Mystery surrounding the disappearance of a weapon handed over by Pakistani Lieutenant General A K A Niazi when his troops surrendered before the Indian Army in the 1971 Bangladesh war was cleared on Sunday with the Indian Military Academy saying the revolver was safe in its museum here. "The revolver is safe and we have seen it only yesterday", a top official of the IMA said on condition of anonymity, a day after it was reported that the weapon at the National Museum in Delhi had been stolen. "It could be some other weapon which was stolen from New Delhi", the official said. A senior army offficial in Delhi also denied that the weapon had been stolen. "It is a proper service weapon of Pakistan Army and it is a revolver, not a pistol and is in the safe custody of the IMA museum in Dehra Dun," he said. The stolen pistol which was exhibited at the Maritime Heritage Hall of the National Museum could be one of the weapons handed over by other Pakistani military officers during the mass surrender in Dhaka. The weapon handed over by Niazi to Lt General J S Arora, the Army's then Eastern Commander in Dhaka, was a revolver which the Bangladesh war hero presented to the IMA during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1982. Lt Gen Arora expressed happiness that the weapon was safe. 10:02 IST
Flood situation turns further grim in three states
Monday, June 30, 2003
The flood situation in Assam, Tripura and Bihar turned further grim on Sunday with rivers rising alarmingly as floods, spawned by incessant rains, rendered thousands more homeless and disrupted road and rail communication in certain areas. In Tripura an eight year old boy was buried alive in a landslide in Bilonia subdivision of South Tripura district and more than 1800 people were rendered homeless, official sources said. River Mahuri was flowing near the danger level. A wooden bridge on the River Gomati connecting Amarpur and Udaipur subdivisions of the South Tripura district was washed away. In Sabroom subdivision, the flood situation remained grim with six villages remaining under water for the third day on Sunday. In Assam, the Brahmaputra maintained a rising trend inundating lowlying localities in vast areas of the state. The situation was grim in worst-hit Dhemaji district as the Jiadhol was swollen and submerged lowlying areas affecting rail and road communication. In Kamrup and Nalbari districts hundreds of villages have been submerged while in Sonitpur district the administration was preparing to deploy boats to rescue the marooned people. In south Assam's Hailakandi and Karimganj districts the rivers were in spate submerging several villages. Nearly four lakh people have been affected in the first wave of floods. 10:02 IST
RSS leaders meet Kanchi seer; describes it as "courtesy call"
Monday, June 30, 2003
Chennai,Monday, June 30, 2003: RSS leaders K Sudershan and Ram Madhav today called on Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi here and were closeted with him for about 20 minutes. After the meeting with the Sankaracharya, Sudershan described it as a "courtesy call". Talking to reporters, he refused to comment on the package evolved by the Acharya to solve the Ayodhya dispute, saying he was not aware of its contents. RSS would discuss the Ayodhya issue at its meeting to be held in Kanyakumari tomorrow, he said. Ram Madhav said "we had exchange of notes. We will discuss the Ayodhya issue at Kanyakumari tomorrow." Soon after the meeting, the seer left for Kancheepuram. Jayendra Saraswathi had recently sent a fresh proposal to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board for solving the dispute. 10:02 IST
Vajpayee briefs CCS on China visit
Sunday, June 29, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, June 28, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today briefed an informal meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on his just-concluded China visit during which India and China signed the first-ever joint declaration outlining the road map for bolstering bilateral ties. "The meeting was about the China visit", External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters after the hour-long deliberations but did not elaborate. Vajpayee returned here Friday night from his six-day visit during which he signed a historic trade protocol opening border trade between the two countries from the Nathu La pass in Sikkim and the Joint Declaration pledging to resolve the vexed border problem speedily. Asked whether the issue of sending troops to Iraq figured during the meeting, the Minister shook his head, indicating it had not come up. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh. National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra and Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal were also present at the meeting.
Kalam lauds armed forces
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Making the first-ever Presidential visit to a border post on the Line of Control (LoC), A P J Abdul Kalam today lauded the role of armed forces in defending the country in a "complex" situation involving religious, ideological and market conflicts. "The world is facing a new phenomenon of tackling religious conflict, ideological conflict and then market conflict... All the combination we have to handle. "In such a complex situation our armed forces have to play a very important role defending the country when the enemy comes. And also you have to bring peace among the civilian society around you," he said addressing troops of the 12th Brigade at this forward post in Jammu and Kashmir. On the last day of his three-day visit to the state, the President congratulated the troops on the "excellent work" they have done in the field, in their missions and in the interaction with the people making them smile. "The way you all look, the way you fight, the way you speak and act definitely has superiority and excellence. You are the defender of the border, in short Jammu and Kashmir, and are one of the important forces to defend the country".
Sunday, June 29, 2003
14 killed, seven injured in suicide attack on Jammu army camp
Sunday, June 29, 2003
In the first major strike since Prime Minister A B Vajpayee's peace initiative, two heavily armed terrorists dressed in military uniform carried out a suicide attack on an army camp here early this morning killing 12 personnel and injuring seven others before being shot dead. Hurling grenades and firing indiscriminately, the militants stormed the Sunjivan camp at around 0430 hours killing two guards at the main gate. They entered the barracks and fired on the sleeping jawans killing 12 personnel and injuring seven others, three of them seriously, an army spokesperson said in New Delhi. The militants were shot dead by a quick reaction team of the army, he said. The attack came as President A P J Abdul Kalam wrapped up his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. "Leads on the terrorists and their linkages are being followed up. The terrorists entered the army camp dressed in army uniform", the spokesman said. However, a lesser known militant outfit Al Nasreen claimed responsibility for the attack. One Abu salim Mehmood, claiming to be the spokesman of the outfit, called up office here from Srinagar and said three Al Nasreen militants had carried out the attack. This is the second major attack on an army installation here in the last two years. On May 14, 2002 (rpt 2002), militants had attacked family members of army personnel killing 34 of them at Kaluchak.
S rejects Musharraf's call for mediatiion on Kashmir
Sunday, June 29, 2003
The United States today rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's call to the US to mediate on the Kashmir issue as part of his road map for normalisation of Indo-Pak ties, asserting there will be no third party at the negotiating table. "The decision makers are India and Pakistan, so there will not be a third chair at the table," outgoing US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill told a television channel. Musharraf's suggestion for a West Asia type peace roadmap on Kashmir involving US during his visit to Washington has already been rejected by India. The Pakistan President has also outlined a four-stage approach to resolve the issue, saying any search for immediate solution to the problem would be rejected by extremists in both India and Pakistan. He had suggested that India and Pakistan start talking to each other, accepting the centrality of the Kashmir dispute, elimination of whatever was unacceptable to Pakistan and working out a solution that was 'win-win' for both countries and the people of Kashmir. Blackwill said "there is no middle path, we are not going to mediate. What we will do is just facilitate the two countries and that is substance, it is not a road map, it is not a game plan and it is not a blueprint", the Sahara television quoted him as saying in a release. Sharing India's concerns, the American envoy said "relations (between India and Pakistan) cannot be normal in the long term until terrorism emanating from Pakistan ends but in the short term, talking is better than not talking at all. 19:51 IST
India grants major tariff concenssions to China
Sunday, June 29, 2003
A day after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's return from China, India tonight granted major tariff concessions to Beijing, which is termed as a "milestone" in bilateral trade, surging towards five billion dollars annually. The tariff concessions were offered under the 1975 Bangkok Agreement which provides for trade expansion through such concessions among developing countries of the ESCAP region. With the Cabinet approving China's entry into the pact, India would be offering concessions on 106 Chinese items, while China is to extend concession on 182 Indian items including chemicals, leather, textiles and diamonds. After the exchange of concessions with China, India would be eligible for concessions on 722 items, which cover around 25 to 30 per cent of its total exports to China, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the Cabinet meeting here. 22:01 IST
Cabinet approves Lok Pal Bill
Sunday, June 29, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, June 28, 2003: The Lok Pal Bill seeking to check corruption in high places and bringing within its ambit Prime Minister was today approved by the Union Cabinet with plans to get it passed in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament. The cabinet gave the nod after rejecting a suggestion of a Commission that the Prime Minister be kept out of the Ombudsman's purview. The report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the legislation including the recommendation that it be a simple measure and not a Constitutional amendment bill, was accepted by the Cabinet, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters. It also agreed to the suggestion of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani that the bill should be passed in the monsoon session of Parliament. The committee had submitted its recommendations on December 31, 2001. The bill was introduced for the fourth time in Parliament on August 14, 2001 and then referred to the Parliamentary committee. It was earlier introduced in 1989, 1996 and 1998 but all the attempts had failed in the past.
King confident of minimising injuries
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Chennai,Saturday, June 28, 2003: Describing the Indian cricketers as "unbelievably talented", newly-appointed physical trainer Gregory Allen King today expressed confidence that he would succeed in minimising injury worries of the players. "In any game, injuries will happen and they cannot be eradicated. But a trainer's job is to minimise them as much as possible, which I am sure of doing," King, who was appointed by the Cricket Board on Friday, told here. King, who is here with coach John Wright to attend a three-day coaching seminar being conducted by MRF, said his main job was to carry forward the work of his predecessor, fellow South African Adrian Le Roux, from whom he had already gathered all relevant information about the requirement of Indian players. "I have had a long discussion with Roux who shared with me his experience with the Indian players. Wright has also briefed me on what needs to be done," he said. "My discussion with Le Roux reveal that the Indian team is on the right track. Therefore, I have to keep it going and try to improve the fitness levels of the players." King, whose appointment came in the wake of the sudden decision of Le Roux to resign and take up a similar position with the South African national team, said he was aware of the huge expectations from him and realised that the game was almost a religion in India. "The game is a religion in India and the players are a unbelievably talented bunch, next only to the Australian side. "I am happy with the assignment and I want to carry on from where Le Roux left," he said. 17:23 IST
88 Antop Hill
Sunday, June 29, 2003
By Kshama Rao Kushan Nandy who's co-produced-, co-written and directed his debut film 88, Antop Hill gives it a good start but falters after the first half an hour and loses the viewer completely by the time the killer of the murder mystery is found out. Blame it on creaky doors, whirring fans, screeching brakes, blaring horns, rustling horns, thumping footsteps, eerie screams (plenty of them, the Ramsay variety) and just too much noise (which we know as background score), which kills Nandy's labour of love. The film begins with some zanily done introductory titles and a gruesome murder taking place at where else but 88, Antop Hill. Pratyush Shellar (Atul Kulkarni) is a bank officer who dotes on his wife Antara (Suchitra Pillai in a thankless role) and daughter Sanjh. He returns home late on his wedding anniversary. Wifey is naturally fuming, more so because hubby dear was somewhere else nursing his college sweetheart's broken heart. A tu tu main main later Antara walks out of his house and life, daughter in tow. Next day, to ease off his frustration, Pratyush's office colleague gives him a visiting card of a call girl called Teesta (Shweta Menon) but our man is in no mood for a night out. That night he gets a call from the same colleague saying he is in danger and needs help. The call is made from 88, Antop Hill. Pratyush rushes to the place only to find a sexy Teesta who tries to entice him, in vain. However, he agrees to accompany her to a pub (pray why?) and drops her back home only to find his car keys missing. While he waits for Teesta to give him his keys, what he instead lays his hands on is her body slain with a deadly weapon. Pratyush is in a soup. The story is interesting up to this point but what follows later lets the viewer go off the hook. The trap in which Pratyush finds himself in and his helplessness somehow never reaches across to the viewer for most part of the film. Add to that the number of suspects and their respective sub-plots, leading to utter confusion. The suspects are Prashant; a drug addict and Teesta's ex-boyfriend, Sonali (Jasmine); Teesta's one-time roommate and Prashant's sister; KK Menon, a millionaire and Sonali's fiance and a crackpot called Mansukhani; an eccentric, aged blackmailer. Piecing the jigsaw together is the suave cop, Arvind Khanvilkar (Rahul Dev). Besides the loud noise, which disrupts the viewing experience, there are some other irritants too - the motive behind the killings is absolutely laughable, the proceedings are pretty morbid, the performances (barring the dependable Atul Kulkarni and Rahul Dev) are strictly below average. Obviously, you then have on hand an average film, which could have built up on the initial tempo. Alas, don't dare to go anywhere near this Antop Hill. More on bollywood at glamsham.com
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
Sunday, June 29, 2003
