India News: April 2005

India beat Uzbekistan
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi defeated Murad Inoyatov and Denis Istomin in three sets 6-3 6-4 6-4 taking India into the World Group Play offs to be held in September. India took 3-0 lead against Uzbekistan by winning the doubles event in the second round of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Tennis tournament. Reverse singles would be played tomorrow.

Nortel launches Ethernet Routing Switch
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

Bangalore: A leading networking company Nortel India launched enhanced Ethernet Routing Switch ERS 8600 Version 4. The Ethernet Routing Switch delivered a proven and tested, resilient, secure and intelligent solution that allowed corporate networks to provide truly unified communications network.

Legal Sanction to Traditional Rights of Tribal: PM
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

Bhoramdev - Chattisgarh: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurating the National Programme on Restoration of Rural Water Supply said that centre would soon introduce a bill in Parliament to give legal sanction to the "traditional rights" of tribal living in forests and entrust more responsibility to their village councils.

New BJP chief by next polls: Naqvi
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

Rampur – UP: BJP Vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters at Bilaspur village, about 40 km from here during 'Janpanchayat' organised at him that a second-rung leader would head the party in the next general elections. Another party vice-president Bal Apte was also present at the occasion.

Sonia angry with Congress MP’s
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has taken serious notice of the party absentees. She has directed Parliamentary affairs Minister and CPP officer bearers to ensure members attendance and participation in House proceedings", Party spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters.
Newspersons asked Sharma why treasury benches were empty when he spoke about opposition member’s absence in the two Houses on the day when Parliament was discussing the Finance Bill. However, Sharma said lack of quorum was a matter of serious concern and opposition members should have been present in the House and participate in discussions.

PM arrives in Chhattisgarh
Saturday, April 30, 2005 | JJ

Raipur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived Chhattisgarh today on his maiden visit accompanied by Union Water Resources Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, Minister of State for Water Resources Jayaprakash Narayan Yadav and Congress General Secretary Margaret Alva.

Annan urges India to sign CTBT
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan sought India's "active support” for Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on Thursday. "I hope India will set an example by rapidly adhering to the convention, and will soon sign and ratify the CTBT, as well as giving active support to the negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty," Annan said.

Air India's budget airline takes off
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 29 (PTI) Air India's first low cost air service, Air India Express, took off from here to Abu Dhabi this morning, fulfilling a long-pending demand of Keralites working in the Gulf countries. A fully-owned subsidiary of Air India, Air India Express plans to operate 31 flights from three airports in Kerala-- Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Nedumbassery) and Kozhikode (Karippur).

Death penalty for spurious drug manufacturers
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

NEW DELHI: The long delayed draft legislation on spurious drugs, introducing even death penalty for the manufacture and sale of fake medicines, is finally ready to be introduced in the ongoing parliament session. "We have just got clearance from the law ministry after vetting the changes in the proposed spurious drug legislations. Our intention is to certainly introduce the draft legislation in parliament during the current session," said a senior health ministry official.

Key accused in Mumbai blasts held
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

Ahmedabad, Apr 29 (PTI) Gujarat police has arrested a key accused in the Mumbai blasts case, official sources said here today.
Ijju Sheikh, who hails from Valsad district of Gujarat was yesterday arrested in Mumbai by a police team, the sources told PTI.

Pakistan willing to withdraw from Siachen
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi: The Government today said that Pakistan has indicated it willingness to withdraw its forces from Siachen area but has linked it to certain unacceptable conditions. External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh said that during President Pervez Musharraf's recent visit to New Delhi, it was agreed that the existing institutional mechanism should convene discussions immediately with a view to finding mutually acceptable solutions on the issue expeditiously.

GDP growth 7%
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 28 (UNI) Contrary to the expectations, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today kept the bank rate and cash reserve ratio (CRR) unchanged at 6 and 5 per cent respectively, while projecting a real GDP growth rate of 7 per cent for the financial year 2005-06.

IBM plans to use methanol fuel cells
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

Fuel cells Mix methanol with air and water to produce electrical power for ThinkPad notebooks. A potential successor to Lithium-Ion and other batteries used in portable electronics devices to run for 10 hours on a 100 cubic centimeter cartridge of methanol.

Japanese PM arrives in India
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi arrived here late tonight on a two-day visit during which the two countries are expected to unfold an eight-point action plan to provide "strategic orientation" to their global partnership.
Koizumi, who is heading a high-level delegation, was received at Delhi airport by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.

Ganguly should work hard at nets
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata, Apr 28 (PTI) Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly today received yet another tip on how to tide over his current poor form when former international Ajit Wadekar suggested that the batsman must concentrate hard at the nets and consider going back to the opening slot to regain his form. "I think he should immerse himself in practice. He should concentrate hard at the nets to get over the prolonged bad patch," Wadekar told newspersons here.

Moderate tremor in off west coast of Sumatra
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) An earthquake of moderate intensity measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale ocurred off west coast of Sumatra this evening, but there were no reports of any injuries or damage to property.

No change in petrol, diesel prices
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) Petrol and diesel prices will not be increased in the immediate future, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today.

NDA leaders meet President
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) Stepping up their campaign against Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, leaders of the Opposition NDA today met and urged President A P J Abdul Kalam to advise the Prime Minister to drop him forthwith from the Cabinet.

Annan asks India not to press for veto powers
Friday, April 29, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr.28 (PTI) Asking India and other countries aspiring for permanent membership of the Security Council not to press for veto powers, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today said they should strive to make the world body "broadly representative" taking into account current geo-political realities.

India test fires multi-barrel rocket Pinaka
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

India's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket system 'Pinaka' was successfully test fired from the Proof and Experimental Establishment (P and E) of Defence Research and Development Organisation at Chandipur-on-Sea, about 15 km from here today.

NDA to meet President tomorrow to demand Lalu's dismissal
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

In an effort to keep the pressure on the UPA with regard to the corruption issue involving Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, the NDA is meeting President A P J Abdul Kalam tomorrow to demand the Railway Minister's dismissal from the Union cabinet.

Modi felicitates villagers for bravery
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Gandhinagar Chief Minister Narendra Modi today felicitated the sarpanchs and other members of the Samlaya and nearby villages for rushing to the aid of the victims of Sabarmati Express accident on April 21.

Ansari, 6 others sentenced to death for Kolkata US Centre attack
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata Dubai-based terrorist Aftab Ansari and six others, convicted in the January 22, 2002 American Centre terrorist attack case, were today sentenced to death by hanging for waging war against the state and killing five policemen with prohibited arms.
The six others were Jamiluddin Nasser, Rehan Alam, Adil Hasan, Musharat Hussain, Hasrat Alam and Shakir Aktar.

India pitches in for comprehensive UN reforms
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Strongly pitching in for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations reflecting current global realities, India today backed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's view that consensus should not become a vehicle for inaction or putting off decisions on the issue.

Oppn, UPA govt lock horns over NDA boycott of Parliament
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) The Opposition and the UPA Government were locked in a confrontation with a boycott of Parliament by the BJP-led NDA demanding dismissal of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, which was turned down by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who asked them to reconsider the protest.

Akram backs Ganguly, advises selectors to be careful
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Karachi, Apr 27 (PTI) Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram today backed Sourav Ganguly and advised the Indian cricket selectors to be "extremely careful" before sealing the fate of the embattled captain.

Pawar retains MCA presidentship, Mahhadalkar group sweeps polls
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 27 (UNI) NCP President Sharad Pawar was today elected as the President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for another term as the late Bal Mahhadalkar group made a clean sweep of the polls.

Ambani brothers on warpath
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 27 (UNI) Belying media reports of an imminent settlement between them, the Ambani brothers battling for the control of India's largest business empire today seemed set on the warpath with Reliance Industries Vice Chairman and Managing Director Anil Ambani refusing to sign the financial statements of the company which reported a net profit of Rs 7,572 crore (USD 1.731 billion) for the fiscal ended March, 2005, on a turnover of Rs 73,164 crore(USD 16.725 billion).

Moderate tremor in Car Nicobar
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) An earthquake of moderate intensity measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale jolted the Car Nicobar island this morning, but there were no reports of any injuries or damage to property.

Pilotless Aircraft 'Lakshya' test flown from ITR
Thursday, April 28, 2005 | JJ

Balasore, Apr 27 (UNI) The indigenously built Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), popularly known as 'Lakshya', was successfully test flown today from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-Sea for the second time during the last three days.

HPCL signs up with Zaheer Khan
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, April 26 , 2005: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, the 2nd largest Oil PSU with a Fortune 500 rating and Navratna status to its credit has signed up with Zaheer Khan, the Indian Cricket team's leading Fast Bowler for ensdorsing and promoting their Lube Brands.

'Vigyan Rail' begins cross-country journey
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

India today launched a cross-country 'Vigyan Rail' (Knowledge Train) bundling together the nation's technological progress to ignite scientific temper among the children.

Nano Science and Technology Research Centre to come up at Sivakasi
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Chennai, Apr 24 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam has forecast a great future in Nano Science and Technology and predicted that India will be a leading player in the world in the near future in this emerging frontier.

Four Air-India flights delayed due to flash strike
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 27 (PTI) Air-India service engineers went on a flash strike at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here this morning leading to delay of four flights, including three to the U S.
Employees of the ground support department and technicians of the airline struck work at 0500 hrs to protest postponement of union elections scheduled for today, airport sources said.

RBI liberalises licensing rules for foreign entities
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has given general permission to establish liaison offices in India by foreign insurance companies, subject to prior approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority(IRDA).

Ambanis to set up IT communication university in Bengal
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

The Ambanis have decided to set up an IT communication university in West Bengal, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said here today. Mr Bhattacharjee told reporters that an expert team would visit Kalyani tomorrow to select the necessary land for the proposed univerisity.

Tendulkar holds centrestage in Kotla fund-raiser
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 26 (PTI) It is not often that Sachin Tendulkar stands his crease after being ruled out. And certainly most unusual for umpire to change his verdict after realising the batsman's reluctance to walk. But then, it was a benefit tie, and Tendulkar stayed back. For what followed was thorough entertaining cricket and the 3,000 odd fans got full worth of their money at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground here today.

Trinamool Congress splits, Subrata floats new platform
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata, Apr 26 (PTI) Trinamool Congress tonight split with rebel leader Subrata Mukherjee floating a separate platform with 10 MLAs and 11 corporators to take on CPI(M)-led Left Front in the June 19 Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections and next year's assembly polls.
Mukherjee, the city Mayor who hosted a dinner meeting with the MLAs and councillors, said "I tried to make party supremo Mamata Banerjee understand the need for a tieup with Congress to defeat CPI(M) at the hustings but she did not respond." "I am now floating a platform 'Kolkata Unnayan Manch' and will form a political party in the coming days. If she gives a call for an alliance with Congress and comes out with a formula, I am prepared to discuss it with her," he said. PTI

Rajinder Singh (Jr) named as Indian hockey coach for Azlan Shah
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Three month's after the unceremonious exit of Gerhard Rach, the first-ever foreign coach of the national hockey team, India today gave Rajinder Singh (Junior) the coaching charge for the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Kuala Lumpur next month.
The 46-year-old former India half replaced the controversial Rach who was shown the door in January following India's poor run starting with the Athens Olympics last August.

Rupee strides to new 5-week closing high against US Dollar
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 26 (PTI) Despite a robust dollar overseas, the Rupee today strode to a new five-week closing high of Rs 43.6700/6750 per dollar, driven up by healthy trade and portfolio investment inflows in the absence of central bank intervention to contain its rise.
In yet another session of quiet and range-bound trade at the interbank foreign exchange (forex) market, the Rupee notched up a further three paise gain from Monday's close of Rs 43.7000/7075 following a strong start at Rs 43.68/69.

NDA to boycott Parliament till Friday
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, April 26 (PTI) The NDA today decided to boycott Parliament for the next three days to vent its protests on a host of issues including demand for dismissal of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad against whom charges have been framed in a fooder scam case.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the opposition alliance chaired by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, NDA sources said. PTI

Rs 2.50 hike in petrol price, Rs 1.30 in diesel sought
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

April 26, 2005: New Delhi, PTI : The Petroleum Ministry is seeking a Rs 2.50 per litre increase in petrol and Rs 1.30 per litre hike in diesel prices after Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday rejected a cut in duties on petroleum products.

Opposition forces two adjournments
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 26 (UNI) Demanding the resignation of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in the wake of the recent train accident in Gujarat, the BJP-led Opposition in the Lok Sabha today forced adjournment of the House twice -- during Question Hour and Zero Hour.

India to play Sri Lanka triangular in July-August
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, April 25 : The Indian cricket team's next assignment is a one-day triangular series in Sri Lanka in July-August where the West Indies will be the third team. S.K. Nair, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed India's participation in the tournament that will be played July 26-Aug 19.

Anil writes to stock exchanges
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

April 26, 2005 Mumbai: Anil Ambani, vice chairman of Reliance Industries, has written to stock exchanges and the capital market watchdog saying there has been a violation of disclosure norms regarding his departure from a group company.

India test fires Trishul missile
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

April 26, 2003: Bhubanewsar, India Tuesday successfully test-fired its home grown Trishul short-range surface-to-air missile from a military base in Orissa. The missile was fired at 1.50 p.m. from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, 230 km from here, ITR officials said. An ITR official described the test as a routine one and said it was intended to gauge the missile's accuracy and various other parameters. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the solid fuel propellant missile, which is three metres long and 200 cm in diameter. The missile can deliver a 15 kg warhead over a nine-kilometre range. Separate versions of the Trishul have been developed for the army, navy and air force.

