Another CBI case against Harshad

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered yet another case against stock broker Harshad Mehta and three bank officials alleging illegal diversion of Rs 104.82 crores of the Indian Oil Corporation funds to Mehta’s account, a CBI spokesman said today. The CBI alleged that in pursuance of a criminal conspiracy, the four had diverted IOC funds to Mehta’s Uco Bank account showing fraudulent security transactions in the books of SBI Caps. No securities nor banker’s receipts were received by the IOC against the security transactions.

Caution on pesticide use in grape crops

Pesticide residue is a major problem with exports of agricultural products, especially grapes. Dr K. L. Chadha, Deputy Director-General, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, has warned against unscientific use of pesticides. While Indian grapes were the best in quality, indiscriminate use of pesticides and overspraying could lead to a loss of market for grapes, he said … The Indian grapes that entered the European markets recently had proved to be a better substitute for grapes from Chile.

Mahathir hits back in style

Fed up with being browbeaten over issues ranging from corruption and human rights to saving its rainforests, Malaysia has struck back … Malaysia barred British companies from participating in government contracts in retaliation to the British media's allegations of corruption. “They have so often used economic weapons to force us to become democratic, to respect human rights and the environment,” (Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad) told newspersons.