1.   These contradictions, apparent everywhere in India, were plainly evident in the differing attitudes towards the independence anniversary in Kaithwari.

2.   Philippines marks independence anniversary.

3.   Arabic-only law marks independence anniversary.

4.   For the third straight day Monday, Russian forces blocked all roads leading to major Chechen towns in anticipation of the independence anniversary.

5.   South Korea newspapers also were filled with commentaries that the independence anniversary was overshadowed by tensions in relations with the North, despite recent efforts toward rapprochement.

6.   Suharto did not mention the rebel leader or East Timor in a lengthy state of the nation address to Parliament on Saturday to mark the independence anniversary.

7.   The amnesty, presented as a goodwill gesture, was announced amid signs of a security crackdown ahead of the independence anniversary.

8.   Impoverished Malawians for the first time Wednesday celebrated independence anniversary without pomp, and President Bakili Muluzi told them to forget about feasting and dancing this year.

9.   University lecturer Joseph Kurebwa says however that the independence anniversary should not be overlooked in the face of crisis.

10.   Mugabe joins other leaders in marking the independence anniversary, including Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel.