India News: February 2005

Cigarettes and tobacco products to cost more
Monday, February 28, 2005 | Editor

UNI

NEW DELHI: To mop-up additional funds for the national rural health mission, the Finance Minister on Monday in his proposals for the General Budget, proposed to increase the specific rate on cigarettes by about 10 per cent and impose a surcharge of 10 per cent and ad valorem duties on other tobacco products including gutka, chewing tobacco, snuff and pan masala.

However, bidis will not be subject to this levy.

The main aim of the levy is to reduce the consumption of health hazardous products by the people and for the betterment of their health standards.

The Bihar saga: A state lost over a portfolio
Monday, February 28, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 28 : Sunday's drubbing of Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar could be blamed on one reckless act of the veteran politician - denying Ram Vilas Paswan the railway portfolio nine months ago.

It was the Bihar strongman's adamant refusal to part with the ministry that turned Paswan into Lalu Prasad's vehement foe, within a month after he teamed up with the RJD chief to sweep the parliamentary elections in Bihar.


Taking advantage of the Lalu-Paswan differences, who together had sidelined the Congress in last year's Lok Sabha battle, the Congress tried to kill two birds with one stone: humble Lalu Prasad in Bihar and take power in neighbouring Jharkhand.


Both efforts failed - miserably.


While Congress politicians admit privately now that it was a mistake to have rubbed Lalu Prasad the wrong way, there is no doubt it was the latter's refusal to part with the railway portfolio that forced Paswan to end his shortlived friendship with the Bihar strongman.


When the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was all set to take power in May 2004, Paswan's supporters began to assert vocally that their leader would be the new railway minister.

But Lalu Prasad, who initially lobbied for the home ministry, put his foot down and insisted that the portfolio should come to him.

It took days of persuasion by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister V.P. Singh to make Paswan agree to accept the Chemicals and Fertilisers and Steel portfolios.

"I almost made it to railway ministry," a sulking Paswan had said, claiming he had no grudge against anyone. But it was clear the die had been cast.

Overnight, the denial of the railway portfolio turned the two pals into terrible rivals. They stopped talking to each other and would not look at one another at the oath taking ceremony and cabinet meetings.

They began to take their rivalry to public, indulging in self-defeating spat, accusing each other of corruption.

An embarassed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, under attack for allowing two cabinet ministers to attack one another, pulled up both.

Paswan has since then left no stone unturned to ensure Lalu Prasad's fall in his domain.

He succeeded in allying with the Congress - despite the fact that he had only four MPs against RJD's 24 - to back his campaign against Lalu Prasad during the battle for power in the state.

UPA leaders believe that if only Lalu Prasad had parted with the railway portfolio in May, he and Paswan would have remained friends, and with some help from Sonia Gandhi could have swept the assembly polls.

--Indo-Asian News Service

Facelift for tourist spots near Delhi
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Jaipur, To boost tourism in areas adjoining Delhi, the central government has given the nod to a Rs.80 million ($1.8 million) national capital region (NCR) tourist circuit.

A sum of Rs.2.6 million ($60,000) has been provided by the centre to develop a working plan for tourism spots in Alwar and Bharatpur districts in Rajasthan, said a senior official of the state tourism department.


The official said under the project, cenotaphs and monuments in Viratnagar, Pandupol, Neelkanth, Ajabgarh, Bhangarh and Siliserh in Bharatpur as well as historical monuments in Deeg, Nagar and Bayana and the Company Bagh in Alwar were among the sites that would be developed.

The Rajasthan government also proposes to develop two new tourism circuits, along with the NCR, with a view to promote tourist activities throughout the year in the state.

As part of this initiative, Kota and Bundi will be developed under the Hadauti circuit and Ajmer, Pushkar, Shri Mahavirji and Nathdwara will be promoted under the religious pilgrimage circuit.

Rajasthan continues to be among the top tourist destinations in the world and has seen an unprecedented growth of more than 50 percent in domestic and foreign tourist influx.

The desert state saw a record 600,000 foreign tourists and 12.5 million domestic tourists during 2003. In the first six months of 2004, foreign tourist arrivals went up 63 per cent and domestic by 33 percent.

"In the first six months from January to July 2004, 5.4 million (54.70 lakh) domestic tourists and over 380,000 foreign tourists visited the state," the official said.

Indo-Asian News Service

Gaur criticises suspension of flights to Khajuraho
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 26 : Criticising the Centre for suspension of flights to Khajuraho where a dance festival is currently on, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur today said the airport there should in fact be accorded international status.

"I have a big complaint with the Union Government. The Khajuraho festival of dance has just begun. But tourists arriving there are facing problems as Indian Airlines has suspended its flights to the destination," Gaur told a conference here on the tourism potential of Madhya Pradesh.

The flights were suspended around two months back. The week-long Khajuraho Festival of Dances opened at the world heritage site yesterday.

"Think of the people coming in from places like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Think of the foreign tourists. Lack of air connectivity must be causing them a lot of trouble," the Chief Minister said said in his address to the one-day national conference on `Changing Face of Madhya Pradesh Tourism' organised by the CII.

He said his government has in fact demanded from the Centre that the airports at Bhopal and Khajuraho be upgraded and accorded international status.

Gaur also demanded that the Centre should spend more on publicising the heritage sites in the state, such as Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bheembetka. PTI

India's tourism industry seen expanding faster than sector globally
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Indian tourism industry revenues are set to rise by nearly nine percent annually over the next few years, outpacing global industry growth, organisers of a world tourism conference said.
Tourists at the Pushkar fair in Rajasthan
Tourists at the Pushkar fair in Rajasthan
AFP/File

The forecast came as the World Travel and Tourism Council announced its fifth annual conference would be held in the Indian capital April 8-10.

New Delhi beat the United States and China China to host the tourism conference, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, the president of the council, said in a speech.

India's growth is far higher than world growth, he said, making it a "logical" venue to host the summit.

World tourism industry growth "is tipped to grow at the rate of 4.5 percent per year over the next few years while India will grow at 8.8 percent," he said on Thursday.

Indian tourism officials hope the conference will give India a chance to showcase its tourism potential and boost the number of visitors to the country.

India badly lags behind its giant Asian neighbour China China in luring tourists.

" China China saw 50 million foreign tourists last year while we saw only three million," Lalit Suri, president of the India chapter of the organisation, said.

Hundreds of industry officials from around the world are expected to attend the three-day tourism conference that Baumgarten termed the "Olympics" of the global travel industry.

2005 begins on promising note for tourism
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Despite the tsunami devastation in some coastal states, 2005 has begun on a promising note for India's tourism sector with 14.5 percent more tourist arrivals in January.

The country received 363,631 tourists in January and the sector earned Rs.25.28 billion ($555 million) in foreign exchange, according to statistics from the ministry of tourism Monday. Tourist arrivals in January 2003 were estimated at 274,215 and in the like month next year 317,510.

Tourist arrivals crossed the three million mark for the first time in 2004.

The export earnings in January 2005 amounted to an increase of 26.5 percent in rupee terms over the corresponding month of 2004 and 25.5 percent in dollar terms over the same period, the data revealed.

According to the ministry, export earnings were valued at $315.10 million in January 2003 and $442.98 million in the like month of 2004. In rupee terms, the earnings were estimated at Rs.14.05 billion and Rs.19.99 billion respectively.

--Indo-Asian News Service

Tourism, aviation fast gathering altitude
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

The tourism and civil aviation industries are expected to fare well in 2005.

While a total of 3.36 million foreign tourists travelled to India in the last calendar year, domestic air traffic grew by 24.7 per cent and international traffic saw a growth of 18 per cent during the same period.

The airports also underwent a massive modernisation and restructuring programme.

Tourism has become the world’s largest export industry, generating huge employment opportunities, particularly in the remote and backward areas. It is estimated that tourism accounts for 13 per cent of the total world exports and 8.2 per cent of the global employment.

Both Mumbai and Delhi airports are undergoing a major restructuring programme. ABN-Amro Asia Corporate Finance and Air Plan Australia have been appointed as financial consultant and global technical adviser, respectively.

In addition, two new greenfield airports with private sector participation are proposed at Bangalore and Hyderabad. In these, private partners will hold a 74 per cent stake, while state governments and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will together hold the balance 26 per cent.

The state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have selected the private sector partners for the two southern airports.

On the other hand, the growth of the tourism industry has significant linkages with several other sectors like agriculture, horticulture, poultry, handicraft and construction.

According to the ministry of tourism, the industry registered a growth of 17.3 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals in 2003-04 compared with 1 per cent growth in 2002-03.

Tourism grows at 17.3 %: survey
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi: A resurgent tourism sector maintained its record of providing high employment by engaging two crore people and posted an impressive 17.3 per cent growth rate, according to Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday. |Economic Survey Fullcoverage|

Indicating stepped up tourist spending in the country, foreign exchange earnings rose by a whopping 30.2 per cent to USD 3,945 million as against 3,029 in 2002-03.

"Total direct employment in the tourism sector in India was about 20 million during 2003-04 while the indirect employment multiplier in tourism is fairly high and is estimated at 1.36," the Survey said.

The Survey said tourism made direct contribution to economy with significant linkages with agriculture, horticulture, poultry, handicrafts and construction.

The foreign exchange earnings from the sector during 2003 was Rs 16,429 crore with industry moving northwards at a rate of 17.3 per cent in terms of foreign tourist arrivals against a modest one per cent increase in the year-ago period.

Asserting the sector was important for economic development and employment generation, particularly in remote and backward areas, the Survey noted that it had become the world's largest export industry.

Quoting World Tourism Organization data, it said the Tourism accounted for 13 per cent of total world export and 8.2 per cent of global employment and about 694 million people travelled internationally in 2003 spending $ 514 billion.

Hillary charms New Delhi with wit and wisdom
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

IANS
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NEW DELHI: Visiting US Senator and former first lady Hillary Clinton disarmed Indian political leaders and industry captains here with her infectious candour and delightful views.

"All she did was drop a few honest words at a dinner hosted by (Agriculture Minister) Sharad Pawar and the gathering turned full of admiration for her," an official who was present at the dinner Friday said.

"I saw you on TV talking about promoting India...Your enthusiasm is infectious! I have a suggestion: why don't you ask every NRI visiting here to bring a friend along?" Clinton, clad in a red trouser and jacket ensemble and sporting a gold brooch, told a delighted Tourism Minister Renuka Chowdhury.

"Indians and Americans must engage more," she was quoted by the official as saying.

Hillary Clinton, wife of former US president Bill Clinton, Saturday evening addresses a leadership conclave organised by India Today magazine.

She earlier called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in what was described as "a nice meeting and both enjoyed it". The two leaders discussed issues ranging from healthcare, education, India-US ties and South Asia.

