a second major haul, J&K police seize 70 kg of RDX from a hand-cart.

Jul. 19:

The Centre has no locus standi in Thackeray case, says the Prime Minister and rejects the resignations of Shiv Sena nominees in the Union Cabinet, Mr. Manohar Joshi, Mr. Suresh Prabhu and Mr. Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil.

Jul. 20:

In a nationwide swoop, IT Department officials search the residences of cricketers Kapil Dev, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja and former ICC Chairman, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya and recover incriminating documents.

Jul. 21:

The Union Government launches ``Sarvapriya'', a nationwide scheme to provide 11 essentials at PDS prices.

The alleged kingpin behind the serial blasts in Andhra Pradesh, Kaliq-uz-zaman and three others in detention.

The Russian crew in Purulia arms drop case set free after the President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan remits their life sentence and waives the fine.

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee announces a special fund for population projects with the Planning Commission providing seed money of Rs. 100 crores, addressing the maiden meeting of the National Population Commission.

Jul. 23:

The Union Law Minister, Mr. Ram Jethmalani quits Cabinet after the Prime Minister shows him the door following the outbursts against the Chief Justice of India, Dr. A. S. Anand.

Jul. 24:

The Hizbul Mujahideen announces a ``unilateral ceasefire'' for three months.

The trial in the Rs. 133 crore urea scam resumes after about one year, in the special court for CBI cases in New Delhi.

Jul. 25:

The Shiv Sena Chief, Mr. Bal Thackeray courts arrest and the court of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Boiwada, Mr. B. P. Kamble dismisses the case because of six-year delay in pursuing it after the FIR.

Two Indians, Ms. Aruna Roy from Rajasthan and Mr. Jockin Arputham, founder of the Indian National Slum Dwellers' Association chosen for the Ramon Magsaysay award for public service.

The Manisana Wage Board for Journalists and Non-Journalists submits its final report to the Government.

The Government introduces in Lok Sabha the States Reorganisation Bills amid protest.

Jul. 26:

The Centre imposes a ban on employing children belowing 14 years as domestic servants by all Government employees in the All India services, at the insistence of the NHRC.

Lok Sabha opposes with one voice J&K resolution on autonomy and says there cannot be a ``nation within a nation.''

Jul. 28:

The Government announces a National Agriculture Policy favouring private sector participation through contract farming and land- leasing arrangements.

Jul. 30:

Veerappan kidnaps Kannada thespian Rajkumar and three others from the actor's farm house in Gajanur in Erode, Tamil Nadu.

Jul. 31:

The Government announces appointment of Mr. Justice B. M. Lal as Chairman of the MRTP Commission.

The Kargil hero, Air Marshal Vinod Patney,is appointed Vice-Chief of Air staff in a major reshuffle of top commanders.

The Centre and the NSCN(I-M) agree to extend the ceasefire in Nagaland by one more year. The ceasefire is in operation since August 1, 1997.

The Lok Sabha passes by voice vote a bill for creation of Chhattisgarh State.

Aug. 1:

Twentyseven persons, a number of yatris, die after militants attack a ``langar'' in a Pahalgam health resort en route to the Amarnath cave shrine.

The Lok Sabha adopts Uttar Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill paving the way for the creation of Uttaranchal the 27th State.

Lt. Gen. Padmanabhan to be new Army chief replacing Gen. V. P. Malik.

One hundred people of Kinnaur, Shimla and Mandi districts of HP die following flash floods in the Sutlej river.

Aug. 2:

In a series of massacres, militants mow down 26 labourers and eight members of a village defence committee in Kashmir.

The Lok Sabha performs a ``hat-trick'' by setting off the process for the creation of three new States by passing the Jharkhand Bill.

The CBI sets up a ``cyber crime research and development unit'' to collect and collate inform on cyber crimes reported from different parts of the country.

Aug. 4:

Mr. Justice Brij Mohan Lal, sworn in chairman of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission.

The Congress(I) leaders, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and Mr. S. Jaipal Reddy get Best Parliamentarian awards for the year 1997-98.

Aug. 6:

The Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments accede to the major demands placed by the forest brigand, Veerappan.

Aug. 8:

The Hizbul Mujahideen revokes the July 24 ceasefire declaration and the `commanders' go underground.

The Government appoints Air Marshal P. Rajkumar to head the court of enquiry to probe the Alliance Air crash near Patna.

