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Politics Business Expressions General Sports Leisure States 23 February 1998   President seeks legal advice, awaits ruling The battle over Uttar Pradesh has shifted to Delhi with Rashtrapati Bhavan once again becoming the epicentre of political activity after Governor Romesh Bhandari created another constitutional crisis by sacking the Kalyan Singh government. President K R Narayanan has, however, deferred a decision, preferring to wait for the verdict of the Allahabad High Court which will hear a petition challenging Bhandari's decision today.   Second phase: 55% voting, nine deaths The second phase of elections yesterday witnessed a turnout of at least 55%. The elections, held in 183 constituencies in nine states and the union territory of Pondhichery, were also less violent than the first phase held on February 16. Violence was still evident with at least nine persons being killed and many injured in incidents of bomb blasts, shoot-outs and booth-capturing. Annan manages to clinch deal with Iraq U N Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday ended a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz. Annan reportedly clinched an agreement on Iraq's dispute with the United Nations over arms inspections. The agreement is likely to be signed at the Foreign Ministry today. FIs may back Sterlite offer Sterlite Industries' bid to acquire a stake in Indal is likely to be endorsed by the financial institutions. Even the Union finance ministry is reportedly in favour of Sterlite. Sterlite had earlier made an offer for picking up a 10% stake in Indal.   DRDO to develop advanced materials The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be setting up two foundries to assemble advanced materials denied India by foreign powers. This was revealed by the scientific advisor to the defence minister, A P J Abdul Kalam while speaking at a function in Bangalore on Saturday. Kalam also stated that that one foundry would be to fabricate gallium arsenide wafers, while the other would produce VLSI microelectronics. US wants total compliance The United States voiced its reservation against any deal with Iraq that fails to fulfill Baghdad's total compliance with the security council resolutions. US officials claimed that a diplomatic solution would be acceptable only if the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) remains in charge of arms inspections in Iraq with full access to all the sites they want to visit.   LEISURE   Star gazing   Oscars Black out coloured artistes SPORTS   Philippoussis to play "old fogey"   Raman Lamba goes into coma EXPRESSIONS   Tough talking helps   Conflict of nationalisms BUSINESS   Over 200 cos fall in CLB net for defaults   ONGC plans another subsidiary GENERAL   Falling EMRC standards bemoaned   Tribals throng legal aid centre for out of court settlements POLITICS   13 MLAs ditch Pal, back Kalyan   BJP demands Bhandari's ouster