|
|
February 2004
France gives credit to India for peace with Pak
Sunday, February 29, 2004
K J M Varma Islamabad, Feb 28 Giving credit to India for the peace process with Pakistan, France has said the issues bedevilling the two neighbours should be resolved in the spirit of Shimla agreement. Asserting that India was a "strategic partner" of France, visiting French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin told reporters here yesterday that the only way to overcome doubts and reservations about the new India-Pak peace process is to take the dialogue forward through "movement and action." Replying to question about apprehensions in Pakistan about sincerity of India in the peace process, he said "the reservations and doubts are understandable. Only (way) to overcome doubts was through movement and action. I think we can give easily credit to India for committing to work closely with Pakistan." Recalling his recent visit to India, he said the will to move forward existed in both India and Pakistan. "I think this is the key. You know perfectly that in the line of Shimla agreement dialogue has always is the key to have Pakistan and India looking forward in the same direction and looking for peace." Answering another question about arms sales by France to India, de Villepin, who met President Pervez Musharraf and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri yesterday, said "as you know we have strategic partnership with India and close cooperation with India in the spirit concerning the stability of this region. At the same we want to increase our cooperation in different spheres with Pakistan. I do not think there is any incompatibility between the two."
Dungarpur warns India against complacency
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Mumbai, Feb 29 Former Cricket Board president Raj Singh Dungarpur today said the Indian cricket team holds an edge over Pakistan in batting but warned them against "complacency" if they wished success in the upcoming tour of that country. "The Indians should not become complacent and concentrate on the game till the last ball is bowled," Dungarpur told here. "They should also not worry too much about the security as the Indian government will make sure that the players are well protected on and off the field," he said. Dungarpur praised the young talents of the Pakistan team but said they were still lacking in "experience" to tackle India's top batsmen. "As far as the Pakistan team is concerned, they are at a rebuilding stage, though they have a very good bowling attack. Only thing that is lacking in their attack is experience to bowl against one of the best batting line-up in the world." He, however, put a word of caution saying that the Pakistanis would definitely have the advantage of playing at home. Dungarpur, who was the chairman of national selection committee in 1970s, said the heroics on the Australian tour could be repeated against Pakistan in their backyard. "Personally, I feel this is the best Indian team to have toured Australia and with most of them sure of retaining their places, I can say they could repeat the performance when they land on Pakistan soil," he said.
Govt lowers excise, customs duties on steel
Sunday, February 29, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 29 In a bid to check spiralling steel prices, Government today notified a package including drastic cut in excise and customs duties on whole gamut of steel, iron and coal products. Central Excise duty has been reduced to eight per cent from 16 per cent now, virtually across the board, including pig iron, Fero Alloys and pellets. In the customs duty cut, pig iron, a major input in steel making has been the major gainer as it has been lowered to five per cent from existing 10 per cent, which had come into effect only three days ago. It may be recalled that on February 24, the Government had reduced import duty on pig iron to 10 per cent from 20 per cent prevailing at that time. The package, which was finalised on Friday at a high level inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is aimed at enhancing supply of steel in the domestic market and check the prices which had sky rocketed in the recent past. Customs duty on non coking coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal and steam coal has been slashed to five per cent from 15 per cent. Coking coal of ash content below 12 per cent, which was subject to five per cent duty has been exempted from customs duty while the coking coal of ash content of over 12 per cent has been prescribed at 15 per cent import duty. The duty rates come into effect from today.
Advani welcomes EC's ban on ads on TV
Sunday, February 29, 2004
On Board Special Aircraft, Feb 29 Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today welcomed the Election Commission's ban on political advertisements on TV during campaigning. "We are interested in seeing that elections should not become costlier. Elections will become costlier if TV ads are allowed," Advani told reporters accompanying him on his visit to Bangalore. He, however, said "We would have liked if the EC had held discussions with political parties in the matter but now it has decided...we welcome it."
India asks Pakistan to modify bilateral air services agreement
Sunday, February 29, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 29 India is understood to have urged Pakistan to modify the bilateral air services agreement for operation of multiple airlines in the sector, to pave the way for the launch of scehduled operations by private carriers as also to enable them to fly cricket fans to that country. Under the present agreement, the two Governments recognise only Indian Airlines and Pakistan International Airlines for operations of scheduled flights. The modification suggested is aimed at recognising Indian private carriers like Jet Airways and Air Sahara as the designated ones to enable them operate scheduled flights, official sources said here. The sources said the External Affairs Ministry has sent a note to Islamabad in this regard. However, the private carriers could seek permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and its Pakistani counterpart to operate chartered flights for cricket fans. Stating that this would require them to furnish the list of passengers and the purpose of their travel at least a week in advance to the two authorities, the sources said the Pakistani authorities would have to give the final nod for these "non-operational chartered flights". However, sources in the private carriers said they had not received any official communication asking them to apply for operations to Pakistan. When the aviation links between the two countries were resumed in January this year, both sides had agreed to allow operation of large aircraft, like Boeing 747s, to operate. The decision currently benefits only the PIA as Indian Airlines does not have such big aircraft. The bilateral negotiations are to be held in the next few months, the sources said.
Lok Sabha polls in four phases from April 20
Sunday, February 29, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 29 Lok Sabha elections will be held in four phases on April 20, 26, May 5 and May 10. Announcing the schedule, Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy told a press conference that simultaneous assembly elections would be held in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Sikkim. Counting of votes throughout the country except in Andhra Pradesh will be done on May 13. In Andhra Pradesh, it will be done a day or so in advance. The first day of poll on April 20 will be held in 141 Lok Sabha constituencies in 16 states and Union Territories (UTs). The second phase of poll on April 26 will cover 137 contituencies in 11 states and UTs and the third phase on May five, 83 constituencies in seven states and UTs. On May 10, 182 constituencies will go to polls. The dates for assembly elections in four states would coincide with Parliamentary elections in those states. Krishnamurthy said the model code of conduct for political parties and Government would come into force with immediate effect.
CPI releases first list of candidates
Friday, February 27, 2004
NEW DELHI: The CPI on Thursday released the first list of 16 candidates from nine states for the coming general elections, including veteran trade union leader Gurudas Dasgupta from West Bengal and former Chief Minister P K Vasudevan Nair from Kerala. Dasgupta, a former Rajya Sabha member and a senior leader of the AITUC, has been fielded from Panskura Lok Sabha constituency that was earlier represented by eminent parliamentarian Geeta Mukherjee, who headed the Parliamentary panel that gave final shape to the Women's Reservation Bill. Nair would contest from prestigious Thiruvananthapuram seat. Besides Panskura, the party would contest two seats in West Bengal - Midnapore and Bashirhat. Prabodh Panda would be fielded from Midnapore, a constituency earlier represented by late Communist leader and former Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta, while Ajoy Chakraborty would contest from Bashirhat. Besides Nair, CPI would field C K Chandrappan from Thrissur, C Surendran from Adoor and P P Suneer from Ponnani. In Tamil Nadu, K Subbarayan would contest from Coimbatore and M Appadurai frm Tenkasi, while in Punjab the Bhatinda seat would be represented by Kaushalya Bhaura, wife of sitting MP Bhan Singh Bhaura who died a few weeks ago. In U P, it would field National Secretary Atul Kumar Anjan from Ghosi and Rambadan Yadav from Gazipur, while B P Mehta would contest the Hazaribagh seat in Jharkhand. Dhrupad Borgohain would be the party nominee from Jorhat in Assam , while Bhupal Das Panikka and Ramnath Sarfe would contest from Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh and Bastar in Chhattisgarh respectively.
Seven-yr-old raped in Timarpur
Friday, February 27, 2004
NEW DELHI : A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Timarpur on Wednesday morning. The accused is yet to be identified. According to the police, the victim had gone out of her home to purchase tea leaves when she was assaulted by the man. ‘‘She was returning home when the accused approached her and offered her sweets. He told her that he was a friend of her father and took her to a secluded place and raped her,’’ said a police officer. The girl came back home and told her parents about the incident. The parents called up the police. The police said that a case of rape has been registered in the Timarpur police station and attempts are being made to arrest the accused. The police have also sought help from an NGO to counsel the victim. The police admitted that it was still not clear whether or not the accused knew the victim’s family. ‘‘The girl had apparently not seen him before. He could be living in the same area. We are zeroing in on all the ‘bad characters’ of the area,’’ said an officer.
Mallika moves SC against travel bar
Friday, February 27, 2004
New Delhi : Exasperated by restrictions on her movement imposed by the Gujarat government, danseuse Mallika Sarabhai has moved the Supreme Court alleging that she was being victimised for her stand on the post-Godhra riots in 2002. Sarabhai sought removal of all conditions on her travel within and outside the country. In the application, filed close on the heels of the apex court taking serious note of the restrictions on her travel within the state, Sarabhai said Gujarat police started moving against her following a frivolous complaint against her dance academy, Darpan. She told the court that the police took retaliatory action against her as she sought a CBI probe into human rights violations during the riots. Sarabhai said because of the travel restrictions imposed on her by a trial court in the alleged human trafficking case foisted on her by the state police, her foreign tours were under jeopardy. The restrictions on her travel outside Gujarat violated her fundamental right to travel freely within and outside the country and her right to carry on her profession, she added. During the last hearing on riot cases, the apex court expressed serious concern over the manner in which conditions were slapped on her travel and observed that the Gujarat government should take steps to remove the restrictions.
Robbers strike again, loot wedding party
Friday, February 27, 2004
KOLKATA, Feb. 26. For Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Bengal will always remain an oasis of peace despite a series of dacoities which speak volume of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Yet again armed robbers looted a wedding party at Narendrapur in Howrah in the wee hours today and manhandled the passengers, including women. Police, however, said no complaint of women being molested was received. This comes close on the heels of a similar incident at Haroa in North 24-Parganas a fortnight back. The incident occurred 8 km from Jagatballabhpur police station when two buses of a marriage party were waylaid by robbers at Narendrapur near Paschimpara village around 3 a. m. The eight-member gang surrounded the two buses returning from a wedding reception at Behala and were on the way to Udaynarayanpur around 3 a. m. There were 92 passengers in the two buses, including 43 women and seven children. Brandishing revolvers, they dragged out the passengers and asked them to hand over their belongings. They manhandled the passengers and made off with 50 bhari of gold jewellery and Rs 20,000 -25,000 in cash. Police said four members of the gang Rajan Sardar, Arab Ali, Bishnu Sardar, Kalu Sardar have been arrested. The victims alleged that the police reached the spot an hour late and an FIR was lodged at 5.30 a.m. The police searched every bus and train on the Howrah-Munshirhat section. One person was nabbed from a train at Domjur railway station and some ornaments and cash were recovered from him. Following interrogation, four members of the gang were arrested from near Sealdah station and money and ornaments were recovered from them. Mr Chayan Mukherjee, IG (law and order), said: There has been no report of women being molested. Out of the eight-member gang, five have been arrested and 80 per cent of the jewellery have been recovered.