By Taran Adarsh [IndiaFM ] When you saunter to a theatre screening MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, the expectations are mammoth. After all, director Sooraj R. Barjatya weaved magic in his first three films [MAINE PYAR KIYA, HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN, HUM SAATH-SAATH HAIN]. So, obviously, you expect Sooraj to recreate the magic in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON as well. There can only be two diverse opinions after you've seen the film - either you'd feel that you got what you expected from the film OR the film just didn't measure up to the expectations. Either Sooraj would win the game or lose it. Rajshri's much-awaited, keenly-anticipated MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, falls in the first category. To be more specific, Sooraj wins the game for the fourth time! MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON tells the story of Sanjana [Kareena Kapoor], who lives in Sunder Nagar with her parents [Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri] and her pets - parrot Raja and dog Johny. Her elder sister Roopa [Tanaz Currim] is married and settled in the U.S. Like it happens in most Indian families, when the girl attains marriageable age, her parents start looking out for a well-groomed and settled guy. That's what happens with Sanjana as well. Roopa has somebody in mind who'd prove to be an ideal husband for Sanjana and what's more, he's also supposed to visit Sunder Nagar to see her, know her and interact with the family. Enters Prem [Hrithik Roshan], who's a complete opposite of what Sanjana is. But opposites attract and Sanjana finds herself drawn towards Prem. However, there's a twist in the tale... Enters Prem's boss, his name is also Prem [Abhishek Bachchan] and he too falls in love with the charming Sanjana. The girl has to choose one of them. Who will it be? Like his earlier films, Sooraj R. Barjatya's latest film does not have a story that is novel, original or path-breaking. This time too, the story follows the same beaten path, of two guys falling in love with the same girl. But Sooraj's handling of this oft-repeated subject is what makes all the difference. The Rajshri tradition of wholesome and clean entertainment is evident in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON as well. But besides the family values and typical Indian emotions, Sooraj gives the film a contemporary look. Like Sooraj's previous films, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON has its share of romance, light moments and songs as the story begins. But there's an undercurrent of strong emotions all through. Some instances: The bonding between the teachers and students at the very outset or the scene when Kareena admits her love for Hrithik for the first time, as she walks out of her college or the intricate sequence between the father and daughter [Pankaj Kapur - Kareena], when the father tells her that whatever her opinion of the boy, he's approved of him already or the Valentine Day portions, right till the intermission, have been handled brilliantly. The turning point in the first half does come as a surprise and the interval point raises the expectations for a dramatic second half. Despite a few deficiencies, the second half comes out a winner, for it is in this half that Sooraj offers what he specialises in - emotions. The second half is a triumph from the director's point of view. That Sooraj is a good storyteller, who caters to the demands of the Indian movie-going audience, is well-known by now. But in MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, it's the treatment that saves an otherwise routine story from sinking. The second half also has a few brilliant scenes that have the unmistakable stamp of a genius. The Abhishek - Kareena interaction and how their friendship grows or the sequence when Hrithik learns of Abhishek's engagement to Kareena and even the climax leaves you completely mesmerised. The climax is the best part of the enterprise. In fact, the drama in the last half-an-hour, during the engagement ceremony, is brilliant. The best part is Sooraj cuts off the melodrama and comes straight to the point. The sequence when Kareena confronts Hrithik [no dialogue] is not just novel, but deserves distinction marks for the writing, treatment and execution. Directorially, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON is a Sooraj R. Barjatya show all the way. The technique is ordinary, the milieu - like all Rajshri films - is the same, plus the film has its share of sugar-sweet characters, there's a dog and also a parrot, yet everything looks just right. There're no pretensions to be 'hatke' or to cater to pseudo critics or target the festival circuit. Sooraj weaves a tale and tells it in a fashion that would appeal to the Indian at heart. For that, he deserves a 10 out of 10. Anu Malik's music has a different sound and the best part is they've been merged beautifully in the script. Yet, one misses a hit composition like 'Didi Tera Dewar Deewana' or 'Kabutar Ja Ja Ja'. Like Sooraj's previous flicks, this one also has a string of songs, but the best ones are 'Chali Aayee', 'Prem... Bani Bani', 'Aur Mohabbat Hain' and 'Ladka Ye Kehta Hain'. Well worded and well tuned, each song has been rendered with a lot of feeling. The choreography [Jay Borade] is apt. Rajan Kinagi's cinematography is first-rate. The locations of New Zealand and Mauritius are breath-taking of course, but Kinagi has captured them on celluloid beautifully. Bijon Dasgupta's sets are garish at places. Hrithik Roshan is in top form this time around. The role he's portrayed is of the boy next door and very identifiable, unlike the larger-than-life roles in his past few films. More than anything, his emotional scenes are a revelation. His sequences in the latter part of the film prove that the actor is capable of so much more than just flexing his muscles. Kareena Kapoor is a delight to watch. She's gotten into the skin of the character and portrayed her part with utmost conviction. The actress is remarkable all through the film. The best part is that she has made an effort to look and perform differently this time around. This is one performance that is bound to be an instant hit with one and all. Abhishek Bachchan underplays his part well. However, the length of the role doesn't give him much scope to display histrionics. Pankaj Kapur is fabulous. His contribution to the emotional sequences is tremendous. Himani Shivpuri is excellent, especially in the first half and also towards the interval point. Rima is alright. Johny Lever is okay. Raja [parrot] and Johny [dog] are sure to be liked by the kids. The animation is flawless and will also be liked. On the whole, MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON is a worthy successor to Sooraj R. Barjatya's previous hits. At the box-office, this love story will not only make the youth diwana, but also the family audiences throng the theatres in a big way. Rating:- * * * 1/2. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Aishwarya Rai in Choker Bali
Sunday, June 29, 2003
If Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam were not enough, then look forward to the green-eyed beauty in Choker Bali and be mesmerized by her acting abilities and the expressive eyes. Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, the film is based on a novel by Rabindranath Tagore and deals with the psychological relations between sexes, in the British era. Those who had a sneak preview of the portions of the film believe that it would not only be a success on the Indian side but would go to fetch international acclaim as well. The setting, costume, ambience and performance are becoming the talk of the industry. It will have the Devdas or HDDS feel? Wait till October when the film will be released.
Jackie Chan to shoot in India
Sunday, June 29, 2003
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2003 07:56:34 AM ] The buzz has been there for quite some time, but things are taking concrete shape now. A movie starring Hollywood-Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan, in addition to some desi stars, is set to be shot in India. While the film will be made by a Hong Kong filmmaker, assistance at the Indian end will be provided by Mukesh Bhatt. Incidentally, Bhatt headed a delegation of filmmakers to Hong Kong last year. "We met many filmmakers who expressed their desire to shoot in India, which is a soughtafter destination in Hong Kong because both countries share similar cultures," says Bhatt. Chan has reportedly expressed his eagerness to shoot a hefty part of the scenes in India. "We will provide the infrastructural details to Hong Kong filmmakers. Our production team has already identified certain locations in West Bengal and Jaipur." While shooting is scheduled to begin in August, the search is on for Indian actors. The I&B ministry too has reportedly evinced interest in the project.
University hostel hall named after Kalpana Chawla
Saturday, June 28, 2003
University hostel hall named after Kalpana Chawla By Vasantha Arora, Indo-Asian News Service ADVERTISEMENT Washington, June 28 The University of Texas at Arlington has named one of its hostel halls after its alumna, Indian American astronaut Kalpana Chawla. The residence hall was named "Kalpana Chawla Hall" to honour the woman who died on February 1 when her space shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas. A scholarship in her name has also been established at the university. Kalpana Chawla, who received her master's of science degree in aerospace engineering from the university in 1984, was a flight engineer aboard the shuttle Columbia. She and six other astronauts died in the explosion. Born in Karnal, Kalpana Chawla was the first woman from India to go into space. The Kalpana Chawla Hall will house about 400 students. Called a "living/learning residence", the hall will cluster the students in 16 communities according to learning themes or major disciplines. Living/learning communities are residence halls or segments of residence halls in which spaces are dedicated to groups of students who not only live together but who also attend classes and study together.
Six killed as rebels storm army camp in Kashmir
Saturday, June 28, 2003
JAMMU, India (Reuters) - Six people, including five soldiers, were killed when suspected Muslim rebels attacked a military camp in Kashmir on Saturday, a police official said. "Firing is still going on. Reinforcements have been sent. One militant has been killed," the official told Reuters. He said the attack took place in an army camp near Sunjwan, about 11 km south of Jammu. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. This latest violence comes during the visit of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the Himalayan region. He is scheduled to return to New Delhi on Saturday. The killings took place near the army camp at Kaluchak where rebels killed more than two dozen people in May 2002 bringing nuclear-armed India and Pakistan to the brink of a third war over the region. Both countries have since then toned down rhetoric and initiated a peace process in April this year restoring full diplomatic and transport links as part of confidence building measures meant to pave the way for eventual peace talks. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of arming and training Kashmiri insurgents. Pakistan denies charges it foments violence there but says it provides moral and diplomatic support for what it calls a Kashmiri freedom struggle. Killings have continued unabated in the region despite the thaw in ties between India and Pakistan.
Plan
Saturday, June 28, 2003
After KAANTE, White Feather Films brings you PLAN, a story about four boys from different parts of India who want to make it big in Mumbai. They meet on the train and become friends. Each character has its own dream to fulfil. Every time they make a plan, something goes wrong. So, they hatch a master plan where they come across someone who turns out to be a gangster and then... that's all we can reveal now. Comparisons with KAANTE are inevitable, but producer Sanjay Gupta denies all such claims. "We have made a conscious effort to be different. PLAN is a whole new approach to film-making. The story is quite different," he states. Talking about Sanjay Dutt, Gupta says "Sanjay is my production partner in White Feather Films. Apart from this, he is our friend, philosopher and guide. So, we try and keep him in each of our films." Apart from Dutt, the film also stars Dino Morea, Sanjay Suri, Bikram Saluja and Rohit Roy. HRIDAY SHETTY PLAN also marks the directorial debut of Hriday Shetty, who was also involved in the making of KAANTE. "PLAN is not your regular underworld, mafia or gangwar film. It's a film about four normal boys and how they get exposed to the world of crime," he says. When asked why four relatively new actors were cast alongside Sanjay Dutt, Shetty says, "We did not want the actors to be bigger than our story. But the new boys have worked really hard. They are completely into their characters. They were given bound scripts four months in advance and we also had discussions prior to the shooting. All this helped tremendously," Shetty adds. SANJAY DUTT After acting in a dozen or more underworld sagas, Sanjay Dutt insists that this role in PLAN is a tad different from the rest. "I play the role of Moosabhai. He is a dangerous character, but a kind of a comic don. In KAANTE, I played a serious and unpredictable character, but this one is a loving and kind guy," he insists. Dutt is also happy with the respect he gets from all his juniors. "I have been in this industry for more than 23 years and as such, I am their senior. But I try to make them comfortable on the sets and the boys are working really hard on their parts," he informs. DINO MOREA Equally excited about his role is Dino Morea, who won accolades last year for his performance in RAAZ. "I play the role of a guy called Bobby, who is a struggling actor. He approaches several producers and directors and hopes to make it big in Mumbai, but there are many obstacles in the way. He goes for a screen test and messes up even with the mahurat shot," says the model turned actor. SANJAY SURI "PLAN is more of a comic thriller where I play this street-smart guy called Lucky, who is adept at gambling and has been a winner all the way. He hopes to try his luck at big gambling dens some day. So, he moves to Mumbai," says Sanjay Suri, who is more than happy working with long-time idol Sanjay Dutt. Known to work in meaningful films with strong characters, he feels he has a winner on hand. BIKRAM SALUJA Echoing his opinion is actor Bikram Saluja, who made his debut with a small role in FIZA and ROSHNI, which has still not seen the light of day. "I play a sensitive and thoughtful guy from a small town who comes to Mumbai to meet his girlfriend, who has moved to Mumbai for her higher studies. Whether I get the girl or not, is for you to watch out," he chuckles. ROHIT ROY PLAN also features the return to films of Rohit Roy, the dynamic model and television actor. "My character in the film is called Omi. He comes to Mumbai to make money and to prove to his dad that he is not a good for nothing. Omi has a plan for every problem," he proudly announces. In order to keep the male species hooked, the film also has femme fatales like Priyanka Chopra, Isha Koppikar, Riya Sen and one more actress, who is yet to be finalised. But if the director's words are anything to go by, "The girls are not just forced into the film. They are very much part of the screenplay." More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
India, China to coordinate positions on crucial WTO issues
Saturday, June 28, 2003
In a significant development, Asian economic giants India and China have decided to coordinate positions on contentious trade and investment issues like agriculture, TRIPS and public health and Investment, at WTO. "View of both the countries are coverging on these issues and this we see as a significant development because of the size of the two economies accounting for more than one third of world population," Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here today on his return from China. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit has triggered discussions at various levels. Conditions of far reaching consequences have been created enabling the trade ambassadors of the two countries in Geneva to coordinate positions on issues of common interest in the WTO, Jaitley said. On trade and investment which constitute one of the four Singapore issues, Jaitley said India and China have identical views. The two countries were opposed to negotaitions on trade and investment on WTO as so far it has not been made clear what constituted the parameters without which no negotiations could take place. 19:10 IST
21 accused in bakery carnage acquitted for lack of evidence
Saturday, June 28, 2003
In the first verdict in a case relating to Gujarat's post-Godhra communal violence whose trial was marred by majority of witneses turning hostile, a court here today acquitted all the 21 accused in the Best Bakery carnage, in which 12 people were burnt alive in the city, for want of evidence. Additional sessions Judge H U Mahida acquitted the accused saying the prosecution failed to prove the case. He said "it was proved beyond doubt that a violent mob had attacked the bakery and killed 12 persons and was also involved in arson and loot. However, there was no legally acceptable evidence to prove that any of the accused presented before the court had committed the crime". The carnage took place on March 1, last year, after widespread communal violence rocked the state following Godhra carnage on February 27 in which 59 Ram Sevaks were charred to death in Sabarmati Express. Nobody from the complainant's side was present in the court premises when the judgement was pronounced. Out of 73 witnesses who had appeared before the court, 39, including Zaheera Sheikh, the key witness and her entire family, had turned hostile when the hearing in the case was reaching its fag end. 21:16 IST
Vajpayee declines to comment on Musharraf's proposal
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today declined to comment on the four-point proposal of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to resolve Indo-Pak issues, saying he was still to study it. "I do not not know what General Saheb has stated. And till I study it, I would not not like to comment as he (Musharraf) has (earlier) issued statements that whatever he has stated has been presented wrongly," he told reporters at the airport here on returning from a six-day visit to China. "Therefore, a comment by me will not not be right," he said while replying to a question on Musharraf's proposal. Asked to comment on the reported American view that Musharraf was making all efforts to stop cross-border terrorism, the Prime Minister only said the U S policy on it (cross-border terorism) has been clear. "India respects it" and that should be given consideration, Vajpayee said without going into details. Replying to questions, he said said while the Pakistan President had claimed nothing was happening on the Line of Control (LoC), he had also stated he could not give a guarantee that not a single bird flies across the border. Vajpayee declined to answer questions on VHP's criticism of the government on various political issues. 21:19 IST
India, China border talks to begin immediately: PM
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said Sikkim will be recognised by China as part of India with the "passage of time" and disclosed that talks on the vexed border issue between the two countries will begin "immediately". Addressing reporters before leaving for home at the end of his six-day "good and fruitful" visit and in Delhi, he made a pointed reference to "much discussion and debate" on Tibet and said what he had agreed with the Chinese leaders was consistent "in a better way" with India's known position on the issue. Disclosing that special representatives of India and China-- Brajesh Mishra and Dai Bingguo-- for exploring a political solution to the boundary dispute would start talks immediately, he said the effort would be to resolve it as early as possible. "So far officials have been dealing with it (border issue) and got stuck when they reached some hurdle. This will not not happen any more. Now the special representatives from the two sides will make efforts to find a solution," he said. Brushing aside reports of confusion over Chinese stand on the Sikkim issue, he said the north-eastern state will be accepted by Beijing as a part of India with the passage of time. "There should be no doubt on the future of Sikkim. As per the decisions taken and with the passage of time, Sikkim will be recognised (by China) as a part of India," Vajpayee said.