Aug. 9:

The Union Cabinet clears telecom firms to acquire foreign equity. The much awaited migration package for radio paging operators also gets the nod.

New education scheme aimed at drawing child dropouts in the 6-14 year age group into the formal school system gets Cabinet approval.

Parliament approves the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2000 paving the way for the creation of a separate Chhattisgarh State.

The Maharashtra Government sanctions prosecution of the suspended sessions judge Mr. J. W. Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Aug. 10:

Car bomb blast leaves 13, including a photojournalist dead in Srinagar, just two days after the withdrawal of ceasefire by the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Parliament approves the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2000 to create a hill state of Uttaranchal.

Delhi police nab Janat Gul (20), an ISI agent of Pakistan in the Nizamuddin area of South Delhi and seize 10.2 kg of RDX, two ABCD timers set to explode in I-Day and avert a major tragedy.

Aug. 11:

Parliament approves creation of a new Jharkhand State with the passage of the Bihar Reorganisation Bill by the Rajya Sabha.

The World Bank signs an agreement for a $713 million aid to India for three infrastructure projects.

Lok Sabha passes Cable Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill to impose the advertisement and programme codes on all television channels and make it mandatory to show at least three DD channels.

Aug. 13:

The Government announces the opening up of the national long distance communication segment with no restriction on the number of players.

After nine years of protracted legal battle, a Delhi court convicts five persons in the infamous Sura tragedy case that claimed 201 lives and blinded over 100 people in the capital on the eve of Diwali in 1991.

Aug. 14:

Seven persons die as a blast rips through the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express near Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Aug. 15:

Borders cannot be redrawn ``either in the name of religion or on the strength of the sword'', says the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee in his Independence Day address.

Aug. 16:

The Union Power Minister, Mr. Rangarajan Kumaramangalam slips into a coma after multiple organ failure.

Aug. 18:

The Supreme Court rejects a petition filed by the former Navy chief, Vishnu Bhagwat challenging his dismissal from service and the consequent direction stripping him of the title Admiral.

Fifty persons meet with a watery grave after the bus in which they were travelling gets swept away in river Banas, about 100 km from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.

Aug. 21:

Ms. Uma Bharti, the sanyasin MP of the BJP, resigns from the Lok Sabha and the party's national executive.

Aug. 22:

Parliament nod for two Constitutional Amendment Bills restoring relaxations in marks for promotion in government jobs to SC/STs and exempting Arunachal from reservation for SCs.

Aug. 23:

India, Japan unveil new global partnership and agree to start a formal security dialogue. Status quo on CTBT, sanctions.

Aug. 24:

``Kargil betrayed Vajpayee's good intentions'', says the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Yoshiro Mori and condemns Kashmir violence.

The CBI arrests London-based Brazilian businessman, Mr. A. E. Pinto, one of the main accused in the Rs.133-crore urea scam on his arrival in New Delhi after being extradited from Britain.

The Calcutta Municipal Corporation celebrates 310th birth Anniversary of the city, launching a web portal on Calcutta.

Aug. 25:

Veerappan seeks release of 121 prisoners, including 51 TADA detenus from the Mysore prison and payment of compensation to victims of STF excesses .

Aug. 28:

The TRAI announces significant reductions in international and national long distance call charges effective from October 1 till March 2002.

Aug. 29:

The Supreme Court stays release of 115 ``Veerappan aides'' on bail or otherwise till further orders.

Aug. 30:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee announces a package for small units raising the ceiling on loans from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs. For the handloom sector, a separate scheme costing Rs. 447 crores finalised.

Aug. 31:

The Government decides to freeze Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies for the next 25 years at the existing level and to set up a Delimitation Commission.

The J & K police nab two Pakistani militants for the massacre of 35 Sikhs at Chattisinghpora in March.

Sep. 4:

The Cabinet gives clearance for inclusion of more castes in the OBC list.

The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw announces easing of visa rules for entrepreneurs from India.

Sep. 6:

Telecom workers launch nationwide strike in protest against inadequate safeguards prior to the corporatisation of the department from October 1.

The special court at Kottayam constituted for the trial of the Feb.1996 Suryanelli sex scandal (in Kerala) accused sentences 35 persons found guilty to rigorous imprisonment varying from 25 years to four years and imposes fines varying from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 10,000.