Naipaul endorses BJP stand on foreign origin
Friday, February 27, 2004
Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul and his Pakistan-born wife Nadira visited the BJP headquarters for the first time on Thursday. During a meeting of the party's cultural cell, Naipaul said he was impressed with the BJP's "passion" for effecting a change but wanted it to forget the past and move on. "That is the way we can become more innovative and creative getting something anew." Naipaul, whose books India: A Wounded Civilisation (1977) and Among the Believers (1981) endeared him to the BJP, did not make a speech but answered questions from party members. What was music to the BJP's ears was his endorsement, before the media, of the party's "India Shinning" campaign. He even acknowledged the BJP's stand on keeping persons of foreign origin out of the Prime Minister's job. "It's an issue worth considering," he said. On whether he justified the Ayodhya incident, he said: "I can't repeat my views. I have stated my views several times before." Earlier, responding to a question during his interaction with BJP members, Sir Vidia (as he is popularly known) said he did believe Babar's conquest of India was an invasion that left a deep mark. He also said that the subsequent Mughal rule and the British conquest too left their impact on India "but one must move on". He agreed with a questioner about the practice in some countries to restore historic monuments destroyed by invasions. In this context, he referred to Spain rebuilding its ancient monuments that were desecrated during the religious wars. "History keeps changing and is often written by conquerors. History should be written by independent people," the Nobel laureate said. Though mediapersons were kept out during the couple’s interaction with BJP members, Naipaul and his wife were mobbed by the media as soon as they came out. Nadira, who had hit the headlines protesting against the Gujarat riots at an NRI meet last year, did not want Naipaul to take questions on the issue. Nadira said her husband was an independent thinker and wondered why the liberals were "not appropriating" him. "They too can approach him. He would be willing to meet them. If the Congress invites us, we will go there too. My husband is not a politician. What is wrong in coming to the BJP (office)?" Nadira asked.
Hindutva to be resold in soft pack
Friday, February 27, 2004
New Delhi, Feb. 26: The BJP’s Vision Document which will double as its election manifesto is expected to soften the harsher contours of Hindutva and reinvent, repackage and resell the party as a centrist force rather than a right-wing, Hindu fundamentalist one. According to sources working on the document, it will avoid words like appeasement while talking of the Hindu-Muslim question and global superpower to describe India, although the BJP’s key slogan is strong India, strong BJP. A word like appeasement is instantly associated with anti-minorityism. So the document is unlikely to carry the slogan ‘Equality for All, Appeasement for None’, which was our catch line for years, the sources said. The endeavour, they said, would be to focus on socio-economic problems of minority communities instead of projecting them as separate religious identities and use the class rather than ethnic classification. So while Ayodhya and Ram temple will be mentioned, the document is likely to state that of the three options for resolving the conflict, negotiations would be the best because they will be fair to both sides. The need for a common civil code would also find mention, but the context will be gender and not community-specific so that it becomes acceptable to the NDA and the Opposition. The sources said the phrase global superpower might sound too bombastic and could be pilloried by our opponents. On the reservation policy, the sources said the document would attempt a balancing act between endorsing reservation for the socially backward castes and stressing the need for doing something for the economically backward classes, too. The BJP was under pressure from its Rajasthan unit to endorse the demand for a reservation quota for the poor among the upper castes. The NDA government set up a commission to look into the issue but, given the Supreme Court’s ceiling on reservations, sources said a realistic look will have to be taken. The forward-looking document will unveil the BJP’s vision and planning for the country for the next 15 years and project the kind of polity it will have by then. Right now we are going through a transition period when coalition politics is dominating the scene. But we will emphasise that ultimately we will have to take all sections along and consolidate our own strength, the sources said. The document will also emphasise on better India-Pakistan relations and the need for creating an economic block of South Asian countries.
Technical snag attributed to Jaguar crash
Friday, February 27, 2004
NEW DELHI : The spate in crashes of IAF fighter aircraft continues unabated. In yet another incident, a deep-penetration strike Jaguar crashed at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan on Thursday morning. The pilot, Wing Commander Ravi Khanna, died in the crash. This crash comes soon after a MiG-21 crashed in Jamnagar area on February 20, killing four persons on the ground. The IAF has rushed a special investigation team to Pokhran because this is the second crash there within 20 days. A MiG-23 had crashed at the same range on February 7. Both the Jaguar and the MiG-23 were practising "live bombing missions" ahead of India 's biggest air power demonstration at the Pokhran range, 'Millennium Vayu Shakti', scheduled for March 14. In both the crashes, as per eye-witness accounts, "two flashes" were seen before the mishaps. "Both crashes are being attributed to technical malfunction... One reason could be that the live armaments being carried by the planes exploded accidentally but the courts of inquiry will be able to pinpoint the exact reason," said a source. "Wing Commander Khanna, who had got airborne from the Nal airbase, was flying close to the ground for the bombing mission...he apparently tried to eject safely but his parachute apparently failed to open over the makeshift target," he added. The firepower demonstration has been revived after a gap of five years. The IAF has been preparing for the event for the last two months with all its frontline fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi-30s, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars, MiG-21s, MiG-23s and MiG-29s.
BJP's Vision: Squeeze Cong out of arena
Friday, February 27, 2004
NEW DELHI : The BJP's Vision Document will "marry a centrist agenda with the party's Hindutva image": The objective is to "squeeze the Congress out" of the political space while retaining the BJP's core constituency, a senior party leader said. If the NDA's common minimum programme will, like in 1999, drop the BJP's contentious issues a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a uniform civil code and abrogating Article 370, which gives Jammu and Kashmir a special status the BJP's Vision Document, which is under preparation, will contain all three. The only difference is that these issues will be given a new spin or, as a Vision Document committee member put it, "repackage and remarket" them to take the "anti-minority" sting out of them. "We are rearticulating our position on these issues, which have not changed, but which we feel have been misunderstood both by our detractors as well as many of our supporters." The Vision Document, which will spell out the party's plans till 2020, speaks of the coalition era being transitional and expresses the hope that the BJP will eventually secure a majority on its own. For this, the party needs to keep both its core constituency happy as well as make those opposed to it feel it is not communal and, therefore, the need to repackage its agenda. So, on Ayodhya, though the BJP's objective remains construction of a temple at the disputed spot, the document will camouflage that by stressing the need for a "solution" to improve Hindu-Muslim relations. The solution the document will favour is a dialogue between the two communities, not a parliamentary legislation or, indeed, a court verdict, as both these could lead to "bitterness". A common civil code, which a BJP leader said was usually portrayed by the opposition as "anti-minority", will be presented as an effort to work towards "gender equality" and focus on the plight of poor Muslim women. While pushing for abrogation of Article 370, the effort would be stress that this would lead to Jammu and Kashmir "joining the national mainstream". Even on reservation, the Document will do a balancing act. Party sources said, "Initially, we were opposed to Mandalisation. Today, we have accepted it. But there are still people in the party and sangh who don't like it as we oppose the caste system and feel merit should prevail. But even in elections, the BJP factors caste in while choosing candidates."
Tension grips Bandipore North Kashmir
Friday, February 27, 2004
Sringar, Feb. 26 : Tension gripped Bandipore town in North Kashmir again today as angry residents laid a siege around the local police station following death of a youth in police firing. The incident came a day before Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, is to address a public gathering in Bandipore town. The residents of the area refused to give in even as top civil and police officials were persuading them to disperse peacefully. The town, which was on fire only three weeks back over the alleged killing of five civilians during an army operation, again plunged into tension when nearly 4,000-strong mob took to streets claiming that the local army unit had beaten four people who refused to work as porters, a charge denied by the Defence spokesman here. The mob proceeded towards a stadium where the Chief Minister was to hold a rally tomorrow and started to break the police cordon following which police resorted to teargas and firing in which one person, Mushtaq Wani, was killed. This further agitated the mob who encircled a local police station demanding handing over of the cops responsible for the killing of the youth. Inspector General of Police K Rajendra Kumar, said it was a "pre-meditated" action to disrupt the political activity in the State. State Police Chief Gopal Sharma, said the situation was tense in the area but denied reports that agitators ransacked the local police station.
Nine Indians in Forbes billionaire list
Friday, February 27, 2004
New York: Nine Indians made it into the latest list of billionaires released by Forbes magazine. The Indians were together worth a whopping $31.9 billion. The world's richest people got a whole lot richer in the past year, and more numerous, with 64 new members on the annual billionaire's list - headed once again by Bill Gates. Azim Premji tops the Indian list with a fortune of $6.7 billion and is ranked 58th overall. He is followed by Lakshmi Mittal who has a fortune of $6.2 billion. Mittal is a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) based in the UK. Among the most prominent debutantes on the Forbes ranking was Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who just a few years ago was a penniless single mother struggling to make ends meet. The richest Asian is Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud ($21.5 billion) of Saudi Arabia. The richest woman is Alice Walton ($20 billion) whose family controls Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer. After two years of declining fortunes caused by a weakened global economy, the total net worth of the world's billionaires soared by $500 billion, from $1.4 trillion last year to $1.9 trillion. Microsoft co-founder Gates headed the list for the 10th year in a row, with an estimated net worth of $46.6 billion, up from $40.7 billion the previous year. But his position was looking more vulnerable than ever. Legendary investor Warren Buffet added $12.4 billion - the biggest gain of anyone on the list - to leave him just short of Gates with $42.9 billion. This year's total of 587 billionaires was a Forbes record, with 56 "comeback" billionaires joining the 64 rookies and the others on last year's list.
Exclusive info on Zee Cine Awards
Thursday, February 26, 2004
It's a known fact that Zee Cine Awards 2004 will take place at the Airport Convention Hall in Dubai. But here's some exclusive info on the awards ceremony, which promises to be an experience to remember Trophies: The Zee Cine Award 2004 has got Australian gold mine CitiGold Corporation on board as the associate sponsor. The Australian gold mine has designed an exclusive trophy, with a hint of 24 carat gold. Stars attending the event: The crème de la crème of Bollywood is flying to Dubai. Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan with wife Kajol, Akshay Kumar with wife Twinkle Khanna, John Abraham, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, Manisha Koirala, Feroz Khan, Fardeen Khan, Jeetendra, Vivek Oberoi, Shilpa Shetty, Juhi Chawla, Jackie Shroff, Kareena Kapoor and Celina Jaitley will be arriving in Dubai in a chartered aircraft. Hotel accommodation: The Hyatt in Dubai. What's in store for the guests: Celebrities attending the event would be showered with lavish gifts like gold jewelry, cars. from the sponsors and the Zee management. Who's performing at the awards: Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Lara Dutta. Incidentally, this is the first time Hrithik is performing in Dubai. Audiences have another first to look forward to Shekhar Suman and the star comedian from Pakistan, Omar Sharif, will appear on the stage together. Audience attendance: Approx. 6,000 people are expected to witness this grandiose event, 1000 of which will be flown from India.
Salman Khan Versus Vivek Oberoi
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Is it the beginning of an on -screen war between the two Ash's love- struck or just a coincident? Salman and Vivek were at mobile war some time back. There seems to be a clash of ideas this time as both actors are doing films with an identical theme and title. One believes these films are highly inspired from Oscar nominated 'Lagaan' as the backdrop of both the films is... ...rural India. Showman Subhash Ghai's ambitious project 'Kisna' has Vivek Oberoi in the lead role, whereas Sohail Khan's home production 'Kisan' has Salman Khan. Punit Sira directs 'Kisan' and the film revolves around the lifestyles of peasants. Punit who directed Sohail's 'I - proud to be Indian' believes that his film is action-packed high voltage in which Salman will be giving deadly performance. 'I -proud to be Indian' will be hitting theatres soon. Sohail Khan will play the second lead and the rest of the cast is yet to be decided. This will be the first occasion when Salman and Sohail will team together in a film. 'Kisan' will be shot extensively in Rajasthan. The movie will raise the burning issues of the farmers. Subhash Ghai's 'Kisna' was officially launched in January 2004 and has two new heroines in the lead roles. Ghai's film is a period saga of a protagonist fighting against the evils of society. The film will be simultaneously shot in English to make it commercially viable in the overseas market. Let's hope that the acting prowess of Salman and Vivek matches with Aamir Khan's perfection and genius.
Reign men: Boys don’t rule in Bollywood
Thursday, February 26, 2004
In Bollywood, boys don’t vie for top honours. Not at the moment at least. Take a look at the marquee and you realise that the heroes who really spell moolah are all 35-plus (discount Hrithik Roshan, he’s had two superhits but that’s thanks to papa’s packaging). When it comes to real hits, if it’s not the Big B, you’re probably thinking the... ...Khan triumvirate, Sunny Deol or Sanjay Dutt. Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi or Fardeen Khan the bachchas can take a walk for now. Like wine, our macho men are best served aged. Ruling the roost, of course, is Amitabh Bachchan. With 11-odd films in hand (almost all having younger actors as props), the Big B is Bollywood’s veritable Busy B. Not surprisingly, as a last ditch attempt to resurrect son Abhishek’s career, he’s producing Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ranveer that will star who else Bachchan himself in the lead. The Khans Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, three names that automatically ensure whopping initials are all aged 37/38. And at 37, Sallu in Tere Naam can pack a bigger punch to the college boy act than Zayed Khan can ever dream of. Akshay Kumar, closer 40 than 35, believes interesting scripts come easier to senior heroes: I was 22 when I joined the industry. Directors are offering me solid roles today, after almost a decade and a half. While Akshay is playing the field post Khakee and Andaaz, Sanjay Dutt acknowledges a Munna Bhai MBBS would perhaps have never come his way a decade ago: Maybe it’s because younger heroes feel safe sticking to ‘feel good’ films. But when you’ve reached my stage, you want to change. You begin to accept variety in roles and that spells success. Agrees Suniel Shetty: The trick is to never stick to an image. And that’s easier for heroes who’ve been around. For instance, after Kaante, Khel and Rudraksh, I’ll say goodbye to the evil streak. Now I’m focusing on my comic side with Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav, Hulchul and Phir Hera Pheri. May be the Bollywood boys will take a leaf out of his book. The Colour of money A look at what Bollywood’s 35-plus club is earning per film (approximate figures): Amitabh Bachchan: Rs 3 crore Shah Rukh Khan: Rs 3.5-4 crore Aamir Khan: Rs 3 crore (Rs 5 crore-plus for The Rising) Salman Khan: Rs 2.5 crore Sunny Deol: Rs 2 crore Sanjay Dutt: Rs 1.75-2 crore Akshay Kumar: Rs 1.75 crore
Raids at "matka" dens, lottery centres in Mumbai
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Mumbai, Feb 26 Continuing its crackdown on illegal activities in the city, the Mumbai police raided "matka" dens and single-digit lottery centres last night, arresting 176 persons and confiscating lottery tickets of Rs 18 lakh in the swoop, police sources said today. The raids at the gambling dens and the lottery centres were mainly confined to south and eastern parts of the city while one case each was registered in north and west of the metropolis also, they said. The action comes a day after police raided 62 dancing bars and beauty parlours in Mumbai and detained 986 people, including over 700 bar-maids. Police also raided a beauty parlour last evening in west Mumbai and arrested five persons for allegedly indulging in Immoral Traffic Act, the sources said.
Indian democracy "long-standing": US report
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Washington, Feb 26 The US has said the democracy in India is "long-standing" but "flawed" with allegations of corruption influencing court decisions, violence in some elections and restrictions on religious and academic freedom. The US State Department, in its annual report released yesterday, said tension between Hindus on the one hand and Muslims and Christians on the other remained a challenge to India's secular formation. The leading party in the government coalition, the report noted, is the BJP, "a Hindu nationalist political party with links to Hindu extremist groups that were implicated in violent acts against Christians and Muslims." However, it added, "the BJP is an independent political party and the degree of RSS influence over its policy-making was not clear." Among India's shortcomings, the report listed violence in some of the elections; allegations that corruption influenced court decisions; police atrocities; atrocities by both government forces and militants, including foreign militants, in Kashmir and elsewhere and restrictions on religious and academic freedom. In 71 closely-typed pages, the report alleged that it was reported that members of the BJP, the RSS and other affiliated organisations "harassed and at times threatened the use of violence against Christians and Muslims."
IT, ITeS professionals estimated to touch 8.13 lakh in FY04
Thursday, February 26, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 26 The number of IT and ITeS professionals employed in India has grown from 2.84 lakh in 1999-2000 to an estimated 8.13 lakh in 2003-04 with most of the new recruits being fresh graduates, according to Nasscom. Of that, software exports sector is estimated to employ 2.6 lakh professionals while ITeS and BPO sector could hire 2.45 lakh and software, captive in user oganisations, may recruit 2.80 lakh in the 2003-04, Nasscom's Strategic Review 2004 report said. The domestic software sector could hire 28,000 professionals in 2003-04. The total number of people employed by the IT and ITeS sector in 2002-03 was 6.61 lakh. In the past two years, ITeS companies were the largest recruiters in the IT-ITeS sector. They recruited an estimated 74,500 people in 2003-04, while companies in the IT and software exports hired an estimated 55,000 people during the year, higher by 35,000 professionals taken in 2002-03.
Kerry proposes to force cos to give notice before outsourcing
Thursday, February 26, 2004
New York, Feb 26 Accusing the Bush administration of following policies which sent US job abroad and left American workers without work, Democratic Presidential hopeful John Kerry has once again promised to force companies to give three months' notice before sending their jobs abroad. Campaigning in Ohio State yesterday, Kerry said he would require the companies to tell the Labour Department and the workers where, when and why the jobs are moving abroad. Kerry along with his main Democratic opponent John Edwards had cosponsored a legislation in the Senate which would require companies to give 90 days warning before shipping the job abroad. Outsourcing has become a major campaign issue with the Democrats telling workers who have lost jobs that they would be tough on companies shipping jobs abroad. Kerry is wooing the Middle Class workers who, he argues, have suffered by the policies following by Bush that have benefited only the rich. He denies that he is protectionist, but says he would review all trade agreements and would not sign any free trade agreement without protection for American workers.
B'desh to try and reduce trade deficit with India
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Dhaka, Feb 26 Bangladesh would take "pragmatic measures" to reduce its mammoth trade deficit with India, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has said. Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) yesterday, Zia admitted that a huge trade gap existed between Bangladesh and India. She said her government would take "pragmatic measures" to reduce the gap as much as possible, but did not elaborate. In 2002-03, Bangladesh imported USD 1,353 million worth of goods from India and while its exports to that country were worth only USD 84 million, a deficit of USD 1,269 million. Earlier, Zia said Bangladesh was making preparations to hold the 13th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) here in January 2005. The summit would be "highly important" as the organisation completes two decades next year, she said. "This summit will draw up the decade's program aimed at a more dynamic SAARC."
Indian Air Force Jaguar crashes killing pilot
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Jaisalmer, Feb 26 A Jaguar fighter plane of Indian Air Force crashed today near Pokharan killing the pilot. Police said the plane, which had taken off from air station here this morning during a training exercise for next month's air show, crashed near the field firing range of Pokharan. Its pilot Ravi Khanna died in the accident, police added.
Aishwarya to appear before magistrate
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
In response to a summon issued by a local court, leading Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai and her family members would appear on February 27 before a magistrate in a cheating case filed by a real estate agent against them. Magistrate S Y Shishode had issued the summons on January 10 last month and it has been already served on the respondents by Bandra police station, Aishwarya's lawyer Ramesh Singh said. The magistrate directed the actress and her family to remain present in the court on February 27. The agent Krishna Kumar Shetty filed a private complaint in Bandra court alleging that during 1998 he had rendered services to help Aishwarya's family in buying a 3,000 square feet flat in Bandra. However, they did not pay him brokerage as agreed by them. According to Shetty, the flat in 'La Maid' building in suburban Bandra was jointly purchased by Aishwarya, her father Krishnaraj, mother Brindaraj and brother Aditya for Rs 1.75 crore and they had agreed to pay him brokerage of two per cent of the value of the flat, which worked out to Rs 3.75 lakh. Shetty said in the complaint that he had served a legal notice on them asking them to pay the brokerage charges. But they did not respond and he filed a complaint in the court charging the actress and her family with cheating and criminal breach of trust in respect of their agreement.
Raveena ties the knot with Anil Thadani
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Fulfilling her childhood dream of marrying like a princess, the "mast mast" girl of Bollywood Raveena Tandon tonight tied the nuptial knot with her boy friend Anil Thadani, a film distributor, in royal grandeur at a 17th century palace turned into a five-star hotel. The high profile wedding ceremony was held at Jag Mandir palace hotel in traditional Punjabi Khatri and Sindhi style with parents of both the bride and the groom performing the rituals. The Jag Mandir palace, located on an island in the famous Pichchola lake, where Mewar maharaja Karan Singh had held a reception for Mughal prince Khurram who later become emperor Shah Jahan more than 400 years ago. The palace was decorated like a set of a Bollywood film with an exquisite blend of tradition with modernity in marriage ceremonies. The barat procession of the groom, with caparisoned horses, camels and torch bearers, reached the wedding venue in style. Led by a local band, the procession started from the sunset terrace of Fateh Prakash hotel with many of the baratis dancing to the tunes of Bollywood's hit songs. After winding its way through a maze of narrow lanes of the city of lakes, reached the banshi ghat of Pichchola lake where the groom and baratis boarded flower-decked boats, owned by former Udaipur royals, to reach Jag Mandir Palace. As the groom reached Jag Mandir, fireworks greeted the guests. A tight security ring was thrown around the palace and journalists, cameramen and TV news channels crew were kept out of the venue of the marriage ceremony. Wearing diamond jewellery, Raveena, chairperson of Children's Film Society, wore the same wedding dress which her mother had 35 years back in her own marriage with film director Ravi Tandon. The lehnga her mother wore in her marriage was redone by Ravina's dress designers. More than 5,000 locals gathered at the other bank of the lake to have a glimpse of the marriage of tinsel world glitterati. Although they failed to have any glimpse of Raveena taking the saat phere (circling the holy fire seven times) with Anil Thadani, a divorcee, it did not dampen their curiosity and they watched the fireworks from across the lake. Among those came to bless the couple were Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ravi Shankar Prasad, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, general secretary of Samajwadi Party Amar Singh, cricketer Ravi Shastri and film actors Jackie Shroff and John Abraham.
Hrithik Roshan bags best actor award
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Hrithik Roshan bagged the best actor award for his performance in Koi Mil Gaya while Preity Zinta was honoured with the best actress award for her performance in Kal Ho Na Ho at the 49th Filmfare awards. Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan received special 'Filmfare Power Awards' for their "significant" contributions to the film industry. Koi Mil Gaya bagged awards in the categories of best film, best actor (Hrithik) and best director (Rakesh Roshan). Film Kal Ho Na Ho received as many as eight awards, including that of the best supporting actor for Saif Ali Khan, best supporting actress Jaya Bachchan, best music director Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, best lyricist Javed Akhtar and best playback singer for Sonu Nigam. Other awards Eminent filmmaker B R Chopra and character actresses Sulochana and Nirupa Roy received the lifetime achievement awards. Shreya Ghoshal was honoured with the best playback singer award for popular number Jadoo Hai Nasha Hai in Jism. The R D Burman music award was bagged by Vishal Shekhar for the famous number Tu Aashiqui Hai of Jhankaar Beats. The award for best debutante female was shared by Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra while best debut male award went to Shahid Kapoor for his role in Ishq Vishq. Film actor Sanjay Dutt received award for the best comic role in Munnabhai MBBS. The awards were presented at a glittering function which was attended among others by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Jeetendra, Karishma Kapoor, Rekha, Preity Zinta, Gulshan Grover, Jackie Shroff and Shekhar Suman.