Clinton, being talked of in many circles as the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008, also met Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Medical Tourism: A growth engine for Forex earnings
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Joy Chakraborty

Medical tourism is a new concept where two important service industries are dovetailing to attract people who seek healthcare service located beyond the geographical territory of their country. Today discussions are going on to analyse whether Medical Tourism (MT) products of our Indian hospitals will be the right offer to the people of our neighboring countries. Questions have been raised to know whether we are in a comfortable position to take the responsibility to venture in this grey area. This is the time to retrospect and understand the entire mechanism and other key issues involved in the entire process.

What is Medical Tourism?

Tourism means when people move from one place to other for their recreation and pleasure. MT includes a component of medical and healthcare services along with its counterpart tourism services.

We need to clearly identify the customer profile of today’s MT products. Very often hospital includes the number of patients they have received within the geographical territory of their own country, but actually it may boost up the figure from promotional angle of the hospital rather than sticking into real meaning.

On the other hand, getting a foreigner patient in a high class corporate hospital for treatment alone does not fulfill the criteria of considering it MT.

In other words, a simple way to explain the concept of MT, would be to say that it is not a standalone effort of neither the healthcare nor the tourism industry, but is an integrated and collaborative approach from both the industries.

Medical Tourism - an emerging opportunity

Healthcare procedures across the world show a wide cost difference. It leads to a question of affordability even to the developed country like the US where significantly huge number of population is not covered under any insurance scheme. In some developed country, long waiting period for elective inpatient and outpatient care has created a situation where people do not hesitate to buy healthcare from other developing countries like India without compromising on quality.

Complimentary tourism packages make the entire offer more attractive to the people who are interested to travel for their healthcare. Globalisation of healthcare industry has started in many level. For instance, Indian software companies like TCS and Mastek has signed IT contract recently worth more than US $ 200 million.

Scope & Opportunities

Though the service sector has considerable contribution in India’s GDP, it is negligible on the export front with only around 25 per cent of total export. Value added services generally exceed 60 per cent of total output in the high income industrialised economy. In the global scenario, India’s share of services export is only 1.3 per cent (2003) i.e USD 20.7 billion which has gone up from 0.57 per cent (1990). Overall service export growth rate in India is 8 per cent (2002) against a global growth rate of 5 per cent.

It had a tremendous impact on India’s Forex reserve. Forex reserve rise to USD 118.628 on May, 2004 in comparison to USD 79.22 for the same period in 2003. Being a service sector member, medical and tourism services export can further rise India’s Forex Reserve along with a major contribution from software exports.

In India, international tourist rose 15.3 per cent between January and December, 2003. Though tourism and travel industry contribution is 2.5 per cent to our countries GDP (international ranking 124) but recent initiative from the government like liberalised open sky policy to increase flight capacity, lower and attractive fares, increase in hotel room capacity by nearly 80 per cent (from 2000) and better connectivity between major tourist destination (Express Highway project) has helped India to rank among the top five international holiday destination when independent traveler conducted a poll in 134 countries.

India is rated amongst the world’s top ten “must see destination” by Conde Naste Traveller, an international magazine with lot of reputation. Hopefully, today we are in a better position to sell our tourism services to the rest of the world.

Healthcare industry has shown considerable growth in last few years. Emergence of top notch corporate hospitals and continuous effort for improvement of quality of care has placed Indian private healthcare in a respectable position on the global map.

High ratio of foreign qualified medical practitioners and well-trained nursing and paramedical staff have developed confidence amongst the people who are seeking medical care from Indian Hospitals. If everything moves in the right direction, MT alone can contribute an additional revenue of Rs 5000 - Rs 10,000 crore for up market tertiary centre by 2012 (3-5 per cent of total delivery market).

Indian & International Experience

The global healthcare market is USD 3 trillion and size of the Indian healthcare industry is around 1,10,000 crores accounting for nearly 5.2 per cent of GDP. It is likely to reach 6.2- 8.5 per cent of the GDP by 2012. It is expected that medical tourism will account about 3-5 per cent of the total delivery market.

More than 1,50,000 medical tourists came to India in 2003. Around 70,000 people came from the Middle East for the medical treatment. Traditional system of medicine is able to attract a sizeable number of people from western countries (Kerala, for instance). Most of the medical tourists are Indian in origin. We need to attract more number of people of foreign origin.

International experience shows some of the countries like Thailand, Singapore, Jordan and Malaysia have done extremely well. There is technical committee formed by Jordan Government operating for the non-Jordanian Arab patients who visit Jordan for healthcare. This office regulates the healthcare institutions treating those patients and monitor the entire activity.

Making of an MT destination

Our healthcare industry has some inherent drawbacks. Lack of standardisation in medical care and cost, lack of regulatory mechanism, infrastructural bottlenecks and poor medical insurance coverage are a few to mention here. On the other hand, tourism and hospitality industies are facing some major challenges to develop the infrastructure and services. Industry and government collaboration in terms of some incentives and creation of soothing environment can further make this endeavor easy for both the service sector. The immediate need is the establishment of health and tourism players consortium to discuss about all these issues and maintain closer interaction and co-ordination to develop medical tourism - a growth engine for Forex earnings.

The writer is deputy administrator, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre,Chennai

Manipur eyes place in India's winter tourism map
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Manipur, it seems, is eying its place in India's tourism map.

To attract tourists, the state government recently organised a winter festival at which it brought forth Manipur's cultural richness. Out of the 29 tribes in the state, 17 not only showcased their rich repetoire of dance and music, but through their different styles reflected their united purpose of presenting to the world a new facet of Manipur - a Manipur where violence is an aberration and peace is way of life.

"People in Manipur did not have such an awareness before. The tourism department is not so developed here, but the government and the art and folk dance guild still organised the festival. I think this will certainly boost the tourism sector," said Imocha Heisnam.

"The prospects are good. Now, in terms of development, it (tourism festival) will bring prosperity," added Ibotombi Singh.

The state government is working hard to develop tourism, using its rich natural and anthropological beauty to attract tourists in droves. In 2001 around 100,000 people visited the state. The state government is trying to restore peace and remove some of the bureaucratic bottlenecks to attract many more tourists.

"We have got the protected area permit or PAP because of which foreign tourists can't visit. We have already discussed this issue with the governor and will also take it up with the Government of India. Secondly, the budget provision for the tourism department is very low, and we have requested the Government of India to help us to develop this sector of the state," says Manipur's Tourism Minister K.Govindas.

A little paradise on earth, Manipur is home to a host of rare flora and fauna, besides an exotic scenery.The state government has initiated plans to develop tourist complexes in Moreh,Thongam Mondum,Singda and a health resort near Imphal.By developing its tourism infrastructure, Manipur hopes to broaden its reach to the ASEAN nations. The prospects are bright as the state may soon be linked by highway to most countries in South East Asia. (ANI)

Indo-Pak series: DD jacks up ad rates
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi: The cricket clash between India and Pakistan last year not only attracted a huge viewership, but advertising rates too reached an all time high. National broadcaster Prasar Bharati, which bagged the domestic rights to the series beginning next month, is anticipating a similar audience and advertiser response this time also.

For the one-day international (ODI) matches, a 10-second spot on DD (Doordarshan) National and DD Sports will be available for Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh respectively. A similar spot for the test matches has been priced at Rs 50,000 on the terrestrial network and Rs 60,000 on the cable channel. Last year, 10-second slots on Ten Sports were sold for anything between Rs 2.75 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.

Media planners said that the differential pricing is because DD Sports reaches out to a more affluent target group and the penetration of the cable industry in the metros is very good.

However, some of them felt that the pricing has been high. "Last year, advertisers who bought spots for a large number of clients were able to negotiate good rates. Also, the deal was good after the Supreme Court directed Ten Sports to share the feed DD. This time an advertiser would have to pay Rs 5.5 lakh for a 10-second spot on DD National and DD Sports, which is higher than last year," said a Mumbai-based media planner.

Nevertheless, the interest among advertisers is not expected to diminish. "There is always interest in India-Pakistan cricket matches played in either of the two countries. Also, there are no other big events happening during the March-April period when the tour is on," said advertising industry officials.

Meanwhile, adding a new twist in the telecast rights controversy, sports broadcaster, ESPN Star Sports (ESS) on Friday asked Prasar Bharati to honour an earlier contract by offering it a one-hour highlights package of all the matches. It said that "legal option could be considered" if the national broadcaster refused its request.

ESS said that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati last year whereby if ESS bagged the rights to matches, it would have to share the live signals for the one-day internationals (ODIs) and provide a one-hour highlights package each day for the test matches. However, if the national broadcaster got the rights, it would have to provide one-hour highlight package for every cricketing day to ESS. R.C. Venkatesh, Managing Director, ESS has written to Prasar Bharati, asking it to honour the contract.

Prasar Bharati had refused to provide highlights to any other broadcaster. K.S. Sarma, CEO, Prasar Bharati said, "We are not planning to do so as the earlier agreement was for a four year contract. We have not got that and these matches are being shown after a Madras High Court order."

NDA to boycott Rail Budget
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

PTI
NEW DELHI: Stepping up its offensive against the UPA Government on the "tainted" ministers issue, the NDA on Friday decided to boycott the presentation of railway budget by Lalu Prasad Yadav in Lok Sabha on Saturday.

A meeting of the NDA leaders chaired by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and attended by among others by NDA convener George Fernandes also decided to move an adjournment motion on the dismissal of Manohar Parrikar government in Goa, BJP spokesman V K Malhotra told reporters here.

"We will continue to boycott all major statements by tainted Ministers and will not ask them questions till the time the issue (tainted Ministers) is not discussed and decided by Parliament as observed by the Supreme Court", Malhotra said.

He, however, said NDA members will take part in the discussions on the Budget.

Reacting to NDA's decision, railway minister Lalu Prasad said, " Let them do whatever they want. We'll do our work whether or not they are present in Parliament."

The NDA, however, decided to participate in the debate that will follow the presentation of the Railway Budget so that there is no problem in it being passed in House.

Ever since the UPA came to power, the Opposition has been consistently raising the issue of inclusion of "tainted" MPs in the Manmohan Singh ministry and this would be second time that NDA has decided to boycott the presentation of Railway Budget.

Malhotra, who was flanked by Fernandes, said the Opposition alliance had listened to Lalu Prasad's statement on the Punjab rail mishap as an "exception, as many people had died in it".

"The Supreme Court had left it on the Parliament to decide.

Till the time Parliament decides, we don't accept them as Ministers," he said adding the NDA also wanted to register its protest against the "illegal and immoral" constitution of the U C Banerjee Committee to probe the Godhra fire tragedy by the Railway Minister.

