Wednesday, March 19, 2003, Chandigarh, India
Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

BREAKING NEWS

US launches war on Iraq Dubai, March 20, 2003 The US declared a war on Iraq with its aircraft and cruise missiles striking key military targets at dawn today, barely 95 minutes after the 48-hour deadline given to President Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave the country or face military conflict expired.

Attack in violation of international law: Iraq    Blair holds talks with Bush    Over 750 Indians fly home

A fireball illuminates the horizon after an explosion on the Baghdad skyline on Thursday. — Reuters photo

Saddam put on 48-hour notice
Washington, March 18
Setting the course for war on Iraq without the UN backing, US President George W Bush today gave a deadline of 48 hours to Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave the country or face military action. In video (28k, 56k)

Iraq dismisses ultimatum
  Unfair, say world leaders
PM rejects Bush’s ultimatum
Editorial: War on terror, this?

CONTRASTING STYLES: An Iraqi soldier squats with his rifle as he watches UN weapons inspectors leave Baghdad at Saddam airport on Tuesday and (right) a row of 2000 Ibs JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs lined up in a crew mess area as ordnance men work nearby on board the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) aircraft carrier in the Gulf, on Tuesday. — Reuters photos

Two UK ministers quit over Iraq policy
London, March 18
In a major setback to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, two of his ministers resigned today, protesting against his government’s policy over Iraq, a day after leader of the House of Commons and former minister Robin Cook put in his papers.

World page: Cook wins applause from Labour MPs
War to be greeted with protests
Media and the Iraq crisis

Sports page: Lee, Symonds see Australia through Vaas sets new mark Time right for India: Wright Kenyan success no fairytale: Tikolo Brett Lee (second from right) celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Lankan batsman Hashan Tilakaratne in the first semifinal of the cricket World Cup at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. — Reuters

SDM, 41 others chargesheeted
Enlisting of bogus votes
Jalalabad, March 18
Forty-two officials of various departments, including a former SDM, have been chargesheeted by the state government on charges of enlisting bogus votes for the Municipal Council elections held recently.

CM concedes SGPC demands Anandpur Sahib, March 18 While clemency for Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, bad economy of the state and growing unrest among farmers were the main issues discussed at political conferences of various factions of the Akali Dal organised here today, the Congress tried to overcome Akalis on their home turf by conceding to some of the demands of the SGPC and the Sikhs instantly.