Shahrukh inaugurates Paediatric centre
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan today inaugurated a 32-bed state-of-the-art Paediatric Centre at Nanavati hospital in Mumbai in memory of Saint Mother Teresa and his beloved mother Lateef Fatima. Speaking on the occasion, Shahrukh, who has donated Rs 50 lakh to set up the `Blessed Teresa Paediatric Centre, said, "It is a big honour for me as my mother's name is associated with Mother Teresa". "However, I wish that no child should ever fall sick and this centre should never be utilized," the actor said. Shahrukh recalled that the hospital had been very considerate to him whenever his family members and co-stars in the film industry got admitted for treatment. On Mother Teresa's last official visit to the hospital in 1991, the hospital promised her that when it was build it bear her name, Suresh Nanavati, chairman of the Nanavati Hospital said. The Blessed Teresa Paediatric centre will support the hospital's children's ward where disadvantaged children will be treated free of cost.
PM condoles Vijay Anand's death
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee condoled the death of film director-actor Vijay Anand saying he had brought a fresh approach to Hindi movies and never lost sight of finer aspects of film-making. "Vijay Anand brought a fresh approach to Hindi films. He was an entertainer who never lost sight of finer aspects of film making," Vajpayee said in a condolence message. He played an invaluable role in the growth of art and craft of cinema in India, Vajpayee said. Expressing grief over Vijay Anand's demise, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ravi Shankar Prasad said his contribution as a leader in unifying the film industry to fight video piracy was exemplary. Former Censor Board Chairman, Director-actor Vijay Anand, popularly known as 'Goldie', passed away early on Monday morning. The 71-year-old was brought to Leelavati Hospital on February 21 and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest. The filmmaker was put on life support system on Sunday. Distinguished filmmaker Vijay was the youngest of the four Anand siblings and took up to films like his elder brothers, Chetan and Dev Anand. He was a distinguished filmmaker and between 1957-1982, directed several movies that went on to become classics. His most famous hits include Nau do gyarah, Kala Bazaar, Tere Ghar ke Saamne, Guide, Teesri Manzil, Jewel Thief, Blackmail, Chupa Rustum and Ram Balram. Vijay also directed the box office hit, Teesri Manzil, outside his home banner, Navketan Productions. Apart from donning the director's hat, Goldie also faced the camera as an actor in Kora Kagaz, Agra Road, Kala Bazar, Haqueeqat, Tere Mere Sapne and Chor Chor. Guide remains amongst Vijay's most successful films, which he directed in 1965. The film starred his brother, Dev Anand and won several awards. Multiple roles Apart from his role as a filmmaker, Vijay played an active role in various capacities in the industry. He was chief of censor board a few years backa post he stepped down from after a run-in with the government. Goldie had also planned an ambitious project to launch a channel, Lamhas, which would produce quality television programmes. The actor-director was currently working on a film, Jana na dil se doorin memory of his late brother Chetanstarring Dev and Indrani Mukherjee. The film is slated to release next month.
Millions of workers strike for right to strike
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Tens of millions of workers went on strike on Tuesday in protest at a Supreme Court ban on strikes, shutting down government offices, schools and banks and hitting public transport. Extra police were on the streets of major cities, but the impact of the one-day action varied across the country -- hitting Calcutta and Bombay worst and barely affecting the capital, New Delhi. "The response has been unprecedented. I don't remember when such a large strike took place in the past," said trade union council secretary Dev Roy. "Our estimate is that between 40 to 50 million workers are on strike." Economists say the impact of the strike would be limited and ports and airports were largely unaffected, although some trains were cancelled. The national strike involves mainly government and financial sector employees. In the financial capital, Bombay, volumes were hit in the federal bond and the foreign exchange markets, with dealers from state banks, the dominant players, absent from their desks. "The government banks should be out of the market for most of the day," said a treasury official at a leading state bank. "Some traders may be in, but back offices will definitely not be functioning." Daily foreign exchange turnover is estimated at $4 billion -- almost 60 percent coming from state banks. "There are very little volumes so far and I expect even that to die down after a while," said a dealer with a foreign bank. Trading in the government bond market was also thin with traders estimating total volumes about a third of the daily average volume of 40-45 billion rupees. Hundreds of postal workers rallied outside Bombay's main post office and about 300 other workers held a separate protest. "Not a single letter will be delivered in Bombay today," said Mangesh Parab, an official with the main postal union. Groups of income tax workers also blocked cars and fellow clerks from entering office compounds. In Calcutta, capital of communist West Bengal state, streets were largely empty, some taken over by children playing cricket. Across the state, almost all shops, business and schools closed. "We know the strike will be totally successful in West Bengal as the right to strike by government employees is a fundamental right," said Sukomal Sen, secretary of the All India State Government Employees Federation, which has eight million members across India. Calcutta police said there were no cases of serious trouble. "As the branch manager, I must set an example and get to work and, therefore, I am walking," said Anjan Ghosh, who works for a financial services company and lives five kilometres from his office. "These politicians and trade union leaders should realise that... strikes send a negative image about a state and hurts development." Government workers often strike in India, the world's second-most populous country, crippling services and pinching tax revenues. But in August last year, the Supreme Court said government workers had no right to strike because it inconvenienced citizens and cost the state money.
Assam film industry making waves again
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
ASSAM'S FILM INDUSTRY IS MAKING WAVES AGAIN Guwahati: The film industry in Assam is slowly, but steadily emerging out of the shadows of Bollywood, making waves again after years of somnambulence. Cash registers at theaters are ringing again with people queuing up for the latest in local dialect flicks. Industry insiders attribute this resurgence to the introduction of state of the art production technology, a more professional cast and crew. "Our technicians, artists and everyone else involved in the film production have become professional in attitude. The workers are becoming more and more serious and production is time bound," says the noted Assamese film director, Munin Bora. Having first made its presence felt in 1935, the Assamese film industry has struggled to keep pace with Hindi cinema.
ISRO not affected due to fire
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Sriharikota (AP), Feb 24 Ruling out any sabotage behind yesterday's fire at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, ISRO today said its space programmes were not expected to suffer due to the mishap which caused an estimated damage of Rs seven million besides claiming six lives. As a high-power committee began investigations into the cause of the fire at the Solid Prollelant Booster Plant (SPROB), ISRO spokesman Ravindranath told a visiting correspondent that sabotage was not suspected. ISRO also said the mishap occurred when a crew of nine was engaged in a Cast-Cure facility when the propellant "inadvertently" caught fire and caused severe damage to the building and persons inside. The inquiry committee is headed by former director of the centre, R Aravamudan. At present, he is advisor to ISRO. The terms of reference of the inquiry include the events that led to the fire, extent of damage and corrective measures required for the future. The whole area has been cordoned off and inquiry procedures were on, the ISRO spokesman said. Those killed in the fire were engineer Ramakrishna Prasad, senior technicians Basheer Saheb, N Krishnaiah and Srinivasulu and helpers Pandit and Sanjiv. Three injured persons - senior engineers Y Krishna Prasad and S Narayanan and tradesman S K Sachin - have been admitted to Apollo Hospital, Chennai, with burn injuries.
BJP withdraws membership of D P Yadav
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 24 BJP today withdrew the membership of controversial Rajya Sabha member D P Yadav following a raging controversy over his alleged criminal antecedents. The decision was announced by Party President M Venkiah Naidu at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. He said the decision was taken in consultation with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. Yadav was admitted into the party only a few days ago in the presence of Naidu. At the press conference, Lakshman Singh, younger brother of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh and a member of the dissolved Lok Sabha, joined the party.
Cong accuses Heptullah
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 24 Dismissing senior party leader Najma Heptullah's charge that she was "humiliated" by Sonia Gandhi, Congress today said it had written her off for her "hobnobbing" with the Sangh Parivar two years ago but remained non-commital whether it would take disciplinary action against her. "As and when necesary, it (party) will take action but it is irrelevant.. why are you worried," party leader Kapil Sibal told reporters in reply to a volley of questions about the disciplinary action against her. Indicating that the party was aware of her "hobnobbing" with the BJP, Sibal said that "we don't consider her as part and parcel of the Congress party." Congress party wrote her off the day she received an award from the RSS Chief K S Sudarshan two years ago, he said, adding that she had told the party after the reprimand that that she was willing to return it. Was nominating Heptulla for 24 years to Rajya Sabha and helping her become Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson a humilation to her, Sibal asked, describing her as a "Siberian bird" moving to Chilka lake to quench her thirst. She wanted a commitment from the party for her fifth term in Rajya Sabha and nobody could be given such a guarantee. She began attacking the party leadership as she was not sure of her goal, he said. Earlier, party spokesman Anand Sharma had described Heptullah's attack on Gandhi as "unwarranted and unfortunate" stating that she was given "recognition, respect and high positions".
Strike paralyses operations in PSU banks, insurance cos
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 24 Services in public sector banking and insurance sector were seriously hampered today following the strike by left-affiliated trade unions demanding wage revision and protesting the Supreme Court order on right to strike by government servants. Normal life in West Bengal and Kerala was seriously affected due to the strike, even as BJP-affiliated BMS and Congress-supported INTUC kept out of the agitation. Most of the PSUs including those in power, petroleum, railways and airline functioned normally as the employees did not participate in the strike. Reserve Bank operations in Delhi and Mumbai were partially affected. The strike, which seeks Government intervention to negate the impact of the apex Court's observation on right to strike, is also in protest against the `anti-labour' policies and privatisation policies of the Centre. Major trade unions like CITU, AITUC, AICCTU, TUCC, UTUC and UTUC (LS), along with unions representing the employees in RBI, PSU banks, rural and cooperative banks and defence establishments were taking part in the agitation. Of the ten unions in the banking sector, six were taking part, while of the five unions in the insurance segment, three had joined the agitation. Co-ordinator of All India Coordination Committee of Unions in Finance Sector (AICCUFS), Shantha Raju claimed 15 lakh employees in the sector were participating. All India Defence Employees Federation claimed more than two lakh employees working in 39 ordnance factories, Defence Research and Development Organisation, MES, army, navy and airforce were taking part in the strike.
Outsourcing of jobs to India hit headlines in US
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Washington, Feb 24 Outsourcing continues to be a hot topic in the United States with politicians railing against it and the phenomenon grabbing media headlines even as economists say that the practice is of benefit to the US in the long run. The US media is replete with stories on the phenomenon, charting how American jobs are being affected, but how Indians, especially English-speaking professionals are benefitting and American companies are cutting costs. The Seattle Times wrote how 12-hour shifts and seven-day workweeks exhausted accountants at Rucci, Bardaro & Barrett. But most painful for employee Chris Barrett was the annual "Easter parade" layoffs of seasonal workers and interns after April 15. According to the paper, Barrett will send about 150 of his 600 clients' tax returns this year to India, where recent college graduates will prepare Americans' 1040 forms. Barrett won't hire or fire any extra employees, and the average turnaround time for completing returns was already shrinking. Speaking on the benefits of outsourcing, Barret said, "We're always looking for ways to reduce the pressure. It frees us up to provide financial and estate planning, which we didn't have time for when we were too busy filling out returns." The Accounting Web wrote on the trend towards outsourcing accounting work to India. It gives the example of launch of new American company- 'Accountants in India (AII)' which would enable US accounting firms to lower costs by hiring full-time accounting professionals in India.
