Wednesday, 9 February 2005, 2000 hrs

TOP STORIES
Tsunami diplomacy boosts
India's Asian connections 
India's prompt action in providing relief to Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia in the aftermath of the devastating tidal wave disaster will invigorate its "look East" policy aimed at strengthening relations with southeast Asia, a leading US think tank has said
 
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Govt keen on reversing high
PC cost, low net usage
The Central Government has decided to cut the vicious circle of high personal computer prices, consequent low PC usage and poor Internet penetration

Tribune
India should review its policy on SAARC
The Indian Prime Minister’s refusal to attend the scheduled SAARC summit in Dhaka on February 6 and 7 and its consequent postponement should not cause any undue disappointment in the South Asian capitals. Condemnation of the Indian decision was equally predictable in Dhaka, Islamabad and Kathmandu, says K SUBRAHMANYAM 


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Pioneer
Tsunami-hit saltmakers suffer
government silence 
The 26 December tsunamis washed away thousands of tonnes of stock salt at the Vedaraniam salt pans, filled them with debris and black silt. With government relief coverage withdrawn and the start of the season missed, manufacturers are in despair. KRITHIKA RAMALINGAM reports.

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Pioneer
Disaster, relief and politics
The term 'disaster' describes a happening which is not foretold, and which takes everyone by shock and surprise. While all help should be extended to the victims of tsunami, no opportunity should be given to the dishonest and corrupt to thrive at their expense and line their pockets, writes JOGINDER SINGH

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Indian Express
A simple ‘sorry’ will do 
In war-time those who spread defeatism and constantly predict military failures for their own side can be with some justification accused of aiding and abetting the enemy. On Iraq, it is now time for the critics to own up, JAITHIRTH RAO 

EDITORIAL PICKS

Growing yet green (The Hindu)
New rules for cricket (The Hindu)
Stop intrusion (Tribune)
Aids vaccine on trial (Tribune)
Cruelty to animals (Tribune)