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December 2003
President, Vice-President greet people
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31: President A P J Abdul Kalam and Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today extended new year greetings to their fellow citizens and wished them a prosperous and peaceful 2004. In his greeting, the President said the country's economy was in the ascending phase. "What can be a greater mission for us other than transforming India into a developed nation, thereby bringing the smiles on the faces of the 260 million people who are below the poverty line." Kalam said it was "natural that we have to face problems and overcome them before achieving our ultimate aim in respect of any mission. We should have the courage of conviction and strength of character to overcome the problems and succeed in our efforts." In his message, Shekhawat said "let us rejoice in the dawn of New Year and firmly resolve to work unitedly to build a vibrant India having a pride of place in the comity of nations." Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi wished that the feelings of "love, peace and friendship bloom in the hearts of our countrymen at the advent of this New Year." "Let us meet the serious challenges of terrorism, regionalism and communalism and follow the highest democratic traditions in accordance with our civilisation and culture and put our best foot forward," he said. (Agencies)
India's external debt mounts to $ 112.54 b
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31: India's external debt mounted to 112.54 billion dollars in the first half of the financial year 2003-04, even as debt-GDP ratio fell to 20.3 per cent from as high as nearly 31 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The external debt during April-September rose 9.8 per cent from 102.48 billion dollars in the year ago period, an official release said. "All the external debt components, except export credit, contributed to a marginal increase in debt stock at end-September 2003," the release said. The proportion of short-term debt to total debt, which had remained stable at 4.0 per cent for five years from 1995 and at around 3.0 per cent in the first half of 2002-03, however, shot up to 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal and to 5.5 per cent in the second quarter. The increase in short-term debt to 6.2 billion dollars by September-end was due to increase in non-resident short-term deposits and trade credit. NRI deposits accounted for the largest increase of 6.6 per cent during April-September this year. (Agencies)
India moots fresh peace proposals to Pakistan
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31 India today announced ahead of the SAARC summit four proposals which includes holding of technical level talks next month for bus links between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and Khokrapar in Rajasthan and Munabao in Sindh province. India has also proposed a further increase in the staff strength of the respective High Commissions to 75 from the present 55, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.
Sonia to meet Paswan on compact alliance
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31 Getting pro-active on firming up an opposition alliance amid talks of early Lok Sabha polls, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will be meeting Lok Jan Shakti leader Ram Vilas Paswan this evening. Gandhi yesterday had a telephonic talk with DMK President M Karunanidhi heralding the beginning of a dialogue process between the two parties for an alliance in Tamil Nadu. DMK has come out of the NDA last week. She had also despatched yesterday AICC General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad to CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan, who had met her a couple of days back.
Only Dravid in the World Team
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
London, Dec 31 Australia's captain-in-waiting Ricky Ponting jumped three places on the PricewaterhouseCoopers cricket ratings to end the year 2003 as the top batsman while Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid finished fourth. Ponting, who scored double centuries in consecutive Tests against India, pipped West Indies captain Brian Lara by 10 points to take the honours. The Australian finished the year with 907 points while Lara gathered 897. His world record holding teammate Matthew Hayden was third with 893 points. Despite an impressive run in the Australian tour so far, Dravid slid by two places and was placed fourth with 881 points. Sachin Tendulkar was at 16th place with 712 points. Champion off-spinner Muttiah Murlidharan led the bowlers list with 908 points, 25 points ahead of second placed Shaun Pollock of South Africa. Indian spin duo - Anil Kumble (686) and Harbhajan Singh (662) - were eigth and ninth respectively. Dravid was the only Indian to feature in the PwC World XI, selected on the basis of their ratings at the end of the year. The team has four Australians and three South Africans in its line-up. The World XI comprises Matthew Hayden (AUS), Herschelle Gibbs (SA), Ricky Ponting (AUS), Brian Lara (WI), Rahul Dravid (IND), Jacques Kallis (SA), Adam Gilchrist (AUS), Shaun Pollock (SA), Muttiah Muralitharan (SL), Shoaib Akhtar (PAK) and Glen McGrath (AUS).
IUC deferred till Feb 1with new numbering
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31 Telecom regulator today deferred by a month the implementation of new interconnect usage charges (IUC) regime, which will now become effective from February 1, 2004, along with a change in numbering scheme for mobile phones. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has also decided that IUC charges (payable among operators) for mobile services, which turn fully mobile, would be the same as specified for cellular mobile service. Although the move is likely, prima facie, to have some impact on the margins of WLL operators, TRAI said that today's announcement should not impact tariffs, on account of competition. "Enough margins are there for tariffs not to be affected," a TRAI official said. "TRAI has decided that identical IUC charges shall apply for both CDMA and GSM full mobility services irrespective of point of interconnection from February 1, 2004, because the changeover of level of interconnection may take a longer time than the implementation of number changes," a TRAI statement said. Accordingly, all fully mobile cellular services using any technology are to be treated at par in connection with numbering scheme, and in terms and conditions of interconnections including charges and level of interconnection, TRAI said. "The level of interconnection for fully mobile services will normally be the same as for the GSM cellular service providers," it said.
Petrol, diesel prices go up by Rs one
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31 State-owned oil companies today raised petrol and diesel prices by Re one per litre each, effective from midnight tonight. Petrol would become dearer by Rs one at Rs 33.70 per litre in Delhi while diesel prices go up by Rs one to Rs 21.73 per litre, official sources said.
India-Pak to resume flights from tomorrow
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Islamabad, Dec 31 After a gap of two years, Pakistan and India would formally resume their flight services and open their skies for each other's overflights from tomorrow following the recent thaw in bilateral relations. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officials said the first PIA flight from Lahore would leave for New Delhi in the afternoon tomorrow and return on the same day. PIA's flight from Karachi to Mumbai would leave on January 2. The Indian Airlines would start its flights to Lahore and Karachi after January 9. But IA would operate two chartered flights from New Delhi to Islamabad on January 2 to carry Indian media personnel to cover the SAARC conference. After the decision to resume airlinks, PIA announced the operationalisation of its four weekly flights to New Delhi and two weekly flights each to Mumbai, Dhaka, Colombo, Kathmandu and Sharjah. These flights, cancelled from January 1, 2002 would also resume from tomorrow. Similarly Indian Airlines would operate its flights in the New Delhi-Lahore sector and Mumbai-Karachi sector from January 9. Meanwhile, an Indian flight carrying relief goods to earth quake victims in Iran overflew Pakistan yesterday, earning the distinction of being the first flight to travel in each other's skies since January 2002.
Mulayam rules out truck with BJP, BSP
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 31 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav today ruled out any truck with BJP and BSP and with anyone joining hands with the two parties. "Those who are attempting an alliance with such forces (BSP) should know that they came to power in UP thrice with the support of communal forces and how they can fight for secularism," he told reporters here. Yadav's comments assume significance in the context of a call given by Congress President Sonia Gandhi secular parties including SP and BSP to come together on an anti-BJP platform. The Chief Minister, who met Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Ajit Singh, said as an important coalition partner in UP, "we discussed several issues including how to run the state government and what are the issues before it". Yadav, who arrived here this morning following the death of his party MLC Jawahar Singh Yadav at a city hospital here, also met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes and CPI-M leader H S Surjeet. Asked if there was any significance in today's meetings which came after Gandhi's call to unite anti-BJP forces before the polls, the Samajwadi Party supremo said "election preparations are on. My party is also doing the same". About reports of RKP leader Kalyan Singh rejoining BJP, Yadav said that former Chief Minister went to greet the Prime Minister on his birth day as per the tradition. To a query if he still considered BJP a communal party, Yadav said "if that party continued to live with the four issues-- Ayodhya, Article 370, minority bashing and Common Civil Code-- then it is."
Australia win against India by 9 wickets
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Melbourne, Dec 30 Australia defeated India by 9 wickets to win the third cricket Test on the fifth and final day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here today. Australia reached the victory target of 95 in 22.2 overs with Matthew Hayden scoring an unbeaten 53 and Ricky Ponting 31 not out. The win helped Australia level the four-Test series 1-1. The fourth and final Test in Sydney starts on Friday. Brief scores: India: 366 and 286 Australia: 558 and 97 for 1 wicket in 22.2 overs (M Hayden 53 no, R Ponting 31 no).
Gains of over 5.32 per cent against Dollar
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Mumbai, Dec 30 Year 2003 will go down in the history of Indian currency markets, as one in which the Rupee notched up the highest-ever recorded gains on the back of sustained robust trade and capital inflows, helped largely by a lingering U S dollar vis-a-vis major global units, mainly the Euro. Following a modest 0.52 per cent rise last year, the first appreciation in a decade, the rupee ruled generally firm for the most part of the current calendar year and has risen by around 7.68 per cent since May 16, 2002 when it plunged to life-time lows of Rs 49.08 a dollar. It has ended the year at a 39-month peak at Rs 45.5800/5850 per dollar (Dec 26), a whopping gain of Rs 2.42 from the previous year's closing levels of Rs 48.00/01. Burgeoning foreign exchange reserves that crossed the 100 billion dollar mark, rising exports, foreign institutional investments (FIIs) into booming stock markets and expatriate remittances were the main factors behind the robust strength of the Rupee, helped to a large extent by a tumbling dollar against its major global rivals, mainly the Euro, dealers said Although, the Rupee has appreciated sharply by over 5.32 per cent, it was still undervalued by around 2 per cent against the greenback on a trade-weighted basis, given the steep fall of the dollar to multi-year lows against its major global rivals, particularly the Euro.
2003 - year of saffron surge!
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 30 It was the year of saffron surge fuelled by stability, a campaign blitzkrieg by its second line of leaders and Sangh Parivar that saw success succumbing to BJP's charms in semi-finals to "Mission 2004" Lok Sabha polls as internal differences highlighted by VHP's attacks on temple issue and HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi's resignation besides Judeo tapes put the party on the defensive in 2003. What began ominously with the defeat in Himachal Pradesh soon changed track with Congress MLAs shifting their loyalties to veteran Gegong Apang in Arunachal Pradesh, who joined the saffron party without delay, boosting its sagging morale. Though it appeared for a moment that the party would lose Jharkhand to the rebellion against Chief Minister Babulal Marandi led by none other than the Assembly Speaker, a suave Rajnath Singh turned the tables leaving opposition aspirants including RJD and Congress in the lurch. Feeling the pulse, the party anointed Arjun Munda to head the new state. Mayawati continued to bulldoze the party into submission till she crossed the "Lakshman Rekha" and asked Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to sack Tourism Minister Jagmohan over the Taj Heritage Corridor issue. Asserting enough was enough, BJP asked the BSP leader to behave and later withdrew support to her only to facilitate a backdoor entry to Maya's arch foe Mulayam Singh Yadav. Buoyed by completion of four years in office and preparing for fresh tenure at the Centre in 2004, the party took pains to shift focus of its agenda from Hindutva to development while simultaneously keeping its Parivar allies in good humour through innumerable meetings. MORE
Air, rail services in national capital paralysed due to fog
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 30 Air and rail services were paralysed due to dense fog which enveloped the national capital today amid further drop in night temperature. Fog situation deteriorated reducing visibility to 10 metres during the night and mere 100 metres till 10 a.m., Meteorological Department said here. Several flights and trains were cancelled or rescheduled due to low visibility. Night temperature dipped to five degrees celsius against yesterday's six degress celsius, the department said.