India have the wherewithal to beat Pakistan : Srikkanth
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
R Eswar Chennai, Feb 24 Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth today said India have the wherewithal to beat Pakistan in the upcoming one-day and Test series as the cricketers are on a high after an impressive showing in Australia. "We are definitely the favourites to win both the series. We have the wherewithal to do so as both batsmen and bowlers are at a higher confidence level having proved themselves very well on the Australian tour," Srikkanth, who was the captain when India last played a full-fledged series in Pakistan in 1989, told here. Srikkanth believes that despite the hectic tour of Australia, India can continue in the same vein against Pakistan, who would be keen to emerge victorious at home. "If I was playing now, I would have definitely required rest to get mentally prepared for a tour like this to Pakistan. The Indians have just completed their VB Series finals. But they have the commitment and are responsible persons to keep themselves fit. "Definitely Pakistan is not a great team, especially after the retirements of Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram. But they have the capabilities to build up playing on home soil," he said. If Pakistan is known for its pace-strength, Srikkanth felt India also have quality fast bowlers to test the home team batting power. "I hope Zaheer and others would be fit for the Test series. Now we have enough fast bowling strength. Irfan Pathan is our newest talent rated to be a prodigy and Balaji has also proved his worth during the Australian tour."
6 killed in J-K; plan to attack Delhi airport foiled
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Six killed in J-K; plan to attack Delhi airport foiled Feb 21, 2004 08:19:00 PM .SRINAGAR DEL84 Srinagar, Feb 21 Six persons, including a self styled commander of harkat-ul jehad-e-islami were killed in separate militancy-related incidents in jammu and kashmir, where police arrested three lashkar-e-toiba terrorists who were planning to carry out a fidayeen attack at delhi's indira gandhi international airport. acting on a intelligence input about the presence of militants, security forces launched a search operation in kishtwar area of doda district and asked ultras to come out after zeroing in on a hideout, the spokesman said. militants opened fire on the troops, who retaliated, and in the ensuing gunbattle one top militant was killed while others managed to escape, he said. the slain militant, identified as gulam mohmmad of village pasarkut in doda, was a self styled-area commander of huji in kishtwar area. gulam, a pak-trained militant, was active for last five years and was instrumental in two massacres and several attacks on security forces. in a separate encounter in anantnag district, security forces shot dead three militants belinging to hizb-e-islami militant outfit at hassanpora area, the spokesman said. he said the militants were identified as waqas ahmad alias abu ali shera from pakistan and locals shafaqat hussain and saifullah. A pistol and three grenades were recovered from them. in jammu, director general of police gopal sharma told reporters that "we have foiled a plan of let to engineer a fidayeen attack at the indira gandhi international airport at new delhi by arresting three let ultras from poonch last night".
Reliance declines offer to pick up additional 5 pc stake in IPCL
Sunday, February 22, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 21 Reliance today declined Government's offer to pick up additional five per cent stake in IPCL, saying a wider distribution of shareholding would be in greater interest of the company. RIL now owns 46 per cent stake in IPCL alongwith management control and acquisition of additional five per cent equity in the ensuing public offer of the erstwile PSU would have raised its holding to crucial 51 per cent. "After evaluating the option, Reliance Petroinvestments Ltd has determined that a wider distribution of shareholding would be in greater interest of IPCL. It has therefore decided to forego its option of acquiring an additional five per cent equity offered to it," a Reliance statement said here. Government, this week, had offered Reliance the option to purchase upto five per cent of the equity share capital of IPCL (12.4 million share) at higher of Rs 195 per share or the final offer price, determined in the book building route. "The company had earlier acquired the IPCL equity stake at a price of Rs 231 per share, and the current offer from Government at an attractive price of Rs 195 per share represents a discount of 15 per cent to the initial acquisition or open offer price of Rs 231 per share," the statement by Reliance said. Commenting on the offer, IPCL Chairman Mukesh Ambani said "IPCL forms an important part of Reliance Groups overall strategy in petrochemical. The IPCL issue is a unique public offer and the first of its kind in the Indian capital market history where share are being offered through a book built mechanism in a listed company."
Indian cricket tour of Pakistan from March 10
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Kolkata, Feb 21 Indian cricket team will begin its Pakistan tour on March 10 and will play three Tests and five one-dayers. They will not play any Test in Karachi and Peshawar, Cricket Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya said here today. The tour will begin with the one-day series preceded by a warm-up match on March 11. The first one-day international will be played at Karachi on March 13 followed by the second at Rawalpindi on March 16. The next one-dayer will be at Peshawar on March 19 and Lahore will be the venue for the last two matches of the series on March 21 and 24. During the 40-day tour, the first Test will be played at Multan between March 28 to April one, the second at Lahore between April 5 to April 9 and the third at Rawalpindi from April 13 to April 17. The team will return on April 18. Announcing this Dalmiya said: "We could not accomodate Karachi and Peshawar in the Test series. But we hope in future these venues will considered for Test matches." Dalmiya said the Indian team will be selected on March three at Kolkata. The team will then assemble on March 8 at New Delhi where the Home Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry will brief the players on the "do's and don'ts" for the tour, Dalmiya said. Asked why the one-dayers preceded the Test series, he said there were two reasons for holding the limited-over series first. "The team has come from Australia after a one-day series so it would be easier for them to adjust. We understand the importance of the elections and drew up the itinerary so that there is minimum interference with the election process," Dalmiya said.
Indian tour of Pakistan could be delayed by 5-6 days: Dalmiya
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Kolkata, Feb 20 Indian cricket team's tour of Pakistan could be delayed by five to six days and the final itinerary will be announced tomorrow, Cricket Board president Jagmnohan Dalmiya said here today. "Possibly we may not be able to go to Pakistan on the dates talked about earlier. The tour could be delayed by five to six days. We have discussed over the itinerary but it is not yet finalised. We would be announcing about it tomorrow," Dalmiya told a press conference.
Pak baraat arrives
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Bundi (Rajasthan) A baraat from Karachi, delayed by more than two years because of the freeze in the Indo-Pak ties following the December 2001 terrorist strike on Parliament, finally arrived in the city last night. The band played the tune of the popular Hindi film song Badi door se aaye hain, pyar ka tohfa laaye hain as city girl Anjum Ara married Javed Iqbal of the Pakistani port city. Celebrations continued late into the night. Anjum and Iqbal were to wed on January 1, 2002, but the wedding was delayed as travel links between the two countries were snapped following the attack on Parliament. The couple will spend some time in the city, till Anjum gets a Pakistani visa. However, many of the groom’s close relatives could not attend the wedding as their travel documents could not be prepared in time for the wedding. UNI
Software for poll management
Saturday, February 21, 2004
A Bangalore-based software engineer has conceptualised a constituency management system for the aspiring candidates and other politicians. The system, when installed on candidates’ computers, will spoonfeed them of every minute detail about their constituencies. Shah Nizamuddin’s promised short cut to constituency homework has already attracted the attention of former Railway Minister and sitting Congress MP from Bangalore (North) C.K. Jaffer Sharief, Congress MLA from Mysore city Tanveer Seth and Rahman Khan, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Rahman Khan. Nizamuddin who heads a private infotech company, claims that his system is a more methodical replacement of the haphazard functioning of poll managers. The system will save aspiring candidates the trouble of relying on their poll managers. The politicians will have to pay anything between Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000 for the software, depending on the extent of field work.
7 militants killed in Kashmir
Saturday, February 21, 2004
SRINAGAR: Indian troops shot dead seven Muslim militants in Kashmir on Friday, police said. Friday’s shootout took place in Andrawali Dhok, in Poonch district, a police spokesman said. Seven militants were killed and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition was found, he said. Reuters
LS poll schedule to be announced soon: EC
Saturday, February 21, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 Indicating four-phase Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission today said the schedule would be announced "very soon" after taking into account factors like board examinations, festivals, weather conditions and the harvesting season. "Broadly it (polling) will be in four phases," EC spokesman A N Jha said while briefing reporters after a four-hour all party meeting the Commission had convened to elicit views of political leaders in the run up to the elections. About the poll schedule, he said at the "appropriate time" the Commission would make public "such a critical announcement". Asked whether Karnataka, where the Government has recommended dissolution of the Assembly on Monday, would have sumultaneous polls, Jha said the State Government had already informed its intention for the dissolution of the Assembly and "obviously there will be simultaneous polls. We have taken that also into account". Jha said that the EC would use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the Lok Sabha as well as the Assembly polls where they were going to be held simultaneously and would deploy 1.75 million EVMs for the purpose. The Commission, which has also held consultations with state Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police and Chief Electoral Officers as well as the Union Home Secretary Anil Baijal, would work out the requirement of security forces for ensuring free and fair polls.
Nothing immoral about taking impt decisions before polls: Govt
Saturday, February 21, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 The Union Cabinet today took several major decisions, including merger of 50 per cent of DA with basic pay of Central government staff, in all costing the exchequer over Rs 11,500 crore, but the government felt there was "nothing immoral" about taking these steps just ahead of elections. The decisions included merger of dearness allowance with basic pay which would cost the exchequer Rs 3200 crore till the end of 2004-05 and a Rs 6,000 crore programme to electrify one lakh villages. "As long as government is there, work on welfare of the people will continue. There is nothing immoral about it. Welfare work is moral work," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Cabinet. She was asked whether it was "morally correct" to take so many major decisions and announce a slew of welfare measures when the Lok Sabha has been dissolved and the general elections were on the cards. The decisions also included a social security net for 12 lakh anganwadi employees, opening up of 750 residential schools for girl child in educationally-backward blocks all over the country and a Rs 1865 crore scheme for complete polio eradication by the year-end and for obtaining a polio-free certificate for the country from the World Health Organisation by 2007. Asked whether today's was the last meeting of the Union Cabinet before the polls, Swaraj replied in the negative and said there was no restriction on holding cabinet meetings.
SC stays execution of Mohd Afzal
Saturday, February 21, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 The Supreme Court today stayed the execution of alleged Jaish-e-Mohd militant Mohd Afzal, given death penalty by the Delhi High Court in the Parliament attack case, and issued notice to the Delhi Government on his petition challenging the order of conviction. A Bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice H K Sema issued the notice on Afzal's petition and tagged it along with the petitions filed by Delhi Government and another condemned prisoner Shaukat Hussain Guru. The Court adjourned hearing on all the matters by four weeks. With this the execution of both the condemned prisoners in Parliament attack case are stayed till the disposal of the appeal. The Court had on January 19 stayed the execution of Shaukat Hussain Guru on his petition challenging his conviction. The Court on January 19 had issued notices to Delhi University lecturer S A R Geelani and Afsan Guru on a petition filed by Delhi Police challenging the High Court order acquitting them of all charges in the case. Police in its appeal said the High Court had erred in acquitting Geelani who was sentenced to death by the trial court for his role in the conspiracy by militants to storm the symbol of Indian democracy. The High Court on October 29 had acquitted two of the Parliament attack case convicts - Geelani and Afsan, wife of condemned prisoner Shaukat, by absolving them of all charges but confirmed the death sentence imposed by the lower court on alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed militants Afzal and Guru.