VHP attacks Vajpayee on temple issue
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Attacking Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his stand on the Ram Temple issue, the VHP today accused the Centre of holding talks with +Muslim fundamentalists+ and opposed any talks with All India Muslim Personal Law Board, saying they are not a party to the dispute. +VHP is preparing for a big fight on the Ram temple issue, but because of Vajpayee ten Pakistans could be created as he is engaged in talks with Muslims, who do not have faith in the Indian constitution", VHP General Secretary Praveen Togadia alleged at a press conference after the inauguration of the two-day national executive meeting of the organisation here. "In 1908 Mahatma Gandhi had surrendered to Muslim fundamentalists and subsequently Pakistan was created. The Vajpayee Government is again talking to those who do not respect Indian constitution or Supreme Court and are a body of fundamentalists", Togadia said. "However, the rank and file of BJP are unconditionally with us on the construction of Ram temple even though some leaders are trying for a deal on the issue", he said and opposed any talks with Muslim Personal Law Board as, he argued, they are not even a party in the court. "We are preparing for a big fight for ram temple construction but there will be no Dharm Sansad and a high power committee of sants will meet next month to take a final decision on the issue", the VHP leader said. 21:16 IST
Govt toying with soft launch of CAS, Prasad meets Advani
Saturday, June 28, 2003
As Government gave indications of a soft launch of the Conditional Access System from July 15 in which set-top boxes may not be mandatory immediately, serious reservations in the BJP on the issue led to a meeting between Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. After a 90-minute meeting, Prasad, who has had meetings with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the issue, declined to disclose any details about the discussions with Advani. Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, who initiated CAS, was also present at the meeting. The meeting assumes significance in view of senior party leader and Delhi unit President Madan Lal Khurana voicing serious apprehensions over implementation of CAS, a view shared by arch rival and Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit. I and B Secretary Pawan Chopra gave indications that July 15 may not be treated as a "sacrosanct" date for making set-top boxes for viewing pay channels mandatory. "We will implement CAS on July 15. But we will be a little more imaginative and ensure no one is harassed," he told. He said the law will apply when there are enough set-top boxes and they can be made available immediately on demand. Mounting pressure on the BJP to implement Conditional Acess System as scheduled in the four metros on July 15, cable operators threatened to increase cable service rates to around Rs 450 in the absence of CAS. 21:57 IST
Gregory Allen King appointed physical trainer of Indian team
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Ending days of speculation, the Cricket Board today appointed South African Gregory Allen King as the new physical trainer of the Indian team. Announcing the appointment of King, a 30-year-old fitnes trainer from East London, Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya said that the new incumbent would take up his assignment from August 1. King replaces compatriot Adrian Le Roux who resigned on June 8 after taking up a similar position with the South African national team. The decision to recruit King to the post was arrived at after a two-hour long interview earlier in the day during which coach John Wright and skipper Sourav Ganguly were also present. The BCCI chief said though he would recommend a year-long term for King, extending till the Champions trophy in August- Spetember in England next year, the final decision would be taken by the Board's Working Commitee which is scheduled to meet in Delhi on July two and three. Dalmiya said the Board had received numerous applications for the post, out of which eight - four from South Africa, three from Australia and another from India - were shortlisted. "Each of these candidates had extremely good credentials and the selection was difficult. But the panel felt that it was necessary to maintain a continuity with the methods and techniques practised by Le Roux," he said.
US looking to India to alleviate nurses' shortage
Friday, June 27, 2003
United States is now looking to India to alleviate its shortage for nurses as Indian schools are churning out professionals matching American standards, a newspaper report said today. "Health care companies are turning to other countries to hire qualified people. India is now being recognized as an area which offers bachelor-degree nurses and a good health care system with an abundance of nurses," Mary Prascher, human resources manager at Texas-based Triad Hospitals was quoted as saying by the 'Dallas Morning News'. Newly recruited nurses, go through nerve-wracking interviews with immigration officials and hours of training to prepare for mandatory examinations and interviews in approved centres. Randall Turnbull, vice president of the international group for a recruiting firm, Nursefinders, said that nurses from India "are coming from schools that changed curriculum to match the US. So they are trained just as well as they are here." Another firm, Dallas-based 'Nurses Anytime', started nine months ago, was exclusively targeting Indians, the report said adding they are maintaining eight recruiting-training offices in India and the Middle East. Traditional overseas sources for nurses - the Philippines, Canada and Australia, experts said, have been tapped heavily. Now recruiters are turning to India as the shortage for them has worsened, they added. 09:46 IST
PM rejects Musharraf's suggestion on "roadmap" on Kashmir
Friday, June 27, 2003
Prime Minisiter Atal Bihari Vajpayee today rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's suggestion for a US-sponsored roadmap on the lines of West Asia to resolve the Kashmir issue. "I do not see the possibility or the necessity (of such a plan)," he said at a press conference when asked about the Pakistani ruler's statement made in Washington. Musharraf had told an American TV channel that he would like US President George W Bush to involve himself in a West Asia-style 'roadmap' on Kashmir, but feared India would not allow that as it wanted bilateral resolution "of everything". Answering another question Vajpayee said "very few issues" connected with Pakistan had been raised during his discussions with the Chinese leadership. "My visit wasn't Pakistan centric," the Prime Minister said while acknowledging that some issues relating to Pakistan had come up while discussing South Asia situation. 09:46 IST
"60 per cent construction material ready for Ram temple"
Friday, June 27, 2003
Unmindful of the outcome of the efforts being made by Hindu and Muslim religious leaders to resolve the vexed Ayodhya issue, artisans are engaged in carving pillars and stones for the proposed Ram temple at workshops here and in Rajasthan. "Over 60 per cent of the construction material is ready ... the day Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas (trust) and the Hindu saints decide, the construction of temple will begin", said Anu Bhai, an architect from Gujarat who monitors carving of stones and pillars in the workshops at Karsewakpuram here. The work to carve pillars and stones is going on at six workshops -- four in Rajasthan and two in Ayodhya. At least 70 artisans are on the job in Ayodhya. Majority of them are from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and they work in shifts for at least eight hours a day. VHP media in-charge Sharad Sharma told that the material including pillars and stones for the construction of ground floor of the proposed Ram temple is "quite ready". Pillars and stones, to be used for construction of 'singhdwar', 'nritya mandap', 'rang mandap' and 'garbh grah', have also been carved, he said. Six main pillars of the temple, decorated with floral carvings and designs, have already been constrcuted, Sharma said. Of the required 180 beams, 77 are ready and the artisans were working on the remaining beams, he said. 09:46 IST
There are no two power centres: Advani
Friday, June 27, 2003
Dismissing suggestions of differences with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has said there are no power centres and no rivalry between the two. Saying he was amused over frequent reports of Vajpayee and he quibbling, Advani told 'Aaj Tak' news channel Thursday night "there is no truth whatsoever in this. People who know us closely understand it very well". "We are not rivals. We are not power centres. We complement each other. So far, I have been assisting him in strengthening the party and in efficient functioning of the Government," the Deputy Prime Minister said while taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane in the jail where he was lodged on June 26, 1975 alongwith other top political leaders after being arrested following imposition of Emergency by Indira Gandhi government. Advani recalled it was well past midnight and raining when he, alongwith other leaders like Biju Patnaik and Piloo Modi, were brought to this jail on this day 28 years back. The Deputy Prime Minister, who spent two months in the jail, went around the cell where he was lodged with Sikander Bakht. Looking at the hard cots, he said since it was hot summer months, most of the inmates preferred to sleep outside in the open. Advani remembered T S Mann, then Jail Superintendent, who was also present Thursday, had allowed his two children to meet him despite directions that only one of them could do so. As part of their agitation, Vajpayee and he had decided not to evade arrest, Advani recalled adding it was then decided that they would work on two fronts. Leaders like Nanaji Deshmukh and Sundarlal Bhandari would be "underground" and continue the movement. 09:46 IST
Sun, Oracle alliance for low cost computing
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Bangalore, June 25 India is becoming the latest battleground for global majors Oracle and Sun Microsystems to challenge Microsoft in the NT server market and also offer low cost computing to the financial and telecom sectors. Notice of this was served Wednesday by the Indian arms of Oracle and Sun as part of the global alliance to open new markets in countries like India. "The NT-based server market is currently worth $70 million. We are now entering this market that is dominated currently by Microsoft. Today, we are offering a sub-$10,000 solution to customers," Sun India MD Bhaskar Pramanik told a news conference he jointly addressed with Shekhar Dasgupta of Oracle. "The banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector and the telecom sector invest about two to three percent annually in technology. We are providing customers with solutions that will lower ownership costs and bring rapid returns on investment," Dasgupta added. Practically every aspect of the BFSI sector is employing technology like never before. The banking sector in India generates revenues of $35 billion while insurance contributes $17 billion.
At least 40 feared dead in Madhya Pradesh bus tragedy
Thursday, June 26, 2003
BHOPAL, India (Reuters) - At least 40 people were feared dead after a bus plunged into a river and was swept away by flood waters in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Thursday. The accident occurred late on Wednesday when the bus was crossing a small bridge in Mandsaur district, 380 km from Bhopal, they said. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh state. "Ten people, including the driver of the bus, swam to safety and the remaining 40 passengers are still missing and are feared drowned," a senior police officer said, adding the area had received heavy rains for the past few days. Rescue teams, helped by paramilitary forces, were looking for survivors, he said.