Sep. 7:

The EC derecognises the Lok Shakti, headed by the former Union Minister, Mr. Ramakrishna Hegde, as a state party on the basis of its performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in 1999.

Sep. 8:

An Indian maize breeder, Dr. Surinder K. Vasal and the Mexican cereal chemist, Dr. Evagelina Villegas have been jointly awarded the World Food Prize for 2000, for their decades-long scientific quest to produce quality protein maize for developing countries.

Sep. 9:

I will always remain a Swayamsevak, says the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee at a meeting of the Indian-American community at Staten Island near New York.

Sep. 11:

A Delhi High Court exonerates the senior Congress(I) leader and former Union Minister, Mr. H.K.L. Bhagat in a 1984 anti-Sikh riot case in Delhi (in Mansarovar Park in East Delhi on November 1, 1984).

India, Russia and Iran sign an intergovernmental agreement on North-South transport corridor to facilitate faster and cheaper movement of goods from Asia to Europe.

Sep. 13:

The Central Government withdraws the ban on use of non-iodised salt despite protests from the medical community and several State Governments.

Sep. 15:

The Olympic games open in Sydney, Australia.

Underworld don Chhota Rajan and one of his aides seriously injured in a shootout with a rival gang at Bangkok.

The Centre sanctions a special designated court in Chennai to try the 25 cases relating to the Indian Bank scam which involves the bank's former CMD, Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan and 28 others.

Sep. 16:

In an important pronouncement, the Rajasthan High Court declares Jains as a religious minority community and allows teaching institutions set up by them to enjoy minority status under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution.

Sep. 18:

The Prasar Bharati issues a notification making it compulsory for cable operators to telecast regional channels of Doordarshan on prime band, in addition to DD-1 and DD-2 in their respective states.

The long-distance and fixed phone services hit nationwide as the Telecom Department officers and junior engineers launch an indefinite work- to-rule agitation.

The President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan presents the Dada Saheb Phalke award for 1999 to film-maker, Mr. Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Sep. 19:

``India remains committed to a unilateral moratorium on nuclear tests, but we will not allow this stand to stand in the way of our protecting India's supreme natural interest,'' says the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee on his return from the U.S.

Karnam Malleswari adds a glorious chapter to Indian sports history at the Sydney International Convention Centre by becoming the first woman to gain an Olympic medal.

Sep. 21:

The ADB approves a $ 300 million loan to help some 1.3 million ``low income'' Indians gain access to housing finance.

The suspended Mumbai High Court judge, Mr. J.W. Singh, facing charges of extortion in nexus with the underworld, dismissed from judicial service.

Sep. 22:

The Kerala High Court suspends the sentence awarded by the Kottayam Special Court on 32 accused in the Suryanelli rape case.

Sep. 25:

A Delhi Court dismisses applications by three of the 17 accused seeking dropping of proceedings against them in the sensational Coomar Narain espionage case which hit the headlines and rattled the Rajiv Gandhi Government in 1985.

Sep. 26:

The Income Tax sleuths raid premises of top Bollywood stars and seal 15 lockers, seize cash and documents.

Sep. 27:

The Union Cabinet decides to increase the number of Padma series of awards for excellence in different fields of activities from 60 to 100.

Sep. 28:

Mr. Nagappa Maradagi, an assistant film director, kidnapped along with Rajkumar escapes from Veerappan's clutches and reaches Gajanur on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Mr. Bhaskar Hirjai Save chosen for this year's Jamnalal Bajaj Award.

Sep. 29:

A special court convicts the former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao and his then Cabinet colleague, Mr. Buta Singh in the JMM MPs' bribery case. Nine others get benefit of doubt.

The Government raises the prices of petroleum products across- the-board, while cutting import and excise duties on crude oil, diesel and motor spirit (petrol).

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao quits Cabinet.

Mr. Tata Ramachandra Prasad to be the next Cabinet Secretary.

Telecom officers call off their month-long stir after an assurance from the PMO that they will be retained as civil servants in the new corporation.

The Appellate Authority of the Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, stays the order of the BIFR permitting winding up of Bharat Gold Mines Limited, KGF, Karnataka.

Sep. 30:

Mrs. Sushma Swaraj gets back Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu and four others inducted into the Union Cabinet.

The Election Commission derecognises the CPI(M) as a national party but keeps alive its registration as a state party in Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal.