US hails India, Pak's "vision"
Friday, February 20, 2004
Washington, Feb 20 The US has applauded the "vision and determination" displayed by India and Pakistan during the first round of talks between the two countries when they chalked out a timetable for a composite dialogue. "... we welcome these efforts and applaud the vision and the determination of the Governments of India and Pakistan to seek a peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said yesterday. "We have been in close contact with leaders in Pakistan and India for quite some time. There was certainly a period there where tensions were on the up-rise, and now I think you are seeing that tensions are decreasing in the region. "And we saw the joint statement that was put out at the end of the initial talks between the Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan and India. And that lays out a schedule for bilateral discussions," he added.
3 killed as MIG-21 crashes in Gujarat
Friday, February 20, 2004
Jamnagar, Feb 20 A MIG-21 fighter plane crashed in a residential area killing three persons, including two children, and injuring nine others in Lakhabawal village of Gujarat, about 20 kms from here today. The pilot escaped unhurt but an 18-year-old boy was killed on the spot while two other children, including a girl, succumbed to injuries in Medical College Hospital here, Jamnagar District Collector T Natrajan told. The mishap took place at 9.42 AM and the fighter jet broke into five pieces after crashing on the roof of a house, causing a fire that engulfed seven surrounding houses, Natrajan said adding, the blaze has been put out completely. Most of the injuries were due to the debris falling on them, the collector said, adding all the nine injured had been rescued. This is the second crash of a MIG fighter-jet this month. A MIG-23 had crashed in Jaisalmer district, in Rajasthan, on February seven.
Political parties for one day poll in states
Friday, February 20, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 An all party meeting convened by Election Commission here today demanded that in the absence of adequate number of poll identity cards, the Commission should allow all those whose names figure in the electoral roll to exercise their franchise. After a marathon meeting presided over by the Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy, Janata Dal (United) Parliamentary Board Chairman Sharad Yadav told reporters that the parties expressed the view that except in Uttar Pradesh, all states should have a one-day poll. The parties also suggested that Election Commission should take into consideration issues like Board examinations, festival and harvesting season before finalising the poll schedule, Yadav said, adding that "it is EC's perogative to finalise the dates."
Feel-good only when all say so : Advani
Friday, February 20, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 19 Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said that various sections of the society in the country were talking about the "feel good" situation but it would be really like that when the farming community also said so. After a Ksian leader had told him that farmers were not only feeling good but great, Advani said he would believe that when all farmers shared this view. "Our government believes there is a good feeling in the country, But we feel, the feel-good will really be so when the farming community says so. Today, they are not saying so although various sections of the society are saying it," he said here. Advani was addressing a group of farmers from various places of Haryana who called on him to offer thanks for the Cabinet decision to waive Capital Gain and Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) for agriculturists on their land acquired. Noting that agriculturists were facing some problems, he assured that steps would be taken to address these. The Deputy Prime Minister said the various steps being taken by the government for the farmers' benefit was known to Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh who regrettably was out of station today.
Inflation rises to 5.9 pc
Friday, February 20, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 Beating the expectations of the Reserve Bank and Government, inflation rose by 0.11 per cent to 5.91 per cent for the week ended February seven mainly due to costlier food products, textiles and fuels used as inputs for manufacturing. The point-to-point Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose from 5.8 per cent in the previous week, notwithstanding the sharp fall in the prices of vegetables, and it was 5.35 per cent in the year-ago period. Though 'Avian Flu' had not entered the Indian shores, the WPI data captured the devastating impact of it on the poultry sector with prices falling drastically for chicken and eggs due to a fall in demand, while mutton became costlier. The WPI rose by 0.2 per cent to 179.2 points during the first week of this month basically due to rising prices of rice and manufactured products, while Primary Articles became cheaper. The index was 169.2 points in the previous year period. Government had to revise upwards the inflation to 5.8 per cent for the week ended December 13 against the provisional level of 5.57 per cent. The final WPI stood corrected at 176.8 points during the second week of December compared to the provisional figure of 176.4 points.
35 FDI proposals worth Rs 3.18 bn cleared
Friday, February 20, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 20 Government today cleared 35 Foreign Direct Investment proposals worth Rs 3.17 billion, including one by Nitrex Mauritius to aqcuire city-based Fragrant Flavour Chemicals manufacturing nitrocellulose. The Rs 480 million investment proposal by Singapore-based Britol Myers Squibb for setting up a wholly-owned arm in India was also given the go-ahead. This company will manufacture, market and sell pharmaceutical and health science products, an official statement said. Finance Minister Jaswant Singh cleared these proposals, which had been recommended by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board at its meeting on February 11. The approvals pertain to sectors like chemicals and petrochemicals, fertilisers, manufacture of engineering accessories, telecom, software development and information technology services.
Moscow welcomes Indo-Pak roadmap
Friday, February 20, 2004
Moscow, Feb 20 Russia has welcomed Indo-Pak roadmap to carry forward the composite dialogue and hopes that it would lead to full normalisation of relations between the two South Asian countries. "Moscow welcomes the outcome of Islamabad round of Indo-Pakistan talks, and hopes that they would create a base for the strengthening of mutual understanding and full normalisation of relations between the two leading nations of South Asia," a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, released late yesterday, said. The statement referred to the signing of Indo-Pak roadmap by the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries on February 18. "Strengthening of peace and stability in the Indian sub-continent, no doubt, would be a great contribution in improving the international situation in the region and the world as a whole," the statement said.
Nuclear not a bilateral issue: Sinha
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Hyderabad, Feb 18 Asserting that nuclear proliferation was not a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan but a matter of global concern, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha today said New Delhi was concerned at the "flourishing black market" of nuclear weapons technology. "Let me make it absolutely clear that is not an Indo-Pak bilateral issue. We do not wish to make it a bilateral issue. It is a matter of global concern," Sinha told reporters here. Asked whether there was any threat to India from black marketing of nuclear weapons in view of Pakistan's top nuclear scientist A Q Khan's involvement in the clandestine sale of nuclear know-how, he said: "There is no threat at this stage. But if it goes on, there is a danger that the same technology can be acquired by terrorist groups." Nuclear proliferation by "Pakistan or anybody else" was an international issue, he said. Stating that New Delhi has made its stand very clear on nuclear proliferation, Sinha said: "We are concerned over flourishing black market in nuclear weapons technology and its equipment which enabled various parties to take advantage of the black market." The entire international community, he said, was concerned over the danger of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists.
Vikhe Patil joins Congress
Thursday, February 19, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 18 Shiv Sena today received a jolt with its senior leader and former Union Minister Balasaheb Vikhe Patil leaving the party and joining the Congress. Vikhe Patil, who had been reportedly sulking for over a year since he was removed from Union Cabinet by the Shiv Sena leadership, today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi who welcomed him into the party fold. "I welcome you back to the party," he quoted Gandhi as having told him during his meeting with her. Patil is a former Conmgressman and had joined the Sena ahead of the 1998 Lok Sabha elections and had represented Kopergaon consittuency in Maharashtra as Sena nominee in 12th and 13th Lok Sabha.
Ash, Ajay star in Rituparno's Raincoat
Thursday, February 19, 2004
When the best of Bollywood and Tollywood get together, it spells magic. Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgan are in Kolkata to shoot for Raincoat, the first ever Hindi film by Bengal's star director Rituparno Ghosh. Chokher Bali, the latest in the director's string of successes that includes a few national awards, also stared Aishwarya. And after the huge canvas of Chokher Bali, Rituparno Ghosh is back at doing what he loves mostpainting a miniature about relationships that unerringly strike a chord. In the past, he has stuck to Bengali as his lingua franca, and Raincoat is his first experiment in Hindi. "If I don’t shift, I'll deny and deprive vast repertoire of acting talents that is there in the country. And also audiences," said Ghosh. On their first day on the sets, the stars chose not to speak about their roles. Still wary, perhaps, of the challenge that lies ahead. "It's a major challenge for Aishwarya because she has to play an everyday mundane housewife. To bring out the everydayness out of her is a major challenge," added Ghosh. Devgan, too, has been thrust into a role that has seldom been demanded of him. "He has also been stereotyped as an angry young man which he has done pretty well these days. But this is a pure love story where he's almost very soft spoken and mild mannered. I think he has an inherent gentle quality about him, which has been brought out," said the director. The film is scheduled to release in June.
Meenaxi
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Two distinct people. Two distinct identities. One common passion. Art! One a painter, the other a musician. Artistic in every sense of the word, M.F Hussain's Meenaxi brings forth sights and sounds that captivate the mind. And the music of this film is as unconventional as the film itself. A.R. Rehman caters to the subject of the film, not straying from its essence. The first song, "Yeh Rishta'' sung by Reena Bhardwaj, transcends us into the world of Meenaxi (played by Tabu). The story revolves around Meenaxi being the central character of a novel penned by Nawab (played by Raghuvir Yadav). The song is extremely melodious and soothing. The song gives a very rural feel and one is reminded of Mehendi Hai Rachne Wali from "Zubeidaa", but in no way are the two songs familiar. In the midst of the song, water is used as music which marks the unconventionality of A.R. Rehman's style. And we hum along the lines of Yeh Rishta Kya Kelhata Hai. The second song "Chinnamma Chilakkamma" has us swaying to the tunes before the song even starts. This song also has a very rural feel to it. Partly Tamil and partly Hindi, this song sung by Sukhwindra Singh, is extremely peppy and is novel, something that hasn't been heard before. The lyrics add to the mood of the song. And the musical magic continues with the song " Do Kadam" breaking the rhythm of the second song. This song sung by Sonu Nigam, is a more romantic, slow song. The voice takes over the instruments and we get hypnotized by Sonu Nigam singing "Do Kadam Aur Sahi". Extremely rhythmic, the next song "Dhuan Dhuan" is sung by the very versatile Asha Bhosle. There is a very sensual feel to this song; something one cannot help feeling when it is Asha Bhosle singing. Her pitch and the rhythm of this particular song takes it to its crescendo. The fifth song, "Rang Hai" compromises of different instruments. The song is rhythmic, and more folk like. The music of this song compliments Alka Yagnik and vice versa. A very sweet, and soft song, the song is as colourful as it's name suggests. The sixth song "Noor-Un-Ala-Noor" is written by M.F. Hussain. A Qawali number, it reminds us of the Qawali's of the 70's and 80's. In the voice of Murtuza Khana and Qadir Khan, we instantly start clapping our hands and move the Qawalli style. A very kotha style effect to it, pretty images of women in colorful garbs start dancing before our eyes. The song speaks for itself. It is one of the best-composed songs. The next song "Cyclist's Rhythm" is a rare combination of cycle bells and matkas being tapped in the background. Folk India is brought very vividly to the ears. Yet it satisfies the urbane sensibilities. Somewhere the drums play in the background and the drum and cycle used simultaneously has us lost in its rhythm. The final piece of music "Potter's Village" which is again a no-lyrical song like "Cyclist's Rhythm", is very distinct form it. One beat plays on and in between that beat is broken with instruments and music. Each song has its own identity. In no way is one similar to the other, except in the passion with which they all were created. To speak of A.R. Rehman and M.F. Hussain would be to speak nothing at all, because their work does the speaking. The lyrics have been composed by Rahat Indori, except for song number 2, penend by Sukhwindra Singh and song no 6, penned by the artist himself. This music is a must in your collection.
