Against all expectations, India became Prudential World Cup champions, beating the holders, West Indies, in a low-scoring but thrilling final by 43 runs. The Indian victory was more surprising in view of the fact that they were defending a small total, having been dismissed for only 183. Despite a rumbustious innings of 33 by the great Viv Richards, West Indies declined to 76 for six against a bowling that was steady, but nothing more.

Violence In Punjab

Acts of violence continued unabated for the second successive day in Punjab as Jalandhar remained tense following the death of two newspaper employees in a parcel bomb blast two days ago, and the feud over the occupying of a religious place. Three buses, two of these belonging to public undertakings, were burnt down at Sultanpur Lodhi, near Jalandhar by two unidentified Sikh youths.

Pak’s Nuclear Blast

The Ministry of External Affairs came out with a somewhat ambiguous comment on the report appearing in a Delhi newspaper suggesting that Pakistan exploded a nuclear device on June 13 near Quetta. Asked to comment on the report appearing in the Patriot, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesman confirmed that a seismic event with its epicentre south of Quetta in Pakistan had been recorded on June 13.

Shekhar’s Manifesto

Chandra Shekhar outlined a five-pronged plan to ameliorate the suffering of the people. Addressing a meeting on the conclusion of his 4,100 km padyatra, Shekhar said that each village should have at least three educated persons to ensure that each village gets potable water; ensure that basic health facilities are made available especially for expectant mothers and create awareness about the need to provide education to every child.