Two die, 800 ill in gastro outbreak
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata, April 25 : At least two people have died and over 800 have been hospitalised after an outbreak of gastroenteritis in West Bengal.
K.K. Adhikari, chief medical officer of North 24 Parganas district, said Monday that a man and a woman died Sunday in Garulia municipality area. They were identified as Arati Pandit and G. Lal. Adhikari said over 800 people were admitted to various hospitals. Some estimate the number could be 1,200.

Govt. to speed up broadband penetration
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

The Government on Monday said it would expand its internet broadband base across the country through faster connectivity including digital mapping, as part of the national urban renewal mission, of major cities at a cost of Rs 5,500 crore.

IT-academician interaction vital for growth: Maran
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran on Monday said that the strategy of regular interaction between the IT industry and academicians will enable India to grow into a global hub for outsourcing skilled manpower in the IT-ITES Sector.

Aishwarya ready to sizzle in Cannes
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, who has been creating waves in the West, is all set to sizzle at the Cannes International Film Festival beginning May 11 for the fourth consecutive time. Aishwarya will be at the Cannes as brand ambassador of O'Loreal and Coke and this time she will take along her fan "Lucky Ramu" - Pramod Chaudhary from Pune - chosen through a lucky draw from among 100 winners of the "Thanda Aish Cash" contest.

Bharti to start trials of 3G networks
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Sunil Mittal-promoted Bharati Cellular plans to start trials of third generation (3G) GSM mobile phone networks and has sought additional frequency from the Telecom Commission for the purpose. The trials will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, the company said in a letter to the commission.

Kingfisher Airlines takes delivery of first A320 plane
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

UB group chairman Vijay Mallya today took delivery of the first brand new Funliner -- an A320 aircraft -- for his Kingfisher Airlines to kick off commercial operations on May 9. This will be followed by the arrival of another leased A320 in May and two more in June. Each plane will be able to carry 174 passengers in single-class configuration.

Two alleged Lashkar militants gunned down in Delhi
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Two alleged members of the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba were shot dead by the police after a short encounter near Pragati Maidan late this evening, police said. ''The two LeT militants were gunned down by members of the Special Cell after a short encounter near the Pragati Maidan area,'' a senior police official said. Further details are awaited.

Former selector agrees with Wright on selection issue
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 25 (PTI) Former national selector Kirti Azad today came out in support of outgoing Indian coach John Wright saying it was high time that the selection process was made more professional and the selectors accountable. "I totally agree that the selection process should be made more professional and even the selectors be made more accountable," Azad told reporters here.

Rupee climbs to five-week closing high against US Dollar
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 25 (PTI) The Rupee today climbed to an over five-week closing high of Rs 43.7000/7075 per dollar on the back of bunched up dollar supplies accumulated over the long holiday weekend in moderately active trade at the interbank foreign exchange (forex) market.

Israeli firm ties up with IndiaGames Ltd.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Jerusalem, April 26 (PTI) Israeli firm Cmate, which develops multi-player computer games for mobile phones, has entered into an agreement with Indiagames Ltd. For distributing its games to Indian cellular carriers, a media report said. The Israeli company hopes to earn between USD 1.5 million to 2 million in revenues from India during the agreement's first year, business daily 'The Marker' reported.

20 people injured in road mishap near Ahmedabad
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

Ahmedabad, Apr 26 (PTI) Twenty people were injured when the driver of the bus in which they were travelling lost control of the vehicle and it overturned near Bagodra on the city outskirts early today, police said here. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, they said. PTI

PM holds meeting with Left leaders on arms supply to Nepal
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 25 (PTI) In an apparent bid to assuage concerns over the possibility of resumption of military supplies to Nepal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight told the Left parties' leaders that India will link it restoration of democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom.
Singh had a meeting with the Left leaders this evening on his return from Jakarta where he had talks with Nepal King Gyandendra.

B B Tandon is new Chief Election Commissioner
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 25 (PTI) Election Commissioner B B Tandon was today appointed the next Chief Election Commissioner. Sixtyfour-year-old Tandon will replace T S Krishnamurthy, who retires on May 16. The new CEC will assume office on the same day, an official announcement on his appointment said.

IDS Growth Rate In India Alarming: UN Body
Monday, April 25, 2005 | Editor

According to Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, India has now outstripped South Africa as the country with the highest tally of people living with AIDS. India has to wake up and India has to take this very, very seriously," Feachem said on Tuesday as without action millions and millions and millions of Indians are going to die.

India Appeals To Developing Nations To Shape a New UN
Monday, April 25, 2005 | Editor

India has asked Asian and African countries to join hands in shaping ‘‘a new United Nations’’ that would give them ‘‘greater voice’’ in its decision making process. India's external Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh told the Asian-African ministerial meeting that we the countries of Africa and Asia, should determine to shape a new United Nations that gives us greater voice in its decision-making processes so that the UN becomes an effective and efficient instrument to tackle shared threats and meet shared needs. He also said that the UN was set up in 1945 and was based on the power realities of that time, Singh said ‘‘it is now necessary to undertake the reform of the UN, the Bretoon Woods institutions and in particular the UN Security Council, to reflect the realities of 2005.

Reliance Infocomm commences work on network in J-K
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) Reliance Infocomm Ltd has commenced work on setting up its telecom network in Jammu and Kashmir, while the private telephony major is all set to commission its operations in Andaman & Nicobar islands. The company, which recently received regulatory approvals for setting up its CDMA network in J-K, is planning to connect 125 towns and cities in the state and expects to commence operations by August 15, 2005, Reliance Infocomm sources told PTI here today.

IT spending by Indian cos to increase 17 pc in FY 06: IDC
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) Fuelled by over-the-top growth in telecom and insurance verticals, IT spending by domestic companies will increase 17 per cent this fiscal over 2004-05, research firm IDC has said. ''A more robust growth in IT spending is expected this year in the large enterprise segment, to the tune of 17 per cent as compared to the year just concluded,'' IDC India Head (User Research) Parijat Chakraborty said today.

BJP asks PM to dismiss Lalu for his 'pack of lies'
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

The BJP here today screened a video CD at the party headquarters to present ''clinching evidence'' that Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had ''misled'' the whole country, including the Prime Minister, with his claim about a ''murderous attack'' by the Sangh Parivar men.

Pak cricketers treated to grand reception at Islamabad
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

After its fine performance in India, the Pakistan cricket team was today treated to a grand reception, quite similar to the one given to the Imran Khan-led side for lifting the 1992 World Cup. A massive public reception was held to honour the team that drew the three-match Test series 1-1 and won the one-dayers 4-2 during its 50-day tour of India.