Fire on sets of Black
Thursday, February 19, 2004
MUMBAI: A fire broke out at Mumbai's Film City on Wednesday morning on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bansali's much talked about film Black . Bhansali’s films: Trial by fire? However, no casualties were reported as there was no shooting on, fire brigade officials said. Four fire engines and jumbo tankers along with ambulances were rushed to the site on set number 16 where Black is being shot. Ironically, Bansali's hit film Devdas was dogged by disaster with a fire on the sets in December 2000 killing one person and seriously injuring another. In another incident in August 2001, a light-man fell head on and died on the sets of Devdas .
Fire on sets of Black
Thursday, February 19, 2004
MUMBAI: A fire broke out at Mumbai's Film City on Wednesday morning on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bansali's much talked about film Black . Bhansali’s films: Trial by fire? However, no casualties were reported as there was no shooting on, fire brigade officials said. Four fire engines and jumbo tankers along with ambulances were rushed to the site on set number 16 where Black is being shot. Ironically, Bansali's hit film Devdas was dogged by disaster with a fire on the sets in December 2000 killing one person and seriously injuring another. In another incident in August 2001, a light-man fell head on and died on the sets of Devdas .
Danav enters Cannes Film Festival
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Danav enters Cannes Film Festival Wednesday, February 18, 2004: (Mumbai): This year theatre-film actor Makrand Deshpande's Danav is the only official entry to the Cannes film festival. Danav, a film is based on the good and evil aspects of life does not have a huge starcast, but has managed to get international acclaim. The Cannes members are also looking forward to view Makrand's next film Hanan, which stars Manoj Bajpai, Sonali Kulkarni and Seema Biswas. Mrinal Sen's film was the first Indian film to enter Cannes, and after that the last entry in 1995 was the crossover film East is East. Danavhas once again revived hopes for the Indian film industry.
Shiv Sena leader Vikhe Patil meets Sonia Gandhi
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 18 Former Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Vikhe Patil today meet AICC President Sonia Gandhi amid speculation that he was going to join the Congress party. Vikhe Patil, who is a former Congress man, had been sulking for the last one year since his removal from the Union Cabinet as Heavy Industries Minister on the directive of Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray.
Advani says he can't understand "India Shining" critics
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 18 Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today took a dig at the critics of "India Shining" campaign, saying he failed to understand the reason for their ire and asserted that the country would soon acquire super power status. "I would have understood if we had said BJP Shining and they criticised it. But the other, I cannot understand and it pains me," he said at a function marking Maharishi Dayanand's enlightenment on Mahashivratri day. Referring to the 1971 war, which saw creation of Bangladesh, Advani said if there was any one person who complimented the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for India's triumph, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the greatest achievement of the present government was the self confidence it has created in every Indian. Citizens are now confident that India is on the road to achieve super power status and to lead the world like it once used to, Advani said. The Deputy Prime Minister said the country had made "extraordinary" progress in the last five years and said there was increasing acceptance of this all over the world. Many non-resident Indian's who had participated in the recent Pravasi Bharti Diwas had communicated to him that there was new found respect for India and Indians around the world.
Eleven Progressive Janata Dal MLAs join Congress
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 18 In a major boost to Congress in Karnataka ahead of the elections, eleven sitting MLAs of the All India Progressive Janata Dal floated by late Ram Krishna Hegde today joined the Congress saying they would strengthen secular forces to fight communal parties. Welcoming them into the party fold in the presence of state PCC chief Janardhan Poojary, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna told reporters that though the party was "quite capable of taking on communal forces" in the state, the joining of these leaders would furthern strengthen secular forces. All the eleven MLA including Chouda Reddy, Umesh Katti, Hampana Gouda Badarli and A B Patil, who joined the party were present at the AICC headquarters here where Krishna addressed a press conference.
India, Pak Foreign Secretaries meet in Islamabad
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Islamabad, Feb 18 Foreign Secretary Shashank today met his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Khokar here to finalise the agenda, structure and timeframe for commencing the composite dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security, terrorism and other issues. Joint Secretaries of the two countries yesterday reached a "broad understanding" on the timeframe and modalities for resumption of the composite dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. The basis for the talks is in line with the 1997 agreement between the two countries when they agreed on an eight-point agenda to be taken up at two levels. It was then agreed that Jammu and Kashmir and peace and security, including confidence building measures would be discussed by the Foreign Secretaries. The other six issues were to be taken up at the Secretary and other levels. These include Siachen at the level of Defence Secretaries, Tulbul Navigation Project (Secretaries, Water and Power), Sir Creek (Additional Secretary Defence/Surveyor General). Terrorism and drug trafficking will be discussed with the Home/Interior Secretaries, economic and commercial cooperation (Commerce Secretaries) and promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields (Secretaries, Culture).
Israel for "working out coalitions" with India, US
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Hertzliya (Israel), Feb 18 Emphasising the need for greater cooperation between India, Israel and the US, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has proposed the setting up of a "trilateral fund" to stimulate, promote and support industrial research and development for mutual benefit. The three countries need to "work out coalitions" and to formulate plans to "build upon the advantages in the hi-tech sector", he said at a trilateral conference to strengthen the 'strategic triad' yesterday. The US and Israel already have a binational fund, commonly referred to as BIRD Foundation, and Israel had earlier suggested setting up a similar fund to boost Indo-Israeli cooperation during the visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley to Israel last month. Describing New Delhi as a "formidable power" and its relations with Israel "as one of the greatest assets", Olmert said "India was high on Israel's priority" and is an "emerging skilled manpower centre dominating the high-tech". With Israel and the US sharing similar expertise, "a constructive cooperation between the three countries would work in the interest of each one of us", he said at the conference jointly organised by Washington based think tank Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA)and The International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism. "Being on the common side of terror will help realise this goal", Olmert said, adding, "India has a better understanding of the situation in which we live".
Sonia gives, after a nudge
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Banapur (Khurda), Feb. 16: In the heat of campaigning, a little reminder is always welcome. More so if you have just been to a temple but forgot to lighten your purse. Sonia Gandhi, who visited the impoverished Harijan hamlet of Banapur in Orissa, was walking back after praying at the Raghunath temple when someone ran up and whispered something in her ear. The Congress chief immediately turned back, took out two fifty-rupee notes and made her offering. Earlier, she threw caution to the winds as she stepped off her bulletproof Tata Safari, walked past her security guards and headed straight to the hamlet past a paddy field. She then stopped to talk to Yashoda Majhi, an aged woman. Sonia, who kicked off her jan sampark abhiyan campaign in Orissa, mingled with the villagers and readily accepted roses from them.
Directors want me to shed clothes: Priyanka Chopra
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
On the sets of Kismat , in the blistering afternoon heat, we are scheduled to meet actors Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol and director Guddu Dhanoa. After an hour and a half or so of waiting, we are informed that Priyanka has arrived. The two gentlemen are still on their way. In the meanwhile, Time Magnetics, the producers of the film, give us a sneak preview of the film's songs. As we see Priyanka Chopra dancing feverishly in costumes that range from skimpy to skimpiest in the promos for the umpteenth time, it's our turn to talk to her. Contrary to our expectations, she's dressed from head to toe in a white salwar kameez ! "I play a pop singer Sapna in Kismat . It's an Alisha Chinai-Sunidhi Chauhan kind of character," she explains. Now that explains those energetic numbers and her shiny costumes. What do they say about getting into the skin of the character? Talking more about Sapna and Kismat , she says, "she's a girl who's gone through a lot in her life. You may see her dancing and enjoying on stage but in real life, she's a completely different person. It's a love story of course and Tony (Bobby Deol) is in some ways responsible for the problems in her life. Strangely enough, he's both the cause and solution to her problems. That's all I can say about the film as anything more would be revealing the whole story." She's worked with Sunny Deol in The Hero and now with younger brother Bobby. "How did I find working with them? Well, Sunny is more reserved while Bobby is fun, but they make their co-stars very comfortable."
Tatas to invest $3mn in TCS in China
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Beijing, Feb 16 Corporate giant Tatas have plans to step up investment in the software sector in China to five million dollar from two million dollar now and have expressed interest in setting up joint ventures in various sectors like steel, auto and hospitality. Investment in the IT sector would be made through Tata group's flagship company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has a state-of-the-art software development centre in Hangzhou city, Ratan Tata, of Rs 40,000 crore group, told in an interview. In the booming steel and automobile sector, he announced,the company was exploring the possibility of setting up joint ventures in China. Tata Steel, India's largest private steel manufacturer, might set up a venture enabling intermediary steel products to be shipped from India to China where they could be converted into finished products. The company had already held initial talks with several Chinese steel firms, including the Shanghai-based Baosteel, Tata said. "We consider China to be a very important destination and partner in our plans to internationalise our operations," said Tata, who was here recently on a business trip. In the hospitality sector, Tata said, his company would like to have its presence in China with a hotel. The company sources disclosed that the group was looking at some properties in Shanghai, which is China's largest city as well as the commercial hub. More skb VSC nto finished products, he said.
Sonia wishes success to Maneka, Varun
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Berhampur (Orissa): Reacting to former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and her son Varun Gandhi joining BJP, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said everyone has the right to join any political party and wished them success. Everyone has the right to join any party in a democracy, she said while asked by reporters to comment on the development. I Discuss: Varun can make a difference I "I wish them success," she said.
Major R-Day terror plot foiled, reveals Advani
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at the Delhi Police Raising Day Celebration in New Delhi on Monday. Photo:S Subramanium. New Delhi, Feb. 16. : Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said terrorists had planned a major strike in Delhi on this year's Republic Day but the design was foiled just two days prior to the celebrations. Talking about dangers posed by terrorism at Delhi Police's 56th Raising Day celebration here, he said he was aware of the massive security arrangements made for national celebrations. "I know this year a major conspiracy had been hatched by terrorists to strike in the capital on Republic Day. The plan was foiled just two days before the Republic Day when Delhi Police arrested three terrorists," he said apparently referring to nabbing of three Lashkar-e-Toiba activists along with a large quantity of arms and explosives. He said if the plan had not been foiled in time "I don't know what would have happened." Appreciating Delhi Police for the successful work, the Deputy Prime Minister said terrorists try to carry out an attack in the capital as it would give them worldwide publicity. "Even if there is a blast on Republic Day anywhere in Delhi, it is a big achievement for terrorists as the wide publicity they may get would act as the biggest moral booster for terrorists," Advani said. Police nabbed three LeT terrorists from a house in East Delhi just before Republic Day and seized three kgs of RDX, four rocket-propelled grenades, two electronic detonators and four ABCD timers.
Nine cricketers held for dancing nude in the rain
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Harare: Zimbabwean police arrested nine white Zimbabwean and Botswanan cricketers at the weekend for dancing nude in the rain in the middle of the cricket grounds in the northwestern town of Hwange, police said Monday. Inspector Andrew Phiri said the nine were arrested for crimen injuria (offensive behaviour) for indecently exposing themselves during traditional annual anniversary celebrations of the formation of the Wankie Cricket Club. The club was set up five years ago on Valentine's Day. The cricketers allegedly took off their clothes after a stoppage due to rain then rushed to the ground and danced in full view of all cricket fans. "Nine cricketers were arrested. They are being charged with crimen injuria. I think they will appear in court tomorrow (Tuesday)," Phiri told AFP. "They were playing cricket, following the normal cricket rules and when it started raining all the officials and players left the ground. "All of sudden these nine undressed, rushed back to the centre of the ground and started dancing around naked ... nude, nude. "They showed their private parts to all the people in the ground ... and to some it was offensive," said Phiri, adding that it was not yet clear why the men had danced naked. He said some spectators took photographs, police were informed and followed up with arrests.