BJP warns of VAT-type fate for CAS; Govt abolishes Excise Duty
Thursday, June 26, 2003
As BJP warned of the controversial Conditional Access System (CAS) going the VAT way, government today abolished the 16 per cent Excise Duty on Set-Top boxes and is likely to meet broadcasters on Monday in a bid to smoothen its implementation from July 15. Withdrawing the Excise Duty on the boxes that will bring down their prices by around Rs 250 to Rs 300 each, the government has suggested to the broadcasters to make the "most watched" pay and free-to-air channels available for around Rs 200. BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters in Gwalior that CAS could meet the same fate as VAT if it is not consumer-friendly. "The touchstone for any such measure is how far it is acceptable to the people and whether people have to pay less or more than they are currently paying," he said. The Government has made it clear that the rates should not go beyond what a consumer pays currently for cable TV services which ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 320 in the capital. However, Star Group's Peter Mukherjee told reporters today it would not be revising the rates but coming out with their "better interpretation". He also indicated that Star Plus would cost Rs 24 a month as proposed earlier. 21:51 IST
Jt declaration welcomed by BJP, Left; Congress cautious
Thursday, June 26, 2003
The Sino-Indian joint declaration today evoked a favourable response from Left parties and the BJP, while the Congress adopted a cautious approach. "We have welcomed the Prime Minister's visit to China. We are now studying the text of the joint declaration issued in Beijing yesterday. It is a lengthy document, which needs careful scrutiny," Congress Spokesman S Jaipal Reddy said. The party is studying if greater accommodation on Tibet and Sikkim has been shown without corresponding reciprocity, he said. CPI-M Polit Bureau Member Prakash Karat described it as a "significant step forward" in strengthening ties between the two countries and said it laid the basis for all-round progress. Welcoming the declaration, CPI said irrespective of the social system and governments, good neighbourly relations between the two countries would go a long way in consolidating peace and stability in the region. The BJP central office bearers at a meeting in Gwalior said this would help improve Sino-India relations and open a new era of cooperation between the two largest countries of the world. In a resolution they said the agreements signed at Beijing during the Prime Minister's visit have laid the "firm foundation" for comprehensive relationship between India and China. 22:05 IST
Vajpayee in Shanghai after visit to Buddhist landmarks
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Having charted out a new roadmap for Sino-Indian ties, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today fulfilled a long-standing wish to admire the birthplace of China's Buddhism, the religion that provided the main link between the two countries in ancient times, before arriving tonight in modern China's industrial and commercial hub. The 78-year-old Indian leader savoured China's rich cultural heritage in one of the country's seven ancient capitals, Luoyang in central China, before flying 90 minutes behind schedule into Shanghai, symbol of China's great leap forward. As he went round the famed Buddhist relics in central China's Henan province, taking time off his busy schedule, he remarked it was his long-standing wish to visit this place. The Longmen (rpt Longmen) caves, one of the three great treasure houses of stone sculpture in China, and the White Horse Temple, regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in this country, were on the itinerary of tourist Vajpayee, a day after he concluded discussions in Beijing with those who run this country of 1.3 billion. The political and trade agreements he reached with the Chinese leadership have generated considerable satisfaction on both sides with terms like "a win-win situation", a "new era" and a "blueprint for a qualitatively new relationship" being used. The debate over give and take may continue for long but the gains from the visit are obvious. The space and prominence given by the official media in this country to the results of the Prime Minister's discussions with the Chinese leadership are reflective of the significance attached to it in this country. 20:14 IST
Bhutto terms Pak's Kargil incursion as an "absolute disaster"
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Terming Pakistan's Kargil incursion as an "absolute disaster", former Pakistan Premier Benazir Bhutto tonight said Pervez Musharraf as a senior army officer had brought the plan to her when she was in power claiming he would put Pakistan's flag on Jammu and Kashmir. "I asked (Gen) Musharraf what would happen when the Kargil plan was put up to me and he said he would put the flag of Pakistan on the Srinagar Assembly," recalled Bhutto in an interview to 'Worldview India' programme on Doordarshan. She said she had vetoed the plan because she knew that "ultimately we would have been asked to go back to where we were and that's exactly what happened". Asked how she would have responded to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's peace initiative if she had been in power, Bhutto said she would have "taken to task home-grown militants" who, under Musharraf's regime, were dictating the country's foreign policy agenda. "We (Pakistan People's Party) would have taken to task the home-grown militants and simply not not allowed them to dictate Pakistan's foreign policy agenda by doing what they want and when they want," she said. Observing that the attack on Indian Parliament and some other major terrorist strikes took place during Musharraf's rule, Bhutto said her party was deeply concerned that al-Qaeda people were turning up in Pakistan. "We would have made the situation very difficult for them to either seek refuge in Pakistan or for the Taliban to regroup in Pakistan or for our own home-grown militants to use Pakistan as a base for launching attacks on other countries," she said. 22:05 IST
AIMPLB to go ahead with July 6 meet on seer's formula
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Ignoring vehement opposition from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to a negotiated settlement of the vexed Ayodhya tangle on the basis of the Kanchi seer's formula, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) today made it clear that it would go ahead with its proposed July 6 meeting of the working committee to discuss the seer's proposals. "The VHP's opposition will have no affect on the board's working committee meeting slated for July 6 to consider the seer's formula," AIMPLB spokesman Maulana Sajjad Nomani told. It may be recalled that a meeting of the pro-VHP saints at Ayodhya yesterday had asked the Kanchi seer to stop his efforts to broker any solution of the ayodhya issue with some Muslim organisations. The meeting warned the NDA government that if VHP and sants will not be taken into confidence in that matter, a country-wide agitation would be launched to oppose the one-sided move. 21:51 IST
US considers Pak N-capabilty as fait accompli: media
Thursday, June 26, 2003
US considers Pak N-capabilty as fait accompli: media Washington,Wednesday, June 25, 2003: The lavish praise and aid given to Pakistan suggests that the US is considering Islamabad's nuclear weapons capability as a 'fait accompli' and is now more worried about preventing control of the weapons from falling into the wrong hands, according to media reports here today. The praise President George W Bush lavished on General Pervez Musharraf, who gained power in a 1999 military takeover, and grant of USD three billion in economic and military aid for the next five years shows that Bush and his aides seem to regard Pakistan's nuclear weapons capacity "as a fait accompli," the New York Times said. Bush and his aides, the paper said, are again using the lure of aid and trade to help Musharraf "fend off" fundamentalists who seek an Islamic State with an 'Islamic bomb'. "They are concerned about the general's control over his country's nuclear infrastructure - particularly the Khan Research Laboratory, which appears to be the source of aid to North Korea," the daily said. According to a senior official said recently, Musharraf's control "could be weaker than advertised." "It is the country that worries us the most," an official told the 'Times' last week, "because it is the only nuclear power in danger of falling into the wrong hands". 21:51 IST
India, China to cooperate at WTO
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Buoyed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's successful visit, India and China today decided to further step up bilateral trade and increase cooperation to safeguard the interests of developing nations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). These decisions were taken during a meeting here between Minister of Commerce Arun Jaitley had with his Chinese counterpart, Lu Fuyan, official sources said. The two sides also decided to hold the next round of the Joint Economic Group (JEG) meeting sometime in November-December this year. Jaitley, who is part of the prime ministerial delegation to China, said that India and China have many commonalities and their cooperation is vital to safeguard the interests of developing countries. Jaitley said he had a discussion with Lu on TRIPS in public health care area as well as agricultural negotiations and investment-related issues. The minister, considered an expert on WTO issues, said that India and China, the fastest developing countries as well as the world's most populated nations, have many commonalities and should stand together in protecting the interests of developing nations at multilateral foras like the WTO. "We have decided to explore how to cooperate with China at the WTO," Jaitley said, adding that the two countries have agreed to inform their ambassadors in WTO in Geneva so that they could have consultations and adopt a common stand on major issues affecting developing nations ahead of a major WTO session in September. 15:36 IST
Govt liberalises foreign technology agreement policy further
Thursday, June 26, 2003
In a bid to liberalise foreign technology agreement policy further, Government today decided to allow all companies to make royalty payments without any restriction on the duration, on the automatic approval route. The royalty payments would be made at the rate of eight per cent on exports and five per cent on domestic sales while the ceiling on the payment of lumpsum fee would continue to apply in all cases, an official statement said here. Presently, only wholly-owned subsidiaries are permitted to make payments of royalty of 8.0 per cent on exports and 5.0 per cent on domestic sales to their offshore parent on automatic route without any restriction on duration of royalty payments. Royalty payment by other companies are allowed for a period not exceeding seven years from the date of commencement of commercial production or 10 years from the date of agreement, whichever is earlier. Now, companies, who have entered into foreign technology collaboration, irrespective of the extent of foreign equity, will have no restriction on duration. 14:11 IST
Ganguly slips to fourth position after defeat
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Surya Shekhar Ganguly failed to keep his momentum going and went down fighting against Kadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan in the fourth round of the World Juniors Chess Championship now underway here. It turned out to be a disappointing day for the Indian boys as not only Ganguly slipped to joint fourth position after his loss but other in-form players, International Master P Magesh Chandran and National Junior Champion Abhijit Gupta, also lost their games against Kritz Leonid of Germany and Sergei Azarov of Belarus respectively. Grandmaster P Harikrishna, who suffered a rather uncharacteristic loss to Abhijit in the second round, scored his second successive victory and moved to 2.5 points, half a point behind Ganguly. Marcin Dziuba of Poland, Leonid and Guseinov, all with 3.5 points apiece, shared the lead while a pack of eight players including Ganguly followed them on 3 points each. Magesh Chandran and Hari Krishna were in the next lot comprising nine players. Abhijit, national sub junior champion S Arun Prasad and Asian junior champion Deepan Chakravarthy have two points each. In the girls championship being played simultaneously, country's youngest Women International Master Dronavalli Harika gave yet another emphatic display of her growing positional acumen but missed out on a victory and settled for truce with compatriot Asian junior girls' champion Tania Sachdev. 20:14 IST
INSAT-3E to be launched in August
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
India's next generation communication satellite INSAT-3E is slated for launch by an Ariane rocket in the last week of August, ISRO chairman, Dr K Kasturirangan, said today. "The date for launch has been finalised for last week of August," Kasturirangan told reporters here. The European space agency, Arianespace, will use the heavier Ariane 5 rocket to launch INSAT-3E from the spaceport in Korou at French Guyana in South America. INSAT-3E will carry 36 transponders, including 24 C-band and 12 extended C-band, transponders as payload. The fourth in the INSAT-3 series, the satellite is expected to bridge the gap in demand for transponders by private satellite TV broadcasters, VSAT operators, telecom firms and government agencies, among others. (Agencies)
Secular Javed Akhtar sings for Sena
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Mee Mumbaikar, the Shiv Sena-commissioned Javed Akhtar penned ode, may be the first melodic tribute to the city by a political party. But it isn't as if Mumbai hasn't soared on wings of song before. The city has inspired a multitude of Hindi film ballads, some pedestrian, others exceptional for the way they captured the bitter-sweet quintessence of the metropolis. Undoubtedly the most iconic of these is the 1956 Ay dil hai mushkil jeena yahan/Zara hatke, zara bachke, yeh hai Bombay meri jaan from Guru Dutt's CID. Written by the late Majrooh Sultanpuri and composed by O P Nayyar, the composition and its lyrics made it the chartbuster of its time, recalls song historian Raju Bharatan. "The song was the top song on Binaca Geetmala,'' he added. The great rush to gold-paved Bombay was gathering speed in the mid-'50s, and Majrooh's lyrics reflected the ethos, says Bharatan. "I wouldn't say it's a brilliant lyric, but its reach was tremendous,'' he said. Indeed, it was Majrooh who seems to have sowed the germ of 'heartless Bombay.' "My favourite Bombay ditty is undoubtedly Bombay meri jaan,'' said Javed Akhtar.
Secular Javed Akhtar sings for Sena
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Mee Mumbaikar, the Shiv Sena-commissioned Javed Akhtar penned ode, may be the first melodic tribute to the city by a political party. But it isn't as if Mumbai hasn't soared on wings of song before. The city has inspired a multitude of Hindi film ballads, some pedestrian, others exceptional for the way they captured the bitter-sweet quintessence of the metropolis. Undoubtedly the most iconic of these is the 1956 Ay dil hai mushkil jeena yahan/Zara hatke, zara bachke, yeh hai Bombay meri jaan from Guru Dutt's CID. Written by the late Majrooh Sultanpuri and composed by O P Nayyar, the composition and its lyrics made it the chartbuster of its time, recalls song historian Raju Bharatan. "The song was the top song on Binaca Geetmala,'' he added. The great rush to gold-paved Bombay was gathering speed in the mid-'50s, and Majrooh's lyrics reflected the ethos, says Bharatan. "I wouldn't say it's a brilliant lyric, but its reach was tremendous,'' he said. Indeed, it was Majrooh who seems to have sowed the germ of 'heartless Bombay.' "My favourite Bombay ditty is undoubtedly Bombay meri jaan,'' said Javed Akhtar.
Vajpayee leaves for Chinese city of Luoyang
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today left for the historical central Chinese city of Luoyang after firmly establishing a qualitatively new relationship with China's new Leadership and signing two historic documents that would lead to resolving all pending bilateral differences including the vexed boundary issue. Vajpayee, who met with Chinese President and Communist Party General Secretary Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin, chairman of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, premier Wen Jiabao and Vice president Zeng Qinghong separately had "positive and fruitful" talks with them, Chinese foreign ministry sources said. The Chinese government attaches great importance to Vajpayee's visit and has already deemed it "successful" and "significant to China-India relations", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said. Kong described the newly-signed declaration on the principles for relations and comprehensive cooperation between China and India as "positive, mutually-beneficial, balanced and a win-win situation". The declaration means a great deal, not only in terms of the current development of the two nations, but also to their long-term development and to the stability, prosperity and development of South Asia, he said. 09:35 IST
Musharraf assures "100% effort" to end cross border terrorism
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has assured US President George W Bush that he will make a hundred per cent effort to end crossborder "incidents" against India. "Musharraf has committed to a a hundred per cent effort at trying to end crossborder incidents", a senior Bush administraton official said briefing reporters on the talks the two leaders held at Camp David Tuesday. According to the official, Musharraf said he had moved against cross-border infiltration and that he had made sure there were no terrorist camps inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Significantly, neither Bush nor the official used the words "crossborder terrorism" and instead used "transborder infiltration" and the official added that to ask for cross-border terrorism to end completely before there can be dialogue between India and Pakistan will be to give rejectionists a veto over any movement towards peace. When asked specifically whether Bush was willing to mediate on the Kashmir issue, the official said "We are not getting into that because nobody has asked us yet. When and if the two sides think we have a role to play, we will play that role that the two sides agree on". The official said the US three billion dollar aid package to Pakistan was conditioned on "Pakistan working vigorously with the United States in the war against terrorism, working vigorously to ensure that there is no onward proliferation and moving smartly towards democracy". 09:35 IST
"PM's visit expected to lead to meaningful dialogue on Tibet"
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Samdhong Rimpoche, a close aide of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, has expressed the hope that the historic visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China would pave the way for a meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership for establishment of Tibet as a zone of peace. Improvement in the relations between India and China would ensure enduring peace and stability in South Asia, he said Tuesday commenting on the visit of Vajpaee. "We are convinced that better relations between India and China will make it easier for all concerned to find a solution to the vexed problem of Tibet and we have full confidence that the prime minister will take every opportunity to find a solution to the Tibetan issue in the best interest of all concerned." Referring to the reopening of trade between India and China through Tibet, Rimpoche said that it was resumption of age-old trade route and he did not consider it a big concession to India. There were many complicated issues perpetuated for more than half a century which could not be expected to be resolved instantly and "the process of resolving such problems must be welcomed and we must have the patience to wait for the results", he added. 09:35 IST
Top BJP leaders meet today to review poll preparations
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Wanting to leave no stone unturned for success in the coming assembly elections in five states, top BJP leaders are meeting in Gwalior today to review the preparations. The day-long meeting of the party's Central Office Bearers comes close on the heels of the brainstorming session held near Mumbai last week which had deliberated on the poll strategy and Mission 2004 for Lok Sabha. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, who has been the link between the party and the government, will be attending the meeting. Party President M Venkaiah Naidu had a detailed discussion with Advani here Tuesday evening on the agenda for the meeting. "The meeting would spell out the programmes and schedules to take forward the decisions at the recent brainstorming session held near Mumbai and also review the preparations for the assembly elections," party spokesman Prakash Javadekar told reporters. 09:35 IST
Rupee tumbles against US Dollar
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Rupee tumbles against US Dollar Mumbai,Monday, June 23, 2003: The Rupee tumbled against the US currency today on a fresh wave of all-round dollar short-covering by banks, corporates and importers in fairly active trade at the interbank foreign exchange (forex) market. Closing at Rs 46.67/68 per dollar, the Rupee declined by a whopping 13 paise from last friday's close of Rs 46.54/55 after dipping to intraday lows of Rs 46.69/70 due to renewed heavy dollar demand from all quarters, probably for the usual month-end considerations, dealers said. The rupee opened at Rs 46.54/56 per dollar. +From the onset of business, the rupee gradually weakened on steady dollar demand from foreign, private and state-run banks for their corporate clients. Initially, it dropped to 46.55/56, then broke through the 46.60-dollar barrier and tested 46.69/70, before settling at 46.67/68,+ a dealer said. +Month-end dollar demand appears to have emerged early to exert pressure on the rupee,+ he added. Although, the rupee declined sharply today, the fall was gradual and smooth and devoid of excessive speculation and volatility, a banker said, adding +Bunched up weekend dollar supplies partly cushioned the fall of the rupee+. The rupee appreciated by a staggering 18 paise against the US currency last week and scaled a fresh 27-1/2 month peak on the back of robust trade and capital inflows. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fixed the reference rate for the US currency at Rs 46.58 per dollar and the single european unit at Rs 53.91 per euro from Rs 46.54 and Rs 54.52 respectively on the last working day on June 20.
