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February 2003
It is a budget for the common man: Jaswant
Friday, February 28, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 28, 2003: Finance Minister Jaswant Singh Friday described the 2003-04 budget proposals as "people centric" with the focus on poverty allevation and development of the core sectors like Agriculture and Industry. "We should stop talking India down and there should be no obstacles as the country was on the move", Singh told reporters after presenting the budget On whether he had taken the correct step of reducing interest rate on PPF and other small savings by one per cent, Singh said "otherwise why would I take it". He would not hazard a guess on the GDP growth rate for the next financial year, Singh said, adding it will be worked out. The stress will be on fiscal system management, he said. The budget is aimed at benefiting the common man and is "citizen centric", he maintained. The Finance Minister said the Antyodaya Anna Yojna and development of agriculture and industry would be given top priority. The focus will also be on health and education, he said. 14:46 IST
Opposition, allies slam Budget
Friday, February 28, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 28, 2003: The Opposition and some key allies of the BJP today slammed the Union Budget as "anti-people, anti-farmer and anti-development" which has failed to address the "real crisis" in agriculture and industry. Senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil said it was an election-oriented budget which was "very poor" on agriculture, unemployment and small scale sector. P R Dasmunsi (Cong) and Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav said it was "anti-farmer and anti-working class" which would lead to price rise and unemployment. Yadav was particularly harsh on the budget saying it would lead to increase in price of fertilisers and diesel and catered only to "two per cent of the English speaking population." K Yerrannaidu of the TDP, a key ally of BJP, hit out at the Budget saying it was "not good for the farmers who are already in distress and the enhancement of urea prices will further affect them. The targeted growth of eight per cent would be difficult to achieve in the next three to four years." "The farmers interest has not been addressed fully even though it has given many facilities to senior citizens and poor people living below the poverty line," said Rashid Alvi, BSP, another ally of BJP. Describing it as "disappointing and amazingly unrealistic budget," CPI(M) leader Somnath Chaterjee said like the President's address it had length but no depth. The Budget has not addressed the problems of slow down in agriculture, small scale sector, unemployment and housing, he said. 15:27 IST
Playing Pakistan will be a challenge, says Dravid
Friday, February 28, 2003
Centurion (South Africa),Friday, February 28, 2003: Despite having some world-class batsmen in their ranks, Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid today admitted that it would be a challenge for his side to take on the experienced Pakistani bowlers in Saturday's match. "It obviously is a very good and experienced bowling attack. That's a great challenge for our batsmen. You play at this level because you want to play against the best people of the world. "Along with Australia, Pakistan has the most experienced bowling line up of all," said Dravid as India prepare to take on their arch-rivals in a Pool A match of the World Cup here. The stylish batsman said though India are almost certain of a place in the next round, they were keen to defeat Pakistan and carry the extra four points to the Super Six stage. "We look at it as almost an eight-point game. If we win here, we claim four points and carry four extra into the super six stage," said Dravid looking ahead of India's game against Pakistan here tomorrow. He also played down the hype surrounding the match but admitted it would be a challenge to adjust to someone with the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. "It's a challenge to adjust to that kind of extra pace. It's a challenge to take on the pace Shoaib, or (Brett) Lee are able to produce, get into the line and judge the length and pace early". 20:27 IST
No tax on NRIs staying abroad for 90 pc of time since 1993
Friday, February 28, 2003
Government has decided to exempt from income tax Non-resident Indians who have stayed abroad 90 per cent of the time in the last 10 years. This facility would be available for two years, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh said presenting the Budget for 2003-04. "There is a category of taxpayers in India ordinarily not found elsewhere -- the not ordinarily resident. They do not normally have to pay tax on their foreign sourced income," Singh said, adding there was confusion on this provision due to different legal interpretations. "To set the matters at rest, the relevant definition has been suitably amended so that the benefit will now be available to persons for two years in case they remain non-resident for the last nine out of ten years," Singh said. The government also abolished tax clearance certificates needed for a person leaving India or for those submitting tender for a government contract. "Henceforth, only expatriates who come to India in connection with business, profession or employment, would have to furnish guarantee from their employer in respect of tax payable before they leave India," Singh said. An Indian citizen would also have to give his permament account number (PAN) and the period of his intended visit abroad to the emigration authorities. 20:27 IST
High voltage India-Pakistan cricket world cup tie!
Friday, February 28, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 28, 2003: A police lathicharge in Patna, warning to Indian fishermen in coastal areas near Pakistan and anxiety of daughter-in-laws from Pakistan in Lucknow homes are apparently unconnected events but they have one thing in common. The high voltage India-Pakistan world cup cricket tie in South Africa tomorrow is the common thread with the pre-match buildup reaching a crescendo. Police had to lob teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge in Patna to disperse a mob that blocked the busy exhibition road for several hours. The agitated people after seeing a "Housefull" sign took to the streets to protest against non-availability of tickets for tomorrow's match being screened at a cinema hall here A report from Porbandar in Gujarat said Fishermen have been asked to be away from coastal areas near Pakistan. The fishermen have been counselled to play it safe by the Porbandar Fishermen Boats Association after they earned the wrath of members of the Pakistani Marine Security Agency patrolling the sea in the past after India beat Pakistan in previous two matches in bangalore and Sharjah. The fishermen had to be treated in hospitals in Jamnagar and Porbandar, an association member told. In normal course 5,000 boats go out to sea from the Porbandar coast but the numbers decline when there is a match between India and Pakistan. 20:27 IST
Funds increased for works at Indo-Bangladesh border
Friday, February 28, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 28, 2003: Government has increased the non-plan budget allocation for erection of barbed wire fencing and construction of roads on the Indo-Bangla border by 36 per cent in the wake of the recent stand-off between the two countries. Rs 800 mn would be spent on erection of barbed wire fencing in the next financial year as compared to Rs 360 mn during 2002-03. The Government also plans to spend Rs 1206.8 mn on construction of roads which is again on the rise from the figures of 2002-03 when the total non-plan expenditure was Rs 1110 mn. The funds would help the government in checking illegal immigration from Bangladesh into the country. However, there is a marginal decrease in the works at the Indo-Pak border which has come down to Rs 131.10 crore in this fiscal as compared with Rs 131.71 during 2002-03. These funds would be utilised to check inflow of arms and ammunition from across the Indo-Pak border. There is a whopping jump of nearly 300 per cent on miscellaneous items which are intended to include provision for maintenance of Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pak Border works and also a token provision for purchase of aircraft and river boats by the Border Security Force. 18:58 IST
Budget to improve people's standard of living: Vajpayee
Friday, February 28, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 28, 2003: Describing the Union Budget as "unique in its own way", Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said it would take care of all aspects of the daily life and make efforts to improve the standard of living. "The five priorities announced in the budget speech would address the needs, aspirations and expectations of the common man and the proposals are aimed at fulfilling the assurances given by the Finance Minister," he told reporters. The Prime Minister said all aspects of the national economy have been seen in totality and the Finance Minister's five priorities seek to address "our overall needs and aspirations". Several initiatives have been announced in the field of agriculture, industry, housing and giving relief to senior citizens. "These proposals will have far-reaching implications for the benefit of the people," he said. Special emphasis had been given to the development of infrastructure, "which is a key to overall development of the economy". "I am sure the government will succeed in implementing the projects and fulfilling the targets. We will identify the challenges of the 21st century and make progress on a faster pace," Vajpayee said. 15:27 IST
Pakistan for dialogue with India to resolve disputes: Jamali
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Islamabad,Thursday, February 27, 2003: Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said India should give up its "stubbornness" and start dialogue with Pakistan. "We have been making sincere offers to India for talks and I am again inviting them to come and talk to us. We can't force them to enter into negotiations," Jamali said in an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday night. "They are a big country and a big democracy and should demonstrate that through their actions. Stubbornness does not pay. Everything has a limit", he said. Referring to the Indian decision to pull out from the upcoming SAF Games he said, such an approach reflected a "bigoted mind-set". He said India was playing with Pakistan at the World Cup cricket tournament in South Africa, but has boycotted the SAF games. Referring to a question about his proposed tour to Iran, he dispelled the impression of it being canceled and said, the visit will take place at a mutually agreeable date, suitable to both sides. He described his visit to the Gulf states as successful and said it was a good opportunity to exchange views and helped us form a consensus on the Iraq issue. To a question, Jamali said being a Muslim state Pakistan's policy is quite clear that the war should be avoided. However, he said, being a member of the Security Council, Pakistan would have to abide by the decision of the United Nations. 09:43 IST
Seven killed, three injured in violence 68 per cent turnout
Thursday, February 27, 2003
New Delhi,Thursday, February 27, 2003: Seven persons, including five BSF personnel were killed, and three injured and a number of Electronic Voting Machines damaged in stray violence in the north east as 68 per cent of an estimated 8.31 million voters cast their ballots in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya on Wednesday amid tight security. Tripura recorded the highest 72 per cent, Nagaland, 70, Meghalaya 68 and Himachal Pradesh 63 percent respectively. Five BSF personnel and their driver were shot dead and three jawans injured by suspected National Liberation Front of Tripura militants, when they returning from poll duty at Snatarampara in West Tripura district. In Nagaland, one person was killed when activists of rival parties clashed at Changtoniga town in Mokokchung district, home to Chief Minister S C Jamir. Suspected militants also fired in the air to scare away voters in the same town. Over 54 per cent votes were cast in by-elections to seven assembly constituencies spread over six states. Polling in rest of Nagaland was smooth and peaceful with an estimated turn out of 70 per cent exercising their franchise. Though there are seven national and three regional political parties in the fray, the main battle for the 60-member Assembly is confined between ruling Congress and new-formed Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) with Nagaland People's Democratic Alliance and BJP being two of its major constiuents. 09:43 IST
Nehra bowls India to victory
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Durban,Thursday, February 27, 2003: Ashish Nehra bowled the spell of his life to guide India to a 82-run victory against England in a crucial World Cup Group A league match here on Wednesday, which put the team to the doorsteps of the Super Six stage. Nehra returned with dream figures of six for 23 from his ten overs, the best by an Indian in World Cup, as England were shot out for 168 in 45.3 overs while replying to India's 250 for nine. Nehra's career-best show, which deservedly earned him the man of the match award, completely overshadowed a splendid 50- run knock by Sachin Tendulkar whose innings brightened up an otherwise unconvincing batting performance by the Indians who had elected to bat in windy conditions at the Kingsmead ground. Tendulkar hammered eight fours and a stunning six that landed outside the stadium. A late charge by Rahul Dravid, who top-scored with 62 and a typically breezy 38-ball 42 by Yuvraj Singh took India to 250 where it stopped after the fall of four wickets off the last four balls of the innings. The victory catapulted India to the second place in Group A with 16 points and a high-voltage game against Pakistan on Saturday to go. India will go into the Super Six even if they lose that game, provided the other matches in the group go according to expectations -- Australia beat England and Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in their next matches. 09:43 IST
Rail Budget Highlights:
Thursday, February 27, 2003
* No hike in passenger fares * No hike in freight rates * Parcel rates rationalised * White paper on rail safety to be presented in Parliament * Total plan outlay is Rs 129.18 bn including outlay of Rs 23.11 bn through Special Railway Safety Fund (SRSF) * Introduction of 50 new trains, increase in frequency of 13 trains and extension of run of 24 popular trains proposed. * Age limit to avail senior citizens' concession on rail fares lowered to 60 years from the existing 65 years. * Cancer and Thalassemia Major patients and heart patients to be granted upto 75 per cent concession on rail fares.