Gen. S. Padmanabhan takes over as the new Chief of the Army Staff from Gen. V. P. Malik.

The Government appoints Dr. D.P.S. Seth as CMD of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

India's Miss Priyanka Chopra (18), the new Miss World.

Oct. 1:

The Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan launches the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and it is to have total functional autonomy.

In the first conviction in mob killing of the Australian missionary, Graham Staines and his two sons, Chenchu a 13-year-old boy gets 14 years imprisonment.

Oct. 2:

The Russian President, Mr. Vladmir Putin arrives in New Delhi on a four-day State visit.

Oct. 3:

India and Russia sign a declaration on strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee buys peace with the Trinamool Congress Chief, Ms. Mamata Banerjee by agreeing to a partial rollback of the hike in prices of petroleum products.

Oct. 4:

``Kashmir has been the cause of tensions between India and Pakistan,'' ``foreign interference should be stopped,'' says the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin at the join session of both the Houses of Parliament.

India and Russia sign a memorandum of understanding on intensifying bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.

The CBI files charge-sheet in the `herbal fuel - Ramar Pillai case.'

Oct. 5:

Russia would like to see India participate in the CTBT but appreciated that it should be based on its strategic vision, national interests and needs of the people, says the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin virtually endorsing India's stand on the Treaty.

Intruders skin alive Sakhi, an one-year-old tigress at the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. The A.P. Government orders CB CID inquiry and suspends four employees.

Oct. 6:

The Trinamool Congress chief, Ms. Mamata Banerjee withdraws her resignation from the Union Cabinet of Ministers.

Oct. 7:

WWF-India bags the first Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award.

Oct. 8:

Seven years after the serial blasts (on March 12, 1993) rocked the Mumbai metropolis killing 257 people and maiming 713 others, the marathon trial concludes.

Oct. 9:

A special court convicts the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha and her associate, Ms. Sasikala and sentences them to undergo three years and two years rigorous imprisonment in two `TANSI land deal' cases.

The CBI files chargesheet against the three NRI industrialist Hinduja brothers, Mr. Gopichand, Mr. Srichand and Mr. Prakash in the Rs. 64-crore Bofors payoffs case.

The Centre appoints Mr. Yogendra Narain as the new Defence Secretary and Mr. K. Sibal as a secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs while effecting a major bureaucratic reshuffle.

Oct. 10:

In a surprise initiative, the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments depute Tamil nationalist and pro-LTTE leader, Mr. P. Nedumaran to secure the release of Mr. Rajkumar.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa imposes a life-ban on former captain Hansie Cronje.

Oct. 11:

The Centre decides to implement the recommendations of the First National Judicial Pay Commission report.

Oct. 12:

A Special Court sentences the former Prime Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, and his Home Minister, Mr. Buta Singh to undergo three years rigorous imprisonment, and pay a fine of Rs. 2 lakhs each in the `JMM MPs' bribery case'.

The Chinese dissident novelist and playwright, Mr. Gao Xingjian wins the Nobel prize in Literature.

Oct. 13:

The South Korean President, Mr. Kim Dae-Jung, wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Oct. 16:

The forest brigand Veerappan frees Kannada thespian Mr. Rajkumar's son-in-law, Mr. A. Govindaraj after holding him hostage for 78 days.

The Supreme Court stays Kerala High Court directive in the hartal case to the Election Commission.

Oct. 18:

The Supreme Court gives the nod for construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river.

The Union Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan announces relief for phone users. New links to cost Rs. 2,000 in urban areas and Rs. 500 in rural areas.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 comes into force and the rules framed thereunder seek to usher in e-governance by permitting grant of licences by Government agencies and the filing of applications by electronic means.

Oct. 19:

The Government creates an electronic database of all the principal Central Acts from 1834 to 1996 of all India application.

Oct. 21:

The BJP withdraws support to the 11-month-old Francisco Sardinha Government in Goa reducing it to a minority and stakes claim to form a new government after nine Congressmen join the party.

At least 21 persons, including a woman die in two hooch tragedies in Kollam district (at Kalluvathuckal and Pallickal) of Kerala.

Oct. 22:

The Supreme Court in a significant order, erases a Karnataka High Court judgment discharging the former Chief Minister, Mr. S. Bangarappa and his then private secretary, Mr. R. Suribabu, in a corruption case.