"India and China must bury the past unsavoury experiences"
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Ahmedabad,Monday, June 23, 2003: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the past unsavoury experiences of tensions and misunderstandings with China must be left behind and there was a need to advance in the direction of friendship initiated between the two countries. "There have been tensions and misunderstandings between India and China. But now with friendship being initiated, we must surge ahead in that direction", Fernandes told newsmen here when asked about his address to the convention of Samata party workers here. "I told them that whatever has happened in the past must be buried and it is no use brooding over it", Fernandes said, adding, "it is important to advance in the direction of friendship." Referring to his visit to China recently, the Defence Minister said "the Chinese PM told me that in relations with India, which date back to 2200 years, there has been 99.99 per cent friendship and only 0.01 per cent misunderstanding. Now we should bury that 0.01 per cent." He said even China wanted peace and tranquility in order to overcome some of the problems like widespread unemployment and regional imbalances and emerge as the biggest global economic power by 2020. 22:06 IST
24 killed, 25 injured in train mishap near Goa
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Vaibhavwadi (Maharashtra),Monday, June 23, 2003: In the first major accident on Konkan railway network, 24 people, including three children and four women, were killed and 25 injured, 15 seriously, when four bogies of Karwar-Mumbai holiday special train derailed ramming into each other near here Sunday night. The accident occurred at about 10 pm (IST) between Vaibhavwadi and Rajapur stations in Sindhudurg district when the engine of the train dashed against a huge boulder which had fallen on the track. The speeding train came to a grinding halt and the engine derailed. Under the impact, four bogies telescoped over each other. Almost simultaneously, there was a landslide and huge boulders and mud came crashing down from the surrounding hillock and spread over the telescoped bogies. Several people were still trapped inside and rescue operations were on, police control in Sindhudurg told. A contingent of army from Goa joined rescue operations, Sindhudurg police control told. Six of those killed have been identified. They are Sunil Chary from Panjim, Chandrashekhar Rajashekhar Dalvi from Bangalore, Handru Jackson D'cruz from Madgaon, Ramakant Rane, a police constable from Mumbai, Sarita Sunil Gawas and Shreya Gawas from Goa, according to Sindhudurg police control. The injured were admitted to hospitals in Kankavli and Oras in Sindhudurg district. To and fro services on the route have been suspended and efforts were being made to shift the injured to hospitals in Goa, Konkan railway authorities told in Mumbai. 20:02 IST
In Beijing, PM promises trust, understanding
Monday, June 23, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on his arrival at Beijing international airport on Sunday. BEIJING: Sidestepping the high Himalayan range, where the armies of India and China once fought a bitter and futile war more than 40 years ago, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee flew eastwards on Air-India One to arrive in Beijing on Sunday evening, promising to build ``better understanding and trust'' between the two neighbours. Except that the less visible barriers of the mind continued to loom larger than life on both sides, with New Delhi and Beijing still grappling how best to transform the traumas of the past _ such as, differences on the Line of Actual Control, China's refusal to recognise Sikkim as well as New Delhi's consequent refusal to open border trade at Nathu La _ into a stabler and more sensible road map for the future. Here was the majestic Air-Indian bird nestling on one side of Beijing's spanking new airport. Further into the city, an explosion of glass and chrome, concrete expressways, bright lights and shopping malls ripping into the raining horizon. The overwhelming impression that Communist China had left Democratic India far behind in its clinical experimentation with capitalism _ and thereby in creation of massive wealth, enormous energy and international ambition _ was enough to subdue even the most expressive defenders of crippling systems back home. Still, the possibility that pragmatists in both officialdoms would still win over purists, injected enough hope that the meeting tomorrow between Prime Minister Vajpayee and his counterpart Wen Jiabao _ at the Great Hall of the People just off the Tiananmen Square _ would result in a pathbreaking joint declaration that would propel the relationship out of its current groove. Such as the expansion of trade between the two sides to incorporate a number of border trade points between Tibet and India, including those at the Nathu La pass in Sikkim. Sources here said ``the process'' of how best to bring about an agreement, especially on the phraseology of the Sikkim accession-border trade question, was continuing up to this evening. Clearly, the fact that the Sikkim story has come right down to the wire shows that both India and China have willingly engaged in high diplomatic poker in order to promote the ``national interest'' of their respective countries. Over the last few weeks a number of quid pro quos have been aired, including a voluntary recognition by Beijing of Sikkim or otherwise, de facto acceptance in which the Indian outpost at Nathu La would have the authority to stamp travel documents. Certainly, the Indian side is somewhat unhappy about the constant iteration on the part of Beijing _ Prime Minister Wen Jiabao repeated the same phrase in an interview to a national daily on Sunday _ that the border issue between India and China should be resolved on the principle of ``equal consultations, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation and mutual adjustment.'' It may be recalled that Chinese president Hu Jintao had used the same phrase when he met Vajpayee in St. Petersburg barely three weeks ago. Indian officials refused to elaborate upon their understanding of the Chinese phrase _ and more importantly, why the Chinese were using it so often in the run up to the PM's visit _ but Chinese analysts here have admitted that ``mutual understanding and mutual accommodation'' refers to Beijing's interest in taking back the Tawang division of Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese analysts pointed out that China _ or Tibet, at that point of time _ had collected taxes from the Tawang citizenry until 1954, and that the territory ``rightfully'' belonged to China. Understandably, the Indian side is furious at any such comment, pointing out in turn that Beijing has even refused to exchange maps on the Western sector of the LAC, all because it infringed on Pakistan's ``claims'' over Kashmir. The Chinese Foreign Office has over the last week stated that the border issue will come up during the PM's vsit. Indian officials only said they would continue to focus on the ``fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable'' formulation that had been agreed during Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988. Of course, Monday's meeting between Prime Ministers Vajpayee and Wen may be restricted to pleasantries. Perhaps the PM will return to India five days from now with a handful of anodyne agreements which will be signed on Monday, including on visa processing, consular facilities, science and technology and education. In fact, officials even refused to confirm whether the last wrinkles from a bilateral investment protection agreement had been sorted out or not. This, when New Delhi has been particularly gungho about the booming trade potential between the two sides _ 71 per cent of the present $5.5 billion figures are said to have been achieved during the first three months of this year _ and aims to take on the fabled economic might of the Chinese in their own country. And so, a massive IT event is being proposed for Shanghai four days from now. Commerce minister Arun Jaitley as well as IT and Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie will be there to assist the Prime Minister. External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, meanwhile, has also invoked his earlier expertise on financial matters, to advise the Prime Minister from the beginning of this
Nokia rules out immediate plans to manufacture phones in India
Monday, June 23, 2003
Nokia rules out immediate plans to manufacture phones in India Singapore,Sunday, June 22, 2003: Finnish mobile phone giant Nokia has ruled out any immediate plans to establish a manufacturing or assembling unit in India to cater to its growing market in the country. "We are catering not just to the Indian market. We are a global player and we decide our strategy keeping in mind the needs of our global market," Nokia's Vice President Sales South East Asia Pacific (SEAP) Tyler McGee told. "We have two manufacturing units - one in China and other in South Korea and they are able to meet the demands," he added. McGee, however, was quick to add that Nokia was committed to the Indian market. "We have our infrastructure and Research and Development facility in India and we would review our policy depending upon market demands." Asked about introducing cheaper mobile phones for low end users, he asserted that Nokia was already catering to such users in countries like India, Vietnam and other developing markets through various affordable handsets including Nokia 3315. Admitting that grey market existed in Asia, McGee said, "we are not police. We can not check that. But we will certainly work with the local authorities to convince the customers that they should buy handsets only from authorised dealers. McGee denied price as the factor behind the flourishing grey market "There are several other factors like levy and price was just one of them," he added. He revealed that Nokia was already manufacturing seven CDMA handsets but only two of them were available in India. "We are focussing on key products, a select brand of phones and not all," he said, adding the company would work with local CDMA operators to make it more affordable. He cited Nokia's recent agreement with Reliance for supply of CDMA handsets and expressed the hope that more such agreements would be reached. Terming India's Mobile phone market as one of the biggest in the world, Nokia's Director Imaging business Unit, Asia Pacific Mauro Montanaro said the company would introduce more affordable handsets with varying price ranges in India. 09:26 IST
National interest will be key on Iraq troops decision
Monday, June 23, 2003
On Board Special Aircraft,Sunday, June 22, 2003: India's national interest will be the key to government's decision on whether to send troops to Iraq, a top Indian official said today. The source, on condition of anonymity, told reporters on board the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's special aircraft on the flight to Beijing that India's final decision would depend on a number of factors, most important being the "national interest". New Delhi was awaiting response to the clarifications that had been sought from the United States. Some clarifications have been furnished but more are awaited, the source said. The process of consulting political parties, which began with a meeting between Vajpayee and Sonia Gandhi would continue, he said. Issues that concern New Delhi include a time frame for the transfer of authority of representatives of the Iraqi people. India was also consulting Iraq's neighbours such as Iran, Syria and Jordan, he said. 20:44 IST
China wants friendly relations with India: Fernandes
Monday, June 23, 2003
China wants friendly relations with India: Fernandes Kanchipuram,Sunday, June 22, 2003: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said China wanted friendly relationship with India. "China wanted peace and tranquility on the borders with us so that both the countries could have faster economic growth," he said at a function at the Sri Chandarasekerandra Saraswathi deemed university at Ennathur, near here. Fernandes, who visited Beijing recently, said "a nation which had the largest economy had to have the largest military power to prevent enemy from creating any difficulities. There is nothing wrong in having a strength to defend the country". Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh said if India had to be in the forefront of the nations in the world, "it should not be in the second rank and to reach the top position we have to work towards achieving this goal. "You must have faith in yourselves. Education is nothing but awakening the totality of one's personality," he said while inaugurating the faculty of educational technology at the deemed university. 20:44 IST
UP MLA turns against Mayawati, withdraws support
Monday, June 23, 2003
UP MLA turns against Mayawati, withdraws support Jaipur,Sunday, June 22, 2003: Uttar Pradesh MLA Akhilesh Singh, who engineered a split in Congress and helped Chief Minister Mayawati consolidate her ranks in the face of opposition offensive, today turned against her withdrawing support and accusing her of running the state government like a "gangster." Singh, who is absoconding after being booked in connection with the murder of a Congress leader in UP and carries a reward on his head, told reporters here that "although I had withdrawn my support to Mayawati government long back when I started opposing her I formally informed U.P. Governor about my decision today." He said Mayawati was "running her government by creating terror and is behaving like a gangster instead of a politician." Alleging any one who opposes Mayawati "is booked under false cases," he said her style of functioning had put a big question mark on democracy in the state. Singh charged that the chief minister was using police officials to settle her personal and political scores. He claimed about two dozen BSP legislators may soon revolt in U.P. against Mayawati government. A few months back, Singh had taken the lead in effecting a split in Congress Legislature Party in UP with eight of them quitting ranks and forming Akhil Bharatiya Congress Dal (ABCD). Later, seven ABCD MLAs joined BSP as Singh was left ploughing a lonely furrow. 20:44 IST
India awaiting outcome of Bush Musharraf talks: Vajpayee
Monday, June 23, 2003
Voicing concern over continuing cross-border terrorism, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said that India would await the outcome of talks between Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf and US President George W Bush at Camp David on June 24. "Our concerns are on cross-border terrorism which should stop. Our friends (in the international community) have agreed with us on this score," Vajpayee told reporters at the airport shortly before emplaning for a six-day visit to China. Asked about his expectations from the Musharraf-Bush talks, he said "let us see what emerges out of it and what measures follow." To a question on China's close ties with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that he had talked with Chinese President Hu Jintao in St Petersburg in Russia recently and he was looking forward to holding wide-ranging discussions with top Chinese leadership including his counterpart Wen Jiabao. Declaring that India accorded "top priority" to its ties with China, Vajpayee said that his Government wanted to tackle the new challenges and move on the road to progress in co-operation with Beijing. "I am confident that the visit would have a positive outcome. My message to China is that of friendship", Vajpayee, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit China in last 10 years, said. 11:46 IST
Manipur and Bengal to clash in final
Monday, June 23, 2003
Manipur and Bengal to clash in final Chennai,Sunday, June 22, 2003: Bitter rivals Manipur and Bengal set up a title clash posting contrasting wins in the semifinals of the 11th National Women's Football Championship here today. Manipur scored a confident 3-0 win over Bihar, while Bengal managed to hold on to a Swapna Guria goal, scored in the first half, to oust a fighting Kerala. The final is slated to be held on Tuesday. Manipur did not have to exert themselves much though Bihar did mangae to put up a semblance of fight briefly in the first half. In the other semi, Bengal forwards worked hard though the exchanges were pretty even during the first half. However, Bengal capitalised on a defensive lapse to go ahead in the 38th minute. Kerala could have gone ahead twice in the first ten minutes. But five minutes into the match, Sabitha Poovatta muffed a good chance and in the 10th minute P Sreelatha's measured lob from just outside the box hit the cross-piece. Eight time champions Manipur have made it a habit to appear in the final and are making their 12th appearance in the title clash, while Bengal, who have won the title twice, figure in the finals after a gap of one year. But Manipur received a huge blow ahead of the big match as their star shooter Bala Devi will sit out of the final, picking up her second yellow card today. Devi was booked for returning to the playing area (after an injury) without seeking the permission of referee Basker Nanda of Orissa. 20:44 IST
Manipur and Bengal to clash in final
Monday, June 23, 2003
Manipur and Bengal to clash in final Chennai,Sunday, June 22, 2003: Bitter rivals Manipur and Bengal set up a title clash posting contrasting wins in the semifinals of the 11th National Women's Football Championship here today. Manipur scored a confident 3-0 win over Bihar, while Bengal managed to hold on to a Swapna Guria goal, scored in the first half, to oust a fighting Kerala. The final is slated to be held on Tuesday. Manipur did not have to exert themselves much though Bihar did mangae to put up a semblance of fight briefly in the first half. In the other semi, Bengal forwards worked hard though the exchanges were pretty even during the first half. However, Bengal capitalised on a defensive lapse to go ahead in the 38th minute. Kerala could have gone ahead twice in the first ten minutes. But five minutes into the match, Sabitha Poovatta muffed a good chance and in the 10th minute P Sreelatha's measured lob from just outside the box hit the cross-piece. Eight time champions Manipur have made it a habit to appear in the final and are making their 12th appearance in the title clash, while Bengal, who have won the title twice, figure in the finals after a gap of one year. But Manipur received a huge blow ahead of the big match as their star shooter Bala Devi will sit out of the final, picking up her second yellow card today. Devi was booked for returning to the playing area (after an injury) without seeking the permission of referee Basker Nanda of Orissa. 20:44 IST
More jobs seen in software
Monday, June 23, 2003
Software professionals in India can look forward to more job opportunities in the next one year as the infotech industry shows signs of recovery. New outsourcing pacts and initiatives by global infotech majors like IBM, Accenture, EDS, PriceWaterhouseCoopers may lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs. Virtually every single global infotech services major is announcing new plans for India. They are all aiming to leverage the cost advantage India offers and provide services from India on an offshore model, Bob Hayward, vice-president of global research firm Gartner Inc, said. In India, Accenture is expected to ramp up the number of software professionals from the current 1,000 to around 5,000 in the next 12 months an annual growth of 268 per cent. According to the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), IBM Global Services will increase the number of software professionals from the current 2,200 to 6,500 by 2004 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43 per cent. Similarly, EDS is planing to increase the number of employees in its software development centres in India to 5,000 by 2004 from the present strength of 600. A Nasscom official said leading companies like IBM Global Systems, EDS and consulting majors like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Cap Gemini and Ernst and Young had decided to hire more professionals in India. Companies providing IT-enabled services also plan to expand their operations in India. GE, which initially had a target of 10,000 employees by 2005 for its IT-enabled services operations in India, had revised it up to 20,000 people by 2003 end. According to Nasscom, the call centre company, Conseco, is planing two more centres in Noida and Mumbai. An executive of a leading placement firm attributed this trend to the revival in the global economy and the growth in demand from the US. Nasscom said the shifting of operations by global majors to India was also being driven by demands for lower billing rates by customers. Experts, however, felt that the move by global majors to start operations in India, could lead to shrinking margins for Indian software companies. A Nasscom official said US companies were looking at different ways to expand services. While some were opening their own centres, others were looking at joint ventures and joint development centres.