A thriller on the cards as India takes on England
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Durban (UNI) An intriguing war of attrition and nerves is in prospect as two rejuvenated but desperate teams -- India and England -- take on each other in a crucial match, outcome of which could decide their fate for a berth in the Super-Six in Kingsmeads here tomorrow. Both teams have found some form of resurgence on the way to KwaZulu Natal. The English come here after refusing to go North to Zimbabwe but put themselves in contention for a place in the Super Six by beating the Pakistanis soundly at Newlands in Cape Town. ''We know and understand the importance of the match,'' Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly told newspersons adding that ''We have good record against them (England) in recent times.'' ''We are in good nick and looking forward for tomorrow's match,'' Ganguly said but refused to get into spat with England bowler Andy Caddick who made light of India's win against Namibia, yesterday. ''A win here will be a tremendous boost for us,'' the Indian skipper said and added ''it will being us closer to Super Six.'' England skipper Nasser Hussain expressed confidence that his team would put up another good show against India. ''I think we are ready for the contest. India are a good side but we have beaten them at their home,'' the England skipper said. He said India chasing over 300 runs to beat England at the NatWest final in Lords last year was exceptional and ''such things happen rarely''. The skipper said beating Pakistan a match before meeting India has boosted his team's morale because ''Pakistan was the first major team we have played in this cup and they can beat anyone on their day.'' The Indians are here after finding their cricketing feet in Harare and their batting form in Pietermaritzburh after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. They are also in earnest contention now for a place in the Super Six.
India's Satyam Computer To Partner With Correlate Tech
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
MUMBAI (Dow Jones)--Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (SAY), India's third largest listed software company, said Tuesday it is partnering with U.S.-based Correlate Technologies to provide document management solutions globally. Under the alliance, Satyam will market Correlate's software, a Satyam spokesman said. Separately, in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Satyam said the product is called Correlate K-Map Solutions. Correlate K-Map Solutions provides users with an easy-to-follow framework for managing documents and information, including e-mails, Web content and graphics, related to a particular business process. Satyam Computer Services didn't provide financial details or revenue expected to be generated through the alliance. -By Raghavendra Upadhyaya, Dow Jones Newswires; 91 22 22884212; raghavendra.upadhyayadowjones.com
Indian, Pakistani fans await mother of all matches at World Cup
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
NEW DELHI, India (AP) India and Pakistan are bitter neighbors who've fought three wars but share a passion for cricket. Undoubtedly, their March 1 World Cup encounter will be viewed by ardent fans as a matter of national pride, similar to a military conflict. During past matches, action on the cricket field has echoed on the frontier, with the two armies firing weapons to celebrate a great shot or lament the loss of a wicket. "The border suddenly comes alive with shellfire. Winning and losing is marked by corresponding ups and downs in shelling," said Purushottam Kumar, a college student in Abdullian, a border village near Jammu, winter capital of India's northern Jammu-Kashmir state. Pakistan won the last encounter, at the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in June 2000, but India leads in head-to-heads. Indian and Pakistani soldiers fire at each other almost daily along the Line of Control that divides Kashmir between them. Shelling occurs sporadically - when there is a flare-up in political rhetoric or a strike by Islamic militants. When a cricket match is on, "If soldiers on both sides are unhappy about an umpiring decision or losing a wicket, the firing escalates," said Sain Das, a farmer in the frontier village of Karotana. "This time, too, the situation will be no different." In New Delhi, Nalin Bhardwaj, a cricket fan and software engineer, says, "Losing the cricket match against Pakistan will be like losing a war, a complete loss of face." "For some reason the players come out with their best in any match with Pakistan. Maybe it's the animosity, maybe it's because we're brothers," said Bhardwaj, referring to the common history of the two nations before their separation following independence from Britain in 1947. Pakistani players also were eager for their first encounter with India since mid-2000. "I can't wait for the game, nor can any member of my team because we'll be locking horns after nearly three years," Pakistan's cricket captain, Waqar Younis, said before departing for Africa for the World Cup. Senior Pakistani cricketers such as Inzamamul Haq, Wasim Akram and Younis have lost previous World Cup matches to India and "most of the senior players want to break this jinx," Younis said. Cricket is so important to Indians that the government has refused to risk the national team playing, and possibly losing, a match with Pakistan in most tournaments since a mini-war on the Kashmir frontier in mid-1999. India's Sports Ministry deems it "against the national interest" to allow such a cricket match, although field hockey and table tennis matches were approved. The government may only have allowed the Indian team to play at Centurion on Saturday because a refusal would have given Pakistan an automatic win. India has refused to let its athletes participate in the South Asian Federation Games in Pakistan this spring, citing security concerns. Officials said on condition of anonymity, however, that India feels participation in a sports event in Pakistan would convey a false sense of normalcy when New Delhi wants to keep pressure on Islamabad to end cross border terrorism. Pakistan says it opposes terrorism and denies India's charges that it trains, funds and arms the militants who stage bomb and gunfire attacks on civilians, politicians and security forces in India. Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, however, describes the militants in Kashmir as freedom fighters and says his government supports their cause. Despite political differences and high levels of anxiety, regular folks on both sides of the frontier believe sporting links should not be severed. "Nothing brings people closer than sports, and what better than cricket?" said Bhardwaj. "India and Pakistan not playing each other is bad for sports. That's the bottom line." The sentiment is echoed in Pakistan. "We are traditional rivals and we should play against each other on a regular basis," said Arsal Raza, 26, who works at a glass shop in Rawalpindi. Both countries have won the World Cup: India in 1983, Pakistan in 1992. They hosted the Cup together in 1987, and in 1996, when Sri Lanka was the third host and won the tournament. Few fans expect India or Pakistan to win this World Cup. India's paltry run rate, even against lower ranked teams, would appear to rule that out, and Pakistan may have suffered too many losses already. So the chance to salvage national pride rides on Saturday's match. "No matter what happens, we should just beat them," said Saifuddin Ghulam Abbas, who runs a general store in Islamabad and doesn't miss a single Pakistan match. The Indian team's lackluster performance so far in the World Cup has turned normally adoring fans into angry enemies and raised fears about what could happen if India loses to Pakistan. Mobs have hurled paint at the home of one cricketer, held mock funerals for the team and burned their effigies. Armed police are posted outside several team members' homes. "They have to redeem themselves. The India-Pakistan encounter will be the clincher. Forget the World Cup, it's the India-Pakistan match which will be seen as the real finals for most Indians," said Abhilasha Kumari, who lectures on the media at Delhi University. Giant screens have sprung up in shopping malls, and cinema halls planned to screen the match. There were fears that highly charged audiences would rampage if India loses. The outrage over Indian losses partly stems from the widespread view that the players - seen as idols on a par with movie stars - have been filming commercials and collecting endorsements instead of concentrating on cricket. The fans want the cricketers to remember that they're playing for the nation, not themselves. "When India and Pakistan meet at Centurion, it's more than a match that will be fought," said Bhardwaj. "It's the country's honor, the sense of pride of a billion people that will be at stake."
Row over religious procession in Bangalore
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Around ten people were injured and some vehicles damaged as mob violence erupted in a city locality triggered by a row over a religious procession last night in Bangalore, police said. Some policemen were among those injured in the stone-throwing in Anepalya area of Ashoknagar, where trouble broke out. Police said some people who were offering prayers at a place of worship took objection to the drum-beating which accompanied the procession, leading to altercation and tension in the area. Police also resorted to bursting of teargas shells and lathi-charge to quell the mob. Additional forces have been deployed in the area. Prohibitory orders have been clamped for two days in Ashoknagar and Viveknagar localities, police said.
BJP-VHP making outrageous statements Sonia -- Detail Story
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today condemned the VHP threats at its Dharam Sansad to create `hundred Gujarats' on the Ayodhya issue and criticized the BJP-led coalition for moving the Supreme Court to get the stay vacated on religious activities at the acquired land. "BJU-ruled states are indulging in most pernicious communal propaganda. BJP and VJP are making outrageous statements and a threat was hurled from the Dharm Sansad that there will be hundred Gujarats," she said participating in a discussion at Lok Sabha on the motion of thanks on the President’s address. Accusing BJP and Sangh Parivar of destroying the secular fabric of the country and polarizing society, Gandhi said the Supreme Court judgment of 1994 on the Ayodha issue is being misinterpreted by these vested interests. Earlier, BJP in the Lok Sabha today hit out at the Opposition, especially Congress, for indulging in `spit and run' tactics to malign the NDA government on several issues including corruption and dismissed the charge that the BJP-led coalition was acting under US pressures. Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP) initiating a discussion on the motion, said that he claimed Vajpayee government withstood the US pressure, be it Pokhran nuclear tests or Kargil conflict or the issue of holding talks with Pakistan. Acrimonious exchanges between the BJP and the Opposition on the Ayodhya issue today forced the adjournment of Rajya Sabha twice in the post lunch session with the ruling party members taking exception of reference to the matter saying it was sub-judice.
Discuss Kashmir & die, Atal tells Nam
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Kuala Lumpur: A day after Pervez Musharraf sprang the Kashmir issue on the Non-Aligned Movement Summit here, Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee warned that the grouping will die if it got entangled in bilateral disputes. If this happens, Nam will die even before its (re)birth, Vajpayee told journalists at the end of the Nam summit, the theme of which was to revitalise the movement of the developing world. The note of caution was a dramatic parting shot from the Prime Minister, who had begun his summit engagements by outlining a blueprint for Nam’s survival in the post-Cold War unipolar world. Vajpayee had suggested that Nam reinvent itself around economic issues if it were to be meaningful. It could act as a collective bargaining body with the developed world in the interest of all member nations. Further snubbing Pakistan, Vajpayee said Nam was not interested in putting Kashmir on its agenda. I had the opportunity of speaking to a number of leaders during the summit. None of them showed any interest in Kashmir. They all felt it’s a bilateral issue which should be resolved between India and Pakistan, he said. To drive home the point, he referred to host Malaysia’s comment that disputes between member countries should not be brought into Nam. The Prime Minister felt Nam should follow the example of the Organisation of Islamic Countries and Asean, which have kept out bilateral disputes. He indicated that Pakistan’s desperate measures would not bring India to the negotiating table. I hope these (Malaysia’s) remarks will open the eyes of our friend (Pakistan), he said. Asked to comment on Musharraf’s remark that both hands were required to clap and if India was reluctant to resume dialogue, he was also not keen, the Prime Minister took a dig at the Pakistani leader, saying: Tali nahi bajti to chutki baja lein. Kuch na kuch bajna chahiye (if he can’t clap, then let him snap his fingers. There should be some sound). Vajpayee made light of Pakistan’s attempt to equate the situation in Kashmir with the struggle in Palestine. They have been trying to do this for many years now. They did not succeed in the past. There is no hope for them even in the future. Distinguishing between the two situations, he said: People of Kashmir want to stay with India. Interacting with the media for nearly 40 minutes on the summit’s concluding day, a relaxed Vajpayee spoke at length on Iraq, Nam’s relevance and Pakistan, but steered clear of domestic issues. The moment Ayodhya was mentioned, he quipped: I am now going to meet the Lankans. He had got a brief respite from these sticky domestic issues, he said, on which he will have to focus only a few hours later when he flies back to Delhi. Earlier, as an aide began reading out his opening statement before the media, Vajpayee interrupted at the mention of the Indian Prime Minister. I often wonder why I am referred to as the Indian Prime Minister, and not only as the Prime Minister. I don’t see any other Prime Minister in this room. he said, adding: Unless, of course, you already have a replacement in mind.
