JAMMU, November 23: An Army jawan was killed as Pakistani troops opened fire near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor-Rajouri sector on Saturday night, a defence spokesman said on Sunday. Pakistani troops resorted to heavy firing in an attempt to push in some anti-national elements, but Indian troops returned the fire, he said. The jawan, identified as Laik Ram, was seriously hurt and later succumbed to his injuries.

Nirad felicitated

NEW DELHI: President K R Narayanan and Prime Minister I K Gujral on Sunday greeted eminent writer Nirad C Chaudhuri on his 100th birthday. Extending his felicitations to Chaudhuri, the President said, ``May your sharp intellect and scintillating pen continue to enthrall and instruct the world.''

Miss World

MAHE (SEYCHELLES): Miss India Diana Hayden was crowned Miss World 1997 in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles on Saturday. Quoting Irish poet W B Yeats on her way to victory against 85 other contestants, 24-year-old Hayden won against first runner-up Lauralee Martinovich of New Zealand and second runner-up Jessica Motaung of South Africa.

Prasar Bharati

NEW DELHI: As reported by The Indian Express, the much-awaited Prasar Bharati Corporation came into existence on Sunday with the appointment of veteran journalist Nikhil Chakravarty as chairman of its board. The government issued a notification on Sunday announcing establishment of the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India).

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.