He said BJP and its allies would "vociferously demand that the Nanavati Commission report on the 1984 anti-Sikh riot be placed along with the Godhra report".

Besides leaders of the alliance like Ananth Geethe (Shiv Sena), Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav (JD-U), Braj Kishore Tripathy (BJD) and S S Dhindsa (SAD), the meeting was also attended by Yerran Naidu of the TDP "from the viewpoint of floor coordination", Malhotra said.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee could not attend the meeeting as she was not well, he said.

BJP President L K Advani and senior party leaders Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Yashwant Sinha were present at the meeting

Air India takes delivery of Boeing 737-800
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

Left to right: Robert J. Genise, President and CEO, Boullioun Aviation Services Inc.; Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice President (Sales), Boeing Aircraft Trading; Jitender Bhargava, Director (Public Relations), and Amod Sharma, Director (Corporate Affairs), Air-India, at the Boeing airport in Seattle after taking delivery of Boeing's next generation 737-800 commercial jetliner.

SEATTLE, FEB. 23. Air India today took delivery of the first of the three Boeing 737-800s for its subsidiary, AI Express, for operations to the Gulf.

At a function at the Boeing airfield here, the AI Director (corporate affairs), Amod Sharma, cut a ribbon to take delivery of the 181-seater all economy aircraft.

Beginning April end, AI Express will fly a total of 37 flights a week primarily to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Three each of these flights will operate from Mumbai and Delhi, 31 services will operate from Kerala.

The no-frills AI Express has taken 62 hostess from Kerala on contract, 30 aircraft maintenance engineers and 45 technicians for the launch of the low-cost airline from three destinations in Kerala to the Gulf in the first phase beginning April end. — PTI

Pak must end terror for better ties: Kalam
Saturday, February 26, 2005 | Editor

The President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, categorically said today that normalisation of relations with Pakistan “is critically dependent” on the neighbouring country “fulfilling its assurance of ending support to terrorist activities.”

Emphasising that “our relations with Pakistan are of utmost importance to create a neighbourhood of peace, stability and prosperity,” Dr Kalam told Parliament on the opening day of its Budget session today that a serious dialogue is on and several initiatives have been taken in furtherance of that.

Noting that the government’s foreign policy is based on the “centrality of national and economic interests, the President stressed on that important measures have been taken keeping in mind the “imperative of retaining our freedom of options and remaining alive to our concerns.”

He said primary attention had been accorded to relations with immediate neighbours and strengthening the SAARC grouping to create shared prosperity and peace. “We will reaffirm the importance we attach to realising the potential inherent in SAARC at its forthcoming Summit meeting.”

Dr Kalam said the India-Pakistan process was taken significantly forward recently. In this context he referred to the agreement for a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. It had also been agreed in principle to start bus services between Lahore and Amritsar, including religious places such as Nankana Sahib. Pakistan had agreed to early restoration of the Khokrapar-Munabao rail link.

India’s relationship with Nepal continues to receive high priority. The problems faced by Nepal today “can only be addressed by a constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy working together harmoniously on the basis of national consensus.”

New Delhi had expressed grave concern following the dissolution of the multi-party government, declaration of Emergency and arrest of political leaders by his Majesty, the King of Nepal, on February 1.

Even as President Karzai’s current visit to New Delhi will strengthen “our participation in Afghanistan’s reconstruction,” India values its close relationship with Bhutan and enjoys a special and warm relationship with Bangladesh.

While valuing relations with major economic partners, Dr Kalam drew specific attention to India-US relations being on a steady course drawing on enduring affinity between the two countries. India’s economic ties with the European Union and its 25-member states have expanded steadily and “we will add momentum to the strategic partnership.”

India values its time tested and strategic partnership with Russia strengthened by the recent visit of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation.

“My government has sought to accelerate our dialogue and engagement with China and we look forward to the visit of its Premier as an important bilateral landmark,” Dr Kalam observed.

The “Look East Policy” has substantially strengthened linkages with Japan, the member countries of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. The forthcoming visit of the Japanese Prime Minister is a significant event. India’s relations with ASEAN has assumed new dimensions. India’s effective presence at the Asean summit in November last year and the success of the first BIMSTEC summit in July 2004 helped forge closer links with the eastern neighbours.

On energy security, the President said the government would give full importance to synchronising diplomatic activity with the country’s energy requirement to fuel the developmental needs.

New Delhi’s established and traditional interests in West Asia, the Gulf and proximate regions, including the substantial presence there of Indians, shall continue to be reflected in our interactions.

“We remain committed to the efforts of the international community in finding a just and durable solution to the problems that have faced the Palestinian people so that they achieve a state of their own. At the same time, we attach high importance to our friendly relations with Israel which we hope to strengthen and diversify.”

Dr Kalam said the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference would be an important occasion to recall a historic initiative taken when decolonisation was starting to gather strength and which prefigured the values of the Non-Aligned Movement.

India will continue to pursue the comprehensive exercise to broaden the range of relations with countries in Africa and Latin America. “We will also reaffirm our commitment to the values of the Commonwealth at its Summit meeting in November this year.”

In this 60th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations Organisation, “we firmly believe that the problems that confront the world today are truly global and without borders calling for collective approaches. We will play an active and constructive role in all deliberations of global concern,” Dr Kalam added.

Further, New Delhi attaches importance to the reform of the United Nations for necessary renewal of the organisation and intends to forcefully articulate “our aspirations to permanent membership of the UN Security Council.”

India freezes military assistance to Nepal
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 | Editor

India has decided to freeze all military aid to Nepal to demonstrate its disapproval of the recent political developments in the country.

This action will affect the supply to the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) of arms and ammunition, helicopters, armoured vehicles, bullet proof-vests and helmets, besides military training to its soldiers.

India, one of the major providers of military assistance to Nepal, gives assistance at a 70 per cent subsidy. In the last five years, India's military assistance has been worth nearly Rs. 3 billion (nearly $70 million).

Fresh supplies are periodically sent as part of the ongoing cooperation. However, they have been stopped since Feb 1, when King Gyanendra dismissed the government of prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, assumed executive powers and declared a state of emergency with the suspension of fundamental rights.

New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal and reviewing and reassessing it almost on a daily basis, informed sources said. Military supplies may be resumed if the new regime heeds India and the international community's demand for the release of detained political leaders and members of civil society, restoration of civil and media rights and restoring multiparty democracy.

A bilateral meeting on security scheduled to have been held in Kathmandu this month has been put on hold as well as an upcoming visit by senior army officials from India to discuss Indian assistance for a training academy for the RNA.

Military training for RNA soldiers and officials in India and on Nepalese soil has also been put on hold as well as Indo-Nepal joint mountaineering expeditions.

However, Indian economic cooperation in humanitarian spheres will continue. India supports projects in the spheres of education, health, culture and infrastructure.

The decision will come as a blow for the RNA and the new government that had been hoping for continuation of Indian military aid on the ground that it was needed to fight the Maoist insurgency, that is also a threat to Indian security as well as entire South Asia.

Indian Ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, who returned here Sunday after consultations with his government, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is understood to have met senior Nepalese officials and conveyed his government's position to them.

The British ambassador to Nepal, Keith George Bloomfield, who had left for London last week for consultations with his government, too has returned to Kathmandu.

The envoys of India, the US and the UK are said to be in close consultation and the Indian decision is likely to affect the British and American decisions. In the wake of the royal takeover, the British government issued a statement saying it was reviewing development and security assistance to Nepal.

[Indo-Asian News Service]

Curfew in Lucknow's Thakurganj area after sectarian clashes
Monday, February 21, 2005 | Editor

Curfew was imposed this evening in Thakurganj police station area here following violent clashes between Sunnis and Shias during a Tazia procession that left three persons dead and several others injured.

The curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure, Principal Secretary (Home) Alok Sinha told reporters.

Earlier, the rival groups pelted stones at each other and torched several shops and vehicles. (ANI-with other wire inputs)

More than 40 dead in avalanches
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

By Izhar Wani in Srinagar, India
February 21, 2005
From: Agence France-Presse

AT least 41 people have been killed in Indian Kashmir after the heaviest snowfall in two decades brought life in the region to a near-halt.
Sixteen bodies were recovered from two villages hit by an avalanche near a mountain tunnel about 100km south of Srinagar, Kashmir's summer capital, an army spokesman said.

About 40 people were missing from the villages, and army teams with sniffer dogs were searching for survivors, Lieutenant-Colonel VK Batra said.

Earlier in the day, 11 bodies were recovered after an avalanche hit Loren village in southern Poonch district, police said.
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Twelve deaths were reported from similar snow-related accidents in Doda, Udhampur, Srinagar and Budgam district.

Two people were killed in a house collapse in Dras district.

The latest deaths take the overall toll from two weeks of heavy snow to 69, including 19 soldiers.

More bodies were believed to be trapped in the snow at Loren, police said, adding that army rescue teams had reached the scene.

Army personnel earlier rescued some 35 civilians when an avalanche hit them in Kishtwar district, police said.

"It's a state of emergency and the government is doing its best to cope with the situation," state minister Peer Zaada Mohammed Sayeed said.

Srinagar has been without power for three days.

Officials said it would take at least three days to restore even minimal power in the city, often plagued by blackouts.

"It's the heaviest snowfall in two decades," GK Mohanti, head of the state meteorological department, said.

Normal life in Srinagar came to a halt after several feet of snow blanketed the city, with shops and markets closed and people not venturing out.

Road links were cut, causing a shortage of essential supplies. Continuous snow in the region also halted air travel.

A police officer said more than 1500 people were stranded along a snowbound highway between Srinagar and the winter capital, Jammu, and motorists were being housed in emergency accommodation.

Indian troops posted to the region to fight Islamic rebels had been ordered to help in relief operations, said Lieutenant-General Hari Prasad, who heads the army's northern command.

"We have set up three medical camps on the (Jammu-Srinagar) highway where doctors will provide free check-ups and medicines to those down with weather-related problems," he said.

"Soldiers posted in the upper reaches and far-flung areas of Kashmir have been directed to restore road traffic and communication systems that stand totally paralysed."

The bleak weather conditions failed to disrupt an international ski competition at Gulmarg, 50km west of Srinagar.

Organisers, who were mulling cancellation of the two-day event, decided to continue when a team from Norway managed to reach the venue.

India's IT is booming but inadequacies abound
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

India's famed IT industry will continue to rake in billions of dollars by providing cheaper services to global firms, but creaky infrastructure and strain on talent availability may dull its competitive edge.

That was the mixed bag of news presented to industry leaders and investors from across the globe that had gathered here for the annual summit of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) that ended here Thursday.

Although India remains the world's leading destination for IT outsourcing, experts have begun to question the sustainability of growth given the labour cost surge and pressure on talent availability due to rapid growth in demand.