Rolling Stones gather no tax
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Mumbai, Feb. 25: Thanks to the new chief minister, the city will be part of the Rolling Stones’ India Licks tour. UB group chairman Vijay Mallya announced at a news conference today that Mumbai will be one of the two stops where the bad boys of rock will perform in India. The other is Bangalore. There was some doubt about the Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts coming to Mumbai, because of the prohibitive entertainment tax here. There’s a 50 per cent tax on ticket sales, 50 per cent on sponsorships and a further tax on complimentary passes. The city missed out on two major shows, Elton John’s and Pink Floyd’s, because of the ticket prices. But the prices for the Rolling Stones show have been lowered thanks to intervention from a kindly government. Elton John didn’t come to the city. But Sushil Kumar Shinde assured me that Mumbai should not only be the financial capital of India, but also the entertainment capital, Mallya said. Mallya also regretted that Enrique Iglesias had to give the country a miss because of a number of reasons. Rolling Stones will perform in Bangalore’s Palace Grounds on April 11 and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on April 14. They will have an entourage of 135 people. Mallya promises it to be spectacular show with some surprises. Cricketer Dilip Doshi, whose cricket kit contained Stones numbers, also played a big role in bringing the group to India. Doshi, who met the Stones in ’73 and was surprised to find that they were his admirers as he was theirs, is great friends with them. He has been discussing the India tour with them and as he was determined to bring the Stones to their Indian fans. Mallya said he had plans of other shows on similar lines. Speaking of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, the football teams that he has bought over, the UB chairman said the teams were proof that corporatisation of a playing sport enhances performance.
General Motors to open technical centre in Bangalore
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
BANGALORE: General Motors Corp, the world's biggest carmaker, announced yesterday the opening in June of a technical centre in India's technology hub of Bangalore to feed its global engineering and research operations. "The two core facilities in engineering and research will support General Motors' global plan," said John Cohoon, the carmaker's director of global engineering. The US-based firm will invest $60 million in the next three years and plans to recruit 260 engineers by next year to the centre within a year. Joint engineering products with the firm's US and European centres will include computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering and computer-aided manufacturing. John Wilson, GM's general manager for the Asia Pacific region predicted India would help drive the growth of the Asian automobile sector over the next decade. "Of the five of the fastest growing markets in Asia, India is number two," Wilson said. "We need to be successful in leveraging what India has to offer. India's brainpower can be harnessed to produce cheaper vehicles." General Motors has already invested $308m in its manufacturing plant in India's western state of Gujarat. "By the end of the next financial year another $100m will be invested. Currently we are a small volume player" in the Indian market, said Aditya Vij, president and managing director of GM India.
Accused Bomber Urged Revenge on India
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Associated Press VANCOUVER, British Columbia - A Sikh militant charged in the bombing of an Air India jet that killed 329 people had urged the Sikhs to seek revenge against India a year before the plane exploded in the sky, documents showed Tuesday. Details of a speech made by Ajaib Singh Bagri in July 1984 at Madison Square Garden in New York were released Tuesday by the British Columbia Supreme Court after it lifted a publication ban on pre-trial proceedings in the case, Bagri and Ripudaman Singh Malik are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the bombing of the Air India jet, which exploded over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985. The two agreed Monday to a trial by judge, with no jury, making the ban unnecessary. Justice Bruce Josephson lifted the ban but prohibited reporting some names of prosecution witnesses. Josephson had ruled in June that Bagri's speech to the World Sikh Organization in 1984 was admissible at the trial. Bagri made the speech a month after Indian troops stormed the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest shrine in Sikhism. In the speech, Bagri proposed the creation of an independent state called Khalistan and "spoke of the need for Sikhs to wage a war of independence," Josephson wrote in his June ruling. "He also spoke of exacting revenge against the Indian government and punishing traitors to the cause of an independent Khalistan," the judge wrote. Bagri's lawyer argued then that the speech was unrelated to any motive to bomb an airplane, calling it a call to the Sikh community to unite. Josephson, however, said the prosecution's proposed evidence about the speech "is reasonably capable of supporting the inference that Mr. Bagri had a strongly held motive to take part in a conspiracy to place bombs on the national airline of India." A third accused, Inderjit Singh Reyat, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Feb. 10 and received a five-year sentence. He previously served a 10-year sentence in Britain for his role in a related bombing at Tokyo's Narita Airport that killed two baggage handlers.
Polling begins in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, February 26, 2003: Polling for 60 assembly constituencies each in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya began this morning amid tight security. Over 42 lakh voters are expected to cast their ballots which will decide the fortunes of 812 candidates including S C Jamir (Nagaland), Flinder anderson Khonglam (Meghalaya), Manik Sarkar (Tripura) and four Former Chief Ministers. In Nagaland, over 45,000 police, para-military and army personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful conduct of assembly polls amidst shadow of large-scale intimidation and threats to voters. Over 10 lakh voters are eligible to exercise the fate of 225 candidates. Prominent among them are K L Chishi of Nagaland Democratic Party and Congress defector and former r Home Minister in the Jamir Cabinet Neiphiu Rio. 09:59 IST
Fear of attack turns lovers' paradise into fortress
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
New Delhi, Feb 26 With its tree-lined lawns, lush greenery and cosy seating arrangements the sprawling India Gate here served as a perfect lovers' paradise. But now it has been virtually taken over by the men in khaki. Security agencies have barricaded the entire Rajpath, a pathway leading to India Gate, after an intelligence input that terrorist groups based in Pakistan were planning to strike there. India Gate, where a famed memorial to World War I soldiers stands, is located more than two kilometres away from Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan, or the presidential palace. Said an armed policeman stationed to shoo away visitors to a 42-metre high arch there: "The entire Rajpath has been closed for visitors. We have put up barricades around India Gate too." The verdant lawns of Rajpath and India Gate are a major attraction for tourists from India and abroad. While most crowds there in the afternoons are office-goers from adjoining government offices, visitors flock in the evenings for a glimpse of the sun setting behind the colonnaded government buildings. For lovers, India Gate provides a perfect place for romantic interludes when they can look soulfully into each other's eyes and whisper sweet nothings. Passers-by and a few stern policemen usually leave them alone. But, now, armed policemen are lolling in its garden, basking in the warm spring sunshine, gossiping, reading newspapers or just doing their duty -- waving away visitors. Even a nearby children's park is empty, with no joyful cries of little ones playing at the swings. The entire area wears a deserted look, with yellow-coloured barricades positioned at all entry and exit points. Mobile policeman on vans and motorcycles, apart from the armed policeman, keep a hawk's eye on the movement of each passer-by. Said Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Chand: "We had a specific threat about India Gate being targeted by the Lashker-e-Taiba (group). Working on those inputs, security around the monument was tightened." Another police officer said: "India Gate has always been under threat from terror groups because it attracts the maximum tourists from morning till night. But this time the input was specific and we don't want to take any chances." For visitors though, this is a major disappointment. Said a disillusioned Sara Kuchler: "I have come from Germany and wanted to see India Gate and its adjoining areas which I had heard so much about. But the policeman is not allowing us in. "It is my first visit to India and I don't know whether I will be able to come again. It's sad that terrorists want to destroy such a magnificent monument," she told . The monument bears the name of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during the wars. An eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti that runs on gas was lit in 1971 to honour the martyrs. "We are sorry to see it is closed," said 65-year-old Venkat Ratnam who came from Andhra Pradesh. "But may be later on, when we come visiting with our families, it will be open. Then we will be able to read the names of our heroes who laid down their lives for the nation." Shanti Devi, 70, who was being helped around by her octogenarian husband, was also asked to turn back. The old man tried to reason with his wife by telling her that the policeman were "just doing their duty". But Devi argued: "We have come to Delhi for the first time and planned to see India Gate which we had heard so much about." Seeing that disappointment was writ large on the faces of the old couple, a policeman said sympathetically: "You can come here again when everything is OK."