Sensex opens weak, moves down by 11 points
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

The Sensex opened weak and was quoted down by 11 points during early trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange today due to fresh selling pressure. The BSE Benchmark 30-share sensitive index opened marginally lower at 6338.67 against the previous close of 6346.57.

SC extends time to pay compensation to Bhopal gas victims
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

The Supreme Court today extended time till April 30 next year for the Welfare Commissioner, Bhopal to disburse compensation worth Rs 1503 crores among 1984 Union Carbide gas leak victims. The money deposited by the Union Carbide, following the US multinational's settlement with the Union Government, was directed to be disbursed within three months by the apex Court earlier as per the request of the Welfare Commissioner.

CBI court frames charges against Lalu Prasad in fodder scam
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

A special CBI court here today framed charges against Railway Minister and RJD President Lalu Prasad in the 1996 fodder scam case. Prasad was present in the court of CBI Judge IV (CBI animal husbandry scam cases) Uma Shankar Prasad Sinha who framed charges against him, former Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra, former MP Rajo Singh and 67 others in connection with a case of fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 370 million from Chaibasa treasury in 1996.

PM returns home after historic Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta
Monday, April 25, 2005 | JJ

New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh returned home late tonight after a three-day visit to Jakarta during which he attended the historic Asia-Africa Summit which adopted a strategic partership agreement.

Musharraf backs Indo-Iran gas pipeline project
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Jakarta, Apr 24 (PTI) Expressing his full support to the Indo-Iran gas pipeline proposed to be laid through Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf has said the project will benefit all the three countries.
Musharraf, who met Iranian Vice President Muhammad Raza Arif here yesterday on the sidelines of the Afro-Asian summit, discussed the Indo-Iran gas pipeline project, Pakistan's official APP news agency reported.

Karthikeyan qualifies 17th; Raikkonen takes pole
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Imola (Italy), Apr 24 (PTI) Narain Karthikeyan qualified as the 17th fastest driver while Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren-Mercedes maintained his lead to take the pole position at the San Marino Grand Prix circuit here today.

CPI(M) ready to work to with secular partners in NDA
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata, Apr 24 (PTI) The CPI(M) today said it visualised a broader political canvas for an anti-BJP and anti-Congress third alternative at the Centre with secular parties within the NDA coming forward to cooperate in taking up programmes in tune with the Leftists.

Bombay High Court to hear Telgi's discharge plea on April 26
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) The Bombay High Court would hear on April 26 the application filed by prime accused in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi, challenging the special court's order which refused to discharge him in a 1995 case.
Justice V M Kanade would hear the application, according to Telgi's lawyers Jaideep Thakker and S Marwadi.

Sachin Tendulkar turns 32 today
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar turned 32 today and as in the past, celebrated his birthday quietly outside the city with his wife Anjali and two children.
The master batsman, who protects his privacy intensely and doesn't allow any intrusion in it, held his birthday celebrations with his close family members and friends at an undisclosed location outside Mumbai, it was learnt.

Tatas stop violation of guidelines to get interconnection: BSNL
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

State-owned BSNL today reacted sharply to accusations made by Tata Teleservices with regard to connectivity and said till they (Tatas) stop violating guidelines, they will not get interconnection.

Chris Cairns defends ICC ban on Ganguly
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Bangalore, Apr 23 (UNI) New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns defended the action of International Cricket Council (ICC) in banning Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly for six one-dayers for slow over rate in the fourth one-day international against Pakistan in Ahmedabad. Talking to newspersons here, he said ''It is the rule, you cannot ignore it.'' Asked whether it was justified, he said, ''If you want to argue, you should have done it when the rules were framed.

Manmohan appreciates ''positive sentiments'' of Gen Musharraf
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Jakarta, Apr 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appreciated the 'positive sentiments' of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during their brief meeting at the dinner hosted by Indonesian President Susilo Bambag Yudhoyono for visiting Heads of State and Government for the ongoing Asian-African Summit. Five days after their meeting in New Delhi, both Gen Musharraf and Dr Singh met at the dinner at Mr Yudhoyono's Palace Istana Merdeka late last night.

India to resume military aid to Nepal to counter Maoists
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Jakarta, Apr 23 (UNI) India today agreed to resume military aid to Nepal to counter insurgency by Maoist rebels, ending its two-month tough posture against the Himalayan Kingdom in the wake of the imposition of Emergency in February. The decision was taken during a 40-minute meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Nepal King Gyanendra on the sidelines of the Asian-African Summit here

India to aim at 7.5 per cent growth rate: PM
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Jakarta, Apr 24 (PTI) India will aim at a 7.5 per cent growth rate by taking steps to open up further, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today. "We are committed to be more open - a more open economy, more open society and more open polity," Singh told over 400 members of the Indian community here at a special reception last night

Next decade in India to see more emphasis on health, agriculture: PM
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Stressing the need to create more wealth to tackle mass poverty, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the next decade in India is going to be an exciting one which would see more emphasis on health, education and agriculture

Pakistan Punjab team to participate in Bombay Gold Cup Hockey
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

After more than two decades, a team from Pakistan, Punjab XI from Lahore, would be seen in action in the 43rd All India Bombay Gold Cup Hockey tournament, commencing at the Mahindra Stadium here tomorrow.

Gujarat govt sets up commission to inquire into attacks on Lalu
Sunday, April 24, 2005 | JJ

Ahmedabad, Apr 24 (PTI) The Gujarat government has consitituted a commission of inquiry, headed by a retired High Court judge, to probe into the alleged attack on Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, during his visit to the hospital where victims of the Sabarmati train collision were being treated. The commission would be headed by Justice (Retd), N B Patel, who would probe the reason behind the incidents involving Prasad, official sources said here today.

CBI inquiry into defence orders with Denel
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

The government has ordered a CBI inquiry into defence orders placed with South African firm, Denel, by the previous government. Defence analysts see this as a set back to the defence procurement process.
Former Defence Minister, George Fernandes who is in the centre of a controversy over arms and armmunition orders placed on Denel, a South African firm, sees the CBI inquiry as political vendetta and UPA government getting at him for his long-standing antagonism of the Congress.

Sabarmati Express mishap: 10 suspended
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

Ahmedabad, April 23: Ten Railway personnel, including a station master, have been have been suspended for negligence in connection with Thursday's train collision at Samlaya, a senior Railway official said here today.

Over 20 killed in road mishap
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

Morena (MP), April 23: At least 23 people were killed and 37 others injured when the truck in which they were travelling overturned near Khurd village, 16 kms from here, this morning. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital here, he said.

Defence scams unfortunate: PM
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

ON BOARD SPECIAL AIRCRAFT: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed as ‘‘unfortunate’’ the charges of payoffs by state -owned South African armament company Denel to obtain an Indian rifles contract during the NDA regime and said efforts should be made to ensure that the controversy does not affect acquisition of arms by the country.

India should initiate dialogue with Dhaka: Jyoti Basu
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

KOLKATA: In the backdrop of the killing of a BSF assistant commandant by the BDR in Bangladesh territory opposite Lankamura in South Tripura on April 16, veteran CPM leader Jyoti Basu said that India should immediately initiate dialogue with Dhaka to resolve various problems between the two countries.

Basu comes to Modi's rescue
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | JJ

KOLKATA: Opposing Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's demand for the dismissal of the Narendra Modi government in Gujarat, veteran CPM leader Jyoti Basu said on Friday 'it should never be done'. When asked by reporters whether the Centre should dismiss the Modi government as demanded by Laloo Prasad, Basu said, “no, it should never be done”.

Internet connections to increase 3- fold: Maran
Saturday, April 23, 2005 | Editor

BANGALORE: Internet connections would increase from 5.45 million in December 2004 to 18 million by 2007. By this time, broadband connection is targeted to touch nine million, according to communications and IT minsiter Dayanidhi Maran.


Inaugurating a mobile manufacturing facility of Elcoteq in the city,Maran claimed that BSNL's Data-One service had performed above expectations in the market.

Maran also informed that Nokia would open their manufacturing facility in Chennai in nine months.

Why Do Saudis Kill Innocents?
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

Damman, April 20

Pray for me. I will be killed after a few hours."

Her husband's last words still rings in 28-year-old Ramla's ears.

It was the morning of February 22, 2005, when the phone rang. Ramla was hoping to hear some good news when she heard her husband's voice at last. Naickam Ittiparambil Shahjahan had languished in prison in Damman, Saudi Arabia, for five years, awaiting a reprieve from the Saudi authorities, sparing his life.

But that was not to be. Shahjahan was beheaded a few hours after he called his wife to say goodbye forever.

"I do not know why they killed him. Why has Allah done this to us?" laments Ramla.

Shahjahan's execution has plunged his family, which grapples with poverty every day, into grief and helplessness.

Five days after his execution, the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi received a message from the Saudi Arabian government, which officially admitted that Shahjahan was 'innocent.'


Courtesy: Rediff

Anil Ambani's name ceases to figure on IPCL Board
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI) Nearly four months after Anil Ambani tendered his resignation from the Board of Reliance group company IPCL in the midst of his feud with brother Mukesh Ambani, the company's website today showed the list of the Board of Directors without the younger brother's name.
This appears strategic as the Board meeting of IPCL, headed by Mukesh, is scheduled for April 26 though the spokespersons of both Anil and Reliance Industries Ltd were not available to comment on the question whether his resignation has been accepted by the Board.

Inflation tick 12-week high of 5.48 pc
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 21 (PTI) Costlier vegetables, fruits, cooking gas and edible oils pushed inflation up by 0.22 per cent to a 12-week high of 5.48 per cent during the week ended April nine.
The latest estimate of 5.48 per cent for the second week of 2005-06 is higher than 4.57 per cent recorded in the year ago period.

However, markets fear further escalation in prices if the oil PSUs decide to hike petrol and diesel price, the fate of which is hanging fire since November due to many reasons.

Sehwag amazing batsman with sound defensive technique: Cairns
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Apr 21 (PTI) A day after Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer heaped praise on Sehwag by describing the swashbuckling Indian batsman as a modern-day Don Bradman, Virender Sehwag got encomiums from top New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns.
"Sehwag is an amazing batsman. People talk mainly about his attacking batting forgetting that he has got a sound defensive technique too. Without such a good defence he could not have done what he has," Cairns told reporters here last night.

Cairns also praised compatriot John Wright for the way he has handled the Indian squad as coach till his departure from the scene at the end of the high-profile series against Pakistan.

The success or otherwise of a coach is determined by what the players under him think about him. The Indian players have showered praise on John leaving him with a sweet taste in the mouth, said Cairns whose career has been bedevilled by injuries.

Asked who to compare the captaincy styles of current Australian skipper Ricky Ponting or his predecessor Steve Waugh, Cairns brought smiles on the reporters faces by saying "Even my mum can captain the Australian team". PTI

BJP team to probe cause of Sabarmati train accident
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

Ahmedabad, Apr 22 (PTI) A three-member BJP team, that reached here today, would inquire into the cause of Sabarmati Express train accident and ascertain the veracity of allegations by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad that an attack on him was masterminded by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"Our team will first make a spot visit to Samalaya to get details about the rail accident. We will also visit the SSG hospital (at Vadodara) to meet the injured passengers," senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who is heading the team, told PTI here.

"The team will also probe the reasons behind Lalu Yadav's allegations that he was attacked with petrol bombs. What we want to know is the cause of the provocation behind the incident. It is important to know why did the people react in such a manner when the Railway Minister was visiting an accident site," he said.

The other team members are Rajya Sabha MP Kripal Parmar and Lok Sabha MP B P Singh and the team, on a day-long visit, will meet Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi after they return from Samalaya and Vadodara.

"We will give a detailed report to our party president L K Advani after returning to Delhi so that the party can tackle the issue properly in Parliament," Modi added. PTI

Vadodara tragedy: Lalu seeks Modi's dismissal
Friday, April 22, 2005 | Editor

The Vadodara train tragedy, in which 18 people were killed on Thursday, has taken a backseat.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs met at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence on Thursday night.

The CCPA did express its grief on the lives lost but the focus was clearly the politics behind the tragedy – the alleged attack on Union Rail Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Battlelines drawn

Lalu has alleged the attack was made by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists, while he was reviewing the rescue and relief work at the Sabarmati Express accident site.

He said the attack on his life was carried out at the behest of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to seek revenge for his statements on the Godhra train carnage case.

But Thursday's accident is perhaps one where politics took precedence over human tragedy with the attack on the Rail Minister becoming the main issue.

Afridi wins Kanpur ODI for Pak
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

Friday, April 15, 2005 (Kanpur):

Chasing a modest target of 250, Pakistan scored an easy win against India in the fifth one-day international at Kanpur today.

Pakistan reached the target in 42.1 overs to take a 3-2 lead in the six match series.

Shahid Afridi stole the limelight with some breathtaking strokes. Afridi's 102 came from 46 balls and contained 10 fours and nine sixes as he reduced the Indian bowling to smithereens.

For Pakistan, Arshad Khan replaced Danish Kaneria and Iftikhar Anjum came in place of Mohammed Sami. (With PTI inputs)

Govt open to talks with any group that shuns violence: PM
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Asserting that the government will deal firmly with insurgency, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it is willing to conduct an honest and meaningful dialogue with any group that shuns violence and is ready to engage in talks.
Addressing the Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security and Law and Order, he said the challenge of terrorism must be faced squarely and resolutely by all shades of political opinion. "There can be no political compromise with terror".

Singh noted that notwithstanding the recent dastardly attempt to disturb the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service by terrorists, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had come onto the streets as one to welcome this gesture of reconciliation.PTI

SC notice to Centre, CPCB on use of incarcerators
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, April 15 (PTI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board on a petition seeking disbanding of the incarcerators used to destroy biomedical waste of hospitals.
The petition filed by NGO Common Cause said the age-old incarcerators were not able to control pollution from the destruction of biomedical waste.

The eco-friendly Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility, using chemicals to convert the waste into manure, should be its replacement, the petition said. PTI

India set Pakistan a 250 run target in 5th ODI
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

Kanpur, Apr 15 (PTI) Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif shared a record century partnership to help India overcome a top order collapse and post a competitive 249 for six in the fifth cricket one-day international against Pakistan at the Green Park stadium here today.
Dravid and Kaif added 135 runs for the fifth wicket to lead India's recovery after seamer Rana Naved-ul Hasan had driven a wedge through the batting line up with three wickets in successive overs.

Rana evicted Tendulkar in his second over with a classic outswinger on the off stump, which the batsman could only knick it to the keeper. PTI

Domestic automobile sales grow 16 pc in FY05
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Healthy sales of passenger cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles enabled Indian automobile industry to grow 15.9 per cent at 78,96,475 units in the domestic market in the fiscal ending March 31, 2005.

The figure stood at 68,10,537 units in 2003-04.

Passenger car sales moved up 17.7 per cent to 8,19,918 units in the just-ended fiscal from 6,96,153 units in the previous year, according to figures released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Inflation hardens to 5.26 pc
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) An all-round increase in prices of major commodities, including fruits, vegetables, aviation fuel and manufactured products like sugar, pushed up inflation to 5.26 per cent in the first week of 2005-06.
The widely-tracked point-to-point Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation was up 0.21 per cent for the week ended April 2 from 5.05 per cent in the previous week. It was substantially higher than 4.51 per cent in the year-ago period.

The WPI increased by 0.4 per cent to 190.2 points during the first week of April with indices of primary articles, fuels and manufactured products going up. It was 180.7 points in the previous year period.

There are apprehensions that inflation could rise further if the Cabinet decides to hike petrol and diesel prices. Also, an international study by a banking entity has forecast crude could strike 100 dollars a barrel from 55-56 dollars ticked during the review week.

The latest reported week witnessed costlier commodities like Aviation Turbine Fuel, naphtha, poultry chicken, fruits, vegetables and a majority of manufactured products like food items, tobacco, paper, rubber and plastic, and machinery.

However, some edible oils, wheat, eggs, barley and copra were cheaper. PTI

IDBI targets Rs 1500 bn business in FY-06
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Apr 15 (PTI) Taking benefit of strong credit uptake, Industrial Development Bank of India Ltd has targeted a growth in business at Rs 1500 bn for the current fiscal.
The bank expects the business - deposits, advances and borrowings - to touch Rs 1500 bn by March 2006 as against about Rs 1300 bn in the previous fiscal, its chairman V P Shetty told reporters after opening a branch here today.

IDBI, a combined entity comprising commercial banking unit and development finance activity, plans to enhance its retail portfolio by Rs 100 bn while setting a target for project finance at Rs 160 bn, he said.

Asked about the trends in interest rates, he ruled out any need to raise the rates in the immediate future.

However, the rates could go up by 0.25-0.50 per cent in the next six months due to inflation, he said.

IDBI would be able to reduce costs of funds due to access to low cost deposits after the merger of idbi bank with itself, he said.

It plans to raise Rs 100 bn through issuance of bonds, he added. PTI

Security agencies take control of vital installations in Delhi
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

Security agencies take control of vital installations in Delhi
Apr 15, 2005 10:41:00 AM

.NEWDEL DEL16

New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) A day ahead of the arrival of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, security agencies today took control of vital installations, including the place of stay and venues the highly threatened VVIP will visit during his three-day stay here. PTI

Gujarat Tourism Dept to boost tourism
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

Gujarat Tourism Dept to boost tourism :

[Gujarat, India] Ahmedabad, Apr 14 : The Tourism Department has planned a series of measures to promote the state in a big way and make `Gujarat' a brand name in tourism.

"Our idea is to promote Gujarat in a big way to both domestic as well as international tourists and make `Gujarat' a brand name in tourism like Kerala, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh," chairman of Gujarat Tourism Corporation (GTC) R M Patel told mediapersons here today.

As a part of its promotional strategy, the GTC would launch a special scheme wherein a 20 per cent discount would be given to senior citizens, physically challenged persons and children at the Department's 16 tourists resorts in the state, Patel said. PTI

Kalam calls for pan-Asian tourism linkages
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

(IANS News) New Delhi: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam set the agenda for India's tourism needs in the 21st century as he inaugurated the 5th annual World Travel and Tourism Summit here, asking the government to concentrate on infrastructure building and greater travel integration in the region.
Speaking on "Dynamics of Travel and Tourism", Kalam spoke of pan-Asian tourism integration across the SAARC and ASEAN countries - Southeast Asian and South Asian nations - to help tourists get the best experience in the region.

"Buddhist sites across India, Nepal and Southeast Asia can be linked and countries which have a common heritage can join hands to promote tourism," Kalam told delegates at the start of the two-day event at Delhi's Ashoka Hotel Friday.

Qatar tempts Indians with beaches, resorts:-
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, April 15 : Vast unspoiled beaches, fancy shopping malls and hotels, seductive desert landscapes, vintage Arabic culture - these are just some of the temptations Qatar is keen to sell aggressively to entice Indian tourists.

Small wonder, promoting 'Destination Qatar' not just as a business Mecca but as preferred tourism hub of the Arab world, was at the centre of the Emir of Qatar's three-day visit to India that ended Friday.

Last year, Qatar unveiled an ambitious tourism master plan that will inject $15 billion - one of the largest investments in tourism facilities in the region. It is designed to increase tourist arrivals from 400,000 to over one million by 2010.

Plans afoot to make Gujarat a tourist spot
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

AHMEDABAD: The Tourism Department has planned a series of measures to promote the State in a big way and make 'Gujarat' a brand name in tourism.

"Our idea is to promote Gujarat in a big way to both domestic as well as international tourists and make 'Gujarat' a brand name in tourism such as Kerala, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh," Chairman of Gujarat Tourism Corporation (GTC), Mr R M Patel said h ere today.

As a part of its promotional strategy, the GTC would launch a special scheme, wherein a 20 per cent discount would be given to senior citizens, physically challenged persons and children at the Department's 16 tourists resorts in the State, Mr Patel said . - PTI

Tourism season coming to an end but tourists not leaving Goa Beach
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

[India News] Panaji, Apr. 13 (ANI): The summers of Goa have mesmerized the foreign tourists to the extent that they have extended their holidays despite the tourism season coming to an end.

Generally, tourists season starts from October and ends by March. However, Goa's sunny weather has made, mainly the foreign tourists, decide to stick onto the beach for an extended period of time.

In order to get their skin tanned, they lie down to the exposed sunshine areas and the heated sand. They are very fond of having fawn coloured skin and keep trying to acquire that complexion."One can find beautiful sand and sea in Goa. We come here to get that suntanned look on our body," said Alice, a Scottish tourist.

India Tourism Development appoints M S Manchanda as CMD
Friday, April 15, 2005 | Editor

India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd has appointed M S Manchanda, vice president (hotels) ITDC (Q, N,C,F)* as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of the company with effect from April 04, 2005 in the place of Rajeev Talwar, additional DG (tourism).

The corporation has appointed Talwar as the chairman and managing director of the company for a brief tenure from February 10, 2005 to April 04, 2005 in the place of Amitabh Kant who also ceased to be CMD of the company with effect from February 10, 2005, in terms of ministry of tourism's letter dated February 9, 2005.

The company has appointed Niranjan Pant, joint secretary and financial advisor, ministry of tourism as the part-time government director on the board with effect from March 24, 2005 in the place of P K Mishra, additional secretary and financial advisor, in terms of ministry of tourism letter dated March 24, 2005,

Shares of India Tourism Development were last traded on BSE at Rs 74.40, up 20 per cent.

India in biggest ever ATM outing
Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | Editor

India will this May have its biggest ever Arabian Travel Market (ATM) presence and is planning to launch a series of new products at the show, the region's premier travel and tourism exhibition.

The move comes as India plans to further boost incoming tourism from the Middle East, as traffic from the region has been climbing gradually each year since 2003 with average annual growth rates of 10%, and a total of 126,000 arrivals being projected for 2005.

India Tourism Dubai, the Mid East representative office of the country's tourism industry, has committed to a 504 square metres pavilion, an increase of more than 20% compared to last year's ATM. This year's event is likely to be attended by Mrs Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India.

'Our participation last year was extremely successful as we achieved substantial mileage with respect to the promotion of India as the destination for the new millennium,' said Prakash Jajoria, Regional Director, of Dubai India Tourism.

'The Middle East is of strategic importance for the growth of India's tourism, which currently accounts for 2% of the country's GDP.

Boeing offers `competitive pricing' to Air India
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) In its bid to grab Air India orders, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing today said it had offered a "comprehensive competitive pricing" to the public sector carrier, whose decision to purchase 50 aircraft of different makes was yet to get the government nod.
"Our aircraft -- Boeing 777-200 ER (long range), B 777-300 ER (extended range) and 787-8 Dreamliners are perfectly suited for Air India's plans and have competitive advantages over our competitors (Airbus Industrie)," Dinesh A Keskar, senior Vice President (Sales) of Boeing, told reporters here.

He said his company was in talks with almost all the Indian carriers, including Jet Airways, Air Sahara and SpiceJet, for these and other aircraft for their domestic and international operations.

LJP chief Paswan advises Nitish to merge JD(U) with BJP
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Editor

Patna, Apr 12 (PTI) LJP president Ramvilas Paswan today hit back at JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar asking him to "merge his party with the BJP instead of talking about secularism" and ruled out the possibility of the LJP coming out of the UPA.
"Instead of talking about secularism the JD(U) should merge with the saffron party and the sooner it is done the better," Paswan told reporters on his arrival from New Delhi.

Kumar had yesterday said that all conditions, including severing ties with BJP, put forth by LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan for government formation were acceptable if Paswan merged his party with the JD(U).

Indo-Pak 4th ODI: Tendulkar returns to form with blazing century
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Editor

Ahmedabad, Apr 12 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar returned to his vintage form to smack a blazing century and help India post 315 for six in the fourth one-day cricket international against Pakistan here today.
Tendulkar, who last made a half century in the Asia Cup final last August, made up for the early dismissal of Virender Sehwag as he sent Pakistan on another leather hunt at the Motera stadium.

Tendulkar made 123 from 130 balls with 12 fours and two sixes, and the only thing that hampered him after reaching the three figure mark was cramps under the sweltering sun.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni came good once again with a punchy 47 from 64 balls and Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 35 from 26 balls rounded off a solid batting performance for the hosts.

The match was reduced to 48 overs after an hour's delayed start due dampness in the pitch, but Pakistan bowled five overs more via illegal deliveries -- 15 no balls and wides each. PTI

China non-committal on backing India at UNSC
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) Rounding off his four-day visit, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today said it had produced "rich results" but on India's claim for permanent seat on the UN Security Council, he did not go beyond stating that his country supported its aspirations to play a "bigger role" in the world body.
Describing the visit as "historic", Wen told a group of senior journalists before leaving for home that the bilateral relationship had been taken to a "new level" following his discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders. He shared his Indian counterpart's view that history has been made during the visit.

Prime Minister launches National Rural Health Mission
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today launched the National Rural Health Mission that aims to provide healthcare facilities to the poor, regretting that for too long the country had not paid sufficient attention to the sector.
"The slow improvement in the health status of our people has been a matter of great concern. There is no denying the fact that we have not paid adequate attention to this dimension of development for too long," he said here at the launch of the Rural Health Mission.

Nitish withdraws efforts for govt formation in Bihar
Saturday, April 9, 2005 | Editor

Patna, Apr 9 (PTI) Hours after 15 independents were claimed to have extended support to his move to form a government, NDA's chief ministerial candidate Nitish Kumar today said he was withdrawing his initiative to form a government in Bihar accusing LJP leader Ramvilas Paswan of "ditching" him.
"I am withdrawing my efforts for government formation as its chances are very bleak because of intransigence of Paswan over taking support from the non-RJD parties," he told a press conference, in an announcement seen as a pressure tactic on 29-member LJP joining government formation efforts.PTI

Pakistan bounce back with emphatic victory
Saturday, April 9, 2005 | Editor

By Sirshendu Panth
Jamshedpur, Apr 9 (PTI) Stung by two successive defeats, Pakistan roared back with an inspired all-round display to thrash India by a convincing 106-run victory in the third one-day international to keep themselves afloat in the one-day series here today.

Salman Butt led the Pakistani renaissance with his second career century that propelled the visitors to a daunting 319 for nine after Inzamam-ul Haq won his first toss of the series and elected to bat on a hard wicket that offered reliable bounce for strokeplay.

Indian Airlines hikes fares by 12 per cent
Saturday, April 9, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Apr 9 (PTI) In a bid to offset a major increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), Indian Airlines today announced an across the board 12 per cent hike in its fares with effect from April 15.
Maintaining that the domestic ATF price has increased from Rs 27,250 per kilolitre to Rs 32,250 from April one, an IA spokesman said the airline "would consequently be increasing its domestic rupee fares by 12 per cent from April 15, 2005". While the promotional and other discounted schemes like Advance purchase (APEX), promotional fares, positioning flight fares and point to point fares would be continued, "the fares for these special schemes are also being revised upwards proportionately".

However, there would be no immediate increase in the case of Indian Airlines Holiday Packages and the Bumper Super Saver Schemes, he said. PTI

More positive signs for India's tourism industry
Thursday, April 7, 2005 | Editor

The most heartening developments in India over the past 12 months have been in aviation which, until recently, was neglected by successive governments, Rabindra Seth, well-known travel industry journalist and industry observer has told the ITB Daily. Privately owned domestic carriers Jet and Sahara have already started flying to neighbouring countries, and are getting ready to fly to the rest of the world. The bilaterals regime has been liberalised and open skies is the buzzword in the corridors of power.

Manchanda takes over as ITDC Chief
Thursday, April 7, 2005 | Editor

M S Manchanda, a hotel industry veteran, today took charge of the post of Chairman and Managing Director of state-owned India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

Fifty-five-year-old Manchanda, an ITDC Vice-President in charge of hotels, took over from senior IAS officer Rajeev Talwar, who will continue to be Additional Director-General of Tourism in the Central Government.

Talwar said his term as ITDC Chairman expired on March 31. "I accomplished the task of sorting out the Johny Walker controversy and opening the Night Bazar," he said.

Meet on stem cell research begins: UK finds right partner in India
Tuesday, April 5, 2005 | Editor

BANGALORE: The United Kingdom, claimed to be the world leader in stem cell research, has found the right partner in India citing the latter's well established education system, wide network of scientific laboratories and organisations and its pool of natural talent.

Inaugurating an eight-day joint conference on stem cell research at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, here on Monday, British High Commissioner in India Sir Michael Arthur said his country now recognised that it cannot achieve global policies without an Indian collaboration. ``There are very few countries about whom we say that,'' he added.

Indian techies are the bug-busters of the West
Tuesday, April 5, 2005 | Editor

Reuters

BANGALORE: Testing software to ferret out bugs that drive consumers crazy was once seen as dull and dreary work to be shunned by brainy technology experts.

But the need to ensure electronic products' quality has spawned the latest hiring boom in the $16 billion outsourcing industry that already employs some 500,000 people in India's technology capital.

Software glitches are estimated to cost nearly $60 billion a year in the United States alone, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Companies such as online share brokers and handset makers are willing to spend a lot to avoid them.

Seminar will be held for school principals in the city
Tuesday, April 5, 2005 | Editor

BANGALORE: The ‘‘Express in Education’’ team of this website’s newspaper and Vision 21 Academy is organising a seminar for school principals on Saturday at Taj Gateway at 9 a.m.

It is aimed at creating a platform for tutors to interact with education department officials, the seminar will focus on various topics related to parents, teachers and students.

The sessions will be highly interactive and the day will witness some lively and thought-provoking debates. More than 100 principals from various city-based schools will take part in the seminar.

The purpose of the seminar is to bring together school heads under one roof to debate issues such as curriculum and the role of tuition in the education system.

In the interactive session, teachers can ask questions ranging from semester system to the need of student counselling and use of mobile phones to introduction of oral examination for high school students.

Toofan Express catches fire
Monday, April 4, 2005 | Editor

Mughalsarai (UP), April 4. (PTI): A major fire broke out in the Howrah-bound Toofan Express train near here early this morning and "some casualties" were feared as panic-stricken passengers jumped from the moving train.

"The blaze broke out in five bogies of Sriganganagar- Howrah Toofan Express train at 7.30 a.m. between Darauli and Dildar Nagar railway stations of the east central railway here," Mughalsarai Divisional Railway Manager Vijay Mohan said.

He said "some casualties are feared as some of the passengers jumped from the moving train in panic". The cause of the fire was not known, he added.

Disinvestment process in five PSUs to be kicked off this fiscal
Monday, April 4, 2005 | Editor

NEW DELHI, APRIL 3: The government will kick off the disinvestment process this fiscal by selling shares in five companies whose proceeds will go to the national investment fund.

While the government has already declared its intention to offload 10% shares in Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd and 7.5% shares in Maruti Udyog Ltd, other three companies in which it proposes to dilute stake include Hindustan Zinc, Shipping Corporation of India and Engineers India Ltd, sources said.

These proposals will come before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (ccea) soon.

Google Bumps Up Email Storage Space to 2 Gigabytes
Monday, April 4, 2005 | Editor

To celebrates its one-year birthday on Friday, Google has increased the storage space allocation of its email service, Gmail, to 2 gigabytes for its members.

The new "Infinity+1" storage plan doubles the Gmail space allocation from 1 GB and also adds rich text formatting in emails.

On their website, Google says that they plan to increase the storage space "beyond" 2 GBs, and a running counter on the Gmail website shows a current allocation of 2054 megabytes.

Booking for AI budget air travel to resume in UAE
Saturday, April 2, 2005 | Editor

Dubai, Apr 1 (UNI) The hopes of budget air travel of Gulf Indians, which were dashed when online booking on the no-frills airline of Air-India crashed, are likely to be restored in the next few days, officials have assured.

The snag on Air-India Express (AIE)'s web-based booking prevented users from reserving seats since the site became operational.

''Our technical team is working on the problem and things would be normal in a couple of days,'' Ms Jaishree Ramachandran, A-I marketing manager for Dubai and Northern Emirates, told The Gulf Today.

She assured that the ''teething problem'' would be rectified well before the April 29 launch of the airline.

Ladakh takes steps to be India's future eco-tourism capital
Friday, April 1, 2005 | Editor

[India News] Leh (Ladakh), Mar.26 : Efforts are on to establish India's remote region of Ladakh as major tourist hub and to strengthen its position as the country's next eco-tourism capital.

A beautiful hilly region, Ladakh has always remained in the background despite having huge potential for tourism. But now, the situation is changing for the better, as the administration seeks to transform the existing landscape to allure tourists both from within the country and from abroad through a number of amenities.

Recently, a team comprising of delegates from various organisations promoting tourism met to chalk out a plan to promote the region as a major tourist hub.

"If different attractions and unique selling points of almost every village are discovered and promoted then it can become a destination of community based tourism. Moreover,if 1000 families are kept in two rooms or four tourists on a week long stay each over the four summer months, roughly 20,000 households in Ladakh could carry 65000 tourists without overburdening it," says Sonam Wangchuk, Director, students educational, cultural movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).