"While we are growing at a very healthy rate, we are still small in the world. We are not yet an IT superpower," said Kiran Karnik, president of Nasscom.

"We need massive investments to boost physical infrastructure for the IT industry," Karnik told IANS.

"IT hubs like Pune, which has six million people, doesn't have an international airport, people spent hours in traffic jams in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai, and a small stretch of road can't be built even in a year's time.

"Inadequacies like these does impact companies' bottom lines and act as roadblocks in the way of achieving higher growth rates on a sustainable basis in the industry."

The total value of IT and BPO (business process outsourcing) services sourced from India in 2004 is estimated at $17.2 billion - over a third higher than the value of services sourced from Canada, the next preferred destination.

The industry is expected to expand by 25-30 percent annually over the next few years.

India's leadership over other competing outsourcing destinations was driven by strong fundamentals comprising a large pool of qualified, English speaking manpower and an emphasis on delivering quality at a significant cost arbitrage.

"We see enormous growth potential here in the coming years and a golden opportunity for global players like Siemens to tap this outstanding talent," said Heinrich Pierer, chairman (supervisory board) of Siemens AG.

Global engineering and technology major Siemens has decided to invest $500 million on its Indian operations in the next few years to boost growth.

The global engineering and technology major would also add 1,000 more software professionals and scientists at its facility in Bangalore to take the total number of workers to 4,000 by the end of the year.

But as global corporations like Siemens, HSBC, American Express and British Airways ship more jobs to Asia's fourth-largest economy, the pressure on the already creaky infrastructure and qualified manpower base is increasing.

According to Nasscom, the total demand for IT services and software professionals in fiscal 2007-08 was likely to exceed 1.1 million, higher than the total supply.

The total number of IT and BPO professionals employed in India has grown from 284,000 in 1999-2000 to one million in 2004-05, growing by over 150,000 in last year.

"One of the concerns that we are taking back with us from this conference is how the industry and the government can engage in human capital development on a sustainable basis," said Jerry Rao, chief executive of Mphasis-BFL.

"We have to think out of the box to ensure that this pool of manpower gets continuously replenished. The issue of the projected shortfall is addressable if the industry and government drive a concerted effort," added Rao.

Infosys Technologies chief mentor N.R. Narayana Murthy feels the government as well as the companies need to focus on improving higher education and research and development activities to sustain the brand India advantage.

"The focus on higher education reaching global standards has not been the top agenda of the country and that is bound to tell upon our effort in the long term," warned Murthy.

[IANS]

Jonty feels Sachin hurried his comeback from injury
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi: Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes on Friday said Sachin Tendulkar may have hurried his comeback from an elbow injury owing to the immense pressure on him to return to action.

"Sachin was always under pressure to comeback and also a team without him is never the same," Rhodes said when asked whether Tendulkar rushed his comeback.

"And Sachin certainly is not a player who would want to sit back in the dressing room. He is not the one who would shirk responsibilities," he said.

"He has played in so many Tests and One-dayers and injuries were bound to come as he is a little guy using a heavy bat. Golfers and tennis players suffer from the same elbow injury," said Rhodes, who was in New Delhi as a brand ambassador for safari operator Conservation Corporation Africa.

Rhodes, one of the best fielders ever, also raved about the consistency levels of Tendulkar.

"He started at the age of 16 and I'm amazed how he has managed to maintain such high levels." Rhodes said it would just take one big knock for Tendulkar to touch the dizzy heights once again.

"It is difficult as a batsman to come back from a break but class is permanent and only form varies. So even if he struggles with his timing and footwork initially it would take just one big knock for him to regain his touch," he said.

PTI

UN begins AIDS project for paramilitary personnel
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

India's border guard and health authorities are implementing a UNDP-aided anti-AIDS project among thousands of paramilitary troopers.

A pilot project, the effort would be extended to cover more wings of the country's armed forces and even other countries of the region if successful.

The programme has been christened 'Project Prahari', which is expected to build a framework for sustained HIV/AIDS prevention and care among the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and their families.

The project aims to reduce the HIV/AIDS vulnerability of select cadres of the defence services with a focus on young recruits.

According to information posted on the website of UN's AIDS prevention wing called UNAIDS, the project aims to strengthen their capacity to expand outreach into the communities and families of recruits through integration of HIV/AIDS prevention and care into their existing goodwill programmes.

The programme, to run during 2004-06, is being executed by the UNDP, the West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society and the UNDP Regional HIV and Development Programme, India.

The UNAIDS is providing more than half of the total project cost of $272,600.

The primary beneficiaries of the project include about 23,000 troopers, specially the young recruits and their families.

Secondary beneficiaries include sex workers, anti-trafficking networks and non-government organisations.

The project was chosen for implementation among border guards because they live away from home for months and are "exposed to interactions with a variety of people".

[IANS]

Goa BJP legislators shifted to private farm house
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

Seventeen Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs from Goa, who were flown to Jaipur from Mumbai on Thursday night to keep the party's flock together ahead of a confidence vote in the state assembly, were shifted to a private farm house on Friday night.

The "guests from Goa", BJP sources said, have been shifted to a private farm house on the Jaipur-Ajmer road, about 20 km from Jaipur.

The newly-installed Congress-led government headed by Pratapsinh Rane will seek a confidence vote on February 24.

The tourist resort, where the MLAs were put up earlier, was crowded with journalists on Friday prompting BJP leadership to look for an alternate accommodation for its MLAs.

Snag forces pilot to abort takeoff
Sunday, February 20, 2005 | Editor

JAMMU, FEB. 19 . A snag in a Leh-bound Alliance Air flight, with 115 passengers on board, forced the pilot to abort takeoff at the airport here today.

As the Boeing 737 CD-7425 was on the runway at around 11.15 a.m., Captain P. Mishra heard some noise and felt some vibration in engine number two, and aborted takeoff, an IA official said.

Mishra taxied the aircraft back to the halt point, where officials attended to the snag, he said.

An airport police officer said smoke came out of the engine, but there was no fire.

An additional flight was pressed into service to carry the passengers to Leh, airport officials said. — PTI

Tendulkar to lead West Zone against South
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar will lead West Zone against South in the Duleep Trophy league tie at Hyderabad from February 22 in his comeback match following an injury lay off, national selection committee chairman Kiran More said today.
"Sachin is not only playing, but will also be leading the side," said More who is also the chief selector of West Zone.

More, who spoke to Tendulkar today to get the latter's confirmation, said "he feels fine".

Tendulkar has not played since turning out for India in the last One-Day International against Bangladesh at Dhaka on December 27, but has started practising over the last few days at the MIG Cricket Club ground in Bandra, close to his residence.

Tendulkar came today to the MIG club to give a pep talk to the visiting English county cricketers who played a match against a local squad.

"He came to the ground at the request of visiting team's coach Graham Gooch (former England captain) to give a pep talk to the squad members," sources close to the batsman said, adding "he is very keen to play against Pakistan." Tendulkar had skipped the Deodhar and N K P Salve Challenger Trophy series to rest his elbow.

There was further good news for India in the run-up to the high-voltage series against Pakistan with Irfan Pathan, who also had been recovering from a side strain picked up during the Bangladesh tour, being cleared to play in Duleep Trophy.

"Pathan and Ajit Agarkar (also on the injured list) would also be playing at Hyderabad," More said. PTI

Bangladesh for talks with India to solve unsettled issues: FM
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

Nadeem Qadir

Dhaka, Feb 18 (PTI) Bangladesh has said it is making efforts to resolve all "unsettled" issues, including the boundary dispute with India through negotiations.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's government "is making all-out efforts to resolve all unsettled issues with India through negotiations...I hope dialogues and exchanging views with members of civil society of both countries alongwith government initiatives will play a constructive role to this end", Foreign Minister Morshed Khan told Parliament yesterday.

Unresolved issues between the two countries include the 6.5 km boundary demarcation, handing over of 'chhitmahals' or enclaves, and ratification of the 1974 Indira-Mujib Agreement by India, Khan said.

A working group has already presented its recommendations for consideration of the government and a decision was expected at an inter-ministerial meeting, he said.

On the border situation which witnesses cross-border firing, Khan said a "tension-free and peaceful border was the prerequisite for friendly bilateral ties".

"We have requested the government of India to take appropriate measures regarding border killings, abductions and harassment of Bangladeshi citizens by the Border Security Force", Khan said. PTI

Pak Oppn gives mixed response; media hails bus service accord
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

K J M Varma
Islamabad, Feb 18 (PTI) The Indo-Pak agreement to run the historic Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service has evoked a mixed response from the opposition parties in Pakistan while the media here hailed it as "landmark" accord which could prove to be the beginning of a "turnaround" in South Asia.

Leading dailies 'The News' and 'Dawn' praised it as a major achievement for both the governments while another daily 'The Nation', which strikes a hardline stance on India, has said.

Pakistan's "resistance" insisting on dropping the passport and visas as documents for travellers has "paid off."

However, opposition parties are sharply divided. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto-led PPP along with pro-Taliban Jamat Ulema Islami-F (JUI-F) have hailed the agreeement while Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and PML-N headed by exiled former Premier Nawaz Sharif criticised the government accusing it of showing excessive flexibility.

Both PPP and PML-N are dominant partners of the moderate Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) which is opposed to President Pervez Musharraf while JUI-F and JI are part of the Islamic alliance Muttahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA).

Bhutto, in a statement yesterday, welcomed the decision as a step towards boosting the peace process, but her ally PML-N called it an "untimely decision".

JUI-F, headed by the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Fazlur Rehman, said it regarded the bus service as a "victory" of Pakistan's viewpoint on the "disputed" status of Kashmir while JI saw it as a "ploy" to sideline the Kashmir problem. PTI

Rupee loses further ground against US Dollar
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) The Rupee today lost further ground against the US currency due to renewed dollar demand from large public sector banks and once again aborted an early rally, triggered by steady trade and foreign fund inflows amidst a lingering weak dollar overseas.
In hesitant two-way business at the interbank foreign exchange (forex) market, the Rupee closed at Rs 43.84/85 per dollar, yet another four paise decline from Thursday's close of Rs 43.80/81 and a sharp fall from early highs of Rs 43.76/78.

It opened firm at Rs 43.77/79 per dollar.

Steady trade and foreign fund inflows gave the Rupee firm initial support on the back of a weak dollar overseas, but sustained dollar demand from state-run banks, possibly on behalf of the central bank, exerted renewed pressure on the domestic currency, dealers said.

The Rupee has declined by nearly ten paise in two straight sessions, dragged down by persistent dollar demand towards closing business hours.

State-owned banks normally buy/sell dollars at the behest of the Central Bank to curb excessive volatility in the currency markets and to prevent sharp swings either-way.