Vajpayee rejects Palestine-Kashmir comparison
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Kuala Lumpur,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: Prime Minsiter Atal BIhari Vajpayee today rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's drawing a parallel between the Kashmir issue and the Palestinian problem and said the Non-Aligned Movement "will die" it got involved in blateral disputes. "There is no comparison between Kashmir and Palestine. The people of Kashmir have given their verdict in the elections to stay with India. They have decided that," he told Indian journalists responding to Musharraf's raising the bilateral Kashmir issue at the NAM Summit in violation of the grouping's charter. Musharraf had at the Summit yesterday said "two supreme cases stand out -- those of oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine" and his subsequent comment to reporters that he was "least interested" in the resumption of a dialogue with India if New Delhi was not keen. 14:26 IST
India not to back any unilateral action against Iraq
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Kuala Lumpur,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today declared that India would not support any unilateral action against Iraq and the international community must ensure that it followed no "double standard" regarding weapons of mass destruction. "The US role is such that it cannot be supported. We will take a decision in case of outbreak of a war," Vajpayee told Indian journalists here. At the same time Vajpayee said Iraq should dismantle weapons of mass destruction if it had any but the international community should refrain from adopting double standards keeping in view the reported revival of nuclear weapons programme by North Korea. "The standard being adopted regarding North Korea shows that there are double standards being followed. Buth this should not take place," he said. Winding up his four day visit to Malaysia for the 13th Non-Aligned Summit meeting, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the stand against the war on Iraq taken by the 116-nation grouping would have its "effect" on US President George W Bush and other western leaders and make them re-think. 12:57 IST
Tendulkar looming as biggest threat to England
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Durban,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: Sachin Tendulkar looms as the biggest threat to England ahead of what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Kingsmead on Wednesday. England is hoping to win the toss and bat first rather than allow Tendulkar to dazzle in daylight and smash some more records to India's benefit. One of the world's greatest one-day batsmen collected his seventh man of the match award in World Cup against Namibia on Sunday, his second in a row in this competiton, and is beginning to bloom at the right time as India digs deeper into the competition. Tendulkar has 307 one-day internationals under his belt, as well as 11,867 runs and 34 centuries and has so far scores of 52, 36, 81 and 152 from his four innings in the World Cup competition. His tally of 1,480 runs in World Cup is most by any batsmen and his four centuries is also the most hit by any batsman on world's greatest stage, along with Mark Waugh of Australia. Tendulkar, after a lean season last year at number four when he missed 11 one-day matches on a trot and collected just two runs from three innings in New Zealand, has rediscovered his magic touch after being brought back as an opener. Said coach John Wright: "He is enjoying being back in the opening position. Like any great player, he has a great sense of occasion". 12:57 IST
India, England eye Super Six berth on Wednesday
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Durban,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: With emphatic wins in their previous matches, resurgent India and England lock horns in a battle- royale in a day-night encounter on Wednesday knowing well that the winner of the game gets into the Super Six round of the World Cup. England, currently placed second with three wins (12 points) from four games, will be virtually through to the next round if they subdue India in their penultimate league game. India, also with three wins out of four games, need a win against England or Pakistan on March 1, to make it to the next round. If they do reach the Super Six stage it will exactly be the excuse the nation needs to come to a standstill on account of cricket fever. India's batting has begun to bloom to its original pink and a 300-plus total against Namibia the other day should inspire its celebrated line-up to still better deeds. Indian batsmen had completely dominated England attack in the Tests and one-dayers in an away series last summer with batsmen after batsmen piling runs by hundreds. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag hit no less than six hundreds between them in the four-Test series and when the final of the NatWest one-day series beckoned, youngsters Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif climbed the mountain of 326 runs effortlessly. The England bowling is still more or less the same except for the introduction of James Anderson, who in a little matter of three months, has grabbed headlines with his penetrative pace bowling. 12:57 IST
Stage set for Assembly polls in four states
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
The stage is set for a fierce battle of the ballot in tomorrow's Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura in the first acid test for political parties this year. Balloting will be held for 65 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh and 60 each in the three northeastern states. Polling for three snow-bound constituencies--Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Pangi Bharmaur-- has been deferred to June eight. The Election Commission has also putoff the bypoll for Poreyahat assembly constituency in Jharkhand to March 24 in view of policemen strike in the state and a section of Home Guards joining them. More than 8.31 million voters are eligible to exercise their franchise which will decide the fate of 1,203 candidates including four Chief Ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal (Himachal Pradesh), S C Jamir (Nagaland), Flinder Anderson Khonglam (Meghalaya), Manik Sarkar (Tripura), former Chief Ministers V B Singh, Salseng Mark, E K Mawlong, Sudhir Ranjan Majumdar and Samir Ranjan Burman. 10:46 IST
Quit Advani, Joshi chorus in Lok Sabha
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: The CBI's petition to seek prosecution of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and his ministerial colleague Murli Manohar Joshi and some others in the Babri Masjid demolition case in a Raebareilly Court today rocked Lok Sabha with the opposition staging a noisy walk-out demanding their resignations. The walk out came during Zero Hour immediately after Law and Justice Minister Arun Jaitley asserted that the Government had never interfered in the case in the past and nor would it do so in future. Recalling that when charges were framed against them in the case about 18 months ago, Jaitley said the matter was debated and rejected by the House. Dissatisfied with the Government's response, the agitated members led by Sonia Gandhi walked out of the House. 14:26 IST
Vajpayee accuses US of double standard on Nkorea
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Kuala Lumpur,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today came out with the first clear enunciation that India cannot support a US-led military strike against Iraq and virtually accused Washington of following "double standards" with regard to the nuclear weapons programme of North Korea. "The US role is such that it cannot be supported. We will take a decision in case of outbreak of a war," Vajpayee told Indian journalists here concluding his four-day visit to Malayasia where he attended the NAM summit. Vajpayee said while Iraq should dismantle weapons of mass destruction if it had any, "double standards are being adopted regarding North Korea. But this should not take place." "Iraq must ensure that it stopped all its programmes of developing weapons of mass destruction. But it is not just Iraq in question. There are other countries like North Korea also there. There should be no double standards," he said. The Prime Minister asked the international community to ensure no double standard is followed regarding weapons of mass destruction. Vajpayee's remarks assume significance in the backdrop of India consistently voicing concern over Pakistan supplying nuclear technology to North Korea in return for missile development knowhow. 14:26 IST
No interference in Ayodhya case: Govt
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: Government today assured the Rajya Sabha that it will not interfere in the Babri Masjid demolition case even as the entire opposition staged a protest walk out alleging there was some element of interference in the case. "Government does not intend to interfere in the matter. Government at no stage interfered with the process of CBI," Law Minister Arun Jaitley told the House when senior Congress member Kapil Sibal raised the issue during Zero Hour. He was joined by other opposition members in seeking a statement from the Government on the matter. 14:26 IST
BJP committed to resolve Ayodhya tangle: Advani
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, February 25, 2003: The BJP today said it would seek the support of its allies to find a solution to the Ayodhya issue provided Congress is agreeable to it. "If Congress is agreeable, we will talk to our allies for finding a solution to Ayodhya tangle," Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani told the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here. Advani, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said the party was for resolving the Ayodhya issue through court verdict or negotiated settlement or a legislation by Parliament, according to party spokesman V K Malhotra.
Norah Jones sweeps Grammy awards
Monday, February 24, 2003
AFP NEW YORK: Sultry jazz-pop vocalist Norah Jones picked up the Best New Artist trophy at the 45th annual Grammy Awards ceremony here, taking her tally for the evening to four. The daughter of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, Jones was virtually unknown a year ago but she burst onto the US music scene with her debut album Come Away With Me -- a collection of old and new torch songs. The abum's best-selling single, Don't Know Why, won the second top honour of the night -- Record of the Year -- while Jones also pocketted Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. "I never ever thought that the music I made would become popular music, so this is amazing," Jones said during one of several forays onto the stage at Madison Square Garden in New York. Don't Know Why also garnered the prestigious Song of the Year award for its writer Jesse Harris. The 23-year-old New Yorker has some rich music industry blood as the daughter of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and longtime New York concert producer Sue Jones. Almost unknown just a year ago, Jones shot to fame through the success of her first album Come Away With Me -- a collection of old and new torch songs.
Major victory for India at Kuala Lumpur
Monday, February 24, 2003
NAM resolves rift over terrorism The members of the Non-Aligned Movement, after three days of wrangling mainly between India and Pakistan, tonight resolved differences on a terrorism resolution which accommodates India’s major concerns on tackling the menace. The breakthrough was viewed as a major victory for India which consistently opposed any dilution of the 116-member group’s commitment on the controversial issue. India has been vociferously opposing the amendments moved by Pakistan and other Islamic countries which would have given excuse to Islamabad to continue its support to cross-border terrorism in the guise of freedom for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. India has also opposed any linkage between freedom movements and terrorism and has stated that there should be a clear difference between terrorism and violence. It has also often stated that there should be no terrorism in any part of the world and no form of terrorism should be encouraged. According to official sources, India has been successful in making the working group include its views on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) under the draft. India has been advocating that WMD should not fall into the hands of terrorists. Officials view this as a major victory for India at this international forum. Prior to the working group on terrorism finalising the draft, Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, addressing mediapersons, said that barring the statement on terrorism, the draft document of the NAM summit was complete. Terrorism is a difficult subject to deal with. There are different views on the manner in which the issue has to be dealt with. India and Malaysia are closely working in this regard, he added. Mr Sibal said Islamic countries were upset that terrorism was equated with their countries. Similarly, Arab countries were of the view that international communities had their own narrow point of view on the issue. The Iraq situation had also complicated the matter, he said. Mr Sibal said that various meanings were expressed on terrorism itself. Some countries say that terrorism should be viewed from the point of freedom struggle and a mechanism to save territory. But India is against discussing the root of terrorism, he said. He said there should be a clear difference between terrorism and violence. There was no justification of terrorism and the time had come for the international community to prevent violence from humanitarian angle, he said
India at full throttle on route to Super six
Monday, February 24, 2003
Pietermaritzburg, February 23: We now know why the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly get crores to hold a soft drink bottle while their rivals at Pietermartizburg have to pay for their cola. The part-timers from Namibia were hopelessly out of their depth against the professionals from India, losing by 171 runs. The win was never in doubt, despite Namibia’s form and reputation, but the margin of victory will have satisfied doubters. And the stats-mad Indian fans had plenty to keep them occupied, including Sachin Tendulkar joining Mark waugh as the corer of the most world cup centuries, while Ganguly began what will be long road back to full redemption with a chanceless, effortless 112. Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly during their second wicket partnership against Namibia on Sunday. (Reuters) When Deon Kotze’s puzzling decision to bowl first was made public, the crowd was abuzz with anticipation expecting fireworks. The first burst came from Virender Sehwag, who provided yet another cameo with 24. He is desperately in need of a starring role on the biggest stage of all, but for today he yielded to a revival of the Tendulkar-Ganguly show. In a way both batsmen had a similar approach to the game: Circumspect at first, savage thereafter. After the opening attack of Rudi Van Vuuren and Gerrie Snyman had lost their steam in full flow, they had troubled Tendulkar it was one-way traffic. While Ganguly’s four sixes had the birds in the shady trees around the stadium flying for cover, Tendulkar preferred to play his shots along the ground. Except for one, a straight drive that almost decapitated umpire Aleem Sarwar Dar. SCOREBOARD INDIA: V Sehwag c Keulder b Van Vuuren 24, S Tendulkar b Van Vuuren 152, S Ganguly not out 112, Yuvraj Singh not out 7; Extras (lb-2, w-13, nb-1): 16 Total (For 2 wkts, in 50 overs): 311 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-290 Bowling: Snyman 10-0-57-0, Van Vuuren 10-1-53-2, L Burger 6-0-49-0, Van Rooi 6-0-36-0, B Kotze 10-0-64-0, D Kotze 8-0-50-0. NAMIBIA: S Swanepoel lbw b Zaheer 9, J Burger b Mongia 29, L Burger lbw b Zaheer 0, D Keulder c Mongia b Harbhajan 4, G Murgatroyd lbw b Harbhajan 0, D Kotze c & b Mongia 27, M Van Schoor c Dravid b Yuvraj 24, B Van Rooi c Mongia b Yuvraj 17, B Kotze c Dravid b Yuvraj 3, G Snyman c Srinath b Yuvraj 5, J Van Vuuren not out 0; Extras (lb-1, nb-3, w-8) 12 Total: (All out, in 42.3 overs) 130 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-21, 3-43, 4-47, 5-47, 6-98, 7-99, 8-124, 9-124 Bowling: Srinath 6-0-25-0, Nehra 0.1-0-0-0, Zaheer Khan 7.5-0-24-2, Harbhajan Singh 10-1-34-2, Mongia 10-1-24-2, Sehwag 4-0-16-0, Yuvraj Singh 4.3-2-6-4 The Indians were helped largely by uncharacteristically poor Namibian fielding and kept their run rate around a healthy six all through the game. The Namibians walked in to chase 312 with their tails down, knowng this was one mountain too high. To make matters worse for them, Zaheer Khan showed no signs of easing up on the form he showed against Zimbabwe. His first spell was full of deadly toe-crushing yorkers, the unerring accuracy reminiscent of David Beckham’s pin-point crosses. As Zaheer bent it like Beckham, the Namibians lost early wickets and the game was as good as over. The hero against England, Jan-Berry Burger, did play a few shots before Dinesh Mongia foxed with a straighter one. From than on it was just a matter of when the Namibian agony would end. After Harbhajan and Mongia bowled their complete spells, Yuvraj stepped in to wipe off the tail. His four wickets in four overs had Namibia all out for 130. India, with 12 points, can now afford to dream of the Super Six. But for Namibia it was a forgettable day under the sun. Or perhaps they learnt a bitter lesson today, when Tendulkar was dropped by Jan Burger when on only 32: If you give the stars an inch they take a mile.