Oct. 23:

The 116-year-old General Post Office in Chennai, heritage building in ruins after a devastating fire.

Oct. 24:

The BJP forms a coalition Government in Goa with Mr. Manohar Parrikar taking office as the Chief Minister.

Hyrunnisa, suspected to be the key accused in the Kollam liquor tragedy nabbed along with her husband and a worker in her `shop', in Guruvayur.

The Delhi High Court admits the appeal of the former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao against the lower court judgment in the JMM MPs' bribery case.

Oct. 25:

The BJP Legislature Party in U.P. elects Mr. Rajnath Singh its leader.

The Kerala Cabinet orders a judicial enquiry into the liquor tragedies in Kollam district. The toll goes up to 32.

Oct. 27:

The Vajpayee Government `clears' the names of Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Mr. Prabhat Kumar and Mr. Dinanath Tiwari for appointment as the Governors of the new States of Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh.

Oct. 28:

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Jyoti Basu formally submits his resignation to the Governor, Mr. Viren J. Shah. Mr. Buddhadev Bhattacharya to take over as Mr. Basu's successor.

The Royal Canadian Mounted police arrest two Sikhs, Ripudaman Singh Malik (53) and Ajaib Singh Bagri (51), in Vancouver in connection with the downing of Air India Boeing 747 en route from Canada to London in 1985.

Mr. Rajnath Singh takes office as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister; retains the Ram Prakash Gupta Ministry.

Oct. 29:

The senior Congress leader, Mr. Jitendra Prasada, files nomination papers for the party presidential polls, setting the stage for a contest against the incumbent, Ms. Sonia Gandhi.

Oct. 30:

The 160-page CBI's report on cricket match-fixing names Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Ajay Sharma, Manoj Prabhakar and former physiotherapist, Dr. Ali Irani for their deep-rooted nexus with betting syndicates. It virtually gives a clean chit to Kapil Dev.

Oct. 31:

Chhattisgarh, the 26th State of Indian Union comes into existence with the swearing in of its Governor, Mr. Dinesh Nandan Sahay and Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Jogi at a glittering function at Raipur

The Jammu and Kashmir Government accepts the Justice S. R. Pandian Commission report on the Barakpora police firing on April 3, suspends seven policemen and CRPF personnel, and also the report of the probe into the firing at Amaranth pilgrims on August 1.

The work on construction of the Rs. 18,000-crore Sardar Sarovar Project resumes after a gap of four years in Kevadiya, Narmada district.

The Government introduces Corporate Identity Number for every company registered on or after November 1.

The Income Tax Department `indicts' five cricketers - Kapil Dev, Ajay Jadeja, Manoj Prabhakar, Nikhil Chopra and Ajay Sharma - for tax evasion and concealment of income earned through ``dubious sources''.

Nov. 1:

The Union Minister for Sports, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, releases the CBI report on match-fixing in New Delhi.

Nov. 2:

The Union Cabinet allows the private sector to operate direct-to-home (DTH) television services.

The Centre allows Foreign Direct Investment in the textiles sector.

The National Bravery Award winner, Sinam Chandramani Singh (18) his brother Sinam Robin Singh and their aunt among 10 killed in firing by 8 Assam Rifles personnel at Malom near Imphal.

Nov. 3:

The Government shifts the UP Governor, Mr. Suraj Bhan to Himachal Pradesh and the incumbent Governor, Mr.Vishnu Kant Shastri to Lucknow.

Nov. 5:

The Interpol issues a ``look-out'' notice for the five persons who hijacked an Indian Airlines plane in December 1999 and two of their accomplices.

Nov. 6:

Mr. Buddhadev Bhattacharya assumes office as West Bengal Chief Minister.

Nearly 35,000 employees of IOC resort to a work-to-rule protest to press for better wages and working conditions.

Nov. 7:

Mysore court order bad in law, says the Supreme Court and sets aside the order on release of 51 Veerappan associates. The court also sets aside the August 16 order passed by a Chennai Designated Court and the August 14 order of the Tamil Nadu Government.

The BJP firebrand Ms.Uma Bharti makes a triumphant return to the Union Ministry as Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and Mr. Arun Jaitley gets elevated as Cabinet Minister in a mini expansion. Maj.Gen. (Retd) B. C. Khanduri takes oath as Minister of State for Transport and Highways.

The Delhi High Court suspends sentence against the former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao and Mr. Buta Singh in the JMM Mps' bribery case and grants them bail.

Nov. 8:

Uttranchal, the 27th State of the Indian Union comes into being. Mr.Surjit Singh Barnala takes office as the Governor and swears in the Chief Minister, Mr. Nityanand Swami.

Nov. 9:

The 17-day old Manohar Parrikar led BJP Government in Goa wins the trust vote.

Nov. 10:

The Government has an ``open mind'' on foreign print media entry, says the I&B Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.

Nov. 11:

The Union Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Harin Pathak resigns, after being chargesheeted by a sessions court in Ahmedabad in a case relating to the murder of a head constable at the height of the anti-reservation agitation in 1985.

Nov. 12:

Huge voter turnout for Congress Presidential poll.Seven top BSF and IAF officials die after their MI8 helicopter crashes near Lakhpat in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Nov. 13:

The CBI swoops down on `telecast-fixing' and registers cases against six former DD officials and three firms. The scam has led to a pecuniary loss of about Rs. 21 crores to the DD.

The Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited announces a steep reduction in the tariffs applicable for Internet leased lines and international private leased circuits and is to take effect on January 1 next.

Nov. 14:

Jharkhand, the 28th State of the Indian Union comes into being and the new Governor, Mr. Prabhat Kumar and the Chief Minister, Mr. Babulal Marandi take office.

Nov. 15:

The forest brigand Veerappan frees Kannada actor, Mr. Rajkumar and his relative Mr. Nagesh after an 108-day ordeal.

The Congress(I) gives a thumping mandate to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

India cancels cricket series with Pakistan in January next on account of Islamabad's ``hostile propaganda''.

The IOC unions call off their agitation.

Nov. 16:

The Government to reduce equity holding in nationalised banks from 51 per cent to 33 per cent.

The Union Cabinet takes a formal decision on amending the Indian Divorce Act of 1869 to end outdated and discriminatory provisions against Christian women.

Nov. 17:

The Government decides against allowing foreign equity holdings in the print media industry, says the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.

Nov. 18:

There will be no cuts in Income Tax rates in the next budget, says the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha and signals that the reforms process will continue.

Nov. 19:

The Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee announces a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan

The Government announces a partial rollback in the price of kerosene by Re. 1 a litre and LPG by Rs. 10 a cylinder in deference to the demands by allies led by the Trinamool Congress.

The agriculture scientist, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan gets the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 1999.

Nov. 22:

Injured Mumbai gangster, Chhota Rajan escapes from the custody of Thai authorities.

Nov. 25:

Army begins ceasefire process and the APHC leader, Mr. Yaseen Malik says the Prime Minister's move is a bold initiative.

The anti-corruption Commissioner, Mr. K. Madhavan, hands over match-fixing report to the BCCI chief, Mr. A.C. Muthiah.

The Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments agree on a ``unified command'' for the STF operations against Veerappan.

Suspected ULFA militants gun down four Bihari Muslims in two incidents in Nalbari district in Assam.

Nov. 26:

Benefits of globalisation must filter down to the common people, says the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee and reiterates ``resistance to reforms will be overcome.''

Police nab Chandradas alias Manichan, one of the prime accused in the Kollam liquor tragedy case at Nagercoil.

The fractious Janata Dal (U) splits, with the Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan seeking separate allotment of seats in the Lok Sabha.

Nov. 27:

The Madhavan report finds Azharuddin guilty of match-fixing and confirms Ajay Jadeja, Ajay Sharma and Manoj Prabhakar as having nexus with bookies.

The Supreme Court grants bail to four AIADMK men accused in the Dharmapuri bus burning incident on February 2.

After three decades, English again made compulsory in Gujarat schools from Standard V from the next academic year.

``There is no question of any review on the Government stand. We will not play cricket with Pakistan,'' says the Union Sports Minister, Ms. Uma Bharti.

Nov. 28:

Ceasefire initiative is addressed not only to Kashmiri militants but ``also to Pakistan'', says the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani.

The Union Communications Minister, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan launches his political outfit, Janashakti at a rally in New Delhi.

The Centre hikes the disability relief for workers. For the first time, contract labourers will also be provided compensation.

Nov. 29:

The former South African President, Mr. Nelson Mandela and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh to share the International Gandhi Peace Prize for 2000.