Solution by July 6, says Shankaracharya
Monday, June 23, 2003
Chennai, June 22 : Kanchi Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi on Sunday said a solution to the vexed Ayodhya issue would be definitely found by July 6. Talking to the media after his 90-minute meeting with Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh and Defence Minister George Fernandes on the issue, he said the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has said it would meet in July to discuss his proposals. Jaswant Singh said, " Any speculation that George Fernandes and I came here on a mission is baseless." Although George Fernandes, meanwhile, kept away from disclosing anything, he said: "Any initiative is welcome and this initiative by the Shankaracharya is more welcome ." This is not the 75-year-old Kanchi Shankaracharya's first effort at peace. He said "I am not in a position to disclose anything, everything should be clear for media by 6th of next month."
BJP favours LS polls on time; rules out any legislation on Ayodhya
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Mumbai, June 21: BJP has said that there was no question of bringing in any legislation on Ayodhya. BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu said that his party was in favour of holding of the Lok Sabha polls "as per schedule" and going along with the NDA allies even as it sought to play soft Hindutva demanding a ban on cow slaughter and asking the Centre to exert pressure on states to pass anti-conversion laws. Naidu, while addressing a press conference on the conclusion of the four-day brainstorming session of the party, said the conclave studied and reviewed the Government and party's performance as "only 15 months are left for the polls, which would be held as per schedule" "We are happy about the party's position in different parts of the country. We have good relations with allies with some exceptions. We are leading a 23-party coalition and we have to go along with the allies," Naidu said. In reply to whether the party would raise the Ayodhya issue during the elections, the BJP Chief said, "we don't fight elections on Ayodhya. It is not an election issue but a matter of faith for us and we want a grand temple to be constructed there." Naidu said the meeting also decided to have improved relation and coordination with RSS-inspired organisations. To a question on the differences between VHP and BJP on Ayodhya, he said, "it is not necessary that we agree with each other on every issue. Our views may differ." Besides demanding a countrywide ban on cow slaughter, Naidu also asked the Centre to "exert pressure" on state Governments to pass legislations banning "planned conversions being carried out in different States."
Monsoon enters Orissa, Delhi may see an early onset
Saturday, June 21, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, June 20, 2003: Gathering strength, the south west monsoon today entered Orissa even as rains continued to lash several parts of the country and Delhi may get an monsoon if the trend persists. "Monsoon has entered Orissa resulting in heavy rains. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been recorded in many palces over the west coast of the country," weather officials here said. Several places in Delhi and adjoining Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh received pre-monsoon showers since last evening. IMD officials said the good spell was likely to continue for the next one-two days. Though it was too early to say anything about monsoon onset over Delhi, if this "strong system" persists, Delhi may see an early onset, they added. Delhi has already had recorded a better rainfall this June in comparison to last year's. Reports from Mumbai said a girl was killed in a landslide in suburban Ghatkopar caused by heavy rains. Low-lying areas were inundated and rail and road traffic was paralysed in the state during theZCZC 19:46 IST
Antara Mala
Friday, June 20, 2003
The innocent girl from Mast, who sacrifices her adolescent love, graduated to the woman caught in the Company of dons. After three years in the industry, Antara Mali, daughter of ace photographer Jagdish Mali, has settled to the tune of Bollywood and talks of her experience. How does it all feel lights, camera, action? Cinema is a passion for me. I just love to do movies, play different roles and be where all the action is. Well, I don’t think I could have survived in any other profession because I get get bored very easily. Cinema as a medium provides me with variation daily. There is no chance of stagnation here. How has the road been from Mast to Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon? I am glad I got to do different roles in a short span of time. Mast was an easier role because I got to play the girl next door. My role in Company was a bit difficult and I needed to delve deep into the psyche of my character. Road was again a different experience because it was a plot that wasn’t tried before. Darna Mana Hai is ready for release and I think it would be wrong to talk about my role as it has a huge cast of talented actors. All I can say is it is a spooky but funny and interesting movie. Main Madhuri..., well, as the title suggests, it is about a girl obsessed with being like Madhuri Dixit. I had to work hard at preparing for this movie. I had to watch movies she has acted in so I would be convincing when I imitated her. The movie is dedicated to her. Do you think Madhuri would like the movie? I think she will love it. Do you like being constantly referred to as Ramgopal Varma’s protege? (Laughs) What about it? He makes good movies and it so happened I got recognition for the films I did for him. That does not mean I am not open to working with other people. In fact I am working in Chameli, a Pritish Nandy Communications venture. Do you see yourself as a part of the number game? I don’t care whether I am number 1 or number 26. As far as I get to do good films I am satisfied. It’s just a job, which I intend to do well. What do awards mean to you? Encouragement. I fetched an award for Company but I was nominated even when I did Mast. Nominations mean a lot, it asserts the credibility of your work. Getting an award makes me feel good. How do you react to Antara on screen? I don’t go back to my previous roles. Once the shot is canned it is over for me. When I am doing the role, it becomes my dream role, but once it is over, I just move on. When I was shooting for Main Madhuri..., it was the only thing on my mind, but now I don’t think about it. It’s time for the producers and distributors to worry once I’m done. And why will I go and watch my movies? Isn’t it for other to see and comment?
Anu Maliik’s comeback composition
Friday, June 20, 2003
BANGALORE: Rajshri Productions can be very proud of the musical contribution of their films, starting from the Black & White ‘Dosti’ to the multi-coloured marriage video Hum Aapke Hain Kaun that sparked off an entire generation of copycats. History is repeating itself with their latest offering of the Hrithik Roshan-Abhishek Bachchan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. Dev Kohli’s lyrics have been brought to life by Anu Maliik's pulsating music, resulting in soulful melodies. Maliik’s musical instincts have been honed over the years through the experience he has gained since 1977 when he first started out with modest films like Sohni Mahiwal and Mard. When one considers the fact that he can take credit for chartbusters like Border, Viraasat, Ishq, Josh, Fiza and Refugee, his claim that, ‘‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon is my best work till date,’’ really raises one’s expectations. Together with Ranjit Barot, the drumming sensation, Maliik promises a degree of freshness that has been lacking in his last few films. Kohli is one of the most respected lyricists in Bollywood today, with over 600 films to his credit. Rajshri and Kohli’s association goes a long way -- the songs of Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Hum Saath-Saath Hain all being penned by Kohli. Ram Gopal Verma may get away with a song-less Bhoot, but the Rajshris prefer to stick to their own conventions set by the 14-song extravaganza Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. This film too has ten numbers. Five times National Award winner Chitra, adds to her repertoire spanning over 11,000 songs, with Main Prem...’. KK, whose career graph moved through advertising jingles, to TV title songs, to Indi-pop albums and finally films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, gives voice to the character played by Hrithik Roshan in Main Prem...’. Shaan shows off with numbers like Aur Mohabbat in Main Prem...’. Barely out of her teens, singer Sunidhi Chauhan has almost 700 tracks in several Indian languages to her credit, and lends her voice for ‘Papa Ki Pari’ the song which also sees Kareena Kapoor testing her vocal chords.
Masjid demolished under orders from PM, Deputy PM: Kalyan Singh
Friday, June 20, 2003
Masjid demolished under orders from PM, Deputy PM: Kalyan Singh LUCKNOW: Former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh on Friday alleged that the Babri Masjid had been demolished under the direction of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Union HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi and senior Sangh Parivar leaders who were "part of a conspiracy". "I was Chief Minister but they kept every thing under wrap and even forced me to sign on the dotted line, " he alleged at a press conference, a day after the Centre accused his BJP state government of failing to deploy central forces to protect the mosque in 1992 at Ayodhya. "Under the assurance of senior BJP and RSS leaders I had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court that the masjid would be protected ... But all of them betrayed me," Singh, who has since been expelled from BJP, said. Singh said it was a "well-planned conspiracy" and "save" the senior BJP and RSS leaders the BJP advocate Lala Ram Gupta gave a "false" affidavit to Liberhan commission blaming his government and the then Central government headed by P V Narasimha Rao for demolition of the mosque. "It is a lie. Neither my government nor the then Rao government could be blamed for the demolition of mosque," said Singh. He said a meeting was held in the Central office of the RSS in Jhandewala in which Advani, Joshi, the then RSS sarsanghchalak Rajju Bhaiya, senior RSS leader K S Sudarshan, VHP leaders Singhal and Giriraj Kishore were present. "I was also present in the meeting". A letter was drafted by Rajmata Vijay Raje Scindia and Swami Chinmayanand, now Union Minister of State for Home, saying that the kar sewa would be symbolic and the government would protect the disputed structure, he said. The same was sent to the Supreme Court and acting on that the apex court allowed kar sewa at Ayodhya, he said. Singh said "Vajpayee, Advani, Joshi, Rajju Bhaiya and Sudarshan were part of a conspiracy which led to the demolition of the Babri masjid. On the fateful day of December 6, 1992, all senior BJP leaders, including Advani and Joshi, VHP functionaries Giriraj Kishore and Singhal were present at Karsewakpuram, he said, adding as per statements of kar sewaks all these leaders had inspected shovels, axe and other instruments, allegedly used for demolition of the masjid. He alleged that all these leaders first incited kar sewaks by their fiery speeches and then allowed them to demolish the structure. When asked as to why the central forces were not deployed at the disputed site to stop kar sewaks, Singh said they were stationed in Saket college, around eight kms from the disputed site. "The BJP and RSS workers stopped the central forces reaching the disputed site ... The kar sewaks formed a human wall and, if at that time police had opened fire the casualty would have been very high," he said. Singh said he being the Chief Minister at that time, owned the responsibility for the demolition and resigned from the post and even went to jail. He said the same BJP leaders, who once celebrated demolition of the mosque as 'mukti diwas' were now blaming his then state government for failing to protect the masjid. "If BJP leaders thought my government failed to protect mosque, why Advani at that time had criticised the then UP governor for dismissing my government, he asked. He said the BJP should now "come out with facts and tell the people the true story behind demolition of Babri mosque".