Security beefed up in Delhi
Monday, February 24, 2003
In a sudden development, Delhi Police mounted a huge security around famous India Gate lawns and temples across the national capital on Saturday evening following intelligence inputs warning of a terrorist strike during the VHP-sponsored Dharam Sansad which began here on Saturday. Hundreds of armed cops were deployed and barricades put up near India Gate which is frequented by thousands of people every day, particularly in the evening, police sources said. An immediate ban was clamped on parking of vehicles at the three kilometre stretch and movement of people was being "regulated", police sources said. Similar measures were taken at temples in Delhi, particularly those where saints, who have come from various parts of the country to attend the Dharam Sansad, are staying. Sources said the measures were taken following intelligence reports that terrorists were planning to strike at these places to incite communal passions. The measures will be in place for at least four days, after which the situation would be reviewed, they said. 12:03 IST
India's Little Drugmakers That Could
Monday, February 24, 2003
It sounded like an offer no sensible executive could refuse: H. Lundbeck, a Danish pharmaceutical company, told Indian drugmaker Matrix Laboratories Ltd. that it would hand over more than $40 million for the rights to a manufacturing process Matrix had developed to make the key ingredient of Lundbeck's antidepressant Cipramil. That's more than the Indian company grossed from all of its drug sales last year. But Matrix Chairman N. Prasad said no, citing commitments to his customers -- makers of a generic version of Cipramil -- and the potential of building a business selling compounds to generic drugmakers worldwide. "There is a very, very big opportunity for us," Prasad says. Lundbeck isn't alone in getting a touch of indigestion from the aggressive tactics of India's scrappy drugmakers. From niche players like Matrix to major drugmakers such as Ranbaxy Laboratories and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Indian pharmaceutical companies have taken a page from the country's thriving software industry. They are using India's low-cost but highly skilled workforce to build up their exports and challenge the giants of the drug business. Some, like Matrix, are selling ingredients to other drugmakers. Some are producing complete generic versions of blockbuster drugs. A few are even trying to develop their own name-brand medicines. Overseas sales of Indian pharmaceuticals surged 14% last year, to $2.1 billion, or 4% of India's total exports. This year, they're expected to grow an additional 25%, estimates the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI). Sure, India's drugmakers aren't about to challenge industry giants by developing blockbusters like Lipitor, Prozac, or Viagra. But they are becoming players in the $27 billion global market for generics. And there's plenty of room to grow: Current branded drugs with $80 billion in annual sales will lose their patent protection between now and 2007, according to OPPI. To really succeed, the subcontinent's drugmakers will need to shake their image as industry mavericks. India has some of the loosest patent protections in the world, and for decades local pharma companies have produced cheap copies of big-name medicines and sold them in India and other developing countries long before their U.S. and European patents expired. Savvy Indian engineers "can knock off any patented molecule in three to six months," says Ajit Dangi, OPPI's director general. Once the research is done, he says, Indian companies can take advantage of manufacturing costs that are one-fifth those in the U.S. Now, India's government is poised to kick-start the industry into respectability. New Delhi plans to tighten its patent laws by 2005, bringing them into line with World Trade Organization regulations and making it harder for companies to reverse-engineer drugs. So Indian pharma execs are increasing their research and development outlays -- not only to make better generics but also to develop new compounds. "If you want to be a serious pharmaceutical company, you have to play in drug discovery," says G.V. Prasad (no relation to the Matrix chairman), chief executive of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (RDY ). To make that transition, Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy's has formed partnerships with global giants Novartis and Novo Nordisk to develop new medicines. And to bolster its generic business, Dr. Reddy's bought British generic maker BMS Laboratories Ltd. for $14 million in March. India's biggest drugmaker, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed in the same direction. In January, it became the first Indian company to start earning royalties from licensing its own discovery when Bayer started selling a Ranbaxy-developed version of antibiotic Cipro that only has to be taken once a day. Now, New Delhi-based Ranbaxy is working on five more innovative compounds. Still, even with tighter patent laws at home, Ranbaxy thinks the big money is in generics. Already, 38% of its sales are in the U.S. -- thanks largely to its versions of popular drugs such as GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK ) antibiotic Ceftin and Eli Lilly & Co.'s (LLY ) Ceclor. There's more expansion to come. Ranbaxy had planned to file 15 applications a year for generic drugs with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, but now the company says it can easily make 20. "Our pipeline is getting stronger," boasts Brian W. Tempest, president of Ranbaxy's pharmaceuticals division. In January, the company announced that 2002 sales had grown 39%, to $764 million, and profits soared 131%, to $125 million. Still, the Indians face a host of challenges. Even at $60 million a year, Ranbaxy's R&D budget is a fraction of the $5 billion Pfizer Inc. (PFE ) spends annually on developing new drugs. So it's unlikely to play in the major leagues anytime soon. And Dr. Reddy's suffered a setback in January when Novartis (NVS ) stopped its development of a diabetes drug licensed from the Indian company. While CEO Prasad says that "this is a normal thing in the world of drug discovery," investors have been less understanding: They have sent Dr. Reddy's stock down 10% since mid-January. Hurdles aside, Indian companies are growing, and so are their exports. That means that Western pharmaceutical makers will continue reaching for the antacid as more and more pharmacies worldwide carry drugs that, whether the consumer knows it or not, are made in India.
India rout Namibia by 181 runs
Monday, February 24, 2003
Pietermaritzburg (South Africa): Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly slammed fine centuries as India registered a much-sought big victory against Namibia here on Sunday to set themselves up nicely for the two remaining crucial league matches. Put in to bat on a greenish and damp pitch, the Indians paced their innings well to finish at 311 for two with Tendulkar notching up his highest World Cup score of 152 from just 151 balls and Ganguly ending his run-drought with an unbeaten knock of 112. The Indians then bowled out Namibia for 130 in 42.3 overs to clinch a 181-run victory. Yuvraj Singh was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for just six runs from his 4.3 overs while Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Dinesh Mongia took a couple of wickets each. Today's result saw India joining England in the second position in Pool A with 12 points from three wins and a defeat, behind Australia who too have 12 points but have played one match less.
Vajpayee suggests NAM Secretariat in cyberspace
Monday, February 24, 2003
Kuala Lumpur: Bringing forth his techno-savy side, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday suggested a NAM Secretariat in cyberspace to help overcome disagreement among member-countries over its location on earth. Addressing the NAM Business Forum here, he said "for years NAM has been arguing the merits and demerits of a permanent NAM secretariat, with competing claims for its location and disagreements on the scope of its activities. "With one website on the Internet--or a network of websites--we can virtually perform many functions of a NAM secretariat located in cyberspace and accessible to all," Vajpayee said. His suggestion came in the context of emphasising the need for network of information among researchers, businessmen and bankers. "The most crying need is for an information exchange system....Exchanges through the Internet are cheap, effective and comprehensive. We can better nework our chambers of business and industry and think-tanks on international economic issues.....," the Prime Minister said.
Indian, Pak troops trade fire along LoC, IB
Monday, February 24, 2003
Indian and Pakistani troops traded small arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu division overnight, official sources said here on Sunday. There was no loss of life or damage to property on the India side, they said. Pakistani rangers shelled Bhawani sector forcing Indian troops to retaliate, the sources said, adding exchange of small fire arms also took place in Arnia, Ramgarh and Kanachack sectors. 12:42 IST
Kashmir Committee suspends talks in J-K; may wind up later
Monday, February 24, 2003
Six months after coming into existence, the Kashmir Committee headed by former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani on Sunday suspended its agenda of talks with separatists in Jammu and Kashmir saying the Centre's new interlocutor N N Vohra should be given a "free field" to find peace in the restive state. Stating that the suspension of talks with separatist groups could be a prelude to closing down of its operations in the state, Convenor of the Kashmir Committee Ashok Bhan told that "we don't want to be seen as the one who plays spoil sport in bringing peace to the state. Our aim was to restore the lost glory and we don't mind anyone from the government shouldering the responsibility." However, Bhan said the Government had caused a lot of impediments in its efforts to restore peace in the state. "We were only helping the government, which unfortunately continued to undermine our efforts." The Committee had done its job and shown the path to the Central regime that "one could win the hearts of the people in the state with love. A proper hearing is all that is needed," Bhan said. The seven member committee was formed in August last year. Besides Jethmalani and Bhan, the other members of the committee included former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan, eminent lawyer Fali Nariman, noted scribes Dileep Padgaonkar and M J Akbar and retired diplomat V K Grover. 11:06 IST
Vajpayee asks NAM to press hard for financial sector reforms
Monday, February 24, 2003
India on Sunday asked the Non-Aligned countries to press harder for reforms of the international financial institutions and collectively fight against those provisions of TRIPS and WTO agreements which impede "our development efforts." Addressing the first-ever NAM Business Forum meeting here, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also called for depoliticising regional economic cooperation and making it immune to bilateral issues. Ahead of Monday's NAM summit, Vajpayee said re-making of the Movement lies in articulating a strong development agenda and at the core of this should be "our demand for a reform and reorientation of globalization." "We should press harder for reform of the international financial architecture. Volatile capital flows must be checked. Resource flows to poor countries should be accelerated`..International institutional conditionalities, that have frequently slowed down economic recovery rather than speeding it up, should be reviewed," he said. "A more participatory evaluation system based on cooperative engagement between lending and borrowing countries should be established, Vajpayee told the Forum which was addressed among others by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed, South African President Thabo M Mbeki and Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri. He said NAM countries "should harmonise their positions and pool resources to prevent unilateral action that denies market access to developing countries, fight against those provisions of TRIPS and other WTO agreements which impede our development efforts, reject unacceptable trade linkages and monitor implementation of WTO commitments by developed countries and seek redressal for non implementation". 12:57 IST
Budget to spring surprises with a touch of populism
Monday, February 24, 2003
Finance Minister Jaswant Singh's maiden budget is likely to contain several surprises to push up growth and investment even as he indulges in some populism in the face of stiff resistance from within the BJP to the Kelkar Panel recommendations on tax reforms. "Critics say it will be a soft budget in the wake of assembly elections due in several states this year and general elections next year, but he is going to surprise all by announcing far-reaching reform measures to push up investment," official sources told. While he is likely to adhere to broad contours of the Kelkar Panel recommendations on indirect tax reforms, the big-bang approach suggested for direct tax reforms might not be implemented, the soruces said implying the tax sops for small savings and housing loans besides standard deductions are there to stay. The proposal to abolish dividend tax, capital gains tax and Minimum Alternate Tax might be implemented giving positive signals to the industry at a time when there is revival in the manufacturing sector. Sources said though the revenue loss could be a few thousand crore, the feel-good factor generated by it would bring in much more revenue with the industrial revival. more SUD VB MCG TCK 02231058 R NNNN ZCZC
User-friendly rail budget with moderate hike in fares likely
Monday, February 24, 2003
