Quicktakes

China-US sign WTO deal
BEIJING: After 13 years of protracted talks, China and the US signed a landmark agreement on Monday paving the way for Beijing’s entry to the World Trade Organisation within this year. The accord will help remove trade barriers and clear the biggest hurdle for China’s entry into the WTO.

Chautala wins vote
CHANDIGARH: The Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the three and a half month old Om Parkash Chautala ministry was defeated on Monday night by 52 to 28 votes after a prolonged stormy debate. The motion was tabled by the Congress and the Haryana Vikas Party, expressing their lack of faith in the Chautala government.

Relief enhanced
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday decided to enhance the compensation to the next of kin of all armed forces personnel killed in action from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs ten lakh.

This was decided at the second meeting of the Chief Ministers’ Committee, set up by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and headed by DefenceMinister George Fernandes.