Landmark achievement for TCS
Friday, June 20, 2003
In a major thrust to India`s IT industry, leading global software and services consulting organisation Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became the country`s first global billion dollar software organisation, after it announced revenues of Rs 5,012 crore or $1.04 billion for the fiscal 2002-03 compared to revenues of Rs 4,187 crore posted in the last fiscal. TCS has registered a growth of over 20 per cent the fiscal 2002-03, which is higher than the overall industry growth of 18 per cent for the year. Further, the company has added over 4,763 employees in the year 2002-2003, also the highest in the industry, as compared to 3,101 recruitments last year. Currently, it has over 24,000 professionals working at the largest network world wide in over 100 branches in 32 countries and five continents. TCS also has the distinction of being India`s largest software exporter consecutively for the last 30 years. Congratulating the employees on this achievement, S Ramodorai, chief executive officer, TCS said, `This is a moment of pride for each one of us at TCS. We are extremely proud of this milestone which is a significant step towards our vision of 2010 of being among the top 10 IT consulting companies globally.` TCS` revenue from software and software services
Nasscom delegation to accompany PM to China
Friday, June 20, 2003
Coinciding with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to China, beginning Sunday, a high-level Nasscom delegation led by chairman Som Mittal, will travel to China. The effort will be to bridge IT collaborations between the two nations, report agencies. Nasscom will also host a one-day summit 'India and China: Challenges and Opportunities' for the IT sector on June 26, in Shanghai where Vajpayee will deliver the inaugural address, a Nasscom release said. IT Minister Arun Shourie and Shanghai City Information Bureau director Fan Xiping, will also deliver keynote addresses at the summit. The summit will focus on enhancing cooperation between India and China, in the areas of telecom and embedded software, financial services sector, and IT education, it said. The Nasscom delegation will include representatives from TCS, NIIT, Digital GlobalSoft, Nucleus Software, and Moksha Technologies. Nasscom president Kiran Karnik said, "The aim of the summit is to strengthen the process of IT collaboration between India and China. China's user industry can gain from India's expertise in software and services and help improve their efficiencies." And added, "Indian IT companies can work with China in the area of chip design and telecommunication technology and use China as an offshore development centre to serve the Japanese market." For more stories, log onto www.moneycontrol.com
Govt brings seven new services under tax net
Friday, June 20, 2003
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The government will impose taxes on seven new services from July 1 in a bid to increase revenue collections and curb a runaway fiscal deficit. A government statement said on Friday service tax will be levied on commercial training and coaching centres, technical testing and analysis, maintenance and repair services, commissioning and installation services, business auxiliary services, internet cafes and franchise services. It said the decision to impose service tax was part of the announcements made in the federal budget for 2003/04 (April-March) in February but did not give further details. The statement said business services provided by call centers and medical transcription centers will be exempted from service tax. However, tax will be collected from all foreign exchange brokers including money changers and foreign exchange dealers. Service tax is being collected presently from corporates and non-banking financial institutions and not from individual foreign exchange dealers and money changers. The statement said services extended at all ports will now be brought under the tax regime. Earlier, only services at major ports were paying the tax. India aims to control its federal fiscal deficit to 5.6 percent of gross domestic product in the year to March 2004, compared with 5.9 percent in the past year.
'Chalte Chalte' Trimmed By 9 Mins.
Friday, June 20, 2003
While on CHALTE CHALTE, the producers have deleted 9 minutes' footage from the film. 5 minutes' footage was deleted from the film on Thursday night itself [a day before the release] soon after a private screening of the film ended at Fame Adlabs, while another 4 minutes were deleted on Saturday [June 14], a day after the film opened to packed houses all over.
Mystery death boosts 'Bhoot' ticket sales
Friday, June 20, 2003
New Delhi: A mysterious death in a cinema hall has raised the stock of Hindi horror movie "Bhoot". A theatre manager in New Delhi said a man was found dead in his seat after the late-night screening of the horror movie "Bhoot". Roop Ghai, manager of the Paras cinema hall, said the theatre's cleaning staff found the man, aged around 50, slumped in his seat after the end of the showing of "Bhoot". "It's our daily routine that after every show we check the cinema hall after the show is over. The same way while the staff was checking, they found a man sleeping. When our staff could not wake him up, we suspected something and thus contacted the police, who declared him dead," Ghai said. Though there has been no official confirmation, local reports said the man might have died of a cardiac arrest. The mysterious death has boosted ticket sales of the horror movie. Tushar, an ardent cinegoer, said the sound effects made the movie more scary. "The sound effects are really scary...so even if scary part is not there, with the sound you get scared. You just jump from your seat," Tushar said. However, to Mohit, another cinegoer, the appearance of the ghost was the scariest. "There is this once scene where suddenly out of nowhere a ghost appears and it really scares you ...where Urmila Matondkar (the lead actress) is going up and the ghost comes...," he said. Directed by one of India's new crop of filmmakers, Ram Gopal Verma, "Bhoot" is a spooky thriller about a possessed housewife and is set in a high-rise Mumbai apartment. Before the movie starts, a message from the director appears on the screen warning people with heart problems or pregnant women to view the film at their own risk.
Khattar thanks investors for huge success of Maruti IPO
Friday, June 20, 2003
India's largest car maker Maruti today thanked investors for the overwhelming response to its public issue which was over-subscribed by about 10 times, while the Japanese partner Suzuki Motor Corporation said it would make Maruti its R&D hub for Asia outside Japan. "I am overwhelmed. The Maruti public issue was seen as a symbol of India's economic reform programme. By investing in this company, investors have shown their faith in the reform programme," Maruti Udyog Managing Director J Khattar said. Maruti's public offering closed on Thursday with a total of 652.7 mn shares being bid as opposed to an issue size of 72.2 mn shares. The total subscription money has touched Rs 75 bn taking into account the floor price of Rs 115 per share. Suzuki Motor Corporation said it would make Maruti its research and development hub for Asia outside Japan. "Maruti will be the base for export of small cars. Maruti is among the most efficient Suzuki plants worldwide. By investing in this company, investors have shown their faith in India's manufacturing ability," it said. An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) is meeting today to fix the share price, and a final announcement is likely to be made in a day or two. Stating that Indian car market had a potential to double in future, Khattar said "Maruti would lead the process of tapping this (untapped) potential. We have set global benchmarks for ourselves in productivity, quality and customer service. We will strive to meet those targets. Maruti's dream is to put India on four wheels". 13:21 IST
30 injured in grenade attacks by militants in J&K
Friday, June 20, 2003
Thirty persons including six cops were injured as militants attacked a police station and a vehicle with grenades at separate places within the span of two hours in Kashmir valley today, official sources said. Twenty-seven persons, four of them policemen, were hurt when militants tossed a grenade on a police vehicle at Pulwama district town of south Kashmir around 11 am IST, they said. They said the grenade hit the front screen of the vehicle and exploded, causing injuries to four policemen and 23 pedestrians. The security forces cordoned off entire area immediately and the injured were removed to hospital where condition of six was stated to be serious, they said, Two of the seriously injured were referred to SMHS hospital at Srinagar. Prior to the incident, militants hurled a grenade at a police station at Charar-e-Sharief in Badgam district wounding two cops and a youth held during anti-militancy operations, they said. The grenade exploded at around nine am IST seriously injuring two policemen and the youth Bashir Ahmad Mir, who were referred to Soura Medical Institute Srinagar, they added. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the explosions so far. 14:05 IST
Rupee strengthens further against US dollar
Friday, June 20, 2003
The rupee continued to strengthen against the US currency early today on sustained steady flow of dollars from exporters and inward remittances. Crawling to a new 27-month peaks of Rs 46.5250/5300 in late morning deals, the rupee looks all set to firm up further due to positive sentiments, dealers said. In moderately active trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market here this morning, the rupee opened on a firm footing at Rs 46.54/55 per dollar, higher from Thursday's finish of Rs 46.55/56. Strong foreign investment flows, export proceeds and expatriates remittances kept the rupee firmly entrenched against the US currency, toggling at fresh 27-month peaks. In cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 54.50/52, Pound Sterling at Rs 78.14/16 and Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 39.33/35. 11:47 IST
Surendra Shetty surrenders,taken into custody
Friday, June 20, 2003
Two days after the Gujarat High Court rejected his bail plea, Surendra Shetty, father of actress Shilpa Shetty, an accused in a case of extortion, today surrendered before the police and was immediately taken into custody, police said. He surrendered at Umra police station where a case had been registered against him, his wife Sunanda and two gangsters on the charge of extorting money from Pankaj Agarwal, owner of Prafful Sarees, to recover Rs 8 mn dues payable to Shilpa for appearing in an advertising film. On June 18, Gujarat Hingh Court had asked Surendra to surrender after he withdrew his anticipatory bail petition. The court had indicated that it would reject the plea but gave him an opportunity to withdraw his petition. Police claims to have recorded telephone talks between Shilpa's parents and Agarwal which allegedly indicated that the latter was threatened. Surendra and Sunanda had obtained a transit bail from a Mumbai court which asked them to move court in Surat for regular bail. Surendra's bail was rejected by the Surat court and the Gujarat High Court. Sunanda's bail will be heard by Surat court on Saturday. 13:21 IST
Advani to address the concluding session of conclave
Friday, June 20, 2003
The four-day brain storming session of BJP, which took stock of the prevailing political situation and charted the course for next year's parliamentary elections, would conclude today after the address by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. Advani is slated to address this afternoon the party's top functionaries, participating in the 'Chintan Baithak' being held at Uttan in neighbouring Thane district. His 'Marg Darshan' is likely to dwell over the strategy to gear up BJP for next parliamentary election, party sources said. The Deputy Prime Minister, who arrived a day late for the Chintan Baithak, that commenced from June 17, due to his UK and US tour, would leave for New Delhi after his valedictory address, the sources said. The conclave on Thursday had a comprehensive state-wise review of the political situation in the presence of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani and other senior leaders. 11:47 IST
India should play Pakistan in neutral venues: Gray
Friday, June 20, 2003
India should play Pakistan in neutral venues: Gray New Delhi,Friday, June 20, 2003: Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Malcolm Gray has suggested that India and Pakistan resume their bilateral cricketing relations in neutral countries if political issues continue to hamper resumption of exchanges on the field. "The game would rather have Indo-Pakistan cricket ties in neutral venues than no exchange at all. The game is being hurt by this impasse," Gray to over phone from London, shortly before he demitted his office on Thursday. Criticising the Indian government's stand to play Pakistan only in multilateral events, ruling out any bilateral ties in either countries or at neutral venues, Gray said "Sports should not be used for political ends, that's the position of the ICC." "But at the national level, it seems to be used for political ends." He said cricket could actually act towards unifying and bringing people of both countries closer. "Cricket can be a great unifier and bring closer people of both countries," he said.