Sonia wishes success to Maneka, Varun
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Berhampur (Orissa): Reacting to former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and her son Varun Gandhi joining BJP, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said everyone has the right to join any political party and wished them success. Everyone has the right to join any party in a democracy, she said while asked by reporters to comment on the development. I Discuss: Varun can make a difference I "I wish them success," she said.
Sachin meets teens battling killer disease
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Hyderabad: It was a dream-come-true for the two teenagers, suffering from life-threatening illnesses, when they met their hero Sachin Tendulkar, who spent some time with them pepping up their spirits. Thanks to the initiative taken by an NGO 'Make-a-Wish Foundation of India,' Sagar and Ravi, the two teenagers suffering from genetic disorders, had their wish realised when they were taken to Taj Krishna hotel in Hyderabad for a memorable meeting with the batting sensation. Tendulkar, who is in the city to attend the wedding reception of his team-mate V V S Laxman, spent about 30 minutes with the two boys, bringing broad smiles on their faces. "The volunteers of the Hyderabad division of the 'Make-a-Wish Foundation of India' helped to make the wishes of these two teenagers a reality. Sachin spent quality time with them, turning those moments into most memorable ones, thus making a deep difference in their young lives," a release from the Foundation said.
India, Pakistan exchange proposals on first day of talks
Monday, February 16, 2004
Islamabad, Feb 16 India and Pakistan exchanged "some proposals" on the first day of their official-level talks here today to discuss modalities and time-frame for resumption of bilateral composite dialogue to settle outstanding issues, including Kashmir. "Some proposals were exchanged. The talks will continue tomorrow", Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan told reporters adding the parleys were held in a "cordial atmosphere and constructive manner". "Both sides expressed satisfaction after the first day's talks", he said. The Indian delegation at the talks is being led by Joint Secretary in External Affairs Ministry, Arun Kumar Singh, while Jalil Abbas Jilani, Director in Foreign Office is heading the Pakistani delegation. Foreign secretary Shashank will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Khokhar on Februray 18.
India voices concern to US over outsourcing ban
Monday, February 16, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 16 India today voiced concern to the US over the ban on outsourcing services from the country and said it would be difficult to open up the domestic agricultural market. "It is strange that on the one hand, people are talking about opening of market, and on the other hand, banning Business Process Outsourcing. Our agriculture is fragile as it is not subsidised like in the US," Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after an hour-long meeting with US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick here. He said both sides exchanged views over the stalemate after the failure of WTO talks at Cancun. "We also talked about areas like services and manufacturing," Jaitley said.
India on threshold of becoming developed nation: Lord Paul
Monday, February 16, 2004
Charkhi-Dadri (Haryana), Feb 16 Leading NRI industrialist and British MP Lord Swraj Paul today said India was on the threshold of becoming a developed nation but needed to move "more quickly" on privatisation path and attract more private and foreign investment in infrastructure and energy programmes. The Punjab-born Chairman of 500 million-pound Caparo Group said productivity in India was hindered by government ownership and noted that the country still faced the challenges of providing safe drinking water, elementary health facilities and literacy for all. "India should move more quickly on the path of privatisation," he said at the convocation of Apeejay College here. Terming as worrying India's debt and fiscal parameters which "need to be addressed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)", he stressed the need to attract more private and foreign investment in infrastructure and energy programmes. India has demonstrated many strengths including democratic governance and economic and technological strides at home and contributions in various forms at international level, he said. Listing India's strengths, Lord Paul said democratic governance here has continued uninterrupted since 1947 and the economy is being propelled forward by the service sector. Agriculture and manufacturing have been overtaken by the knowledge-based industries which now account for 50 per cent of the country's GDP, he said.
India rules out third party mediation in issues with Pak
Monday, February 16, 2004
New Delhi, Feb 16 India today voiced "optimism" over the outcome of the three-day official level talks with Pakistan and ruled out any mediation by the European Union or any third party in "bilateral" issues between the two countries. "I am quite optimistic over the outcome of this round of talks (from today in Islamabad). These are preliminary round of discussions on issues relating to the agenda, the level of talks and the time-frame in which the talks will be held," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters after the India-EU Troika Ministerial meeting here. Observing that New Delhi was "grateful" to the EU for the offer to play a role in resolving Indo-Pak issues, he said it has been made clear that "as far as the role of EU or any third party is concerned, these are best resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan".
Bollywood songs fail to enthrall companies
Monday, February 16, 2004
The music scenario in Bollywood today is none too optimistic with producers finding it difficult to sell audio rights of their movies as major music companies have taken a back seat and are reluctant to dole out big money. "Melody seems to have gone out of the constitution of the film industry as it has given way to electronic noise and music has become substandard," industry sources say. The reason for popularity of film music waning in the music bazaar is primarily due to its quality and emergence of private albums, that are increasingly finding sponsors, sources say. The situation is so grim that audio rights are bargained at the eleventh hour before release of a film. "Such is the crisis that even traditional big film makers are finding it difficult to sell their music," they say. A case in point is that of a film ready for release where music rights could be sold recently for a pittance considering the enormity of the move. Two decades back there was a boom in the music industry that led to mushrooming of new audio companies, who were willing to cough up anything from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs one crore for music rights of big movies. Earlier HMV had held a monopoly but soon Polydar made its way into the music market, initially with English tracks and later brought audio rights of Hindi films. Looking at the potential of the emerging Ghazal genre of music, Polydar changed hands and Music India was born. They made an overkill with their genre and the subsequent over-exposure gradually began taking its toll on the general business of music. Around this time Gulshan Kumar was eyeing the music market. He founded the 'Super Cassettes' industry in Delhi with the brand name of T-series. He brought out cover versions of songs of other companies and gradually his company became 'bete noire' of HMV. Later Venus, Tips and six other companies went on a buying spree. The downslide came about after satellite channels came on the scene and film publicists found a convenient way to promote film songs through promos on various channels. "Such was the craze for TV promos of a film sound track that it paved the path for private albums, a heady mixture of old its with electronic interludes," music industry sources say. The overdose of action oriented films that had no scope for music has also led to demand for music cassettes and CD's declining sharply. "There was a time when a film's Mahurat was performed with the recording of a song, so that the audio rights could bring in the initial investment," they say. Today the producers have been forced to open their own music companies to promote their film's music. The sorry state of the music industry is also due to the fact that some leading music companies have turned to full-fledged film production. "The trend of films now is none too bright for audio copyright trading," the sources add.
Tum
Monday, February 16, 2004
"Tum - A Dangerous Obsession" as the name suggests is an erotic thriller. Anything on the lines of Jism? Not exactly. This Venus Records and Tapes production is written directed by Aruna Raje (Rihaee, Bhairavi) and stars Manisha Koirala, Karan Nath (Sssshhh, LOC), Netanya Singh (Fun2ssh), Rajat Kapoor (Monsoon Wedding, Dil Chahta Hai) and Aman Verma (Baghban). Character Sketch Manisha Koirala as Kamini Gupta An attractive and desirable housewife, her quite happy and simple life gets transformed into one full of deceit and danger. All because of one betrayal! One mistake that continues to haunt her...until she does something drastic. Rajat Kapoor as Vinod Gupta CEO of a multinational company and very much a family man. Kamini is his ideal partner whom he can trust. But that's what he thinks... Karan Nath as Jatin Pandey A young successful photographer with a style of his own, he has the ability to convince people to do anything. He goes after what he wants and gets it - until he desires the forbidden. Does he become a victim of his obsession or pays for it with his life. Netanya Singh as Isha Malhotra A highly professional model and single minded in whatever she fancies. She fights tooth and nail for what is hers and hates to lose. Does she seek sweet revenge...? Aman Verma as Yusuf Malik A committed cop in charge of a murder investigation. His basic problem - too many clues! Does he succeed in unraveling the mystery? Storyline Kamini and Vinod have been married for 18 years. Vinod has been aware that he has not been devoting enough time for Kamini and to make it up he decides to take her up to Mauritius to celebrate their wedding anniversary. She is to leave from Mumbai and he from London, returning from their respective business trips. However Vinod does not turn up at Mauritius, living Kamini very disappointed. A young photographer Jatin is on the island and finding Kamini alone gives her company. Kamini spends most of her day with Jatin. On the eve of her anniversary, they drink, dine and dance together. Kamini gets drunk and Jatin takes her to her room. In the morning when she wakes up she finds Jatin in her bed. The same evening, Vinod arrives and Kamini wants to reveal the truth to him but at the same time does not want to upset him. They return to Mumbai. But Jatin follows Kamini to her house and becomes friendly with her complete family. Kamini turns into an obsession for him. What happens next?
Rudraksh
Monday, February 16, 2004
It not only requires fertile imagination to pen a script that merges the past with the future, but to attain the desired results, you need courageous producers to fund the grandiose project. No two opinions on the fact that producers Nitin Manmohan and Sohail Maklai have spent a packet to create a visual feast. The special effects, at places, are of international standards and for the Indian audiences, it is a novel experience without doubt. Mani Shankar, who's credited with the story, screenplay, dialogues, editing, SFX and direction, scores marks on the SFX front. He is a competent technician, but... an ineffective storyteller. If RUDRAKSH is an extremely difficult film to make, it is much more difficult to comprehend and understand the flick. An apt case of body beautiful, minus soul! Healing powers that science cannot explain and voodoo practices that defy all logic are just some of the instances of paranormal activity that Dr. Gayatri [Bipasha Basu] is busy investigating. Her experiments bring her with her team of fellow scientists from America to India where they encounter the gifted Varun [Sanjay Dutt]. Varun has inexplicable paranormal powers, yet is highly disciplined and evolved. His unusual ability of taking away pain and affliction from his subjects fascinates Gayatri and he becomes a willing subject of her cause. Gayatri's unusual experiments suddenly hurtle Varun towards guessing the existence of a dark power that is hidden and evil. What is the force all about? And why does it wage a battle against Varun? And how is it linked to Ravan's Rudraksh? Hidden away, vanished in the hoary mists of time is the most unusual Rudraksh. Legend has it that it carried in its folds seed sounds that promised to mutate humans into new species. This was not a normal Rudraksh worn by ordinary people. In the language of science, it was a multi-dimensional hologram in the form of a seed. It beheld the power to mutate its bearer into a power beyond all reckoning. Though he first tries to evade the forces that beckon him, Varun is drawn deeper and deeper into a pact of peril. He is soon hurtled into a heady adventure and chase that takes him to the Himalayas and then into the mysterious ruins of the legendary King Ravan's palaces in Lanka. Varun digs deep to discover the secret of Rudraksh. And suddenly everything starts making sense... If you're under an impression that RUDRAKSH is a present-day interpretation of 'Ramayana', let's get it right at the very outset - it's not! In fact, director Mani Shankar seems heavily inspired by director Bryan Singer's much-acclaimed and immensely successful X-MEN [2000; starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart]. Nothing wrong with that! For, Mani Shankar has merged Indian |