Traders feel that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may have been intervening through public sector banks to contain the Rupee rise in order to protect exporters' interest.

According to analysts, the Rupee was overvalued by over 3-1/2 per cent on a trade-weighted basis.

RBI fixed the reference rate for the US currency at Rs 43.84 per dollar and the single european unit at Rs 57.30 per euro. PTI

VSNL launches global calling card in Sri Lanka
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

Colombo, Feb 18 (PTI) Indian telecom giant VSNL today launched its first global card in Sri Lanka and announced plans to sell it in the US and UK markets shortly.
It was the first time the company was launching a calling card overseas and said it expected business in the island to expand, its Chief Operating Officer here, V Ravi Shankar, told reporters.

"We will launch this type of calling cards in the American and UK markets very soon," Shankar said.

He said Sri Lankans could make a considerable saving using the pre-paid VSNL cards with call tariffs about 90 per cent cheaper than using US or European carriers. PTI

Krishnamurthy is mentally disturbed, corrupt person: Chautala
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 18 : Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) TS Krishnamurthy is a "mentally disturbed and most corrupt" person who is playing in the hands of the Congress, Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala said this evening at his residence in New Delhi.

Strongly reacting to the CEC's decision of holding the counting of votes on February 23 instead of Feb 27, Chautala said, "how can counting of votes be held when re-polling in four polling booths would be going on at the same time on Feb 23." He added that re-polling of as many as 4000 votes is going to be held in Beri Assembly constituency on Feb 23.

Chautala further said that even the poster ballots would not reach back the Election Commission by February 23. "As per rule the EC itself counts the poster ballots on priority. In present circumstances, such ballots won't reach the EC by Feb 23.....it will create a serious logistical problem," he said.

The CM said he would move to the judiciary against the CEC if the decision is not reversed.

Taking a dig at Krishnamurthy, Chautala sarcastically said, "medically examination is done at the time recruitment of government employees......I think in case of Krishnamurthy such an examination was not done......he is a mentally unfit person who does not have administrative caliber required for such a high post."

The visibly upset Chief Minster further said: "Krishnamurthy is working like a tool of the Congress in anticipation of getting a Rajya Sabha berth after his retirement like former CEC M.S. Gill."

When asked why he had earlier welcomed the Election Commission's decision of preponing the counting of votes to February 23 from Feb 27, Chautala said, "yesterday I didn't have the idea that it would create such a serious trouble." (ANI)

HIV positive woman beaten to death
Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor

Ahmedabad

In a shocking incident, an HIV positive woman in a village was allegedly beaten to death by her own family members who feared she would spread the dreaded disease.

The 37-year-old victim, Sumitra Patel was allegedly beaten to death three days ago by her own brothers and some relatives in Dahrasana village after she had bitten two children in the family and thus instilled fear that the killer virus would spread.

It is said that the woman bit the children as she was constantly being teased by them. Sumitra was found in a pool of blood with severe head injuries at her father's farm on the outskirts of the village.

The victim’s husband had died of AIDS in 2003 and she was also affected with the virus. Police sources said that accused would be arrested at the earliest. (Staff Reporter)

Four charged with illegally confining Anara Gupta
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Jammu, Feb 18 : A former beauty queen who allegedly figured in a pornographic movie was illegally confined by four police officers, including a senior superintendent of police, a police complaint to a court Friday said.

Jammu senior superintendent of police Kamal Saini, an additional superintendent of police, a deputy superintendent of police and an inspector were responsible for illegally confining Anara Gupta in Oct-Nov, said a first information report (FIR) filed in the court of chief judicial magistrate Sanjiv Gupta by the crime branch of the Jammu police said.

The FIR was filed under section 344 of the Ranbir Penal Code - the equivalent of the Indian Penal Code - that is in force in Jammu and Kashmir. Conviction under this section entails three years' imprisonment.

"Legal nemesis is catching up with all those who harassed my daughter," said Anara's mother Raj Rani on being informed of the FIR being filed.

The police had charged Anara with sleaze after recovering a pornographic CD they said featured the former beauty queen.

A Hyderabad forensic laboratory nixed the police claim, saying Anara did not feature in the CD. Another laboratory in Chandigarh said a girl in the CD "could" be Anara but the Hyderabad facility said it stood by its report.

The police have now sought permission of a subordinate court and the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to withdraw the case they had filed against Anara.

--Indo-Asian News Service

Jai Mahal palace to get facelift
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Jaipur, Feb 18 : A 300-year-old island palace here is to get a Rs.250-million ($5.5 million) facelift in an environmentally sustainable plan of the Rajasthan government that will integrate tourism with entertainment.

One of the city's main tourist attractions, the Jal Mahal lies in the middle of the Mansagar lake with the Nahargarh hills forming the perfect backdrop.

Years of neglect threatened to destroy the palace built in early 18th century, but the Rajasthan government has now stepped in with a hospitality and entertainment investment plan to be developed on public private partnership (PPP) basis.

"We propose to undertake development of the Jal Mahal and Mansagar lake area and make it into a sustainable, eco-friendly tourism destination in association with the private sector," said a senior official of the tourism department.

Jal Mahal, situated in the Jaipur-Amber tourist corridor, was a pleasure palace and was used for hunting ducks by the royal family of Jaipur. The lake ecosystem is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds. And the Mansagar dam on the eastern side is a favourite vantage point.

The government hopes to stem the steady deterioration of the palace and the lake, polluted with wastewater from the residential colonies around, with its new plan.

It also wants to develop the monument, the lake and the surrounding area as a potential tourist centre, with options like heritage resort, amusement park, light and sound show and, maybe, a boating and sailing club.

While integrated tourism facilities like tourist cottages and hotels are part of the plan, the central environment ministry is also expected to chip in with a lake conservation programme.

The private sector developer, who will develop the lakeside and maintain it, forms a crucial part of the strategy for maintaining the sustainability of the lake environment.

(IANS)

Delhi teenager raped, four arrested
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Delhi police today arrested the principal, vice principal and two of their associate for raping a teenager girl near a government-run school in East Delhi.

TV report this evening said that the Delhi government had taken notice of incident and promised strict action against the culprits.

Quoting Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely report said that the principal and vice principal have been suspended from their post and inquiry had been lodged.(ANI)

Delhi Police have arrested four men - one of them a school principal and another a vice principal - for the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl.

One of the accused is Om Prakash Sharma, 58, the principal of a school in Raghubirnagar, who used to tutor the victim.

Another accused is Ved Prakash Sharma, 52, the vice-principal of a West Patel Nagar school, a police statement said Thursday.

The other two men were identified as Jagdish Kaleramna, 38, and Om Prakash Sharma, 48.

The girl, a school dropout from Sarvidaya Kanya Vidyalaya at Janakpuri in west Delhi, had approached Om Prakash Sharma for tuitions.

Promising her a matriculation certificate, Sharma allegedly took the girl to a public works department rest house in Haryana Saturday along with Ved Prakash Sharma.

They allegedly raped the girl in the rest house where the other two, said to be friends of Ved Prakash, also joined in. The girl was dropped back to her home Sunday morning.

Her brother lodged a complaint with police Thursday.

Haryana vote counting advanced by four days
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 17 : The counting of votes cast in the Haryana assembly polls has been advanced by four days to Feb 23, the Election Commission announced here Thursday.

Counting for the elections to the 90-member assembly, held Feb 3 along with the first round of polling in the three-tier polls in Bihar and Jharkhand, would take place Feb 23 from 4 p.m.

"We decided to finish the process early instead of waiting for the other two states," Deputy Election Commissioner A.N. Jha said.

He said by 4 p.m., the final round of polling in Bihar and Jharkhand would be more or less over, so the counting of ballots for Haryana could begin.

Though no other reason was given, it was speculated that the poll panel wanted to get Haryana out of the way before getting down to the polls in Bihar and Jharkhand, where security is a major concern.

Also, Haryana's ruling Indian National Lok Dal has repeatedly complained about the 24-day gap between the election and verdict.

(IANS)

Kalam asks artisans to exploit technology
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 17 : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Thursday urged Indian artisans to embrace new technology to market their skills and get the right price for their products.

Blend traditional art with state-of-the-art technology to ensure a better life, Kalam exhorted craftsmen and weavers while inaugurating "The Indian Crafts Journey" exhibition at Dilli Haat here.

"Traditional knowledge and skill need to be upgraded through research and development and integrated with technology for sustainable development of this sector," said the president.

Citing the success stories of "Kanchipuram saris" and "Kolhapuri footwear", Kalam suggested a five point programme for state and central departments related to textile, handicrafts and artisans in partnership with non-government organisations.

The programme would identify the core strength of a village cluster and infuse technology, impart vocational training with state-of-the-art technology, create a consortium of industry, research, academia and successful co-operative societies, give entrepreneurial training and incorporate the use of Internet.

Giving the motto of manufacturing locally and marketing globally, Kalam said: "Time has come for the small scale industries and handloom weavers not to depend on sales entirely through government subsidies. It is important to generate a new class of entrepreneur and new class of training."

For this, he continued, artisans could use recent advances in communication and marketing, including the Internet.

According to the president, weavers faced problems due to their dependence on the government agencies and captive customers for the sale of their products, which was not a sustained clientele.

Many of the handloom/handicrafts/artisan cooperative societies were not doing well due to competition, non-availability or high cost of raw material, inadequate finance and lack of information on the supply and demand in the market and lack of quality consciousness.

"The problems about how to market with value addition the finished products of craftsmen, how to integrate multiple departments and provide assistance in an integrated way can be addressed with the concerted efforts and techno-commercial assistance of all agencies like local self-help groups, panchayat and co-operative societies," said Kalam.

"Instead of craft persons and weavers coming to urban marketing centres, the reverse phenomena has to take place," he said.

(IANS)

Furore over BJP touching Uma Bharati's feet!:-
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Bhopal, Feb 17 : The Madhya Pradesh assembly Thursday witnessed an uproar as several ministers and legislators of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) touched former chief minister Uma Bharati's feet.

When the saffron-clad Uma Bharati arrived at the assembly, loyalist and former animal husbandry minister Sunil Nayak warmly welcomed her.

Chief Minister Babulal Gaur had sacked Nayak in December for demanding reinstatement of Bharati as chief minister.

As Bharati entered the assembly, several legislators from the treasury benches touched her feet with reverence to which Samajwadi Party legislator P. Sunilam and Congress legislator Satyadeo Katare objected. They said this was an improper gesture in the house.

Opposition leader Jamuna Devi said though touching the feet of leaders or the elderly was an ingrained Indian tradition, it was not a "proper act in the house".

Several other legislators echoed her sentiment.

