New York - Washington Mutual Inc (WaMu), the largest savings and loan association in the United States, has approached a number of private equity firms to gauge their 
interest in a takeover to shore up its financial position, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

The Seattle-based lender has lost more than 90 per cent of its share value in the past 12 months, suffering the effects of the credit crisis. Chairman Kerry Killinger stepped 
down in June 2008.

New York, Sept. 25 : An unusual guest who came to meet Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New York, left him blushing.

A sense of unease was written large on the Prime Minister''s face when Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin came calling upon him.

Wearing a shimmery tight hipster and stylish glasses which has become the most discussed topic in the American press, Palin''s first meeting with Dr. Singh was completely open for the press, and went off smoothly.

New York, Sept. 25 : Barack Obama has recaptured the lead — 45 percent to 39 percent — over John McCain in the presidential race, according to a FOX News poll released Wednesday.

In this latest poll independents give a slight edge to Obama, though many have moved back into the undecided column.

In addition, the poll shows Obama has improved his position on the most important issue to voters this year — the economy. He is seen as the best candidate to handle the nation’s economy, and more voters also say he would be better at handling the current financial crisis facing the country.

New York, Sept 25 : Toeing India’s line, newly-elected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Kashmir issue could be resolved through bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan, though he added that in case of need his country could go back to the UN for arbitration.

He reiterated his strong desire to improve relations with India.

New York, Sept 25 : After his recent meeting with his US counterpart George Bush in New York, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari appeared satisfied that there would be no more incursions by US-led forces from across the Afghan border, reported the Daily Times.

Though, he was non-committal about the assurances given by Bush to him over the issue, the paper added.

New York, Sept 25 : Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh will meet U. S. President George W. Bush in Washington this evening, even as the suspense over the passing of the Indo-U. S. civil nuclear deal in the U. S. Congress continues.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday voted 19-2 in favor of the deal. The bill has been sent to the full Congress for a vote. It has been presently tabled in the U. S. House of Representatives.

Reports suggest that some changes have been introduced into the text of the Senate Bill.