India strikes a counter-trade oil deal with Iraq as part of an effort to build a strategic relationship with Baghdad.

Nov. 30:

Centre firm on extradition of the LTTE supremo, Mr. Prabhakaran, says the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani in the Rajya Sabha.

A former Akali Dal leader, Mr. Jagdev Singh Talwandi unanimous choice as the new SGPC president.

Dr. Anil Kakodkar, takes charge as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

Suspected ULFA militants gun down 14 non-Assamese at three separate places in Bongaigaon district.

CBI files fresh cases against JMM MPs, Mr. Shibu Soren, Mr. Simon Marandi, and Mr. Suraj Mandal on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

Dec. 1:

An armed intruder snipes at a naval commando Satvir Singh, at the official residence of the Navy Chief, Admiral Sushil Kumar in the high- security Rajaji Marg area in New Delhi. The Navy sets up a Board of Enquiry to probe the incident.

There will be a cap of 20 per cent equity for broadcasters planning to operate DTH television services, says the I&B Minister, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.

The Delhi High Court bans corporal punishment for school children.

Dec. 2:

Pakistan orders `maximum restraint' along LOC.

The Election Commission modifies the election symbols order modifying the criteria for recognition as National and State parties.

Thirty-six passengers die and 140 suffer injuries after the Amritsar-bound Howrah Mail crashes into the overturned wagons of an Assam- bound train near Jeonpura village in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab.

The Kerala Cabinet names Karnataka High Court Judge, Mr. V. P. Mohan Kumar as commission to probe hooch tragedies in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Dec. 3:

In a major ruling, the Supreme Court holds that though income from agriculture is not taxable, the proceeds from sale of an agricultural land will be liable for income tax.

Dec. 4:

India deports TULF functionary-turned LTTE supporter, Mr. M.K. Eelavendhan, a Chennai resident for over a decade.

Dec. 5:

The BCCI slaps life ban on Azharuddin and Ajay Sharma. Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar receive five-year ban, while Nayan Mongia is given a clean chit.

Ayodhya issue rocks parliament throwing business out of gear as the entire Opposition demands the resignation of the chargesheeted Ministers, Mr. L.K. Advani, Dr.M.M. Joshi and Ms. Uma Bharti.

Postal staff go on a nationwide indefinite strike and the Government terms it illegal.

Dec. 6:

The Ayodhya agitation an ``expression of nationalist feelings'' and the ``task has remained unfinished'', says the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee.

The Supreme Court gives a clean chit to the former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao upholding the trial court's order discharging him and former Union Minister, Mr. K.K. Tewary from the `St.Kitts forgery case'.

The Government notifies a new wage structure for journalists and non-journalists.

The National Christian Council of India president and church of North India moderator, Bishop Vinod Peter and the Rajasthan CNI, Bishop Gerald Andrews die in a car accident near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Dec. 7:

``The Mandir can be built where it already exists, the Masjid can be built on an alternative site,'' says the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee. Parliament adjourns amidst unprecedented scenes.

A five-member ULFA group guns down 26 Non-Assamese persons, mostly Hindi and Bengali-speaking, at Sonpura near Arunachal Pradesh Border in Upper Assam.

The Supreme Court orders closure of all polluting industrial units operating in the residential and non-conforming areas of Delhi.

Dec. 8:

EC nod for Paswans's party to be known as Lok Janshakti Party.

United Nations Sanctions Committee clears the Indo-Iraq food for oil deal.

Dec. 10:

Seven persons die in continuing attacks on relatives of the ULFA and Bodo militants, in Assam's Goalpara and Darrang districts.

Dec. 12:

The six-day stand-off in Parliament ends as the Government and the Opposition agree to a discussion under Rule 184 in the Lok Sabha.

A special court for CBI cases rejects the Hinduja brothers' plea and summons them to appear before it on January 19, 2001.

Quake rocks Idukki, Kottayam and Kozhikode districts of Kerala. Impact in Madurai, Theni, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris districts in Tamil Nadu.

Dec. 13:

The Lok Sabha begins the Ayodhya Babri Masjid debate and the Government put on the backfoot.

The Government introduces the Banking Companies (Amendment) Bill seeking to reduce the Government's equity in nationalised banks from 51 per cent to 33 per cent.