New Delhi,Sunday, February 23, 2003: With a round of crucial assembly elections slated this year-end, the Railway Budget for 2003-04 to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday is likely to contain a moderate hike of about five per cent in passenger fares and freight rates despite tight financial position. In view of a number of accidents recently, the Railway Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to come out with a white paper on railway safety along with the Budget. He is also expected to annouce introduction of some new trains to meet regional aspirations. Senior BJP leaders had met Kumar recently to impress upon him the need to present a soft budget in view of the assembly elections in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi in the year-end where the party has high stakes. Kumar is likely to announce intentions to go for some massive loans from Asian Development Bank for railway modernisation and Golden Quadrilateral connecting four metros. The budgetary support for 2003-04 is expected to be pegged at Rs 58.40 billion, sources said. The sources said, apart from extension of several trains, a number of new trains are to be introduced including conversion of existing Shatabdis to Jan Shatabdis. With increasing global competition, there is pressure for the expeditious development for Rail infrastructure to meet growing export and transportation demands and Kumar is likely revert back to telescopic structuring of fares to augment resources. 11:20 IST
Inflation breaches five per cent mark
Monday, February 24, 2003
Inflation breached the five per cent mark for the week ended February 8 with prices continuing to rise belying Reserve Bank's expectations of around four per cent for 2002-03, even as it was only 1.2 per cent a year ago. The point-to-point price change, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), rose by another 0.18 per cent to 5.04 per cent for the latest period from 4.86 per cent a week ago, mainly due to costlier primary and manufactured products. Hitting people hard, both food and non-food articles' prices zoomed, pushing up inflation, which had been on the rise right from January. The WPI rose by 0.2 per cent to 168.7 from the previous week's mark of 168.4, even as the increase in the domestic prices of fuels was contained, notwithstanding the rise in the global oil prices due to war outcries by the US. The index was 160.6 in the previous year. The final WPI stood corrected at 167.1 for the week ended December 14 as compared to the provisional figure of 167 and final inflation was at 3.21 per cent against the provisional figure of 3.15 per cent. A sharp near one per cent rise in the price of non-food articles and 0.2 per cent in food articles, pushed up Primary Articles' group index by 0.3 per cent to 176 and the index was 166.5 in the previous year period. The domestic prices of fuels showed some respite with the index for Fuel, Power, Light and Lubricants' group remaining unchanged at the previous week's level of 243.2 and the index was 227.3 a year ago. 11:06 IST
Campaigning for Assembly polls in four states ends Monday
Monday, February 24, 2003
New Delhi,Sunday, February 23, 2003: Campaigning for Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya and simultaneous by-polls in eight Assembly constituencies spread over seven states will come to an end Monday with leaders of several political parties criss-crossing the states to woo the voters. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed four public meetings in Himachal Pradesh and attacked the Congress for launching a "character-assassination" campaign against him by alleging that he ate beef. Stung by the reported allegation of Congress that he ate beef, Vajpayee said "I prefer to die rather than eat beef. Though cow slaughter in most parts of the country is banned, I will enact legislation to fill the loopholes. Congress President Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail in the state launching a scating attack on the BJP saying terrorism is spreading and corrpution has become rampant under its rule. "The BJP had promised to free the country from hunger, fear and corruption. But the crime rate is increasing and terrorism is spreading under its rule. There is a spate of scandals and scams", Gandhi said addressing a rally at temple town of Kullu. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan also addressed election rallies in Himachal Pradesh. Naga issue dominated the campaigning by major political parties in Nagaland. Among political stalwarts, who have so far hit the campaign trails are Defence Minister and Samata Party chief George Fernandes, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister of state for Home I D Swami, Union Ministers Bijoya Chakravorty and Juel Oram. 11:06 IST
Stumped
Sunday, February 23, 2003
The cricket fever is all over, and bollywood cannot be far to encash on it. Stumped is Raveena Tandon's first ever movie as a producer. Stumped is co-produced by Raveena, Priti Sinha and Popcorn Motion Pictures. The teams includes Raveena herself as the captain, along with Aly Khan the vice captain, Viju Khote, Mac Mohan Asha Sachdev, Anjan Srivastav and others forming the complete team. There's even a guest appearance by Salman Khan. Synopsis Stumped is a story set during the 1999 cricket world cup and the simultaneous development in Kargil. It traces the life of army major Raghav Seth's (who is fighting the Kargil war) wife Reena (Raveena Tandon) 0as well as the lives of cricket crazy residents of the Happy Home Complex. The most avid cricket lovers among these are Mr. Khetrapal followed by Girish, Gautam and Bhola. However the secretary of the society, Mr. Subramanium, head the anti-cricket campaign along with another resident, Latloo Singh. During the India-Sri Lanka match the two cut the cable wire, to teach everybody a lesson. In the midst of the cricket mania, Baba, a good-man, visits the society and shows Girish and Deshpande how their queries about India's chances of winning the world cup and the fate of the stock market, are insignificant in comparison to Raghav and the war he is fighting for the country. Events reach a turning point when Reena receives the news that her husband Major Raghav (Aly Khan) is missing and presumed dead, while her neighbors celebrate the home team's win. In many ways, 'Stumped' is a coming of age story. It is a story of exuberance and youth, of fear and insecurities. In short, of life as we lead it. 'Stumped' is a story, whose time has come. The matches of 'Stumped' would begin on 28th February.
Jaal- The Trap
Sunday, February 23, 2003
The Defense Ministers daughter Anita (Reema Sen) is sent to New Zealand away from kidnapping threats but some militants kidnap her to get their boss freed from prison. But Major Kaul (Amrish Puri) puts a spike in the wheel and saves Anita killing the militants. The majors son Ajay (Sunny) loves Neha (Tabu) and refuses to leave her to join his father. But when Neha is kidnapped, Ajay does everything in his power to get her back including kidnapping Anita for them. Anita on the other hand falls in love with Ajay and he brings her back to India. But the militants havent gained their goal so they kidnap Anita and Neha, and will now exchange them for their leader. How Ajay frees them from the trap forms the story of Jaal - The Trap. The movie also stars Jackie Shroff, Farida Jalal, Shahbaaz Khan and Aashish Vidyarthi. Music is by Anand Raj Anand.
Tushar Kapoor
Sunday, February 23, 2003
He hasnt had a great year in 2002 but this year promises a lot. After two flops Tushar Kapoor is ready to start afresh with his slick home production Kuch Toh Hai a teen- horror film as his elder sister Ekta Kapoor calls it. Tushar is trying to break his romantic image while keeping his dancing shoes on. If nothing else Tushar is applauded for his nimble feet, innocent looks and sincere acting. He knows in light of competition today it might take sometime for him to reach the top but he is not going to lose hope so soon. Tushar speaks about his forthcoming film Kuch Toh Hai, his sister Ekta and his future. How was the experience of working in your home production? Wonderful and exhausting. We were always on our feet, to do our best, to give in more and more and more. I got to look into the producers world and felt how hassled a guy would be. There are umpteen things to be taken care of. How was Ekta as a film producer? She is quite a focussed and spirited person. Nothing keeps her down. She was totally involved in the film. She would discuss stuff and we would all decide what was best for the film. Kuch Toh Hai is her baby all the way. The story is hers and she is implementing the film according to her own ideas. It is a campus thriller, which should entice the teenagers. It would be fun for them to watch a teen horror flick for a change from the teeny bopper romances I think. Ekta has announced two more films both with you. Does it give you an added sense of security to have Balaji Films backing you? First of all I will be doing only one film- a thriller with directors Abbas Mustan and Aftab Shivdasani will star in the other one. And secondly every film of mine is as important to me. I try to give my best to one and all. Moreover I think if one is doing a home production you get to be much more responsible and need to prove you are much better. Or else all your flaws are blamed on the home production. I dont think it is fair but thats the way it is. If a film flops it becomes a personal loss too. I am content with the work I have outside and in my own home productions. You and Esha must be on a very comfy level now? Yeah. She is cool, friendly and can be childish too but in a good way. She is spontaneous and quite frank so if there are any problems we are able to clear them out. She is not calculating. She is soft and quite mischievous which can get on your nerves but she is a great co-star and I would love to do more films with her. Jeena Sirf Mere Liye flopped were you disappointed? Well things going awry at times nothing can be done about them. Analyzing the flops won't make much difference so I feel let bygones be bygones. I have to be more attentive to scripts is the lesson I learnt. You dont have a big budget films. All my films are like big films for me. I am not focusing on the banners, because the story is my first preference. Even if the story is good of a small budgeted film I would like to do that, and big banners are always good because that gives a lot of hype and trailers and ads. And its like people and the media people think 'oh he is doing so and so film so he is the next big superstar', thats about it but what about when the film comes out. So I look into every consideration. I would love to do big banners but I have just started so wheres the hurry. Right now I am proving my self as a good actor and trying to establish myself first rather then running after big banners. What kind of variety are you doing? I have a south remake Yeh Dil directed by Teja with Natassha which is a remake of Nuvu Nennu, a remake of Badri with Amrita Arora and Gracy, Farida Jalals film called Yeh Dil Maange More which has three girls opposite me and is a completely hilarious movie directed by Anant Mahadevan. And Ektas next with Abbas Mustan.
Vivek Oberoi to play Mahaji Shinde
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Finally the latest heartthrob of Bollywood Vivek Oberoi is confirmed in Roland Joffe's 'Invaders'. Vivek Oberoi will be playing the lead role of Mahaji Shinde in 'Invaders', which is the story of the great Maratha warrior Mahaji Shinde. Further possibilities are that Aishwarya Rai might be playing the female lead role of Tulaja, which is in case she is confirmed. The character is of a spy girl who helps Mahaji and his army. Let's wait and watch if Vivek can invade as an actor.
Dimple Kapadia's daughter Rinkie Khanna weds Sameer
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Dimple Kapadia's daughter and Twinkle Khanna's sister, Rinkie Khanna finally tied knots with her fiance Sammer in New Delhi. The wedding was attended by Twinkle Khanna and Rinkie's jijaji Akshay Kumar along with other family members and some close friends. Rinkie Khanna is yet to make it big in Bollywood and must be eagerly waiting for her latest 'Jhankar Beats', which might hit the theatres in the month of April. Earlier she has acted in a few film like 'Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai.
Dino Morea, Tanisha, hurt in a mishap
Sunday, February 23, 2003
A film unit, while traveling on the outskirts of Manali on its way to a nearby location met with an accident. Bollywood star Dino Morea of the 'Raaz' fame had to undergo seven stitches. The others in the vehicle were Kajol's younger sister Tanisha who was also injured and had a deep cut near her eye. While another actor Gaurav Kapoor escaped with just minor injuries. The vehicle was driven by director Pawan Kaul and was booked by the Himachal Pradesh police for negligence in driving and also for not possessing his driving lisence.
Nag anti-tank missile ready for induction into army
Sunday, February 23, 2003
User trials of country's indigenious anti-tank Nag missile had fulfilled mission objectives and army stringent specifications paving the way for their induction soon, the Defence Ministry on Friday announced. The announcement came close on the heels of induction of surface-to-surface Prithvi and Agni group of missiles. "Three user test flights of Nag carried out at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra recently have fulfilled the mission objectives meeting army's stringent specifications," a Defence Ministry spokesman said. He said for the first time in the country the Nag's highly advanced Imaging Infra Red (IIR) sensor based seeker guidance, giving the missile cent per hit ability had been proved making India only the sixth country in the world after US, Germany, France, Sweden and Israel to have such technology. "All three tests achieved the range of 4kms in top attack mode in day as well as night trials hitting target with cent percent accuracy", top DRDO officials said. They said the Missile was tested in mobile vehicle launchers and tests on Tube launched mode and helicopters with enhanced range would commence soon. The Nag would replace the Indian army's aging French acquired Milan anti-tank missiles and with its advanced IIR guidance system will give Indian Defence scientists the ability to design fifth generation anti-tank missiles.