Uma Bharati, who occupied a chair in the first row of the treasury benches, kept mum.

Gauri Shankar Shejwar, a senior minister in Gaur's cabinet, came to her aid, saying as Bharati was a former chief minister of the state and "adorable", there was nothing wrong in touching her feet in the house.

Then he too touched her feet.

Other members of the BJP followed suit even as the opposition continued to raise a hue and cry.

Deputy speaker Hazarilal Raghuvanshi finally adjourned the house.

Interestingly, Chief Minister Gaur avoided sitting in the house along with his predecessor by leaving early.

(IANS)

Austrian President arrives in India seeking better economic ties
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, on Thursday was accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan. He is here on a six-day official visit.

Fischer is the first-ever head of Austria to visit India. First Lady Margit Fischer and a high-level delegation of over 100 business leaders and scientific and media representatives are accompanying him. The two sides are expected to sign a pact on infrastructure cooperation in the health sector and an agreement between Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh and the Austrian Medical University, Innsbruck.

"This is the first state visit of an Austrian President to India. We believe that this has great significance and importance. Also there are economic questions on our agenda. Therefore we have a big delegation of people representing Austria's economy. We will also have a look at our relationship in science and technology," said Fischer.

India-Austria annual bilateral trade is worth 550 million dollars, and there are over 200 business ventures between the two sides, including 100 technical tie-ups.

The two countries see much potential for economic ties in several sectors, including services and manufacturing.

Austrian President and his delegation will participate in a business forum meeting being organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Fischer will also hold delegation level talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and meet some members of his cabinet and opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani.

Fischer is also scheduled to visit Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mysore and Mumbai.

According to India's external affairs ministry, Fischer's visit assumes significance in the light of the 50th anniversary this year of Austrian State Treaty of 1955 and Vienna taking over of the presidency of European Union's Council in 2006. (ANI)

Indian Railways lays down 21,000 km of optic fibre
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Taking a major step towards modernisation, Indian Railways has laid nearly 21,000 km of optic fibre cable (OFC) across the country since 2000 connecting over 100 cities, including all Metros.

Set up under the aegis of RailTel, provisions of electronics on the OFC network has been commissioned on about 21,000 route kilometres. This covers all railway stations enroute, said a railways release today.

The release further added, the RCIL has laid 25,750 kilometre long OFC, since the year 2000, when Indian Railways had 5,000 kilometre OFC network.

The Indian railways has created as many as 1,925 points of presence (PoP) across the country including remote and backward areas.

At least 100 important cities along with all the Metros have been connected by the OFC network, added the release.

The release further said that the Indian Railways is contemplating to set up an international Railway Strategic Management Institute under the aegis of International Union of Railways.The planned institute will groom Railway Managers to meet the future challenges in rail operations. It will also provide the latest training resources, being used worldwide.

The emerging globalisation of Indian economy has necessitated setting up of an institute to help Indian Railways meet challenges of quality and efficient rail services to the nation, it said. (ANI)

Mental hospital seeks NHRC intervention
Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor

Ranchi, Feb 17 : A mental hospital in Jharkhand has sought the help of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to force the government of Bihar to cough up Rs.320 million it owes.

Authorities of the Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatary and Allied Science (RINPAS), who have written a letter to the NHRC seeking its intervention, said that the amount to be cleared had been due since November 2000.

"Despite our several reminders to the chief secretary and health secretary of Bihar the fund was not released. We have no option but to seek help of the NHRC," a hospital official said.

The state-supported hospital set up in 1925 sees patients from Bihar, Jharkhand and some northeast states.

Every year, the Jharkhand government pays Rs. 95.7 million.

On an average, 500 beds of the institute are occupied by the patients from Bihar, officials said.

"The due amount from Bihar includes the Rs.43 million incurred per annum on the treatment of patients," said Amool Ranjan, head of the department of clinical psychology.

(IANS)

India, Pakistan Agree on Kashmir Bus Service
Thursday, February 17, 2005 | Editor

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a significant step toward peace in Kashmir, India and Pakistan agreed Wednesday to start a bus service linking the two sides of the territory, which has been divided by more than half a century of conflict.

The breakthrough brought fresh momentum to a year-old peace process that had shown little progress in resolving the dispute over the Kashmir region, a former "princely state" torn apart by rival Indian and Pakistani claims after Britain withdrew from the subcontinent in 1947.


The bus service will begin April 7 and run from Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-held Kashmir, to Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, the countries' foreign ministers announced at a joint news briefing.

It will allow thousands of Kashmiri families divided by a heavily fortified cease-fire line to reunite for the first time since the territory was split between India and Pakistan in 1948.

The announcement came after Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh met here with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and other top officials. Singh is the first Indian foreign minister to hold direct talks in Pakistan since 1989.

The announcement drew a mixed reaction from Indian-controlled Kashmir, where separatist leaders such as Ashraf Sehrai said the bus service would not solve the core political dispute that has caused decades of bloodshed.

But ordinary Kashmiris such as Raja Mohammed Hussain Khan said they were eager to see relatives who lived in Pakistani Kashmir.

"I wish I could travel to Muzaffarabad again and meet my sons and daughters," said Khan, who is 90.

"I pray to Allah that I should be kept alive till I will meet my kin."

India and Pakistan declared a cease-fire in November 2003 along the so-called Line of Control that divides the territory, but accused each other of violating the truce last month.

Though still a long way from resolving the complex dispute, opening the de facto border to bus traffic is expected to help defuse tensions.

Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, the elected chief minister of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir state, called the bus deal the boldest step India and Pakistan had taken since independence.

"This will not only open a road," he said. "This will open the hearts and minds of the people living on both sides of the Line of Control. It will have tremendous economic benefits and it will have social benefits. It will remove the cobwebs of misunderstanding between the people on either side of the Line of Control."

Mian Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri, the Pakistani foreign minister, said his government had impressed upon India the need to find a solution in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiris. But his Indian counterpart, Singh, did not mention the dispute during their joint appearance in front of reporters, who were not allowed to ask questions.

Singh stressed the need to build trust between the two nations before they could address difference more productively.

Despite a cease-fire with Pakistan, India continues to battle insurgents in its part of Kashmir. The militants, estimated to number several thousand, have strong support from many Pakistanis, who see them as freedom fighters.

The Kashmir bus service was proposed last year, but got bogged down in a dispute over what kind of travel documents passengers could use.

To support its stand that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is part of India, New Delhi insisted that travelers would have to show passports and visas. The Pakistani government pressed for a compromise to back its position that the Line of Control could not become an international border.

Wednesday's agreement will set up "an entry permit system," said a joint statement issued by Singh and Kasuri.

The two sides also agreed to hold talks on several other proposals, including efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons being launched accidentally or without authorization.

They are also negotiating a pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran to India through Pakistan. Singh said that an agreement was possible if Pakistan provided security and could assure delivery of fuel to India.

A bus service between the Indian city of Amritsar and the Pakistani city of Lahore is also being discussed.

Italian president admires India's economic growth
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 15 : India has emerged as a rapidly growing Asian economy and has made impressive progress in infotech and biotechnology sectors, but it needs to set norms to eliminate tariff barriers and to open distribution and financial services to foreign competition, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said today.

India should comply with international standards set by global trade bodies like the WTO and must establish and apply all environmental, administrative and legal regulations now goverening the market economy," Ciampi said at an economic forum on India-Italy trade here.

He called for greater cooperation between trading communities of the two countries in infrastructure, transport, chemicals, energy, aerospace, food and agriculture sectors and also expressed keen interest in India's information technology and biotechnology industries.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said trade between India and Italy is growing over ten per cent every year and is targeted to be worth five billion euros in the next two years.

He reiterated the government's commitment to pursuing economic reforms and reminded his audience that the country is the fourth largest in terms of Purchase Power Parity.

Nath said Italian economy is dominated by small and medium scale enterprises and so synergies could be developed with such Indian industries in areas like automobiles, goods, leatherwear besides gems and jewellery. "The possibility of synergy in infotech is also immense," he added. PTI

India-Italy strengthen ties
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

India and Italy on Monday, signed agreements to cooperate in the fields of space, science and technology. Italy agreed to provide 150 research fellowships to Indians in science and technology.

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said entry of India and China onto the world scene was radically changing the international political and economic balance. Ciampi has called for greater cooperation between trading communities of the two countries in infrastructure, transport, chemicals, energy, aerospace, food and agriculture sectors and also expressed keen interest in India's information technology and biotechnology industries.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said trade between India and Italy is growing over ten per cent every year and is targeted to be worth five billion euros in the next two years.

China and India are the world's two most populous nations with more than 1 billion people each, and their economies have been among the fastest growing. (Staff Reporter)

Gutkha plots thickens: Many more 'have links'
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

MUMBAI: The police in Mumbai believe that the probe into the gutka barons and their alleged underworld connections is likely to expose a few more celebrities.

Besides actress Nagma, who has denied her involvement, the list of names forwarded by the Mumbai police to the CBI — the former wants thelatter to probe underworld links — is believed to include several celebrities and businessmen.

According to police officials, the statements made by Jamruddin Kalia Ansari (alias Jumbo) and his associate Rajesh Panchariya apparently includes information on several people who allegedly helped gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s brother, Anees Ibrahim set up legitimate businesses in Pakistan.

Based on the duo’s statements, the police has booked gutka makers — Rasiklal Dhariwal, owner of Manikchand Gutka, and Jagdish Joshi, owner of Goa Gutka. Both are currently abroad and Interpol has issued red-corner notices for their arrest.

Jamruddin Ansari was caught after some of his associates believed to have tried to export machines — to pack and seal gutka — to Karachi via Dubai. While some of the machinery made its way to Pakistan, the police seized some consignments.

Following this, the police interrogated Ansari & Co late last year and their statements were forwarded to the CBI after the agency took over the gutka case from the Maharashtra police.

Quake shakes India's northeast
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

AN earthquake of more than 5.0 magnitude shook India's northeast today, sending residents running from homes, officials said, more than a month after authorities issued a quake warning for the area.
"There was a tremor at around 4.45pm (10.15pm AEDT) and people rushed out of their houses in panic," a police officer said by telephone from Shillong, capital of Meghalaya state.

There were no reports of damage or casualties, he said.

Meteorological Department officials in New Delhi said the earthquake was above 5.0 magnitude but said details would be released later.

AICTE warns colleges to avoid short-cuts
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) today issued a warning to private engineering colleges and some universities to avoid recruiting faculty members on contractual basis by paying a pittance.

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference on ‘Higher technical education in West Bengal: Prospects & issues’ organised by the department of higher education, government of West Bengal, H P Dikshit, chairman of AICTE, alleged some private colleges are recruiting faculty on contractual basis paying them a few thousand rupees a month but in the process delivering poor quality of teaching.

In order to maintain the standard of teaching, AICTE approved only 180 out of 707 applications received this year.

AICTE is planning to send special teams with members from all stakeholders like AICTE itself, state governments and affiliating university to monitor institutes.

AICTE can withdraw affiliation, he warned.

AICTE is also thinking of permitting short duration engineering courses as required by industry.

“The institutes must work closely with industry and plan courses according to industry needs to enhance employability of candidates,” said Dikshit.

The technical higher educational institutes should take a futuristic approach in popularising courses, Dikshit added.

“Had projections about demand for information technology or biotechnology professionals been done earlier, then there would not have been a demand supply mismatch,” Dikshit said.

AICTE is also thinking of improving the rating system.

“AICTE is initiating discussions with international accrediting boards to rate Indian institutes jointly with the National Accrediting Board (NAB),” said Dikshit.

Biotech park

West Bengal is trying to involve ICICI Bank to fund the planned biotech park at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, chief minister of the state, said here today.

He also said that the state is taking emerging areas like oil technology, energy science and petroleum technology much seriously.

“We cannot afford to neglect unconventional emerging areas, “ said Bhattacharjee.

He also urged the higher education department to look at popularising areas like leather technology as a major leather complex was coming up at Bantala.

Sonia summons Maharastra CM
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has been summoned by Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi to Delhi for a meeting today.

They are likely to discuss the protests in Mumbai over the recently launched demolition drive against slums.

Sonia Gandhi is reportedly concerned about the growing discontent among slum dwellers and several NGO's over the way in, which the demolition has been carried out without providing an alternate shelter.

New IE 7.0 Coming Soon
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor

Bill Gates said today that Microsoft plans to release a new version of Internet Explorer with built-in security features and he also announced that the Microsoft Anti-Spyware software will be free.

In a speech Gates told those who attended that Internet Explorer 7.0 will be released for testing in the summer and it will feature built in anti-spyware tools. Microsoft has come under pressure to upgrade its Internet Explorer browser which is plagued with security holes and susceptible to spyware and adware.

Microsoft had originally said that they had no plans for an Internet Explorer 7 and only changed their mind with the growing popularity of Firefox an Open source browser.

Bill Gates also told those who attended the Speech that Microsoft will offer their Anti-Spyware software for free. The software is currently in the beta stage and can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/antispyware . The software has been an added bonus to all Windows users. We at hardwaregeeks.com think it is one of the best anti-spyware programs available.

Just a tip for all the PC users out there novices and experts alike; when you browse the web be aware of what site you visit what you download. Although there are programs to get rid and protect your system from spyware, adware and viruses you’re best defense is awareness. Don’t let software give you a false sense of sense of security.

So head on over to the Microsoft beta site (http://beta.microsoft.com) and request to join the beta. There isn’t an application to join specifically the IE 7.0 beta but you can use the contact information on the beta site to request to be considered to join.

SC refuses to hear Geelani's plea seeking transfer of probe
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | Editor

In the midst of the hearing on the appeals in the Parliament attack case, the Supreme Court today refused to hear an application filed by S A R Geelani seeking transfer of probe into the case of murderous attack on him from Delhi Police to an independent agency like CBI.

Even as a Bench comprising Justice P V Reddi and Justice P P Naolekar posted Geelani's application for hearing next Tuesday, the Police said it would be able to file a progress report on its investigation into the incident by next week.

Geelani's counsel Kamini Jaiswal sought a hearing on the application and issuance of notice to the Delhi Police.

However, the Bench said it would not hear the application mid-way through the hearings on the cross-appeals filed by those convicted and sentenced to death and the appeals filed by Police challenging the acquittal of Geelani and Navjot Sandhu alias Afsan Guru.

Senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, appearing for the Police, said that the statement of Geelani was recorded only yesterday and that a report on the progress of investigation could be filed latest by next week.

The Bench asked the police to be ready with their response to Geelani's application when it would be taken up for hearing next week.

Geelani, who was shot at on February eight, has accused the Delhi Police of indulging in false propaganda and of harassing him and his lawyers and relatives on the pretext of questioning. He also alleged that the Police might try to plant some evidence to implicate him in the case.

[IANS]

India, Pakistan 'potential threats': US committee
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | Editor

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, in one of its rare open hearings, identified Asia, and specifically India and Pakistan as well as China, as potential threats and sources of instability.

Hearing testimony from experts, Peter Hoedstra, chair of the House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee, said Washington spends a significant amount of money on understanding threats from all sources, not just from nuclear capable states.

The issues discussed are among several that will be identified during Congressional hearings throughout the coming year as the committee develops its annual authorisation bill for US intelligence services, said the committee in a release.

Kurt M. Campbell, senior vice president and director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' International Security Programme, discussed the challenges posed by Asia and in particular the rapid increase in the power and influence of China.

"Indeed, every major traditional challenge to peace and stability is currently found in Asia, from the continuing dangerous stalemate on the Korean peninsula, the increasingly dangerous undertones in the China-Taiwan relationship, and the tinderbox quality of the nuclear competition between India and Pakistan," Campbell said in written remarks submitted to the committee.

"Furthermore, while the current focus of US actions in the war on terror is in the Middle East, it is arguable that the long term 'hearts and mind' challenge associated with Islamic politics will be found in Southeast Asia, where the largest population of Islamic followers on the planet reside," Campbell warned.

Witnesses addressed a range of potential threats, including shifts in the military and economic power structure of nation states, state sponsorship of terrorism, terrorist groups, advancements in technology and communications, the effects of globalisation and global demographics.

"The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 made an important start in reshaping US intelligence, but in many respects the harder part - reshaping the cultures and organizations, in addition to the organisation charts - lies ahead of us," said Gregory F. Treverton, director of the Intelligence Policy Centre for the RAND Corporation.

[IANS]

Steady polling in Bihar amid some violence
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | Editor

About 25 percent polling had been registered in the first five hours of polling in the second phase of the Bihar elections Tuesday as reports of violence and blasts poured in from several areas of the state.

Officials in the office of the state chief electoral officer said they expected polling to pick up as the day progressed with long queues being seen outside polling booths.

"Till 1 p.m. 20 to 25 percent of voters had cast their ballots," said a senior official.

Polling began at 8 a.m. in the penultimate phase of assembly elections in the state amid heavy security on air and ground and shoot-at-sight orders, even as reports of bomb blasts and booth capturing were received.

As 82 of 243 assembly constituencies of Bihar went to the polls, voters queued up to exercise their franchise under the watchful eye of thousands of police and paramilitary force personnel.

Notwithstanding the heavy security, bomb blasts were reported from Munger, Samastipur, Madhubani and Saharsa districts. Six people were said to have been injured in the Samastipur blast and two in an explosion in Munger.

Authorities said the blasts were aimed at causing a panic.

Minor incidents of violence, mainly clashes between political workers, were also reported from several areas including Sheikhpura, Begusarai, Madhubani and Madhepura.

Official sources reported clashes between rival groups in the Barbigha constituency in Sheikhpura district.

"The firing took place between the supporters of the Congress and Janata Dal-United (JD-U)," said an official.

Reports of booth grabbing were also received from several areas, as were of attempts to storm into polling centres.

Voters boycotted the polls in Jhanjharpur constituency of Madhubani district.

Given Bihar's record of violence-prone elections, some 33,500 security personnel including 8,000 armed policemen from five states have been posted at the 16,000 polling booths - 5,000 of which are deemed "extra-sensitive" or most susceptible to violence.

Also, seven units of mounted military police (a unit comprises eight horse-mounted personnel) have been deployed in river belts notorious as haunts of gangsters.

Two Indian Air Force helicopters were also conducting aerial surveillance.

Some 18 million voters are eligible to choose their representatives from among 1,014 candidates.

In several areas polling was delayed by technical glitches in the electronic voting machines.

The ruling RJD of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad is fighting to retain power after 15 years of uninterrupted rule in Bihar, one of the most poorly developed states in India.

The RJD's main rival is Lalu Prasad's cabinet colleague Ram Vilas Paswan, whose Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) has a tie-up with the Congress.

Lalu Prasad is also pitted against an aggressive opposition Janata Dal-United (JD-U)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine.

In the second phase, the RJD is contesting 68 assembly seats, the LJP 51, the Congress 29, the BJP 32, the JD-U 48, the Bahujan Samaj Party 79 and the Communist Party of India eight seats.

The staggered elections conclude Feb 23, and the votes cast will be counted Feb 27.

Originally, 86 seats were included in the second phase but the Election Commission postponed polls in Bahera, Ghanshyampur and Jale in Darbhanga district Saturday, citing inadequate security arrangements.

The commission has also postponed polls in the Surajgarha constituency following irregularities in voters' identity cards and other proof for identification.

[IANS]

Rathore to give motivational talk to Indian cricketers:
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Feb 14 : Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and their team mates are to get a pep talk from Olympic silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore before the start of the upcoming tour by Pakistan.

Rathore, who won the silver in the double trap shooting at Athens, is expected to meet the Indian team at Mohali, where the first of the three Tests will be played, from March 4, said a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official.

"We are inviting Rathore to give a talk on motivation before the Pakistani team's tour begins at the end of this month," the BCCI official told IANS.

"We chose Rathore because his achievement is unmatched in the country and he is qualified to speak on the subject because he has the experience of handling intense pressure," said the BCCI official.

Rathore became the toast of the nation after he won the silver medal in the difficult double trap shooting event - the first individual medal by an Indian in Olympics.

Rathore has been constantly travelling and interacting with all kinds of people, from students to businessmen, happily sharing his experience with them.

The BCCI working committee is expected to finalise the date and venue of the interaction with Rathore Thursday in New Delhi.

In recent years, the BCCI has been inviting personalities from different walks of life to give motivational lectures ahead of important tournaments/series.

Among those who have so far been invited are seven-time world billiards champion Geet Sethi, Infosys chief N.R. Narayanamurthy, media personality Prannoy Roy, former All-England badminton champion Prakash Padukone and renowned yoga expert B.K.S. Iyengar.

The BCCI has also invited well-known Australian sports psychologist Sandy Gordon on a few occasions.

It is widely believed that Gordon's motivational mantra before the 2003 World Cup helped the Indian team reach the final in South Africa. In the final, however, Sourav Ganguly's team lost to a much superior Australian side.

--Indo-Asian News Service

Geelani case: Delhi police to submit report
Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | Editor

The Delhi Police are expected to submit a report to the Supreme Court today on the progress they have made in the SAR Geelani attack case.

Delhi University lecturer Geelani, who survived an attempt on his life, made a formal statement from his hospital bed on Monday, where he alleged that the police were behind the attack.

