S P O T L I G H T

7 killed during bandh
Ranchi, November 26
The Maoist Communist Centre (MCC)-sponsored Jharkhand bandh was today marked by sporadic incidents of violence, arson and indiscriminate firing in which seven persons were killed and 10 injured. The bandh was called in protest against the alleged police atrocities and the US attack on Afghanistan. UNI

Quattrocchi appears in court
Kuala Lumpur, November 26
Bofors pay-off case accused and Italian businessman, Ottavio Quattrochhi, today appeared in court here to fight India’s attempt to extradite him from Malaysia. Quattrocchi appeared calm and took notes as his lawyers traded arguments with those for the Indian Government over an affidavit alleging the extradition attempt was politically motivated. AFP

Sex determination
Gangtok, November 26
Pre-natal sex determination test has been banned in Sikkim with immediate effect. All medical tests relating to sex determination and advertisement of techniques have been prohibited in the state under the Diagnostics Technique (Regulation and Prevention of Misue) Act. Those violating the Act will be imprisoned for a period of three-five years and fined ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, an official press note said here today. PTI