Rhetorics, peaceful stir plan marks VHP's Dharam Sansad
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Under apparent goading from the RSS and the Government, the VHP today toned down its aggressive stand at the 'Dharam Sansad' merely announcing a programme of peaceful agitation on the Ayodhya issue shifting its scene of action from the temple town to Delhi. Preceded by months of declarations of a "now or never" plan and speculation that a date for beginning the temple construction would be announced, the two-day meeting of Hindu religious leaders merely called for country-wide sit-ins and demonstrations on February 27, the first anniversary of the Godhra train massacre, to fulfil the resolve of 'Ramsewaks' to build the temple. The Sangh Parivar outfit had earlier set the February 21 deadline to the Government to hand over to the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas the "undisputed" land acquired by the Centre at Ayodhya or else it would build the temple by "force". Unlike in the past when Ayodhya used to be the rallying point of all VHP programmes including the abortive 'Shiladaan' ceremony last year, the meeting, in the first phase of the stir, announced a 'Satyagraha' programme in Delhi from March 27 to be preceded by a country-wide 'Dilli Chalo' (march to Delhi) awareness programme from March 5-24. The dilution on VHP's aggressive posture was believed to be the outcome of hectic parleys senior Cabinet Ministers, including Murli Manohar Joshi, and RSS top brass had with the VHP leadership over the past couple of days, sources said. However, there was no shortage of rehtoric with VHP leaders attacking the Government charging it with "appeasing Muslims" and "forgetting" its ascent to power.
Hectic parleys forces VHP to dilute aggressive stand
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Hectic behind-the-scene parleys at the RSS headquarters, telephonic diplomacy and lobbying through religious leaders led to VHP's change of tact from adopting a confrontationist path against the Government to building pressure on it through agitation. According to Sangh Pariwar sources, a very senior Cabinet minister spoke to several Hindu religious leaders ahead of the 'Margdarshak Mandal' meeting yesterday and asked them to exert pressure on the VHP leadership not to go in for a confrontation with the Government in a crucial election year. The initiative came even as Union Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi spoke several times over telephone to close friend and VHP Supremo Ashok Singhal urging him not to "take any step that would hinder the Government's efforts to solve the imbroglio amicably", the sources said. The RSS, which had been toeing a "soft line" on the issue, too called both Singhal and VHP's firebrand Secretary General Praveen Togadia to its 'Keshav Kunj' headquarters here two days back. Sangh Joint General Secretaries Madan Das Devi and H Y Seshadri counselled VHP leaders to avoid a confrontation with the Government and "create a conducive atmosphere" to enable the Supreme Court to give a "positive" verdict on the Centre's plea to vacate the stay on religious activity at the "undisputed" land in Ayodhya, the sources said. 21:08 IST
VHP promises support to Sonia if her party cooperates
Sunday, February 23, 2003
VHP today sought cooperation of Congress President Sonia Gandhi in its pursuit to construct Ram Temple at Ayodhya and promised support to her party in elections. "Soniaji should know that the way to Delhi is through Ayodhya and not Lucknow," firebrand VHP General Secretary Praveen Togadia told reporters on the sidelines of the 'Dharam Sansad' here. Inviting her to help in the construction of temple, Togadia said "she and her party can get Hindu support. Anybody supporting our temple cause will get Hindu support. We will ensure that." "Polarisation has already taken place in the country, not only on temple issue, but other matters related to Hindus," he said. He made the comments while stating that Parliament could help clear all hurdles in the path of temple construction as they "cannot wait for a court decision". The VHP leader was critical of the BJP-led government over its moves on Ayodhya issue, saying "we do not keep the government or its working in mind." "The saints are extremely angry and determined to launch a struggle for temple construction and even beyond that," Togadia said, adding "it is going to be more than a decisive fight". 21:50 IST
NAM should pressurise US through UN to avoid Iraq war: PM
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Asserting that the war on Iraq be avoided, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said the Non-Aligned Movement should put pressure on US to find a solution to the crisis through the United Nations. "War should be avoided and a solution to the Iraq crisis be found through the United Nations Security Council", Vajpayee, who arrived here to attend the Summit of the 114-member grouping, told reporters on board the special Air India aircraft. He said NAM should try to put pressure on US to resolve the Iraq crisis through United Nations Security Council. The Prime Minister side stepped a question whether he would shake hands with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during the Summit saying "kadam to mila sakte naheen (we cannot take steps together)". Asked if he could do business with Musharraf, the Prime Minister said "it depends on the development. If they stop cross-border terrorism then we will talk tomorrow". To a remark that US was hopeful that he and Musharraf would meet, Vajpayee said "US knows our position. We have conveyed our stand to our friends". About the future of NAM, he said it has to be revitalised and work for building a multi-polar world order. "Cold war has ended. We want to make a multi-polar world and NAM should focus on that", he said. In a statement in New Delhi before leaving for Kuala Lumpur for the Summit beginning on February 24, Vajpayee said NAM has to fashion an effective economic agenda which will project the concerns and protect the interests of developing countries in the face of globalisation. 17:44 IST
Tax-free budget for AP under shadow of acute drought
Sunday, February 23, 2003
A soft, tax-free budget for 2003-04 with a surplus of Rs 337.7 million and a total outlay of Rs 434.80 billion was presented by Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Y Ramakrishnudu in the state assembly today even as acute drought conditions cast a shadow on the annual financial exercise. After demystifying the budgetary preparation by throwing open the draft proposals for public debate in a first such exercise in the country, the Minister presented the budget that showed increased allocations for irrigation, power and agriculture sectors. As the worst drought in three decades cast its shadow on the annual budget, Ramakrishnudu spoke of 'crucial policy decisions' to enhance allocations for irrigation sector to Rs 21.7892 billion and for agriculture sector to Rs 1166.21 billion. The total plan outlay for 2003-04 has been pegged at Rs 131.7556 billion, reflecting a 31.78 per cent increase, while non-plan expenditure was estimated at Rs 303.0488 billion. "This will result in a revenue deficit of Rs 21.3158 billion accounting for 1.17 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product. After taking into account the overall transactions of the year, we will have a net deficit of Rs 137.4 million," the Minister said. However, the financial year is expected to end with a surplus of Rs 337.7 million, he said. The surplus projection comes against the backdrop of the slash in plan expenditure from Rs 112.99 billion in the budget estimate for 2002-03 to Rs 99.98 billion in the revised estimate for the year.
Petrol pumps may remain shut on Monday
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Petrol pumps all over the country may go dry on February 24 as their owners today threatened not to take deliveries from public sector oil companies alleging "harrasment" by oil companies in the name of checking adulteration. "Petrol pump owners will not lift petro products (petrol and diesel) from oil companies on Monday," Federation of All India Petroleum Traders president, Ashok Bhadwar told here. Fuel stations across the country will run dry once the petrol and diesel stocked by them today is sold out. As a practice, petrol stations fill their tanks when they are empty and Sunday being a public holiday, oil marketing firms fill tanks at petrol stations till Saturday evening only. Alleging that adulteration of petro products happen during transit from refinery to fuel stations, Bhadwar said "they (oil companies) only show us the density of the product delivered but put the product coming out of our dispensing pump through rigorous testing." The strike call is in protest against cancellation of August 17, 2002 agreement between oil firms and petrol pump dealers that provided for "leinant" norms for checking adulteration. "If product from our dispensing unit is tested for Octane number, boiling point and corrison, the oil companies too have to show us the quality when they deliver it at our stations," he said, adding petrol pump dealers should not be penalised for adulteration if their seals are intact. He asked oil companies to install standard quality testing machine at the fuel stations which alone should be used for testing quality of product when they are delivered at the pump as also when sold to customers. 14:09 IST
Indians wary of being caught in 'surprise situation'
Sunday, February 23, 2003
India is not taking minnows Namibia lightly in its World Cup Group A clash here tomorrow, with skipper Sourav Ganguly stating his team did not want to be trapped in a "surprise situation". The Indians brought their World Cup campaign back on track with a convincing victory against Zimbabwe in the previous game but Ganguly said the team still needed to improve on its batting. "We need to keep our focus and improve in batting. Namibia are minnows but we still have got to be up against them. It's a game and important for batters," Ganguly said. "There have been surprises before in the World Cup and we don't want to get in a situation like that," Ganguly said. But the captain expressed confidence that India would be able to beat their opponents "comfortably". "I have followed their (Namibia's) games and we should beat them comfortably," he said. However, what the Indians need from tomorrow's game is not just a win, which looks assured, but an emphatic all-round performance that would put the team in the right frame of mind ahead of the two big games against England and Pakistan. Clearly, instead of performing only to 80 per cent of their abilities, as Ganguly said the team did against Zimbabwe, the players would be required to give more than 100 per cent and come out with a comprehensive victory. 14:48 IST
Pak sponsored terrorism to figure at NAM Summit
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Pakistan's active involvement in aiding and abetting terrorism in India is likely to come up at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kuala Lumpur which would adopt a resolution against international terrorism, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said today. "Those countries fighting global terrorism are not able to fight the menace of terrorism in their own country.... the issue is likely to come up during our discussions," Vajpayee told reporters before leaving for the two-day summit beginning on February 24 when asked if Indian would try to isolate Pakistan at the NAM fora for aiding and abetting terrorism. The Summit would also pass a resolution on Iraq on which "all nations have a common approach", he said. Vajpayee said the Summit was being held at a very crucial stage and would seek to revitalise its strategies to meet the demands of 21st century "It has to fashion an effective economic agenda which will project the concerns and protect the interests of the developing countries in the face of globalisation", he said. Vajpayee hoped the collective wisdom of NAM members will result in a clear articulation of developing countries' perspective on important issues of the day. During his four-day stay at Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister would address the first ever NAM Business Forum on South-South cooperation and meet a number of world leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, to exchange views on bilateral and multi-lateral issues. 14:09 IST
Pak to invite India again for SAARC summit
Saturday, February 22, 2003
In a bid to revive the SAARC summit, Pakistan today said it would soon invite India again to attend the meet which could not be held in Islamabad in January this year. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khursid Mehumud Kasuri told reporters here on the sidelines of the run up to the NAM summit that "Pakistan will once again issue an invitation to Indian Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to attend the SAARC summit" "I want the summit to take place sooner rather than later," he said adding dates for the summit have to be agreed by all the members. Kasuri said "we believe in the SAARC process and we will continue to persist with that. I am not a person who is easily discouraged and I am optimistic by nature," Kasuri said. "Last time, we had to postpone the summit as we did not get any response from India. Let us see how India reacts this time," he added. Accusing Pakistan of stalling meaningful progress in regional economic cooperation, India stayed away from the January summit in Islamabad saying holding of the SAARC summit would not serve its purpose given Islamabad's stand on the issue.
