Gurnam Singh and Rita, alias Manjit, of Abbuwal village, Ludhiana. Rita was bought by her husband for Rs 10,000 from Nepal.

CVC closes probe into defence deals
New Delhi, August 16
The Central Vigilance Commission has decided to close the inquiry into all pending cases of acquisitions and purchases by the defence forces thus also bringing down the curtain on the probe into the multi-billion dollar Sukhoi deal.

NDA confident of proving majority
New Delhi, August 16
Even as the National Democratic Alliance has exuded confidence about defeating the Congress-sponsored no-confidence motion convincingly in the Lok Sabha next week, the question of the DMK remaining in their fold has surfaced, with the party raising eyebrows on the reported move to elicit the AIADMK’s support.
NDA MPs and leaders to meet on Monday ahead of the debate on the no-confidence motion. (28k, 56k)

Nation page:
Cabinet expansion likely by August-end
Samata for resolution barring foreigners in high places

Opposition to discuss floor strategy tomorrow
New Delhi, August 16
Opposition parties will meet on August 18 to finalise the floor strategy to corner the NDA government on the no-confidence motion moved by the Congress President, Ms Sonia Gandhi.

Haryana hikes bus fares
Chandigarh, August 16
The fare of Haryana Roadways buses is being increased. The state Cabinet, which met here today, decided to increase the fare by 5 paise per passenger per kilometre. According to the Cabinet decision, the existing rate of Haryana Roadways to charge 40 paise per passenger per km will be increased to 45 paise per passenger per km.

Jathedar Vedanti pledges eyes
Amritsar, August 16
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti pledged to donate his eyes and urged the sangat to voluntarily donate blood and their eyes for the betterment of society.

Portraits of Sikh leaders to adorn Parliament Master Tara Singh and Baba Kharak Singh New Delhi, August 16 The long-standing demand of the Sikhs would be met next week with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiling the portraits of the late Master Tara Singh and freedom fighter Baba Kharak Singh, the architects of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, respectively, in Parliament’s Central Hall on August 21.