The police team that interrogated Geelani, who was acquitted in the December 2001 Parliament attack case, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) did not reveal any details.

Geelani was attacked by unidentified gunmen last week.

Grenade attack in J-K, 21 injured
Monday, February 14, 2005 | Editor

Srinagar, Feb.13 : At least 21 people, including an Army jawan were injured on Sunday at around 2 pm in a militant grenade attack at a security patrol party in Shopian town of Pulwama district.

Official sources said that a hand grenade, thrown by the militants, exploded at the Shopia main chowk injuring 20 civilians and a jawan.

The injured are getting treatment in various hospitals in the town. The area has been cordoned off and security forces have launched an intensive search operation to catch the attackers. So far, no militant group has claimed the responsibility for the attack. (ANI)

Enron: Pawar blames media
Monday, February 14, 2005 | Editor

By: PTI

Pune: Blaming political parties and media for creating a furore resulting in stalling of the Enron project, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today appealed that no new controversy should be whipped up over the project as Maharashtra's development was involved.

"If everthing goes well in the next six months, stalled projects including Enron could become operational which would help the state tide over the present power crisis," he said after inaugurating a railway overbridge at Mundhawa on the city outskirts.

The Minister said he had laid stress on expanding and launching new power projects when he was the Chief Minister 15 years ago apprehending the power crisis currently being faced by the state.

"Some of the projects were commissioned while others like Enron got mired in controversy created by political parties and media," he said, adding Maharashtra was buying electricity at the rate of Rs 3.10 paise per unit to tide over the major power shortage faced by it.

Commenting on increasing pollution levels in Pune, Pawar cautioned that people should be prepared for some tough measures in future as a committee appointed by the Supreme Court under former bureaucrat Bhure Lal was studying the issue and is expected to come out with a stern recommendation.

About some politicians in the state evading toll tax on expressways, the Minister said they should follow Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who never failed to pay the tax whenever using the expressway

Videshi scores over desi in AIDS vaccine
Monday, February 14, 2005 | Editor

Videshi scores over desi again. At a time when the human trials of a US-made HIV vaccine began in India last Monday at the Pune-based National AIDS Research Institute (NARI), similar trials of another HIV vaccine, designed in India by a city scientist at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) in Kolkata, face continued delays.
Incidentally, plans to conduct phase-I safety trials of the Indian vaccine on humans was announced in 2003. The trials were to start in the first quarter of 2004, which was then delayed to the end of 2004.
The approval of human trials of the HIV vaccine developed by US-based company, Targeted Genetics, has raised questions, over why the Indian vaccine has not yet received the green signal, and officials of both the Indian institutes say that it was the delay in conducting pre-clinical tests of the Indian vaccine on animals by another US-based laboratory, Therion Biologics, in Boston that pushed back the start of human trials.
Officials of the National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, however, say there is some hope for the Indian vaccine yet.
“The latest that we have heard about the Indian HIV vaccine is that human trials is most likely to begin in the middle of this year at the Chennai-based Tuberculosis Research Centre. I have heard that preparations are being made to submit proposal for the human trail of the Indian vaccine to the Drug Controller General of India,” Dr RS Paranjape, officer-in-charge and deputy director, NARI, which began human trails on the American vaccine, said.
“The cause of postponement of human trials for the Indian vaccine is because of a delay in conducting an animal toxicity study on the vaccine by an American laboratory,” Dr Paranjape told The Statesman from Pune. Interestingly, the Indian vaccine uses six modified genes from the strain of HIV that circulates in most of India.
The vaccine was developed by a team of Indian scientists, with support from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).
The Indian vaccine uses a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus (a version of the vaccine created to eradicate smallpox) as a means of carrying the modified HIV virus genes into the blood of the people vaccinated.
Using an alternative approach — a “recombinant Adeno Associated Virus” (rAAV) — the US company Targeted Genetics created a different vaccine, containing genes from the strain of HIV found in South Africa. It is this vaccine, for which human trials have begun at NARI after the central ethics committee of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Drugs Controller General of India approved the trial.
According to Dr Sekhar Chakrabarti, the scientist at NICED, who designed the Indian vaccine, the MVA virus is much safer as it is a non-replicating virus. “It uses genes from an Indian HIV strain whereas the American vaccine now put on human trials at Pune uses genes from a South African HIV strain. Therion Biologics tested the vaccine on mice which was successful. Then they wanted to test the vaccine on another animal for better results, which caused the delay,” he said.

Italian company to invest Rs 500 cr in textiles in Maharashtra
Monday, February 14, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai
Italy-based textiles company Carrera Holdings Inc would invest Rs 500 crore for setting up units in Mahrashtra and float a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with the state government for developing a textiles cluster at Solapur.

"We are planning to set up various facilities in Maharashtra for manufacturing, processing, finishing and marketing of products including a garment processing house at Solapur", its chairman and CEO Vivek Jacob said.

Carrera would float a SPV with the state goverment for setting up a textiles cluster which includes a state-of-the-art weavers' and apparel park in Chincholi in Solapur district to create integrated textile manufacturing facilities.

It would set up a garment processing house at Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area at Chincholi at an investment of Rs 125 crore.

Carrera would also set up loom, finishing machine manufacturing facliities at Kagal - Hatkalangale area with an approximate investment of Rs 300-350 crore, he said.

It is also planning to set up companies for undertaking activities of providing industrial services at the Millennium Business park in Mhape.

MIDC would make available 20 hectares of land at Solapur and 30 hectare land at Kagal and provide infrastructure facilities, including water supply, road connectivity and effluent treatment plant. PTI

SC orders closure of Chhattisgarh's private universities
Sunday, February 13, 2005 | Editor

In a huge blow to students over 100 private universities in Chattisgarh, the Supreme Court today ordered that these varsities be closed down immediately.

The SC ordered their shut down since they were set up without the approval of University Grants Commission and do not have the necessary infrastructure.

These include varsities like the Rai University, IFCI University and Mangalmay University.

Gloom and uncertainty

The courts order may have been to stop the mushrooming of private institutions looking to make a quick buck, but there is gloom and uncertainty among the students after the judgement.

Students such as Ruchi Upadhyay, whose parents took a loan to pay for her MBA, are now uncertain of their options.

"We have made a mistake of joining private universities. Neither the government, nor the college will come forward to help us," Ruchi said.

The court has asked these institutions to formally affiliate themselves to already existing universities that are recognised by the UGC.

Huge payments

But some private universities paid as much Rs two crores to the state government to get registered and they will not get their money back.

"We started this university after government gave us the clearance. It is for the government to help the students," said ID Sharma, Registrar, Gurukul University

It was Ajit Jogi, who as Chief Minister, first allowed private universities to take shape in the state. Raman Singh, the next Chief Minister, is asking these institutions to pay Rs 2 crores and show some land to be called a university.

Now private institutions are arguing that they did nothing wrong, but worse still is the uncertainty that hangs over the future of thousands of young students.

NC demands major rescue operation to airlift stranded people
Sunday, February 13, 2005 | Editor

Srinagar, Feb 12 : Expressing serious concern over the plight of stranded passengers on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to heavy snowfall, opposition National Conference today demanded a major rescue operation to airlift them.

The demand was made by a delegation of the National Conference which called on the Divisional Commissioner Khurshid Ahmad Ganai here.

Led by former Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, the delegation accused the government of airlifting only influential persons. Only a few have been airlifted and those too who used their influence, Sagar alleged.

He demanded a major rescue operation to airlift the passangers stranded on the Highway for the last eight days to relieve their families of mental worries. PTI

MSN's Rebuilt Search Site Has Some Misses Among Hits
Sunday, February 13, 2005 | Editor

By Anthony Zurcher

Last week, Microsoft unveiled its new MSN Search site, which it says was rebuilt from the bits up to compete with Google and Yahoo, the two leaders so far in the Web-search business.

Like its rivals, MSN Search (search.msn.com) offers queries in a variety of categories -- including images, news and local retailers. A downloadable MSN Search toolbar -- a test release for the Windows version of Internet Explorer -- also allows you to look for files on your computer's hard drive.

A nifty "search builder" tool offers users a sliding-bar control to focus searches by such criteria as the last time a site posted new content and how many people visit it.

MSN Search also now offers access to the full version of Microsoft's Encarta online encyclopedia, which until now was restricted to paying subscribers. Technically, you can browse it for only two hours at a time, but that countdown resets with every new search.

If you're in need of a quick answer, you can try asking MSN Search a question, although the results are definitely scattershot. Want to know who won the Best Actor Academy Award in 1977? You'll get a quick response. Don't know who won the Super Bowl in 2002? Neither does MSN -- you'll have to dig through the search results.

MSN's search engine certainly outstrips those of Yahoo and Google in one aspect: its commercial density. Google includes a list of text-only ads on the side of results pages, but MSN includes them at the top, side and bottom of every page. For example, a search for sites about Thomas Jefferson yielded the ad byproduct of links to Netflix, Amazon.com and a company that sells Jefferson busts.

MSN Search may not get anybody to defect from Google or Yahoo. But at least Microsoft's search engine -- previously a clunky Yahoo-driven relic -- will no longer actively drive people away. According to Forrester Research, 20 percent of people who have MSN as their home page use Google as their primary search engine -- and if only for convenience's sake, some of them might switch back.

Google's Geographic Guidance

Speaking of Google, it has added another service to its Web empire, Google Maps. Although this free site is still in testing, the direction seems clear -- Google wants to make it the go-to site for online mapping.

Google's maps are exceptionally clean and easy to read. Major thoroughfares are highlighted in yellow, roads are clearly labeled, and push-pins and captions pointing to landmarks are set off from their surroundings by nifty 3-D shadow effects. Best of all, the maps are scrollable -- simply click and drag, and you can move across a map instantly instead of waiting for the whole page to redraw. That alone should be a joy for anyone who has tried to follow a road for an extended stretch on MapQuest. (These effects work in most current browsers but not Opera or Apple's Safari.)

Google also allows you to search for local businesses with relative ease. Enter "Ethiopian" and "Washington, DC," and Adams Morgan lights up with markers, including links to directions and businesses' Web sites, if available. And speaking of directions, these are clear and easy to read without (so far) the ads of Yahoo and MapQuest.

India condoles Pak dam tragedy
Saturday, February 12, 2005 | Editor

External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, who travels to Islamabad next week, spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri today.

Singh conveyed India's condolences on the loss of life in Baluchistan where more than 90 people were killed and several hundreds were missing after heavy rains caused a dam to burst.

A flash flood washed away the Shadi Kor dam in south western Baluchistan on Thursday night, marooning thousands of people and affecting over 40,000 others in the area.

Singh is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on February 15 after a brief visit to Kabul where he will meet Afghan President