News At A Glance: 05 July 2007

1) Operation Lal Masjid: After a blast in the Lal Masjid in Islamabad, the army started firing at the radicals. Fighter helicopters are keeping a watch on the Mosque. At least 1000 students have surrendered before the authorities so far. It is believed that 2000 more students are still holed up inside the mosque. Lal Masjid Cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz Ghazi, who tried to flee in a "Burqa", had been arrested.

2) Indian link to Glasgow Airport Attack: The person who drove the explosive-ladden car into the Glasgow Airport has been identified as Kafeel Ahmed, brother of Sabeel Ahmed, who was arrested earlier. Both people have Bangalore connections as their families reside there.

3) Vice President Elections: The EC announced that the vice President elections will be held on 10 August, 2007.

4) USS Nimitz leaves Chennai: Nuclear-powered American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, whose visit sparked protests by some sections, left on Thursday morning after being docked off the Chennai port for four days.