Railway Budget at 1100 hrs on Feb 26
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Deviating from past practice, the Railway Budget for 2003-04 will be presented at 1100 hrs instead of 12 noon on February 26, official sources said today. The budget would be presented in Lok Sabha after suspending the question hour from 1100 to 1200 hrs, the sources told. Though no (no) reasons were given for shifting the time of budget presentation, it is understood that a function to unveil Shivaji statue was being around 1300 hrs after the budget in which Prime Minister and other leaders of various political parties are expected to participate. Originally the railway budget was to be presented on February 24 which was postponed to February 26 as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be away in Malaysia. With the shifting of the date for railway budget, the economic survey, which was to be tabled on February 26 will now be presented to Parliament on February 27, a day ahead of the general budget on February 28. The Prime Minister would reply to the Motion of Thanks in Lok Sabha on President's address on February 27. 19:38 IST
Indian players take Gandhi's steam train in South Africa
Saturday, February 22, 2003
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - India's cricketers followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi on Friday, boarding the same steam train taken by the former leader 110 years ago. It was at Pietermaritzburg station on a cold night in 1893 that the 23-year-old Gandhi, working in South Africa as a lawyer, was thrown out of a whites-only first-class train compartment because of the colour of his skin. The incident moved Gandhi to take up the fight against racial discrimination in South Africa before returning home to lead India to freedom from British rule in 1947. "We are very happy to make this trip. We are proud as Indians. We are proud of him," Indian captain Saurav Ganguly said. The players took the Gandhi memorial train, drawn by the same steam engine used in 1893, and attended the unveiling of a stone plaque at the spot where Gandhi fell on the platform. Ela, Gandhi's grand-daughter and eminent South African social worker, said the event would further help spread the message of peace and equality among people around the world. "It is important we take the message as widely as possible," she told reporters. "The reality is sports is in everybody's life. The cricket team coming here has given lot of publicity and this will certainly inspire a lot of people." The 21 years Gandhi spent working as a lawyer in South Africa working for the under-privileged also inspired Nelson Mandela, the former South Africa president. Gandhi's statue was unveiled in a prominent square in Pietermaritzburg in 1993 to mark the centenary of him being thrown out of the train and the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. India's leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar missed the trip because he was consulting a doctor to get treatment on a bruised left hand which is not thought to be serious. India play Namibia in World Cup Group A in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Court to hear Centre's plea for vacation on Ayodhya ban on Mar 6
Saturday, February 22, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, February 21, 2003: Ignoring the February 23 deadline set by VHP for resolution of the Ayodhya issue, the Supreme Court today fixed March 6 for hearing on the plea of the government to vacate its interim order banning all religious activities in the 67 acres of acquired land around the disputed site. Rejecting the vehement pleas by All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Babri Masjic Action Committee and Babri Masjid Movement Coordiantion Committee against early hearing, a Bench comprising Chief Justice V N Khare and Justice AR. Lakshmanan directed listing of the Centre's application along with the main petition before a five-judge constitution Bench on March 6. When counsel for the opposite parties said the Government was working under the pressure of February 23 deadline set by VHP to begin the process for commencing construction work on the acquired land and that it was dragging the courts into the high-voltage pressure-game, the Bench retorted saying "We are never pressurised. Be sure of it." The main petition filed by Mohd Aslam alias Bhure had sought handing over of the 67 acres of acquired land to the Army till a final decision was reached by the Allahabad High Court on the title suits claiming rights over the six acres of disputed area. The Government, immediately after the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992, had acquired 67 acres of land around it to facilitate passage to the disputed area after a decision on the title suits. 14:01 IST
Need to evolve national mission for fast track treatment: Kalam
Saturday, February 22, 2003
President A P J Abdul Kalam today stressed the need to develop necessary infrastructure in the country to support technologies involved in health care so that proper treatment could be provided to millions of people living below the poverty line at an affordable price. Inauguratig the Rs 300 million Pondicherry unit of the Aravind eye hospital at Abishegapakkam near here, the President said a national mission for fast track treatment method should be evolved throughout the country. India has a national programme for control of blindness and also 'Vision 2020: the right to sight inititative'. He said 30 per cent population still lived below the poverty line and medical care had to be provided to a large population. Kalam said the major problem in Indian health care delivery system including the area of opthalmology was the near total dependency on medical imports of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and devices including consumbales. Every year over Rs 30 billion worth of medical devices and equipment were being imported. While the common man seldom bought anything imported he was made to purchase or pay partly for the cost of the imported gadgets for healthcare, he said. "We need to create an infrastructure capable of producing our own medical devices, consumbales and equipment based on the technology available and to be developed within the country at affordable cost," he said. 15:23 IST
Vajpayee denies he played "Hindu card" in Himachal
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today denied having played +Hindu card+ at election meetings in Himachal Pradesh saying he raised only those issues which the party had all along been raising and that had already become a poll issue. Addressing a press conference here, Prime Minister criticised the poster campaign in Madhya Pradesh alleging that he ate beef. Stating that the BJP wanted temple to be constructed at Ayodhya, he asked the Congress to clarify its stand on the issue. He said there was no use calling an all party meeting to hammer out a consensus on this issue as the "differences are evident". Vajpayee said the demand for a ban cow slaughter was an old one and a private member's bill had already been introduced on this issue in the parliament. He said the commission set up by the government on this issue had also recommended ban on cow slaughter. "If cow slaughter was not banned, it would be difficult to protect the cows and bullocks of quality breed," he added. He said it was not an election issue but an economic issue. Expressing anguish over the low level of election campaign, Vajpayee said that elections should be fought on issues and programmes and cautioned that provocative issues only hurt democracy. He said the credibility of the politicians was already low and character assassination and mud-slinging would not enhance their prestige. 14:01 IST
Pakistan welcomes Vajpayee statement against war
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Pakistan has described as "a good statement" Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's remarks against war, saying it will help lowering tension between the two countries. "It is a good statement. It will help in lowering tension. We welcome Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement and we are prepared to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with India on Kashmir and on other outstanding issues", Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri told media in Karachi on Thursday before leaving for Kuala Lumpur to attend the NAM summit. Vajpayee on Wednesday told Lok Sabha that "there should not be any war, anywhere in the world, be it between the US and Iraq or between India and Pakistan." While reiterating Pakistan's desire for resolving "all its disputes with India peacefully," Kasuri however said "there cannot be peace without Kashmir." Kasuri also accused India of imposing an arms race on Pakistan and said that Islamabad wanted to remove the existing imbalance in conventional military strength with India. He said the imbalance needs to be removed as it encouraged New Delhi to adopt a "threatening posture" against Pakistan. "Pakistan was not in an arms race with India. It is India which has imposed an arms race. We want most friendly relations with India but we don't accept their hegemony, we don't want local hegemons," he said. 15:23 IST
Air Sahara inducts Bombardier regional aircraft
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Air Sahara today announced the induction of 50-seater regional jetplanes into its fleet as part of plans to spread its network into small towns and cities of the country. The private domestic airline plans to operate seven such jets, made by Canada's Bombardier Aerospace, by April 2003 on feeder routes, Air Sahara CEO U K Bose told reporters here. "We expect to offer 14,000 seats per day with the addition of the new aircraft as against 8,400 now. The number of sectors should also go upto 26 by the year-end from 13 at present," Bose said. He said 18-20 million dollars would be spent on acquiring the Canadian Regional Jets (CRJ-200). The airline would also spend about 20-25 million dollars to take five Boeing-737 aircraft on lease this year as part of a 40-45 million dollars fleet expansion plan. The first 'CRJ-200' aircraft would start its scheduled flight on February 28, 2003. The aircraft would be based in Delhi and fly to Kolkata via Lucknow and Allahabad every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In the evening, it would return to Delhi via the same route. Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, the aircraft would fly from Delhi to Kolkata via Lucknow and Gorakhpur while in the evening, it would fly back to the capital via the same route. 19:45 IST
Srinath lambasts commentators, says they instigated fans
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Srinath lambasts commentators, says they instigated fans Pietermaritzburg (South Africa),Friday, February 21, 2003: In a scathing attack on television commentators, speedster Javagal Srinath today accused them for "inciting and instigating" the fans which resulted in the extreme reactions back home in the wake of India's loss to Australia in a World Cup league match. "I believe when the criticism from the commentators, may be the media, go beyond extreme, it could probably incite or instigate our emotional fans. We are really disappointed with what they spoke," Srinath said. "Some of the comments were really harsh on the players. If some of our predecessors want to play for India in future, we would not want them to be seen in the same situation and their parents under extreme pressure," he said. "We were shocked with a few incidents back home. Mohd Kaif's home was stoned, (Rahul) Dravid's car was smashed. These things should not happen." Srinath said too much was being read into the team's performance in New Zealand where the pitches were doctored to favour the home team. "We cannot really read too much in the New Zealand show as those who won the toss had the say. We did not let New Zealand win easily. "People were really harsh on our batsmen. I don't know how much any batsman in the world could have survived (on those pitches). It was low-scoring throughout the series," Srinath said. 21:07 IST
$150 million IDA credit to Andhra for rural poverty reduction
Saturday, February 22, 2003
In a major attempt to empower India's rural poor, the World Bank has announced a 150 million-dollar credit through its soft loan window, the International Development Association, for the Andhra Pradesh Rural Poverty Reduction project. Expected to benefit over two million households, the project aims to enable the poorest of the poor to participate in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods and thereby take control of and improve their quality of life. The Andhra Pradesh Rural Poverty Reduction Project builds on the foundations and lessons of the Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project (DPIP), which started in 2000 and was implemented in six districts. Prior to the project, Andhra Pradesh had the largest number of child workers in India, but since DPIP was implemented, 65,200 children moved from child labour jobs into regular schools. To ensure that girls in particular are retained in schools, residential schools were provided as an option and have since increased girls' enrollment by 36,000 over the past three years. Moreover, nearly 135,000 poor families have been provided with opportunities for new livelihoods such as small enterprise and farming assistance. "The Rural Poverty Reduction Project goes beyond the District Poverty Initiative Project, including an expansion of the geographic area from six districts to the entire state and a sharper focus on the poorer and more vulnerable members of rural communities," said Jeeva Perumalpillai-Essex, Task Leader of the project. 10:02 IST
India to focus on multilateral eco issues, cooperation at NAM
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee leaves for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to participate in the Non-Aligned Summit where India would focus on multilateral economic issues and cooperation among the developing countries besides highlighting the need to counter international terrorism. India is also preparing to counter any attempt by Pakistan to toss "red herrings" to justify terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir at the two-day summit beginning February 24. The 116-member group meets in the shadow of the threat of war looming on Iraq which it will seek to avoid. Though the theme of the summit is "revitalisation" of NAM, topping the agenda of the summit would also be the threat posed by international terrorism and non-prolifereation of weapons by North Korea and some other countries. A hectic schedule awaits Vajpayee in Kuala Lumpur. During his stay there, he is also expected to have wide-ranging talks with over a dozen NAM leaders including Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohammad, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Nepalese Premier Lokendra Bahadur Jung. India has ruled out any meeting between Vajpayee and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who would be attending the summit. On the issue of terrorism, India is expected to emphasise that NAM must have an updated view on international terrorism which is in conformity with the latest developments on the world |