The Mumbai Police arrest Hindi film maker Nazim Hassan Rizvi for allegedly entering into a conspiracy with underworld don Chotta Shakeel for eliminating certain key Bollywood personalities.

All 12 battalions of the Manipur Rifles Personnel strike work.

Mr. Vikram Sood, is appointed New RAW Chief.

Dec. 14:

Lok Sabha rejects Congress censure motion, The Prime Minister agrees to honour court verdict in Ayodhya issue.

The Government declares the 10-day old postal strike illegal as per the provisions of the Industrial Dispute Act.

Dec. 15:

Mumbai film maker, Nazim Rizvi confesses being in touch with the underworld don Chhota Shakeel.

Dec. 16:

Mr. Kalyan Banerjee, becomes the first Indian to head the Rotary Foundation, one of the richest bodies of the Rotary International.

Dec. 17:

The 13-day nationwide postal strike off.

The Government makes Internet telephony legal.

Britain makes a formal request to India for a Presidential pardon to arms dealer Peter Bleach undergoing life term in a Calcutta jail in connection with the Purulia arms drop case.

Dec. 18:

The Delhi Government begins sealing polluting industries.

The Tatas and the Hindujas shortlisted for disinvestment in both Air India and Indian Airlines and Videocon International for the domestic airline.

Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi gets the Bangalore-based Sri Rama Seva Mandali Trust's maiden S.V. Narayanaswamy Rao Memorial National Award for promoting Indian Classical music.

The Lok Sabha adopts the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2000 and the Government announces plan to set up a National Commission for Children.

Dec. 19:

The Government suffers an embarrassing defeat with the Rajya Sabha adopting a motion recording its ``disagreement'' with the Prime Minister for defending three of his Cabinet colleagues charged in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

U.N. resolutions on self-determination in Kashmir have lost their relevance as they have become time-barred, says the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee.

A Special Judge frames charges against Romesh Sharma, the frontman of Dawood Ibrahim and eight other co-accused for hatching a conspiracy and extorting a helicopter from a private aviation company.

A massive blaze guts Mehboob Studio, one of the oldest in Mumbai city.

Dec. 20:

The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee announces the Government's decision to extend J&K ceasefire till January 26, 2001.

Malaysian police arrest Italian businessman, Mr. Ottavio Quattrocchi in Kuala Lumpur following an extradition request by the Government of India.

The Government accepts the Eleventh Finance Commission recommendation to extend grants to all the States from the Incentive Fund.

The Cabinet decides to further amend the provisions of the controversial Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act.

Dec. 21:

Women's Bill put off again.

Dismissals null and void in the 1978 Samba espionage case, rules the Delhi High Court and orders grant of relief to nine officials then working in the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, Punjab.

Dec. 22:

Three Army jawans die in an attack by a suicide squad of Lakshar-e-Taiba on the Red Fort in Delhi leading to a 45-minute gun- battle.

Dec. 23:

The Centre gives the green signal to the West Bengal Government's proposal to rename Calcutta ``Kolkata''.

Mrs.Chokila Iyer, Ambassador to Ireland is appointed the next Foreign Secretary.

Dec. 24:

The Government reinstates Dr.R.S.Paroda as the Director-General of the ICAR.

Dec. 25:

The Prime Minister, Mr.A.B.Vajpayee, launches a Rs.60,000 crore ``Gram Sadak Yojana'' for linking all villages and the ``Antyodaya Anna Scheme'' for providing cheap foodgrains under the TPDS.

Dec. 26:

Delhi police commandos gun down Red Fort attack suspect, Abu Samal, in a fierce encounter in South Delhi.

Nepal bans Hrithik movies following the deaths of four persons in police firing to quell student protests against the actor's alleged derogatory remarks against Nepalis.

A Special Court in Chennai frames charges against the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalitha, in the SPIC disinvestment case.

Dec. 28:

The Government clears the APHC leaders' visit to Pakistan on January 15, in a boost to the peace initiative.

India, Russia sign their biggest yet defence deal for licensed production of the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets worth dollars 3 billion.

India, Israel deal on Phalcon AWACS planes put on hold, pending change of guard in the U.S.

The Kanchi Acharya, presents the Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati national eminence awards to the former Prime Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi (in absentia), scientist Mr. Ramnarayan Agarwal and pravachan artist, Mr. Rameshbhai Ojha.

Events 2000