Powell says US for Indo-Pak conciliation on Kashmir
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Washington, Dec 30 US Secretary of State Colin Powell has said the US policy towards India and Pakistan and its attitude towards the Kashmir issue is one of "trying to turn our parallel improvement of relations with India and Pakistan into a triangle of conflict resolution." But he made it clear that the US was not imposing itself as a mediator. India and Pakistan, he said, still dispute who should control Kashmir. During 2002, a major war between them -- perhaps involving nuclear weapons -- seemed distinctly possible, he said. "So, working with partners in Europe and Asia," he said, "we mobilised to help end the crisis". "We have since been trying to turn our parallel improvement of relations with India and Pakistan into a triangle of conflict resolution. We do not impose ourselves as a mediator. But we do try to use the trust we have established with both sides to urge them toward conciliation by peaceful means," he said in the latest issue of 'Foreign Affairs' journal. "Whereas Russia is still developing its democracy, India's democracy dates from its independence in 1947. With recent economic reforms setting institutional roots, India is developing into a mature market economy", he said.
Don't project Sonia as PM, says Sharief
Monday, December 29, 2003
Senior Congress leader C.K. Jaffer Sharief today questioned the insistence of the Congress on projecting party President Sonia Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate on which other parties have reservations and urged for a change in the strategy in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. "They (AICC leaders) should not insist on this stand (Sonia as PM candidate).. come out with a new strategy, let the MPs decide on who should become the Prime Minister," Mr Sharief, the Congress MP from Bangalore North, said at the foundation day celebrations of the Indian National Congress at the KPCC heaquarters here. "The Congress has called for an alliance with like-minded parties, but no party is coming forward, what is the reason? Because, the Congress is insisting on projecting Ms Sonia Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, for which other parties have reservations", he said. "If it is in her (Sonia) destiny to become the Prime Minister, she will become the Prime Minister... let the destiny decide," Mr Sharief, who has recently been critical of the Congress government's functioning in Karnataka, said. The Congress needed alliance partners to defeat the BJP in the elections, Mr Sharief said "So, why the party leaders at the helm do not understand the gravity of the issue"? he asked. Mr Sharief, a former Union Minister said, said the Congress should fight the elections along with alliance partners on a common ground without projecting a Prime Ministerial candidate. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Janardhana Poojary, who was on the dais with Mr Sharief, later speaking to reporters denied having heard Mr Sharief criticising the party stand. "Even if he (Sharief) has said something, it is his personal view," Mr Poojary said.
SP ready to support Cong, says Mulayam
Monday, December 29, 2003
In an apparent message to the Congress, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav said today that his party was ready to give and take issue-based support’’ including a seat-sharing arrangement with any political party, which has not already tied up with the BSP. Without naming the Congress, Mr Yadav said his party was open to extending and taking support from any secular party, provided the BSP was not involved in the equation. Talking to reporters here, Mr Yadav in a way criticised the speculated move of the Congress to forge an alliance with Ms Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party saying that: The Samajwadi Party would not reach at any understanding with parties which support the BSP’’. On the recent Congress’ decision to form an anti-BJP secular front comprising like-minded parties, he said he had only read about the Congress move in newspapers and had no prior information about it. However, he added that his party, in its national executive, had already decided to extend and accept issue-based support with like-mided parties. Uttar Pradesh is the best example where such an alliance is functioning. I had been propagating a similar alliance since 1986...even before the announcement of elections, the Samajwadi Party is ready on seat-sharing based on issues,’’ he said. UNI
Laloo defends Sonia on foreign origin issue
Monday, December 29, 2003
Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Laloo Prasad Yadav today criticised the BJP for making an issue out of Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s ‘foreign origin’. Addressing a gathering here, Mr Yadav lamented that even Congress workers and leaders had failed to defend Ms Gandhi on various fora over the foreign origin issue. ‘’They should defend her more fiercely as she is the ‘bahu’ of a family which has sacrificed a lot for the interests of the country,’’ he said. Mr Yadav had come to the industrial town to unveil the statue of freedom fighter Jagnarain Singh, who was also associated with the Congress. Congress leader R.K. Dhawan, AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh Naval Kishore Sharma and UPCC president Jagdambika Pal were also present. He claimed that by constantly targeting Ms Gandhi, the BJP was only spreading hatred in the society. ‘’Though the Nehrus have sacrificed a lot, their daughter-in-law is being targeted to meet political ends,’’ Mr Yadav added. Claiming that the Lok Sabha elections would be held in April, Mr Yadav asked everyone to be prepared for the next round of electoral battle against the BJP and "communal forces." "It is time for the electorate to decide who they would vote for the ones who got Mahatma Gandhi killed or those who fought against the British Raj,’’ he added. UNI
India all out for 286 against Australia on day four of Test
Monday, December 29, 2003
Melbourne, Dec 29 in their second innings on the fourth day of the third cricket Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here today. Australia need 95 to win the Test. India lead the four-match series 1-0. Brief scores: India 1st innings 366 Australia 1st innings 558 India 2nd innings 286 all out in 99.5 overs (R Dravid 92, S Ganguly 73, S Tendulkar 44, P Patel 27 no; B Williams 4-53).
Kushabhau Thakre's mortal remains consigned to flames
Monday, December 29, 2003
Bhopal, Dec 29 Mortal remains of former BJP President Kushabhau Thakre were consigned to flames with full state honours at Bhadbhada cremation ground in the presence of a galaxy of VVIPs here today. His nephew Prasad Thakre lit the funeral pyre amid chanting of vedic hymns as a host of dignitaries from across the country bid a tearful adieu to the departed leader, who died a bachelor at the age of 82 yesterday in New Delhi following a prolonged illness. Among those present on the occasion were Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, RSS chief K S Sudershan, several Union Ministers, Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Prakash Gupta, Chief Minister Uma Bharti and her colleagues. Chief Ministers Narendra Modi (Gujarat), Raman Singh (Chhattisgarh) and Arjun Munda (Jharkhand) were also present at the cremation ground. Buglers sounded the last post while police personnel reversed their arms as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Kal Ho Na Ho finds a place in Oscars library
Sunday, December 28, 2003
MUMBAI: Impressed by the New York-based love triangle story Kal Ho Na Ho, (KHNH) the managers of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has sent a letter to Karan Johar requesting for the screenplay of his movie. The reason: They want to place KHNH's screenplay in their library for the reference of film-makers. ``I got the letter two days ago. I am quite surprised as I've never got anything on an Oscar letterhead before,'' says Johar. He had not sent the film to the Academy. ``Obviously, someone with an Indian mindset has seen it and referred it.'' In fact, none of the Hindi films released in 2003 found a place in the Oscar nomination process this October. Since KHNH, directed by Nikhil Advani and written by Johar, was released in November 2003, it is eligible only next year for entry. On the library's shelves, which boasts of 15,000 film and video prints, KHKN will share space with the works of Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock and DW Griffith. In the Indian section, the library has nine restored features of Satyajit Ray and since it houses reference prints of all nominated films, Mother India, Salaam Mumbai and Lagaan is also part of it. Kal Ho Naa Ho, starring Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, is an NRI drama. In its third week of release, it is riding the crest in India, UK and the US. It will also travel to the Berlin film festival next February. ``I thought it had an interesting narrative and you do make films for all audiences. But it is still an Indian mindset shot on foreign land,'' says Johar.
Efforts to sabotage 'Taj Mahal'
Sunday, December 28, 2003
MUMBAI: Writer-director-producer Akbar Khan has alleged that a serious attempt is being made to "sabotage" his magnum opus - "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story". The movie is all set to create history because of its larger-than-life-sets and the massive Rs.500 million plus budget bringing hundreds of creative minds together. But now he says people with vested interests have tried to harm the image of the film. He said video pirates had started flooding the market with VCDs of Robin Khosla's unsuccessful movie "Taj Mahal - A Monument of Love" packaged with covers bearing the name of Khan's "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story". The pirates have cleverly lifted designs of Khan's movie from his website and put together a new VCD cover to sell Khosla's film, which, when released two months ago, could not even hold its own for two days in the theatres, he said. "I would like to warn the pirates that they are headed for trouble. I will be going to the roots of this issue and will make sure that the culprits are put behind bars," Khan told . "At the same time, I would like to tell people not to get fooled by these cheaters. My film is yet to be released and is extremely secure. The movie inside these duplicate inlay cards is not my movie but the Khosla film of which the less said the better." Khan is planning to release his film in May during the holiday period, while the music will be released on Valentine's Day February 14. While Zulfikar and Sonya Jehan are being introduced in the movie as Prince Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, the film also stars Manisha Koirala, Kabir Bedi, Pooja Batra, Arbaaz Khan, Arbaaz Ali and Kim Sharma. The story is co-written by South African freedom fighter Fatima Meer, who had earlier penned Nelson Mandela's biography. Khan said: "News about this racket came to us first from Bangalore. Our lead actor Zulfikar's mom, who lives there, was excited to see a 'Taj Mahal...' VCD carrying the picture of her son on the inlay card. Though she was surprised to see it so soon, she decided to buy it. "When she watched the film, she was further surprised that it was the Khosla film with an inlay of my film. When we came to know of this, we immediately informed police who raided the shop in Bangalore from where she had purchased this VCD." Soon after, police, with the assistance of the anti-piracy cell, conducted multiple raids in Surat, Ahmedabad and Bangalore and seized more than 5,000 such duplicate VCDs. They arrested two people for printing fake inlay cards for the VCDs and put them in remand for 14 days. Noted musician Naushad has also requested the media to expose such rackets which are killing the film industry. He spoke about his recent visits abroad, where people complained about Indian musicians lifting music from the West with impunity.
The 10 best films of 2003
Sunday, December 28, 2003
The 10 best films of 2003 Sunday December 28 2003 12:05 IST MUMBAI: Here are the 10 best offerings from mainstream Indian cinema this year: 1. "LOC": Look at the sheer magnitude of J.P. Dutta's achievement! The volume of vibrancy he achieves in telling the tale of 30-odd Kargil martyrs and soldiers is breathtaking. On the minus side the war scenes get tedious beyond a point. But Dutta scores eminently in making every soldier's tale a distinct microscopic tragedy. This film proves Dutta a movie mogul in every sense of the word. Anu Malik's songs and Javed Akhtar's lyrics were a special treat. b. "Kal Ho Naa Ho": So cool, so urban. So slick, so chic. Karan Johar's Manhattan-manoeuvred love triangle was special for its extremely unusual narrative convention. Cut like an American sitcom, its screen humour had us in splits. The feel-good tragedy raced past the chic post to make a truly enchanting statement on the quality of cosmopolitan altruism. The Shah Rukh Khan-Preity Zinta-Saif Ali Khan threesome created a svelte combustion. As for the other trio -- Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music captured the spirit of ebullience. c. "Pinjar": Debutant director Chandraprakash Diwedi's partition tale based on Amrita Pritam's novel ripped the screen apart with its poignant aestheticism. The swirl of the ghagras and the flaming-yellow mustard fields merged in a melancholy embrace with the hefty wages and passionate pages of history. Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpai and music composer Uttam Singh's proudest moment. Diwedi executed the tale at a technically lofty plane. d. "Munnabhai M.B.B.S.": The therapeutic feel-good film was a smile-a-while marathon that comes once in a decade. Director Raj Kumar Hirani's ability to tell a simple story simply is the film's USP. The basic premise (a mobster turns doctor), the great lines (by Abbas Tyrewalla) and the enrapturing ensemble cast (helmed by the inimitable Sanjay Dutt) ensured this benign comedy's smooth passage. e. "Chokher Bali": Though not a Hindi film, Rituparno Ghosh's pulsating periodicity in this multi-layered adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel guaranteed a passport to international festivals for Aishwarya Rai. Ghosh gave the nuanced tale a multi-layered screen life and a rich opulent look that belied the film's limited budget. f. "Koi...Mil Gaya": The year's biggest money spinner about a repressed mentally challenged boy-man who befriends an alien by Rakesh Roshan attempted an unconventional theme and got away with it. But the film's biggest asset was the director's son Hrithik who quite easily gave the best performance of the year. This was one time when we didn't mind nepotism. g. "Baghbaan": Veteran Ravi Chopra's narration lacked polish. But the film hit where it hurt the most. "Baghbaan" rejuvenated the theme of ungrateful children and grieving parents, thanks in no small measure to Amitabh Bachchan's towering performance and Hema Malini's dazzling presence. The love and warmth for the spouse and the hurt when a progeny gets rude were mapped on the Big B's face. Aadesh Shrivastava's music was a great help. h. "Joggers' Park": Another heart-warming autumn sonata, this one featuring the ever-likable Victor Bannerjee as a retired judge who suddenly finds adventure action and romance in his life in the form of Perizad Zorabian. Producer Subhash Ghai made sure that the late Anant Balani didn't steer the theme into sensationalism. The film was fresh in approach and carried Indian cinema forward to the nuke millennium. After two polished performances in "Bhoot" and "Joggers' Park" in 2003, wonder why producers don't sign Victor more often. i. "Dhoop": The story of what happens to Kargil martyr Anuj Nayyar's parents after his death was made permanently poignant by Om Puri's heart wrenching yet never over-sentimental performance. Revathi provided good support. Visuals of grief stayed with the audience months after the film came and went, and so did Jagjit Singh's pain-washed voice. j. "3 Deewarein/Jhankar Beats": Nagesh Kukunoor and debutant Sujoy Ghosh made it jointly to the 10th position with their three-hero tales of tormenting redemption. Both featured a sparkling cast, which, to put it mildly, knew its job. While Kukunoor's film was grim, song-less and elegiac, Ghosh's romantic comedy bled the blithe spirit in tones of rapturous self-mockery. These are breakthrough films at their saucy best. And so is Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot" which comes at number 11.
Nine injured in Kashmir blast
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Srinagar, Dec 27 Nine people, including six paramilitary troopers, were injured in a blast in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday, police said. The incident occurred in Kakpora town, 20 km from here, when separatist guerrillas hurled a grenade at a group of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troopers who were shopping in the market. "Six ITBP men and three civilians received injuries in the explosion. The condition of four ITBP men and a civilian is serious," a police officer said.
How Bollywood stars plan to celebrate New Year!
Saturday, December 27, 2003
http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20031227-2.html Year 2003 has been good for a number of Bollywood stars and they have their own special plans to say it goodbye on the New Year's night. This year has ended on a good note for Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta with their Kal Ho Na Ho being declared a hit. To celebrate the coming of Year 2004, SRK will be flying to Thailand with his wife Gauri and kids. There, he will party on 31st December at a five-star hotel along with a couple of close fiends. Although it is not confirmed, there are gossips that Kal Ho Na Ho producer Karan Johar will also fly to Thailand later to join SRK in celebrations. On the other hand, film~Rs actress Preity Zinta will have a blast with her friends at a disc in Mumbai or in suburbs. Preity is known to be a dance freak who has the energy to lift the whole party single handedly. It is expected that Bobby Deol and Rani Mukherjee both of who are good friends of Preity, might join her for the bash. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan however, does not seem to have any special plans. Last year, he celebrated the New Year in Jaisalmer with her entire family and later also visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. But this year, the superstar hasn~Rt planned anything because the family is still bereaving the death of his father Poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan earlier this year. Munnabhai MBBS star Sanjay Dutt will chill out with his close buddies Sanjay Gupta and Mahesh Manjrekar on the New Years' night. As the trio doesn~Rt like to plan their get-togethers in advance, there is every chance that they may show up in any of the hot pubs or discs in Mumbai. Karishma Kapoor will celebrate her New Year with hubby Sunjay Kapur with her in-laws in Delhi. It will be a family affair. There are talks that the two will fly to some destination in Europe in the first week of January. Sushmita Sen will welcome the New Year with her cute little bundle of joy, her adopted daughter Renee. The damsel says while there are no fixed plans, she might go for a long car drive along with Renee and a friend. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have arranged a get together of their families. The idea is to have a cozy evening with some delicious food and good music. Sadly, nothing is known of the New Year plans of Bollywood two hottest faces Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu But then the same goes for Vivek Oberoi and John Abraham both of who are tight lipped about their plans. Perhaps, the two men have something already fixed with the two ladies. http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20031227-2.html
Amitabh shoots for Kyon Ho Gaya Na
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan said that Bollywood could play a vital role in improving relationship between nations especially with Pakistan through exchange of movies. Bachchan, who has been staying in this hill station for the past 25 days for the shooting of the Hindi film Kyo Ho Gaya Na, starring Aishwarya Rai and Sunil Shetty, took time off for a brief chat with the press here. Answering a volley of questions, he said, "India has so much to give and yet it is lagging in sharing, whereas other countries have so little to offer but speak so high about them". Describing Kodagu as a wonderful gift of nature, Amitabh said he loved to spend a holiday with his family here. On his new assignment with UNICEF, which has chosen him as the ambassador for children and education programme, the mega star said he would be at the forefront to eradicate dreaded diseases like polio and for stressing the need for educating children.
LOC-Kargil released in Delhi
Saturday, December 27, 2003
The four-and-a-half hour-long saga on the Kargil war, LOC-Kargil released in Delhi today. The film chronicles the 50-day war in which more than 635 soldiers lost their lives. The USP of the film is its realistic documentation of the war and soldiers. Captain Anuj Nayyar, played by Saif Ali Khan, died on July 7, 1999 in Kargil at the age of 24. His father says he is happy at the professionalism of the director in researching his son's character to give a realistic portrayal of his life. The Indian Army also feels J P Dutta has been successful in portraying the bravery and valour of its soldiers. But the verdict of a box office success ultimately lies with the cinemagoer. It's clear that for the public, fed on stories of jingoism and glamourised war stories, the harsh reality of LOC-Kargil has struck an emotional cord somewhere.
Issha Koppikar
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Best known for her sizzling item numbers, Issha Koppikar doesn’t hesitate to own up to her nickname of the Original Item Girl. After all, she owes a lot to those much-in-demand ‘Khallas’ and ‘Ishq samunder’ numbers which made her an instantly recognized face all over the country. We catch up with her in the midst of the umpteen shows she’s been doing in and outside the country, and ask her about her latest film, ‘LOC’, and whether she is still into item numbers You’ve been maintaining a pretty low profile of late. What have you been up to? Issha Koppikar: December has been a little easy in terms of shooting. I’ve been more involved in shows, because it’s the festive season. So I have been traveling. I was in the UAE, then I was in Bangalore. At the same time we had our MTV Aids Contest here, and then we had the Immies. I have basically been dancing and doing shows. Shooting routine starts in January. End of December onwards I am taking a break and going to Goa for ten days, first with my friends and then my family will join me. It’s the most happening destination this year and everybody is going to be there. What projects are you working on right now? Issha: When I come back, I will start shooting with Hansal Mehta for ‘Raakh’. Then there is a Harry Baweja film starting, which will be directed by Karan Razdan, which starts immediately after the first schedule of Hansal’s film. There are three or four films I have signed, so far. ‘LOC’ has just released. Then I have Mani Shankar’s ‘Rudraksh’ coming in January. Then Balaji’s ‘Krishna Cottage’ coming on the 27th of February. It’s a horror film. Then Pankaj Parashar’s ‘Intekaam’, again in Feb. Then Hansal Mehta’s ‘Humrahi’ in May. I have another untitled film with Balaji Telefilms which stars Aftab and it starts in February. That’s untitled so far, but I’m sure it’ll start with a ‘K’! (laughs) They should probably call it ‘Koppikar’! But, seriously, I have three films all set to roll in Feb! INDIATIMES
Line Of Control
Saturday, December 27, 2003
A worthy tribute Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Aksahye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Ashutosh Rana, Karan Nath, Amar Upadhya, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, Raveena Tandon, Namrata Shirodkar, Isha Koppikar Director & Producer: JP Dutta Music: Anu Malik Rating: * * * * * April 1999-It was during this time that Pakistani infiltrators annexed Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian soldiers fought for four months to recapture the lost territory and 500 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in the war. JP Dutta's LoC is a sincere attempt to bring a true picture of what Indian soldiers went through fighting Pakistani infiltrators on celluloid. And Dutta succeeds at that! The director has done extremely meticulous research, traveling to the location to pen down the details, meeting the families of the soldiers who have sacrificed their life for the country and finally shooting at a height of 14000 feet, that too with stars with sky high egos. But when you watch the film you realize why Dutta has put in so much effort-so that we as Indians never forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers just to ensure that we continued to live our life the way we did. The action has been captured in great detail. It focuses on around different battalions and their progress as the capture different points in the Line Of Control. The grueling battle keeps you engrossed (and you also clap with enthusiasm and joy when our soldiers succeed in reclaiming our territory.) At the same time telling the story about soldiers leaving their family and loved ones not knowing whether they would return or no. The scenes surely make your eyes well up with tears. Though there is a flood of stars, most of which have been very well sketched the actors that touch you the most are the extremely emotional Manoj Pandey (Ajay Devgan) who won the Param Vir Chakra, Lt Balwant Singh (Akshaye Khanna) who was bestowed with the Mahaveer Chakra, Vikram Batra (Abhishek Bachchan) whose motto in life is dil maange more and courageously fights till the end giving up his life and Captain Anuj Nayyar (Saif Ali Khan) who dies leaving his loved one behind, played by Kareena Kapoor,. There is also major Deepak Rampal (Sanjay Kapoor) who cuts short his leave to fight the Kargil war. Colonel YK Joshi (Sanjay Dutt) who courageously leads our soldiers to triumph and victory. Suniel Shetty plays Captain Sanjay Kumar who held the enemy's gun barrels with bare hands while Ashutosh Rana's and Manoj Bajpai's camaraderie is noteworthy. Songs penned down by Javed Akhtar are touching and mind you, unlike what we usually see in Hindi films where songs prove to be bane than boon, songs mesh seamlessly with the narrative and are well picturised especially on Saif-Kareena, Suniel-Isha and Abhishek-Esha. The only thing that may work against the film is its length. Only if the makers could trim it to 3 hours! But immaterial of the time, the film leaves an impact and will be etched on your mind for years to come. A must watch! (b4utv.com)
North India reels under cold wave, traffic disrupted, 54 died
Saturday, December 27, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 27 The entire North India shivered today with Kashmir valley remaining cut off from rest of the country due to heavy snowing as 16 more people succumbed to the bone-chilling cold pushing the countrywide death toll this winter to 54. The fog, which blinded the region throwing road, rail and air traffic haywire during the past one week, lifted even as temperatures dipped and people experienced a sunless day. Severe chill claimed 15 lives overnight in Uttar Pradesh and one in Himachal Pradesh where icy winds confined people indoors. The 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu National highway, the only surface link between Kashmir valley and the rest of the country, was closed to traffic after fresh snowfall rendered unsafe a 25-km stretch between Qazigund and Jawahar Tunnel, All incoming and outgoing flights from Srinagar, including special Haj flights, were cancelled. Heavy snowfall in many areas along the Indo-Tibet Border in Uttaranchal crippled normal life. Mercury plummeted in Chamoli, Rudra Prayag, Pauri-Garhwal, Tehri-Garhwal and Uttarkashi districts owing to overnight snowing.
Sensex soars to 46-month high, poised to scale new heights
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Mumbai, Dec 27 Stocks: Driven by a sustained stocks rally, the sensex spurted by another 2.85 per cent to end the week at 46-month high at 5699.24 on the Bombay Stock Exchange and is poised to set new records in the beginning of the new year. In a non-stop massive five-week price upsurge, the BSE barometer has gained by 17.79 per cent or 860.70 points since November 21, 2003 and even showed signs of continuity of rally amidst increasing investors confidence that the sensex would break all previous records in January 2004. During the week under review, the BSE Benchmark 30-share Index surpassed 5700-mark to the high of 5705.30 before ending the week at 5699.24 as against last weekend's close of 5541.35, a net rise of 157.89 points. The driver of the market Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), unlike in the past, made hefty net investments at the year-end pumping in over Rs 5170 crore till December 24. In the first three session of the week, they made net investments of Rs 815 crore showing no signs withdrawal of funds from the Indian markets. The intensity of unabated price upsurge could be gauged by unprecedented gains in almost all the BSE sectorial indices which have hit all-time high during the week. Led by SBI, banking sector hogged the limelight during the week on strong expectations of better prospects, higher treasury income and bad debts recovery. FIIs have stepped up purchases after government decided in-principle to hike FDI limit to at least 74 per cent in the sector.
Australia 317 for 3 against India on day two of Test match
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Melbourne, Dec 27 Australia were 317 for three in their first innings at close on the second day of the third cricket Test against India here today. Ricky Ponting was batting on 120 while Damien Martyn was on 7 at draw of stumps. Brief Scores: India 1st Inngs: 366 Australia 1st innings: 317 for 3 in 75 overs (Hayden 136, Ponting 120 not out; Kumble 2/102). Cor AB
India to help Iran in rehabilitation after earthquake
Saturday, December 27, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 27 India is ready to assist Iran in meeting the massive devastation caused by the earthquake and help in rehabilitation and reconstruction, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said today. Expressing shock and sadness at the death of thousands of people, he said "whenever Iran wants assistance, India will be ready to provide it". He said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him on telephone this morning and offered that the expertise and experience of the state in rehabilitating the quake victims could be used to provide relief to the people of Iran. Advani said the External Affairs Ministry would be coordinating relief efforts in this regard. Over 20,000 people have been killed in the massive earthquake which devastated Iran's historic southeastern fort city of Bam and its surrounding district yesterday.
No bilateral Indo-Pak meet during SAARC summit: India
Saturday, December 27, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 27 India today said no bilateral meeting has been fixed between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani leaders on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad next month and made it clear that composite dialogue process could begin only when cross-border terrorism stopped. "No meeting has been fixed," Foreign Secretary Shashank told reporters in response to persistent questions whether Vajpayee will meet Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf or Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali during the three-day summit from January four. Specifically asked about Vajpayee's recent reported remark that he was willing to meet everyone, he said "obviously, there will be occasions when leaders will get together during the conference and at the retreat. So those occasions will be there". The Foreign Secretary said requests have been received from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal for bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister. "We are working on them."
Test Series: India 329 for four against Australia at close of Ist day
Friday, December 26, 2003
Melbourne, Dec 26 Electing to bat, India were 329 for four at close on the first day of the third cricket Test match against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground here today. Skipper Sourav Ganguly was batting on 20 while V V S Laxman was on six when stumps were drawn for the day. Brief Scores: India 1st Inngs: 329 for 4 in 90 overs (Sehwag 195, Dravid 49).
Inflation at 28-week high of 5.57 pc
Friday, December 26, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 26 A sharp fall in the prices of fruits and vegetables notwithstanding, inflation rose for the fifth consecutive week to a 28-week high of 5.57 per cent for the week ended December 13 as wheat, maize, jowar, food products, some edible oils and textiles became costlier. The point-to-point Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation was up by 0.19 per cent from the previous week's level of 5.38 per cent with prices of heavy-weighted manufactured products going up marginally. The growth in general price level was only 3.21 per cent in the previous year period, indicating that the cost of living had surged by over 200 basis points. However, WPI stood unchanged at the previous week's mark of 176.4 points though primary products and fuels' group indices fell. The index was 167.1 points a year ago.
Russia supports Indo-Pak peace moves
Friday, December 26, 2003
Moscow, Dec 26 Welcoming the recent thaw in India-Pakistan ties, Russia has expressed its support to the efforts made by leaders from both countries to create a conducive atmosphere to resolve bilateral issues on basis of the Simla accord and the Lahore Declaration. The situation in South Asia was among the issues discussed by Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov at his meeting with the Pakistani Ambassador Iftikhar Murshed yesterday. "In the course of discussions on the situation in South Asia the Russian side backed the efforts of the leadership of India and Pakistan aimed at strengthening mutual trust for the creation of favourable conditions for resolving outstanding bilateral issues on the basis of Simla accord and Lahore Declaration," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Special attention was paid to the problems of countering terrorism, religious extremism and other new global challenges," it said, adding both the sides expressed their mutual interest in launching an effective interaction in this field.
Human trafficking case: Daler Mehndi being taken to Delhi
Friday, December 26, 2003
Patiala, Dec 26 Indi-pop singer Daler Mehndi was today taken to Delhi from here by Patiala police for recovery of documents including passports and statements of account in connection with the illegal human trafficking case against him and four others. A police team led by Superintendent of Police R L Monga, who is also a member of the special investigation team probing the case, is expected to take Mehndi to his office and residence in New Delhi, police sources said. The singer's police remand was extended till December 28 by a local court on Wednesday. Daler was arrested in the Delhi last week in connection with the case registered in October on the complaint of one Bakshish Singh who alleged that he was not taken abroad despite paying Rs 13 lakh of the Rs 15 lakh sought by the accused for the purpose. The singer's brother Shamsher, also an accused in the case, is already in judicial custody.
Vajpayee's visit to Rajasthan cancelled
Friday, December 26, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 26 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today cancelled his sojourn in Rajasthan due to foggy weather conditions in the North and to prepare for the SAARC summit. The entire issue relating to his holiday was reviewed this morning and a decision was taken to cancel the trip, PMO sources said.
Shewag sparkles but Sachin gone for duck
Friday, December 26, 2003
Melbourne:(By our Sports Correspondent) Its not so often we see India going on to the third test of an away series with their tails up, that too against the all conquring Aussies at their own back yard. But Ganguly's men are doing it on the Boxing day test match at Melbourne today. The openers gave a solid start for India after Ganguly won the toss and elected to bat at this fairy paced wicket.Both Shewag and Akash Chopra batted with resolve and took India to a decent 89 for no loss at lunch. After lunch , Veeru went on his natuaral style and blazed away for a magnificient century in no time. Meanwhile he lost his partner for a well made 48 when the total was 141. The ever dependable Dravid came on to the middle and continued tormenting the Aussies. They both added a quick fire 137 before Dravid fell just one short of another half century. Then came the master, whom all India was waiting for. Sachin who had a bad tour so far was tipped of scoring a big one here.But alas, he was beaten for pace by none other than Bret Lee and edjed a diving catch to Gilchrist for a first ball duck. That brought the captain to middle. On the other end Veeru was on full song and was all set to score a well deserved double hundred. But on this day where Indians fell just short of two half centuries Shewag also fell just five short of a what would have been a magnificient Double hundred. His epic stay ended as he was caught by Bracken of the bowling of Katitch for 195 which came in just 233 balls with the help of 25 super fours and 5 thunderous sixes when the total score was on 311. With just 10 overs to go on the first day, the last specialised batsman of India but the elegant and writsy Laxman walked on to the middle to give his captain company.
Pope Calls for Peace in Christmas Message
Thursday, December 25, 2003
VATICAN CITY - A frail Pope John Paul (news - web sites) II in his Christmas message asked Christ to save the world from war and terrorism "the great evils" afflicting mankind at the start of the third millennium. John Paul delivered his traditional Christmas Day blessing, known as his "Urbi et Orbi" message Latin for "to the city and to the world" just hours after celebrating a lengthy Midnight Mass inside the poinsettia-decked St. Peter's Basilica. While he cut back on his holiday schedule this year, the pope delivered both his homily and his Thursday message in a clear and strong voice. Though tired, he appeared far stronger than during the series of celebrations marking his 25th anniversary as pope in October, during which he turned over many of his remarks to others to read. The 83-year-old pope suffers from Parkinson's disease (news - web sites), as well as hip and knee ailments that make it practically impossible for him to walk or stand. He also has difficulty speaking, yet he delivered his remarks in their entirety and also offered his traditional Christmas Day greetings in some 62 languages, including Aramaic, Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Maori and Swahili. John Paul offered his noontime prayers from the stairs overlooking St. Peter's Square, blessing thousands of the faithful and tourists who gathered under a brilliant and around a life-sized nativity scene and 100-foot Christmas tree. Waving flags and handkerchiefs, they cheered and screamed when he was wheeled out in his chair, dressed in golden vestments and a jeweled golden miter, and interrupted him several times during his greetings with cheers and song. Some had tears in their eyes. In his comments, John Paul recalled that Christmas Day marks the biblical birth in Bethlehem of Jesus Christ, to whom he directed his appeal to save the world from "the great evils" afflicting mankind at the start of the third millennium. "Save us from the wars and armed conflicts which lay waste whole areas of the world, from the scourge of terrorism and from the many forms of violence which assail the weak and the vulnerable," he said. "Save us from discouragement as we face the paths to peace, difficult paths indeed, yet possible and therefore necessary." He said it was particularly urgent to follow such paths to peace in the Middle East. John Paul has spoken out frequently during the past three years of Israeli-Palestinian fighting, calling for leaders on both sides to have the courage to find peace. He has also frequently denounced terrorism and lamented the war in Iraq (news - web sites). During his Midnight Mass homily, the pope said: "Too much blood is still being shed on earth. Too much violence and too many conflicts trouble the peaceful coexistence of nations." "You come to bring us peace," John Paul said of the baby Jesus. "You are our peace." The Vatican (news - web sites)'s newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, headlined its holiday edition: "Christmas 2003, a cry for peace." Security around the Vatican was particularly tight this year, amid reports that churches could become terrorist targets. Clusters of police lined the main boulevard leading to St. Peter's on Thursday morning, and the faithful attending Midnight Mass had to pass through metal detectors. The boulevard itself has been closed to traffic overnight during the holidays as part of Italy's stepped-up security measures. Following Thursday's events, John Paul is scheduled to lead New Year's Eve prayers Dec. 31 in St. Peter's and preside at Mass in the basilica New Year's Day. The Vatican, however, has dropped two traditional papal events at the start of the new year the ordination of bishops Jan. 6 and baptisms on Jan. 11 to ease up on John Paul's schedule.
Church-led tour agency in God's Own Country
Thursday, December 25, 2003
PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Catholic congregation has set up a tourism agency in Kerala to take visitors around pilgrim centres in the state, famed for its long tradition of religious co-existence playing host to Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. 'Godsland Tourism,' set up by Carmalites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) at Aluva near Kochi and headed by Fr Mathias Mundadan, had already taken a few batches of domestic tourists to places like Malayattur, associated with St Thomas. "The agency is in a take-off stage. We aim to help groups interested in seeing religious places in the state," Fr Mundadan said. Known far and wide for its sylvan beaches, backwaters, and rain forests, Kerala has a string of ancient and medieval churches and the country's oldest Jewish synagogue at Mattanchery in Kochi. The Government had identified pilgrim tourism as an area to be promoted with earmarking circuits linking places of religious association with the Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths. "So far we had a few batches of Indian tourists. We have plans to expand the network by establishing links with European and American tour agencies," he said.
Vajpayee asks partymen to gear up for polls
Thursday, December 25, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 25 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today asked partymen to gear up for polls to ensure a second term for the BJP-led coalition at the Centre and said BJP's adversaries would not be able to cobble up a coalition despite making attempts. Addressing thousands of party workers gathered at his residence to greet him on his 79th birthday, a beaming Vajpayee impressed upon the party rank and file that there was no room for complacency after its spectacular victory in the three states as "time is important". "Vijay hai, per vishram nahi. Samay ka mahatva hai" (One cannot rest after the victory in the recent Assembly elections as time is important), he said. He, however, did not mention whether the Lok Sabha elections would be held as scheduled or preponed. In an obvious reference to Congress, he said that though others were also trying to firm up an alliance, but they will not succeed.
Hindu temple in MP celebrates Christmas
Thursday, December 25, 2003
A Hindu temple in Madhya Pradesh joined churches across the State in celebrating Christmas with a tableau depicting Jesus Christ's birth joining its idols of gods and goddesses. The grand temple dedicated to Balaji, an incarnation of Krishna, Hinduism's most revered god, has been decorated with the tableau and a big Christmas tree, festooned with balloons, ribbons and toys. The temple's priests gave up their saffron robes to dress up as Santa Claus as they performed religious ceremonies. The tableau placed in front of the temple's huge edifice with the idols of Hindu gods and goddesses inside became the talk of the town in Betul. Though the temple's owner, Sam Verma, a famous industrialist and aviator of Madhya Pradesh, mooted the idea for the celebration, it was none other than the temple's priests who toiled day and night to decorate the Christmas tree. On Wednesday night, a priest dressed as Santa Claus was seen distributing toffees and small gifts to children visiting the temple. Christmas carols too were sung at the temple, along with Hindu devotional songs.
PM Atal Behari Vajpayee turns 79
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Press Trust of India New Delhi, December 25: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee turned 79 today and had a rare birthday with the celebrations first taking place past midnight on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Diverted by heavy fog that stalked the capital last night, his IAF Boeing 737 had to land in Jaipur and Vajpayee had to undertake 250-km journey from the Pink City to Delhi by road. At the stroke of midnight, the Prime Minister and his entourage broke journey at midway, a Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation hotel, where a cake was ready and the birthday boy cut it to the chorus of "happy birthday to you". From midway, which is 125 km from Delhi, Vajpayee again hit the road reaching here around 0300 hours IST.
Sonia asks leaders to prepare for LS polls
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 23 Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asked partymen not to be disappointed over the party's defeat in the recent assembly polls and prepare themselves for the coming Lok Sabha elections. "I am aware that a great deal of disappointment exists amongst us after the recent set back. But it does not help carry on in this mood. We have to step out of it. We have to be fully prepared and ready ourselves for the coming challenge", Gandhi said addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). Observing that the next few months will see elections in Andhra Pradesh and that the party cannot rule out possibility of the Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the CPP, said "steps to put together election management teams and strategies are already being taken. You will be kept fully informed and involved".
Process on to seize Telgi's bank accounts
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Bangalore, Dec 23 The Special Investigation Team in Karnataka has initiated steps to seize the bank accounts of the prime accused in the multi-million fake stamp paper scam, Abdul Karim Telgi, a STAMPIT official said today. "The process is on (to seize those accounts)", the official said. Asked if he was referring to Telgi's bank accounts in Karnataka, the official said: "Wherever he has". The bank accounts of Rehan Baig, brother of Karnataka's Small Scale Industries Minister Roshan Baig, are likely to come under the scanner as well. STAMPIT gained police custody of Rehan yesterday after submitting that they want to look into his bank accounts as well interrogate him further in the wake of "new evidence that have emerged against him". Meanwhile, security for Telgi has been scaled up substantially.
Brett Lee to replace injured Gillespie for third Test against India
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Melbourne, Dec 22 Speed demon Brett Lee was today named in the Australian squad in place of an injured Jason Gillespie for the third cricket Test against India starting here on Friday. Lee missed the first two Tests at Brisbane and Adelaide due to an abdominal injury but proved his fitness by picking a five-wicket haul in a Pura Cup match this weekend. The rest of the 12-member squad remained unchanged, as contrary to speculation, the selectors decided against trying a raw paceman to rein in the Indians who recorded a historic win in the Adelaide Test for a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Lee had proved his fitness in two domestic games. "Brett is an established Test player and has demonstrated that he is back to full fitness following injury," said Hohns. "Brett always adds some zest to the attack and will be supported by our other bowlers who we felt, despite the loss, served the side well in Adelaide," he said referring to Andy Bichel, Brad Williams and Stuart MacGill. Matthew Nicholson, who impressed immensely in drawn match between Australia 'A' and India, missed out on a berth as rookie left-arm speedster Nathan Bracken, the 12th man in Adelaide Test, was retained in the squad. Squad: Steve Waugh (captain), Ricky Ponting, Andy Bichel, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Brad Williams, Nathan Bracken.
Talks with Pakistan after end of terrorism: PM
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 23 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said any talks with Pakistani leaders on bilateral issues would be on the condition that it ends cross-border terrorism and dismantles terrorist infrastructure and training camps on its soil. "The basis for any talks with Pakistan would have to be that they end cross border terrorism and dismantle terrorist infrastructure and training camps in that country," Vajapyee said addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, according to party spokesman V K Malhotra. Vajpayee, however, said during his visit to Pakistan for the SAARC Summit, he would be willing to discuss steps to increase trade and economic ties with that country, Malhotra quoted Vajpayee as saying. The Prime Minister said he cannot predict the outcome of talks in Pakistan. Vajpayee said since the ceasefire along the Indo-Pak border, infiltration by terrorists across the Line of Control (LOC) had reduced considerably.
Paceman Lee to confront India on Boxing Day
Monday, December 22, 2003
Tearaway paceman Brett Lee was recalled today in the only change to the Australian squad of 12 for the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG. After proving he had overcome an abdominal injury, Lee was called up to replace the injured Jason Gillespie (groin). "Brett is an established Test player and has demonstrated that he is back to full fitness following injury," said chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns. "The two Pura Cup matches he now has under his belt have been ideal preparation for his comeback, and we were encouraged by his recent form against Tasmania in Sydney. "Brett always adds some zest to the attack and will be supported by our other bowlers who we felt, despite the loss, served the side well in Adelaide." Left-arm paceman Nathan Bracken was retained in the team despite being 12th man in Adelaide, meaning there was no room for Matthew Nicholson, who was the pick of the pacemen in the match between India and Australia A which ended in a tame draw in Hobart yesterday. Australia is likely to play three fast bowlers and leg-spinner Stuart MacGill at the MCG, with either Bracken or Brad Williams favoured to carry the drinks. advertisement advertisement But there has also been speculation that the home side could go into the must-win Test with five bowlers, meaning Simon Katich could miss out. Australia needs to win the final two Tests if it is to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in captain Steve Waugh's final Test series. Australia: Steve Waugh (capt), Ricky Ponting, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill, Damien Martyn, Brad Williams (12th man to be named). - AAP
Sonia rejects resignations of Cong members
Monday, December 22, 2003
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has rejected the resignations of senior office-bearers of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The members had resigned from their posts in the wake of the party's worst debacle in the recent assembly elections. According to sources in the Congress, only AICC office-bearers had resigned and not CWC members. A move to secure the resignations of other CWC members was also being contemplated, they added. Some of the AICC office-bearers had come under attack in the wake of the poll debacle in three states in the Hindi heartland. They included Ambika Soni who was in charge of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Revamp likely soon Highly-placed Congress sources said Gandhi's rejection indicated that she is unlikely to go for a revamp immediately but a comprehensive restructuring is nonetheless on the anvil in the first week of January. Yesterday, all office bearers of the Congress party had handed in their resignations to Gandhi to help her revamp the party hierarchy in the backdrop of Congress' worst drubbing in the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Party sources also indicated that Gandhi had no plans to carry out the restructuring in the next few days and would do so only in the new year. Report in poll debacle soon Among those who put in their papers to help Gandhi revamp the organisation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year was political secretary to Congress president Ahmed Patel. Besides Patel, those who quit were Ambika Soni, Oscar Fernandes, Kamal Nath, Vayalar Ravi, Mukul Wasnik, R K Dhawan, Naval Kishore Sharma, Mohsina Kidwai and Motilal Vora. The resignations came even as the Pranab Mukherjee Committee, constituted by Gandhi to probe the electoral failure and suggest corrective measures, was yet to finish its job. The Committee is expected to submit its report within the next few days after which a meeting of the CWC is likely to take place.
Dense fog disrupts life in North India
Monday, December 22, 2003
A severe cold wave swept Northern India on Sunday claiming three lives, as dense fog engulfed the region, disrupting rail, road and air traffic. All evening flights to Delhi from Kolkata were cancelled as the dense fog over the Delhi airport had created poor visibility. Vehicular movements on the Delhi-Jaipur and the Jaipur-Agra roads were affected at many places due to thick fog. Mercury plummets The Mercury plummeted at many places with Bhutnar in Himachal Pradesh shivering under sub-zero temperature. Amritsar and Churu were coldest places in Punjab and Rajasthan recording 2.6 degree 3 degrees respectively. All long distances and sub-urban trains passing through Punjab and Haryana were delayed for hours, stranding several commuters. The first chilly spell of the winter season this year has also knocked the doors of Uttar Pradesh with temperatures in most parts of the state dipping substantially.
India joins the $100-billion club!
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Agencies The market buzz is after all correct! India's foreign exchange reserves have crossed the magical $100 billion mark. India thus becomes the fifth country after China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea to achieve this feat. Finance Minister Jaswant Singh on Saturday after a conversation with Reserve Bank of India Governor Y V Reddy confirmed that the country's forex reserves comprising foreign currency assets, gold and special drawing rights touched $100.048 billion on December 19. Forex reserves crossed $98.9 on Dec 12 The rising forex reserves were mainly due to strong foreign institutional investments and euro registering substantial gains against the US dollar. Forex reserves to fuel growth: FM Finance Minister Jaswant Singh said India's record forex reserves will add greater momentum to the reforms to attain significantly higher growth. "Our reserves will add greater momentum to bolder economic reforms, enabling the country to achieve significantly higher growth. This will also provide a cushion facilitating higher level of investment activity," he said. "This level of forex reserves reinforces my conviction that our aim of self-reliance for which we have worked for several decades since independence, has now comfortably been reached at this point of great confidence," he said, adding, "The nation is on a much higher growth path." This "historic high" has been achieved despite prepayment of $5.0 billion of external debt this calendar year, $5.5 billion outflow for redemption of Resurgent India Bonds and a contribution of $498 million to the International Monetary Fund, Singh asserted. Singh said the forex reserves had increased by about $94 billion since 1991, while the external debt had gone up by only $20 billion. Singh said RBI has assured that the forex reserves would continue to be used to contain volatility, provide comfort to launch policy measures for accelerated growth and to withstand any possible supply shock. He was appreciative of RBI for prudent management of exchange rate, interest rate, liquidity conditions and forex reserves. "These policies, I am assured by the RBI, will continue to be followed keeping in view the overriding macro objective of growth, price stability and financial stability," he said. "This level of forex reserves reinforces my conviction that our aim of self-reliance for which we have worked for several decades since independence, has now comfortably been reached at this point of great confidence," Singh said, adding, "The nation is on a much higher growth path." "The nation's forex reserves contribute very significantly to our national security, apart from providing a much greater degree of national autonomy to the conduct of public policy," the minister said. The reserves would, in addition, enable Indian companies and financial intermediaries to access needed foreign currency resources for their domestic and global activities at finer and more favourable terms than ever before, Sigh added. Cautious approach to full convertibility Finance Secretary D C Gupta said the government will adopt a cautious approach while moving towards full capital account convertibility despite the country having adequate reserves. Gupta said the government would continue with its policy to prepay costly foreign debt. India is also supportive of proposal for creating an Asia Bond Fund and the discussions were on with Asian nations, he said. Regarding the sizeable inflow of foreign institutional investors, Gupta said, "They are non-debt creating capital inflows besides, the short term flows were negligible compared to the size of forex reserves." S&P, IMF lauds forex management Standard & Poor's on December 16 revised the outlook on India's 'BB' long-term foreign currency rating from negative to stable, reflecting the improving external finances. "Rapidly increasing external liquidity, sustained by growing foreign exchange reserves (exceeding 700 per cent of short-term debt), and modest debt service payments sparked the revision in the foreign currency outlook," a S&P release said, quoting credit analyst Takahira Ogawa, director in the Asia-Pacific Sovereign Ratings Group. Foreign exchange reserves should equal about 490 per cent of India's gross external financing gap (current account deficit plus amortisation and short-term debt) in 2003 compared with 90 per cent or so in similarly rated countries. This is a major supporting factor for the sovereign ratings on India apart from its stable and good economic prospect, which was another factor supporting the sovereign ratings, he added. Earlier in the year International Monetary Fund said India's management of foreign exchange reserves has "generally been in accordance with IMF guidelines and comparable to global best practices". In line with global developments, in the recent period, the country's reserve management operations have become more transparent, IMF said. The emphasis is on efficient management of reserves and India's policies like efficient use of technology, sound management of market risks, sophisticated risk management techniques and determination of optimal currency composition are comparable with international best practices, it said. Inflows of over $24 billion The forex reserves witnessed total inflows of over $24 billion since March 28, 2003. The reasons, according to the market sources, had been steady inflows through exporters and private remittances, improved foreign direct investment and rising prices of the yellow metal. Net investments by foreign funds have been pegged at about $7.1 billion, the highest yearly investment since the domestic markets were opened to foreign funds a decade ago. During the first half of the current fiscal, deposits by non-resident Indians rose by $2.6 billion.
India says five rebels crossing from Pakistan killed in Kashmir
Sunday, December 21, 2003
JAMMU, India - Indian troops on Sunday killed five rebels who crossed the de facto Kashmir border with Pakistan despite a nearly month-old border truce between the two countries, the Indian military said. Troops ambushed the rebels after they crossed the Line of Control in the Mendhar area of Poonch district, 210 kilometers (130 miles) northwest of the winter capital Jammu, a military spokesman said. The militants are trapped and five of them have been killed. The operation is continuing, said the spokesman, who added that more rebels may have crossed. It was only the second time India has alleged an infiltration bid by Islamic rebels from Pakistani territory since a border truce went into effect on November 26. India has accused Pakistan in the past of providing artillery cover for rebels to sneak across the disputed border. But no firing between Indian and Pakistani troops has been reported under the truce. India and rebels have both said the border truce does not apply to their operations inside Kashmir. More than 40,000 people have died in the Islamic separatist insurgency since 1989, according to Indian figures. Separatists and Pakistan put the death toll between 80,000 and 100,000. Pakistan denies Indian charges it foments the rebellion and says it provides only moral and diplomatic support to an indigenous uprising.(AFP)
MJ Gopalan dies at 94
Sunday, December 21, 2003
The former Indian allrounder MJ Gopalan has died at the age of 94 in Chennai. Before his death he was the oldest surviving Test cricket, a mantle which has now passed to Don Cleverley, who played twice for New Zealand - either side of the war - and who was born on December 23, 1909. Gopalan played his only Test against England at Calcutta in 1933-34, taking one wicket and scoring 18 runs. He was more successful in first-class cricket, taking 194 wickets as a fast bowler as well as scoring 2916 runs in 78 matches. Gopalan was a double international, who also represented India at hockey as a centre-half. In 1936 he was faced with a difficult choice when he was picked for both the cricket tour of England and for the hockey team at the Berlin Olympics. He opted for cricket, arguably an unwise move. He was almost assured of a gold medal at Berlin, but instead he was part of an unhappy tour of England. He had only modest success in the limited opportunities he was given on a trip was marred by some eccentric captaincy from the Maharajah of Vizianagram. A tower of strength in Madras cricket for around 25 years with his allround skills, Gopalan bowled the first delivery in the Ranji Trophy, against Mysore at Madras in November 1934. He also captained them for several years. He was a Test selector in the late 1950s and early '60s. For about 30 years until the match lapsed in the late 1980s, Madras and Ceylon (later Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka) competed in an annual contest for the Gopalan Trophy. Gopalan's date of birth, as given in Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, was June 6, 1909. But some reports have suggested he was older than that, having been born in 1906 - which would have made him 97 years old at the time of his death. © Wisden Cricinfo Ltd
21st century should be 'century of India': Advani
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Mysore, Dec 21 (UNI) Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today asserted that the 21st century should be the ''century of India'' with the country fully utilising its knowledge power. India, which used to be frowned upon in the past, was being looked up with respect and this showed the rapid strides the country had made during the last five years, he said while inaugurating a health 'mela', organised jointly by the Centre and the Karnataka Government here. He said the Indian diaspora in the United States stood first in per capita income among the Non-Resident Americans there and that 25 per cent of the employees in Microsoft were Indians. Referring to the poor health and education conditions in rural India, Mr Advani said the country would not be able to emerge as a great super power unless these inadequacies were removed. Noting that it was a mammoth task, he said besides the Central and State Governments, religious institutions should also contribute to ensure that every village in the country had proper drinking water and health facilities, schools and proper roads. ''It should be a collective effort of every citizen to make India a superpower,'' he said.
Daler Mehndi handed over to Punjab Police
Saturday, December 20, 2003
New Delhi, Dec 20 : The Punjab police were Saturday given custody of pop star Daler Mehndi, who has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a human trafficking racket. Delhi's chief metropolitan magistrate also ordered the Punjab police to produce Mehndi, detained here Saturday after being on the run for two months, in court in Patiala on Sunday. The case against Mehndi has been registered in Patiala, 70 km from the Punjab capital of Chandigarh. The magistrate dismissed Mehndi's bail plea, saying he was not competent to hear that, as the offence had been committed in Punjab. The Supreme Court had Friday directed the singer to surrender before the Patiala court before January 8. Police teams from Punjab had come in search for Daler on a number of occasions but had returned empty-handed. Apart from searching his properties here, Punjab police teams had visited Mumbai too. Daler, his brother Shamsher, and their wives have been charged with running an immigration racket and duping people of Punjab and Haryana of millions of rupees by promising them residence permits abroad. Shamsher was arrested in Patiala on October 5 following a complaint by a man named Bakhshish Singh that he had been duped. A Punjab police official said 20 complaints of fraud and cheating had been registered against the Mehndi brothers. Daler first denied having any links with his brother but agreed to visit Patiala for interrogation after police recovered records of their business relationship. His bail plea was rejected by the Patiala court and later by the Delhi High Court, which asked him to cooperate with the Punjab police. Indo-Asian News Service
US urges for "close dialogue"
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Washington, Dec 20 Welcoming the latest Indo-Pak peace initiatives, United States has urged for a "close dialogue" between India and Pakistan. "We welcome any steps that help reduce tension in the region, and we continue to stay in touch with the parties," White House spokesman Scott McLellan told reporters yesterday. "It's important for the parties to continue to have a close dialogue as they move forward. So we welcome efforts that reduce tensions and help move the dialogue forward," he said.
Hizbul slams Musharraf's statement on Kashmir
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Islamabad, Dec 20 Assailing President Pervez Musharraf's statement that Pakistan has "left aside" demand for implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir, militant outfit Hizbul Mjahideen has said such a move could amount to Islamabad ceasing to be a party to the issue. Pakistan was "committed" for implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and "by sidelining the UN resolutions, Pakistan will cease to be a party to the dispute," Hizbul leader Syed Salahuddin, who operates from Pakistan, said. "The latest offer, if made wthout ensuring reciprocal measures by India, is regrettable and should be withdrawn," he was quoted as saying in the media here. He said successive unilateral "concessions" to India would have a "negative and demoralising" effect on Kashmiris. Salahuddin, however, expressed confidence on the leadership and people of Pakistan, saying "though Pakstan's intentions in making such offers was good and being done to facilitate meaningful talks with India, one must see if the other side is also sincere and reciprocates in same manner." Asking Pakistan to evaluate the response it was likely to get from India before making unilateral offers, he blamed New Delhi for taking undue advantage of the ceasefire and continuing with fencing along the Line of Control. He also criticised international community for not doing enough to settle Kashmir issue. He said he was wary of the response shown by the US and other Western countries on Musharraf because it served their interests.
ESC targetting Latin America, Africa for IT export
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Coimbatore, Dec 20 In a bid to widen the Indian IT export base to Latin America, Africa and CIS nations, the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) has planned a +hosted buyers+ meet during its three-day +Indiasoft-2004+ beginning at Delhi on Feb 10. Delegates from these regions have been invited to attend the meet to expose them to capabilities of Indian IT industry, P V Ravindran, ESC Regional officer, Chennai, said here. Ravindran, addressing a roadshow on +Indiasoft-2004+ last night, said the expo was aimed at creating awareness about the core competence of Indian software and services industry and to facilitate joint ventures, collaboration and strategic alliance for outsourcing with overseas buyers. More than 200 senior executives from over 40 countries besides a host of Indian companies, would take part at the B2B partnering forum. Business delegations from the US, UK, Italy, Korea, China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan Australia and UAE would also attend. Claiming that the event, being organised for the fourth consecutive year, was fast becoming an important global IT show, Ravindran said there would be over 60 exhibitors showcasing their strengths in various segments of software and services sector. The expo had in the past generated business worth over 45 million US dollars and helped entrepreneurs to broaden their vision and tap the emerging global markets.
$100 bn will add momentum to reforms: FM
Saturday, December 20, 2003
$100 bn reserves will add momentum to reforms, growth: FM Dec 20, 2003 05:57:00 PM .NEWDEL DEL56 New Delhi, Dec 20 India's foreign exchange reserves have for the first time crossed 100 billion dollars, which Finance Minister Jaswant Singh said will add greater momentum to the reforms to attain significantly higher growth. The forex reserves comprising foreign currency assets, gold and special drawing rights reached 100.048 billion dollars yesterday, Singh said after he was informed today by the RBI Governor Y V Reddy. "Our reserves will add greater momentum to bolder economic reforms, enabling the country to achieve significantly higher growth. This will also provide a cushion facilitaing higher level of investment activity," he said. This "historic high" forex reserves have been achieved despite prepayment of 5.0 billion dollar of external debt this calendar year, 5.5 billion dollar outflow for redemption of Resurgent India Bonds and a contribution of 498 million dollars to International Monetary Fund, Singh said. Finance Secretary D C Gupta, however, said government will adopt a cautious approach while moving towards full capital account convertibility despite the country having adequate reserves. The significant aspect is that the forex reserves, which is next only to Japan, China and Korea in Asia, is mostly non-debt creating in nature. Singh said the forex reserves had increased by about 94 billion dollars since 1991, while the external debt had gone up by only 20 billion dollars.
Trishul test fired in Orissa
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Balasore, Dec 20 For the fourth time in three days, Trishul, India's most sophisticated short range surface-to-air missile, was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near here today, ITR sources said. The sleek missile, indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was fired from a mobile launcher at 12.57 pm. The missile was directed at a air-borne target, the sources said. The solid fuel propellant missile, which can carry a warhead weighing 15 kg, has a triple battlefiled role for the army, navy and air force and has a range of nine km. The ongoing trials were intended to gauge the accuracy and various other parameters of the missile, the source said. Trishul, which was test fired on Wednesday and twice yesterday is part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Khakee
Friday, December 19, 2003
Starring Amitabh Bachchan .... DCP Anant Shrivastav Ajay Devgan .... Iqbal Ansari Akshay Kumar .... Sr. Inspector Shekhar Sachdev Tushar Kapoor .... Sub-Inspector Ashwin Gupte Director : Rajkumar Santoshi Synopsis DCP Anant Shrivastav aka ‘The Professor’ (Amitabh Bachchan) gets an important assignment on the eve of his daughter's wedding. The professor’s police career has been a checkered one with more failures than successful missions to his credit. Now, past the prime of his life, he wants to do something to get his name in the history of good servicemen in the police records. And the mission he is being assigned to is a dangerous one too. An ISI terrorist Iqbal Ansari (Ajay Devgan) has already made an unsuccessful escape bid while he was shifted from Chandanghad to Mumbai. The first escort team of police officers was ambushed midway, blown to bits. Now the onus is on the Professor to make sure that Ansari does not run away. Along with the Professor on this mission is the clever, cunning, brave but corruptible Sr. Inspector Shekhar Sachdev (Akshay Kumar). He is an unscrupulous man who follows his own morality without the least bit pricking of conscience. Although he did not want to be a part of this mission, he was forced into it by his superiors. And there is also Sub-Inspector Ashwin Gupte (Tusshar Kapoor), who has recently graduated from the Police training school and has never been on a serious mission before. The team comprising of the Professor, Inspector Sachdev and Sub Insp. Ashwin, along with two constables, is given the charge of escorting the dreaded terrorist and a crucial witness in the case against him, from Chandanghad to Mumbai. And the trio set out on their journey, not aware of the danger that lies ahead. For, there are people who do not want Ansari to get to Mumbai. And what could one expect if there was a traitor among the three officers. The Professor faces the daunting task and he is even willing to put his life on line to see that the he fulfills the mission assigned to him. Khakee also stars Aishwarya Rai, Tanuja and Jaya Prada (as Bachchan’s wife) in pivotal roles. (Source: apunkachoice.com)
Plan
Friday, December 19, 2003
Starring Sanjay Dutt .... Musabhai Dino Morea .... Bobby Sanjay Suri .... Lucky Bikram Saluja .... Jai Priyanka Chopra .... Rani Mahesh Manjrekar .... Sultan Synopsis In a compartment of a train bound for Mumbai, four strangers share their plans and purpose of visit to the city. There is Bobby (Dino Morea) who dreams of becoming a superstar in Bollywood. There is Jai (Bikram Saluja) who is going to search his lost lover. There is ‘cool dude’ Lucky (Sanjay Suri) who wants to try his luck at gambling. And there is Omi (Rohit Roy) who wants to settle an old score with the man who cheated his father. The four set about their tasks with hope and jubilance. But soon they run out of money and have to resort to desperate means to sustain themselves in the city. As a last resort they chum up all their little leftovers and lay it on line on Lucky’s gambling skills. To their shock, luck doesn’t favor Lucky and he loses, leaving all of them in debts. In a desperate bid to save their lives from debtors, the four hatch up a plan to kidnap a man who had caught their eye in a dance bar. They had seen the man squandering loads of money like peanuts. The four are sure that he would turn out to be a prize catch. But it turns out to be a surprise catch when the boys find out that the man they have kidnapped is none other than the notorious Mumbai underworld don Musabhai (Sanjay Dutt). However, the boys’ blunder turns out to be blessing in disguise when Musabhai discovers that by kidnapping him the four had eventually saved his life from his friend-turned-foe Sultan (Mahesh Manjrekar). The second production of White Feather Films, ‘Plan’ marks the directorial debut of Hriday Shetty, son of the famous yesteryear villain Shetty. (Source: apunkachoice.com)
Tehzeeb
Friday, December 19, 2003
Starring Urmila Matondkar .... Tehzeeb Shabana Azmi .... Rukhsana Jamal Diya Mirza .... Nazneen Director : Khalid Mohammad Review Scriptwriter-turned-director Khalid Mohammad’s Tehzeeb delves into the complex relationship between an influential mother and her daughter. Rukhsana Jamal (Shabana Azmi) is an ambitious and famous singer who puts her ambition before anything in life, even her family. Tehzeeb (Urmila Matondkar) is her emotionally repressed daughter who has grown up in the shadow of her domineering mother and has seldom been able to assert herself to anyone except her mentally retarded sister Nazneen (Diya Mirza). Tehzeeb finds a life companion in a light-hearted writer Salim (Arjun Rampal). Salim understands Tehzeeb’s deep anguish despite the fact that she is not able to express it to him. Much against her mother’s wishes, Tehzeeb marries Salim and is partly glad to cut ties with her mother. Her sister Nazneen stays with them. Five years go by when Rukhsana pays a visit to Tehzeeb and Nazneen. Although it is a family reunion, it leads to a number of confrontations between Tehzeeb and her mother. Tehzeeb has something simmering inside her and she won’t be able to find any peace of mind until she gets it out. At the same time she has respect for her mother and looks forward to her approval in small things of life like cooking. The reunion between mother and daughter leads to a number of emotional outbursts riddled with revelations, resentments, anger and allegations. Their complex relation reaches a climax when Tehzeeb holds Rukhsana responsible for her father’s (Rishi Kapoor’s) death. Tehzeeb appears to be inspired from Ingmar Bergman's ‘Autumn Sonata’, which too was based on strained relations between a mother and her daughter. The film tells the story of a young girl from the point of view of her husband (Salim), who is also the narrator of the story. Salim takes a viewer through Tehzeeb as a child, her relationship with her parents, and her bond with her husband and her mentally challenged sister. The movie has certain subtle elements that show the complexity of relation between Tehzeeb and her mother. For instance, the sequence when Tehzeeb rehearses before mirror how she would greet her mother shows how uneasy it is for her to assert herself before her mother. And then the dramatic sequences between Shabana and Urmila are the most gripping parts of the movie. However, the movie also has a number of downers like the ill-placed track between Arjun Rampal and Diana Hayden. Then the sequence when Tehzeeb tries to mimic the likes of Shammi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Sridevi and Mehmood is not the least entertaining. Still, the movie is able to capture a number of emotions without getting mushy or stodgy. The credit partly goes to well-written script and intense performances from both Shabana Azmi and Urmila. While Diya Mirza just about manages to play her character, cameo by Namrata Shirodkar seems forced into the narrative. Diana Hayden looks pathetic and superficial speaking highly accentuated Hindi. On the whole, the movie is rich in emotions and will appeal to those who care for emotional subtleties rather than crass and over-fictitious mushy dramas. (Source: apunkachoice.com)
On 'LOC' - 'You don't expect soldiers to blow kisses to each other'-Manoj Bajpai
Friday, December 19, 2003
He’s an intense actor who made his mark with ‘Satya’. In fact, even today Manoj Bajpai is often addressed as Bhiku Bhai by ardent admirers who happen to chance upon their favourite star. Known to get into the skin of every character he plays, Manoj has carved a niche for himself as an actor par excellence. His last film, ‘Pinjar’ may not have cracked the box-office, but his performance has not gone unnoticed. Manoj’s next film, J P Dutta’s multi-starrer ‘LOC’ is just around the corner and this is a great time to catch up with him Your next film (‘LOC’) has pitted you against a whole gang of well known actors. Did you have any reservations while signing the film? Manoj Bajpai: No, no, I am not the kind of guy who will get insecure about any actor. I think everybody is doing their job. I am also given a job to do, and I wish to do it in such a way that the director will be happy, and he should feel that he has cast an efficient actor. What’s your role in ‘LOC’ ? Manoj: My role is of a soldier -- Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav. In real life, he is still alive in spite of being shot more that 15 times in his stomach. He fought off the enemy and even came down and managed to give valuable information to his seniors. We hear that the shooting of the film was a very painful process since it was shot in Ladakh? Manoj: Yes, the climate in Ladakh is pretty hard on you. It is a tough terrain. The oxygen level is low and the cold is too much to bear. So definitely with all these limitations, it is very difficult for the unit to survive and shoot the entire film. Considering that there are so many actors in the film, was there any disagreement on the sets with respect to length of roles or dialogues? Manoj: Everyone knew that they had a specific role to play. So there was no insecurity as such. Everybody knew what was expected of them and did justice to that role and justice to the director’s script. If you ask me why I did the role, it’s because of Mr J P Dutta. He does not make films every year. I have a high regard and respect for him as a filmmaker and I do not know when he will make another film and I am not sure whether I will be in that film or not. I wanted to experience working with J.P. And, secondly, he called me over and said, ‘Manoj, have faith in me, I will not let you down.’ That was enough for me. There are rumours that the film has too many anti-Pakistani dialogues. How far is this true? Manoj: When a war is being fought, you don’t expect soldiers to hug their enemies, you know, and to blow kisses to each other. You are fighting to save your own life, to save your own country and you want to defend yourself. And the Kargil war was fought to defend our land. It was fought to defend our own territory. Have you met the real soldiers who fought the war? Manoj: Many of them. There were so many real soldiers who were helping us in shooting the film. At that height, we could not have done anything without assistance. It would have been impossible for us. Coming down was easy, but going up with that kind of oxygen limit, it was very difficult. We were interacting with all the soldiers there sitting on top of the hill. Have you met Mr Yogender Singh, the character you are playing? Manoj: He was not there. Unfortunately, I could not reach him, but whatever information I was given was sufficient for me. The film was not being made on one person; it was the whole incident put together. It was not essential for me to go ahead and observe closely how he is and how he looks. I was actually playing the script. (http://movies.indiatimes.com/)
Revati
Friday, December 19, 2003
Producers Vikas Kate and writer-director Farooq Siddiqu completed a 40-day marathon shooting schedule of Victory International's REVATI at in and around Mumbai and Khandala. One song (choreography: Vicky Khan) and many dramatic, romantic and emotional scenes were picturised in this schedule. The film stars Kashmira Shah plays the title role along with new-finds Shreyas Talapde and Gauri. The film also stars Ayub Khan, Alok Nath, Javed Khan, Sulbha Arya, Prashant and Kiran Kumar. Dialogue: Sunil Akhtar. Cinematography: Akram Khan. Action: Ilyas Shaikh. Sound: Prakash Bhatia. Art: Devdas Bhandare. Editing: Suresh Chaturvedi. Lyrics: Sameer and Farooq Siddique. Music: Jatin-Lalit. With the completion of this schedule, the film is 65% complete.
Salman case: SC sets aside HC order
Friday, December 19, 2003
Source : . New Delhi, Dec 18: The Supreme Court Thursday set aside a Bombay High Court order that had quashed charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against actor Salman Khan in a hit and run case. Salman was accused of killing one person and injuring four in the road accident in September 2002. A bench consisting of justices N. Santosh Hegde and B.P. Singh, however, allowed the trial against Salman to go on before a magistrate's court in Mumbai on the basis of charges already framed. Delivering its judgement on a Maharashtra government appeal against the high court verdict, the bench gave the magistrate the liberty to include the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder during the course of the proceedings if there was enough material for doing so. The bench also made it clear that the magistrate shall proceed with the trial uninfluenced by the order passed by the apex court.
Saif
Friday, December 19, 2003
Source: By , . Mumbai, Dec 19: He wishes he were taller and his nose were shorter. But even though these wishes remain unfulfilled, Saif Ali Khan has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. In an interview with , Saif spoke about the success of "Kal Ho Naa Ho", rumours linking him to Preity Zinta and how his wife says such Bollywood rumours can often be true. Excerpts: Q: Were you fearful of Shah Rukh Khan upstaging you in "Kal Ho Naa Ho"? A: I've never needed to be insecure about two-hero films because all my successful films so far have been formatted that way. Whether it was "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" with Akshay Kumar or "Dil Chahta Hai" with Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna, I've always got a good role. When I did "Kachche Dhaage" with Ajay Devgan I was also given a protagonist's role. Though there were so many stars in Sooraj Barjatya's "Hum Saath Saath Hain", I think I had the best role. Even if "Kal Ho Naa Ho" is a Shah Rukh Khan vehicle I'm as prominently on the posters as him. Karan Johar has shown me so much respect. He has put my name before Preity Zinta. That's the way it should be because I'm senior to her. Q: What do we see of you in 2004? A: "Hum Tum" is almost ready. We shot non-stop for two months. One of the reasons why producer Aditya Chopra signed me was because I hadn't signed anything recently and was free to shoot at a stretch. He wanted it to be my next release after "Kal Ho Naa Ho". My co-star in "Hum Tum" is Rani Mukherjee. She's shorter than me. That's makes me feel really good! I'd like to have been taller. And for the record, I'd have also liked my nose to be shorter. Q: "Hum Tum" is a remake of "When Harry Met Sally"? A: The narration is episodic like "When Harry..." but I don't think "Hum Tum" is copied from any Hollywood film. ... Q: Are you indecisive? A: No...well, yes! I change my mind. I wasn't sure about doing Aparna Sen's "Gulel" because she hadn't given me a script. Then she got Amma (mom Sharmila Tagore) to command me to do the film. If I hadn't done it I'd have been in trouble! My mom said anyone advising me not to do "Gulel" is not my friend. I play a Parsi alcoholic. That's the edge to it. Q: How close are you to your parents? A: Very, though I haven't spent enough time with them recently. I want to spend some time with them. My father isn't well. Now, after phase one of my career, I can afford to sit back and spend time with loved ones. Being part of a good set-up is important for me to grow as an actor. I need to chill and find my own groove. I do get fiercely competitive when I work. But not in any unhealthy way. Q: Is your sister Soha planning to come into films? A: Yes, I think she'll be doing a couple of films. She's taking it very seriously. Of course, I'm supporting her. But it's amazing...She's a very educated girl. She was meant to work in a bank in London. Yet she wants to do films. The attitude to acting has undergone a huge shift since Amma's time. Acting doesn't seem such a bad career option in today's times. A: How did your wife (Amrita Singh) react to the rumour linking you with Preity Zinta? A: Because she's in this line she knows such rumours aren't always rubbish. Obviously it caused problems. But I hadn't behaved in an unbecoming way. I thought we had crossed that era when a girl and boy couldn't sit together without being linked together. Apparently not. Evidently someone from the "Kal Ho Naa Ho" unit carried back this gossip from New York to Mumbai. Fardeen Khan was the first to SMS me about it. We all laughed! Such gossip does affect me a lot, but as long as I can sleep with a clear conscience no one can hurt my family life. Q: People had given your marriage 12 days. Now it's 12 years. A: Don't cast your evil eye. Who knows tomorrow! I'm very happy with my life. I can't imagine it being any different. I love Dingy (Amrita) to bits. Q: And now you play a Kargil soldier in "LoC". A: What an honour! Back in my ancestral town Pataudi, it's the only film they'll look at and say, "He's our boy". To be playing a Kargil soldier is certainly a privilege. The story of Kargil had to be told. In fact another film, "Dhoop" tells the story of my character, Anuj Nayyar's, family after he dies in Kargil. That films based on such contemporary subjects are being made is wonderful. "LoC" is a glorious epic. I wanted to be part of it. I had a blast shooting it.
Our children should see 'LoC' -J.P. Dutta
Friday, December 19, 2003
Source: By , . Mumbai, Dec 19:The war epic "LoC" is finally scheduled to be released on Christmas - if it gets past the censors this week. Exhausted and exasperated by the barrage of will-he-won't-he barbs regarding the film's release date and his stars' remunerations, "LoC" director J.P. Dutta is holding up amazingly well. "Sure I'm nervous as hell and, yes, I'm tense because of the unnecessary pot-shots being taken at me and my film. But I also understand that meanness is a natural reaction to ambition," Dutta told . Now that Dutta has zeroed in on December 25 as the release day, there's widespread disbelief among his colleagues. Big films like Raj Kumar Santoshi's "Khakhee" have been scampering for a safe release timing throughout December as one date after another for "LoC" was postponed. "My gut feeling is 'LoC' won't make it on December 25. It's still not gone through the censors. Dutta has been blocking the entire month. But now we're coming on January 9 and no one can stop us," a prominent member of the "Khakee" says. "Let them say what they like," Dutta says with a laugh. But will the film face censorial flak for its strong language and violent content? "I hope not," Dutta crosses his finger. "I don't think a film on Kargil soldiers will be judged by the same standards as films about the underworld." If push comes to shove, Dutta, however, is ready to accept an 'A' certificate. But the film is most likely to be cleared with a parental-guidance certificate. It's reliably learnt that the director has voluntarily cut the soldiers' expletives by about 10 minutes. He's willing to tone the strong lingo down even further if so required. Apparently most of the expletives will be camouflaged with battle sounds. "The important thing is, our children should see 'LoC'. It serves up an invaluable lesson in history," says Dutta. What really makes the proposed "LoC" release date memorable is that a day after its release on December 26, a helipad is being named after one of the Kargil heroes, Captain Vijayant Thapar. "He's one my heroes," Dutta says.
India successfully tests short-range missile
Friday, December 19, 2003
Bhubaneswar India Thursday successfully test-fired a short-range, surface-to-air missile from a range in the coastal Orissa state, defence sources said. Named Trishul (trident), the missile was test fired from a mobile launcher at the integrated test range at Chandipur in Balesore district, 230 km from here, at about 3.20 p.m. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the solid fuel propelled missile has a triple battlefield role for the army, air force and navy. It has a range of nine km and carries a 15-kg warhead. Part of the integrated guided missile development programme, Trishul achieved all mission objectives during Thursday’s test. This included proving the guidance system and operation in tandem of the missile and its ground-based control system, the sources said. Trishul is about three metres in length and 200 cm in diameter and flies at supersonic speed. Designed as an all-weather missile, it naval version has a sensitive radar-altimeter that allows it to skim over the water at low altitudes. Its sea-skimming capability is meant to play a crucial role in its ability to intercept anti-ship missiles. Reports earlier this year had indicated there were, however, serious snags in its ground-based guidance system and the Trishul programme would be put on the backburner. Indo-Asian News Service
Cabinet shuffle likely next week
Friday, December 19, 2003
New Delhi Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee might shuffle his cabinet next week to fill vacancies and allocate work to a top minister who has been without a portfolio since September. Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, inducted into the cabinet as a minister without portfolio in the last recast in September, might be allocated a department in the upcoming shuffle, likely on December 24, the eve of Vajpayee’s birthday as well as Christmas. The idle Banerjee, miffed at her lack of work, recently returned her telephone and official vehicle since she had no portfolio. Her re-entry into the cabinet came two years after she quit the government. Though she returned to the government a few months later, her reinstatement in the cabinet was delayed as she could not get a high profile ministry to compensate for the loss of her former railways portfolio. Vajpayee will also need to fill vacancies left by the passing away of DMK leader Murasoli Maran and the resignation of Dilip Singh Judeo. A former commerce minister belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s southern ally DMK, Maran died after a long illness. The DMK, which is debating whether to stay in the coalition or opt out, is yet to propose a replacement. Judeo quit in disgrace as minister of state for environment and forests on the eve of the December 1 polls in four states, after he was allegedly videotaped accepting bribe to push a mining deal. Vajpayee is expected to make certain changes with an eye on the general election due September next, and the Andhra Pradesh state election to be held before that.
Death penalty to makers of spurious drugs
Friday, December 19, 2003
India to give death penalty to makers of spurious drugs New Delhi In a significant move, the Indian cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to punish those found guilty of producing spurious medicines with the death penalty. "The cabinet has approved introduction of a bill that seeks death penalty for fake drugs makers," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told a news conference here after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "This will help in preventing the manufacture and trade of spurious drugs," she said, adding the bill will be introduced in the ensuing session of parliament and subsequently referred to a standing committee for fine-tuning its provisions. Swaraj said the bill would seek to enhance the punishment for those found guilty of selling fake drugs. "Those making spurious drugs are committing a crime greater than those committing a murder. A murderer is responsible for ending the life of one person but those in this spurious drugs are committing mass murder," she said. "If a person gets death sentence for killing one person, then a person should also get capital punishment for mass murder with a motive to make monetary gains." India accounts for 35 percent of spurious drugs in the world. Some fake drugs are passed off as life-saving drugs and some as antibiotics and gastroenteritis tablets. Alarmed by the growing market for fake medicines in the country, the central government had set up a special committee to look at the various aspects of the menace. The committee found existing laws were too soft and called for the death penalty for makers and stiff punishment for sellers of spurious medicines that could cause death or serious suffering. Police forces across the country have busted dozens of rackets involving the manufacture of fake or spurious medicines over the past few years. The fake drugs industry has grown rapidly in India in the last few years and wipes off about a fifth of the annual turnover of the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
Windows 2000 Server software to retire
Friday, December 19, 2003
Windows 2000 Server software to retire Los Angeles Microsoft, the developer of the Windows 2000 Server, has decided to gradually phase out the software almost four years after its was launched, reports Xinhua. Effective April 1, 2006, the products will no longer be available, according to a posting on Microsoft Web site. The phase-out schedule does not change support plans for Windows Server 2000. Microsoft will end mainstream support on March 31, 2005, and extended support on March 31, 2007. Windows Server 2003, the successor to Windows 2000 Server, was introduced eight months ago. Indo-Asian News Service
UK-Indian indicted for attempting to aid terrorists
Friday, December 19, 2003
New York, Dec 19 British arms dealer of Indian origin Hemant Lakhani, arrested for allegedly seeking to smuggle surface-to-air missiles into the US, has been indicted on the charges of trying to procure a "dirty bomb" and a variety of anti-aircraft weapons for terrorists. Lakhani, 68, was arrested in a missile smuggling plot in August last at a hotel near Newark International Airport after an international sting operation involving the United States and Russian agents. The arms dealer was indicted yesterday with additional charges that he sought to procure anti-aircraft guns, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, radar systems and a dirty bomb for terrorists, US Attorney Chritopher Chirstie announced. "I feel more strongly today than I did in August that the arrest of Lakhani has made the country a safer place. He was not just a businessman looking to make a quick buck. This was someone who believed that American citizens should be attacked and killed," Christie said. "Dirty bomb" refers to a device that can spread radioactive material or chemical agents leading to large number of casualties. The indictment says that Lakhani told investigators that the shoulder-fired and surface-to-air missiles he planned to import into the United States could "most effectively be used if 10 to 15 commercial aircraft were shot down simultaneously at different location throughout the country." Prosecutors say they have several video and audio tapes to support their case.
India and U.S. to discuss high-tech trade pact
Friday, December 19, 2003
A foreign ministry delegation left for Washington on Thursday to hash out an agreement on India-U.S. trade in cutting-edge technology, an area that was mostly restricted after India's nuclear tests in 1998. A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press the delegation would attempt to lay the groundwork for a pact ahead of a visit by Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha to Washington next month. The agreement would remove a major glitch in India U.S. trade relations by ending restrictions on technology exports from the United States, specifically dual-use goods. Dual-use products are those intended for civilian purposes, but which could have military applications. For example, certain U.S.-made radar guidance systems for civilian aircraft could also be used to guide ballistic missiles. Although Washington has lifted most economic sanctions it imposed after India's nuclear tests, some restrictions on the export of dual-use goods to India by U.S. companies remain in force. Indian officials say this distorts the trade balance between the two countries ¡X with India running a huge trade surplus ¡X because Indians are not able to step up demand for high-technology imports from the United States. U.S. officials say the restrictions on dual-use goods have been eased considerably, but agree that a blanket waiver would boost bilateral trade. Last month, Kenneth I. Juster, undersecretary of the Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Commerce Department, was in New Delhi to discuss the issue. Under the new deal, India would probably |