Infotech: The Indian take-off
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Few other countries illustrate the vast potential and also the domestic challenges of unleashing and harnessing information and communication technology (ICT) as vividly as the billion-strong subcontinent of India. As a content-rich country with a free press climate, an affluent tech-savvy diaspora population spread across the world from Silicon Valley to Sydney to Singapore and London, and with a huge pool of cutting-edge infotech and design skills, India has a lot to offer to the domestic and global Internet market. But there is also the dark side to the proverbial coin: poor connectivity outside the major cities, low levels of B2B (business to business) activity online, and government policy footdragging in terms of creating a level playing field for infrastructure players. India has about 10-12 million Internet users, eight million cellphone users and a teledensity of just over three percent in a country with close to half the population hovering around the poverty line. Though India is still by and large a developing nation, there is also a burgeoning information society within. Twenty-five percent of India's workers are in the service sector, 60 percent are in the agricultural sector and 15 percent in industry. India has more information workers than Japan and the same number as the US. Overcoming the digital divide in conjunction with other socio-economic divides will remain one of the key development issues for decades to come. Innovations in low-cost devices have yet to reach a takeoff stage, and the open source movement is making notable but slight inroads into the education and government sectors. Standardization of local language fonts and keyboards has been a stumbling block for local language digital content publication, though some initiatives are beginning to make headway. The youth - especially in urban areas - are very Internet savvy, and the gender divide is narrowing in this segment as well. At a time of growing inter-religious conflict, the Internet is being used actively to spread messages of peace via web-based signature campaigns and circulation of awareness-raising articles via email. In terms of employment, the IT and IT-enabled services sector in India is a burgeoning industry and continues to draw significant pools of talent and energy, despite the current global economic downturn. India seems to have cemented its position as an "outsourcing center of the world" and Indian software, services and content companies are gearing up to migrate up the value chain from basic services to products. In addition to tapping the global software market, having a sizable domestic user base means India can sustain a lot of local infrastructure, content, foreign capital investments and an online market in general - unlike other smaller countries which need to be focusing much more on overseas markets. "No other nation provides a better example of the role of the new communication media in the development process through which a country moves from being an agriculture-based economy towards becoming an information society," according to communication scholars Arvind Singhal and Everett Rogers, in their recent book India's Communication Revolution. Let us survey the IT industry in India, the Internet content environment, IT in development situations, and government policy regarding IT. Content India is an extremely content-rich country with a very free press climate, unlike some of its other Asian counterparts: the news, culture, entertainment, sports and medical knowledge base of this country represent a formidable pool of content for the digital publishing industry. Like some other emerging economies, one peculiar feature of the Indian Internet scenario has been that there were initially more Internet users of Indian origin outside the country than within. As a result, much of the initial push to create India-related content came from outside the country, especially from the academic and non-profit sectors in the US, in the form of mailing lists and usenet newsgroups. As local diffusion of the Net picked up, more content development work mushroomed at home. In terms of content, the number of web sites focusing on India is estimated to be around 150,000 sites, mostly in English (followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati and Kannada). Many Internet consumers in India are beginning to find significant local benefits from accessing local content on the web; sub-national content is beginning to appear on sites dedicated to specific cities and states (eg Goa, Kerala). Most sites prefer to register themselves under the ".com" domain name rather than ".in" due to lengthier and more bureaucratic procedures for the local registration. A comprehensive directory and search services covering local content in English have been in existence since 1997, such as Khoj and 123India.com. Portals like Rediff and Indya also offer search engine services; international portals Yahoo, Altavista and MSN have set up Indian editions of their services in the last year as well. Third-party audits of online traffic to Indian web sites are largely lacking, and it is difficult to obtain periodic authoritative assignments of user popularity across the various categories of sites. According to studies like the Indian Readership Survey and National Readership Survey, India's media industry reaches 180 million readers, 384 million television viewers and 189 million radio listeners out of a total population of 1.1 billion speaking dozens of languages. The reach of the press is 57 percent in urban areas and 24 percent in rural areas. Seventy-two percent of India's population lives in the villages. But besides India's vast illiterate adult population (252 million), there are 248 million literate adults who do not read newspapers or magazines. Most English language newspapers and magazine groups in India have an online presence (full lists of online media around the world can be obtained from sites like Newslink.org and MediaInfo.com). Some traditional media groups like the Times of India group (which launched a portal called IndiaTimes.com) have also joined the fray with web-only publications and portals (eg Rediff, Indya). In India, content aggregators and syndicators like ValueNotes and FridayCorporation have emerged, providing content for entertainment and e-finance sites. Among the major international portals, local editions have been launched by Altavista, Lycos, MSN, Yahoo and Orientation. English has generally been the national language for business (especially in the cities), and has been the dominant language of the IT and Internet professional communities. But the local language publishing gap is closing; newspapers of most regional languages are online. Indian-language portals have emerged in most local languages, such as WebDunia, NetSansar and TeluguPortal. Part of the problem was an initial neglect of local language IT products and services by the Indian IT industry; however, in the past couple of years there have been moves to standardize representation schemes, fonts and keyboard layouts for Indian languages like Tamil. India's Center for Development of Advanced Computing has recently launched a multilingual webware promotion scheme called iLEAP-ISP; a multilingual word processor with Internet and email support in Indian languages has been made for Internet subscribers through their respective ISPs. The company i-DNS.net International, which is behind the Internationalized Domain Name System technology that allows people to use the language of their choice for domain name registration, expects to raise US$50 million in revenues within the next two years from Netizens in India from its Indian language domain name and email services. India is the world's largest producer of movies and has a prolific music industry as well. Online gaming is emerging as a popular sport, particularly among youth. Higher disposable incomes in the post-liberalization era that began in the early 1990s has spurred the growth of numerous lifestyle sites. Cricket is a massively popular game in India (despite recent allegations of corruption and match-fixing), and a handful of cricket sites is engaged in heated competition to capture the clickstream of trivia-hungry cricket fans. Notable sports and entertainment sites include Cricket.org, CricketNext.com, Khel.com, Hungama.com, Rajshri, BollywoodExchange.com and the entertainment sections of sites like Indya and Rediff. MP3 files of Bollywood hit songs freely circulate over the Net, and the music industry has been generally cautious in embracing the web. The Net can be very well leveraged for public health information and for disaster relief during the region's frequent national calamities (eg publishing lists of victims and survivors, contact numbers of relief agencies, live news updates). Some organizations effectively used the web and email campaigns to raise relief funds during the Andhra Pradesh cyclone and Gujarat earthquake (eg. India Network Foundation; CauseAnAffect.org, but much more can be done in this regard in India. Sites geared at medicine, personal healthcare, indigenous medicine (where India has strong traditional knowledge bases) and the medical care industry include IndOrth.org, WebHealthCentre.com, and Dabur.com. Internet diffusion in schools, colleges and universities has not quite reached adequate levels; academic journals published from India are just emerging online. Access to research-oriented content - such as online databases from the Institute of Scientific Information, which is a major provider of online research content to Western academics - is available at many academic institutes. "Now that the ISP monopoly has been lifted, India needs to look at creating powerful content and knowledge infrastructure" says N V Sathyanarayana, managing director of Bangalore-based Informatics, and a member of the National IT task force's working group on content creation and the content industry. Informatics is a Rs 140 million (US$3 million)company involved in the compilation, consolidation and distribution of CD-ROM and online databases. It has tie-ups with other international database companies like the Institute of Scientific Information, Silver Platter, Reuters, Elsevier, McGraw-Hill and UMI. It manages titles like Exim India (trade policies), India Business Insights Database (news abstracts), and CABSAC (South Asian agricultural literature). "Web-enabled databases can provide more enhanced, multi-functional and personalized services that the print medium cannot provide," Sathyanarayana says. Informatics' clients are academic, corporate, and government research institutions in India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Tata Chemicals. Numerous professional training and education institutes in India have launched online content offerings in infotech areas like software development and e-commerce design; these include ApTech, NIIT, SSI, and Pentagon Academy. The Indira Gandhi National Open University has expanded its educational offerings to include online courses. Other notable players here include eGurucool.com. Today, most state governments in India have some degree of departmental computerization under way; many have basic informational web sites, and some even have IT secretaries and IT parks. Indian state and federal governments are likely to spend about $890 million in 2001-02 towards e-government, according to the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). Many government agencies are actively publishing reference information online. These include the National Informatics Center in India, and various state governments like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Spurred by the boom in the Indian Internet user base, a number of state governments have announced modest Internet initiatives, ranging from online trade and investments services to high-tech corridors conducive to foreign investments. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has launched initiatives to publish government content and services online such as land records, property taxes, birth and death data, and applications for certificates. Tamil Nadu is also making notable progress in online citizen services in Tamil and English languages, especially web-based information about land records, birth/death certificates, subsidy schemes, college admission forms and examination results. National NGOs (like the AIDS relief Freedom Foundation in Bangalore), international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - like Child Relief and You (CRY) - and global organizations - like the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) - have a modest online presence in India. IndiaLink and the Center for Education and Documentation have played a major role in documenting the work of NGOs and publishing them online. NGOs and voluntary organizations are expected to play a key role in bringing the Net to rural areas, as well as in compilation of traditional knowledge in sectors like medicine, cuisine, and folk culture (eg Archival Resource Consortium of India) . Digital democracy must include online publishing and participation by socio-cultural complexes like arts clubs, libraries, youth associations, gender groups, cooperatives, tribal organizations, human rights activists, disaster relief agencies and advocacy groups for disabled citizens, according to Damodaran Sivakumar of the University of Kerala. "There is no doubt at all that the Net has been invaluable in assisting communities which are vulnerable and have been victimized," says Manchin Hangzo, based at the Bangalore office of ActionAid. "We found that AIDS patients were able to uncover a lot of useful information online and get in touch with support groups via the Net. The relative anonymity of the Net can also help rape victims come out and talk about their problems and find help and resource organizations online," she says. Bangalore-based media advocacy NGO Voices is setting up a community Internet access program for persons with disabilities in the Kannakkapura area. Much of the drive towards e-commerce in India will be led by transactive content, ie content which facilitates the completion of entire commercial transactions, or a significant part of them. Many business sites have gone beyond the basic brochure stage to offer task-specific content. E-commerce sites like Rediff.com and business portals like SteelRX publish reviews of books and updates on the steel industry, respectively. E-trading sites like ShareKhan and IndiaBulls offer copious information on stockmarket movements for prospective traders. PlanetCustomer.com empowers consumers by aggregating content about their experience with products and services of Indian corporates. Trade databases of importers and exporters are published by numerous government agencies and third-party publishers. Yellow pages business listings of dozens of Indian cities are available on the Internet thanks to the online efforts of yellow pages publishers like IndiaCom Directories. Business articles, sector reports and credit ratings information are available on a pay-per-download or subscription basis from sites like IndiaInformer.com (recently acquired by Friday Corporation) and CRISIL (Credit Ratings and Information Services of India, Limited). In addition to the above categories, special measures must be taken for providing online content rapidly during times of disaster like earthquakes and floods. Legal developments concerning content classification, regulation and enforcement in countries around the world must be also be tracked more closely by Indian publishers and lawmakers. In addition to content drivers from the media and organizational sector, a key role is played by community-driven content. India has a globally dispersed diaspora amounting to over 20 million. Over a million are in the US, 2 million in the UK, and hundreds of thousands in other European countries, Africa and Australia. Numerous sites thrive on content and community geared at various pockets of the Indian diaspora, many of whom find the Net to be the perfect "online glue" for tying together the global Indian tribe to catch up on news, discussion, culture, business and entertainment. A good example of an Indian community leveraging the Net across state and national boundaries is the 75 million-strong Tamil speaking population worldwide. The Tamil Nadu state government and business community is also working closely with the governments and IT sectors of Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka on such Tamil language initiatives; Tamil is an official language in these countries as well, and standardization efforts are being coordinated by the International Forum for Information Technology in Tamil (INFITT). Other Indian languages with a significant presence on the Net include Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada and Telugu. India has over 18 official languages and over 400 dialects; and just as the cable television industry tapped greater revenue streams by branching out from English to local language fare, so also the various Indian communities can leverage the Net. The cultural environments of the various diaspora pockets differ, of course, and accordingly many Indian sites have a focus which includes their newly adopted countries of residence: such community sites include IAOL.com (Indians Abroad Online) and Sulekha.com (a literature site). Industries and services Although the growth in percentage has dipped a bit, the Indian IT industry still continues to grow at a steady pace. Irrespective of the slowdown, leading Indian IT software and service companies have continued to grow at over 50 percent (as compared to over 65 percent in the past). The Indian software and services industry has mushroomed from $50 million in 1988-1989 to $3.9 billion in 2000-2001, over half of it in exports to countries like the US. It covers the entire spectrum from low-skilled medical transcription and remote call centers to high-end telecommunications software and e-commerce services and, in the last part of the last decade, a number of Internet media pioneers have emerged as well, led by Rediff and Satyam Infoway, which have listed on Nasdaq. Creating and sustaining a mature ICT economy requires building and harnessing the requisite capacity in areas ranging from software and hardware to datacom and management skills. This requires a significant availability of formal educational and vocational training offerings for students and workers in e-business and m-commerce. In India, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are offering courses and modules in areas like Web publishing and e-commerce. Professional training institutes like ApTech, NIIT, Pentagon Academy and SSI Technologies offer a range of courses in Java, C++, XML, object oriented programming and web design in India and dozens of other countries as well. As a result, India's software sector accounts for close to 325,000 employees, and at least 55,000 are needed each year to meet existing levels of demand. Indian software exports have risen from $100 million in 1990 to $5 billion in 2000. Software currently accounts for over two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) today, and is set to cross the 10 percent threshold by 2010. Today, close to 300 Indian software companies have a US presence. At one end of the spectrum, the Net opens up a huge market in teleservices transcription, translation, data entry, project design, accounting, network management, web services, remote education, and help desks. Some critics view these companies as low-tech sweatshops for multinationals, but they provide much better salary levels as compared to local jobs while also exposing employees to global standards of professionalism and new emerging ideas for potential startups. A highly publicized report on the infotech industry in India, released by NASSCOM and McKinsey Consulting, urged the Indian software and services industry to lift its revenue goals from $3.9 billion in 1998-1999 to $87 billion by 2008. Software exports of Rs 400 billion in 2001-2002 will represent a 41 percent growth over the previous year's software and service export revenues which was Rs 283.5 billion. India will have to develop over 2.2 million high-quality knowledge workers in software related areas by 2008. A recent study by NASSCOM and the Boston Consulting Group projects a $9 billion business opportunity for Indian IT companies from global e-solutions services market by 2005. The domestic market for e-solutions is expected to grow from a base of $65 million in 2000 to $500 million in 2005. The worldwide market for e-solutions products and services, estimated at $180 billion in 2000, is expected to grow to $640 billion by 2005. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions account for 70 percent of e-solutions spending with over 50 percent of the market concentrated in North America. Now accounting for two percent of the GDP, the IT sector's share is expected to cross ten percent of GDP by 2010. Venture capital investments in Indian technology companies amounted to $20 million in 1996, $750 million in 2000, and could reach $10 billion in 2008. India currently has an estimated 325,000 employees in the IT sector but it will be hard pressed to produce the 55,000 new IT workers needed each year. Courses in IT and technology management are offered by the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management, as well as dozens of professional training institutes like NIIT, ApTech, Zee Education and STG. With its strong base of government defense labs and manufacturing companies in the automotive and electronic sectors, the south Indian city Bangalore has blossomed and matured as a major design and development location. Sun, Intel, Sun Microsystems, ZiLOG and a number of other companies have set up design and development centers in Bangalore. Sun's India Engineering Center in Bangalore may eventually become its largest such center outside the US Lucent Technologies, Hewlett-Packard and Oracle also plan to exploit Bangalore's cost and talent advantage and expand their operations here. Numerous companies are targeting the e-CRM space in India, such as Talisma, Interact Commerce, Parsec Technologies, Syntax Soft Tech, Sovika InfoTech, Trivium, Customer Asset, 24X7 Customer, Rave Technologies, Datapro Infoworld, Vision Info Solution, Daksh, Knoah Communication, and Trisoft. Some, like 24X7Customer (which manages 85 percent of Altavista's email-based customer support), manage the entire outsourcing operation right from setting up telecom switches in client premises and routing calls to managing the private leased circuit to offices in India and servicing the customer requests. Voice-based call centers and web-enabled CRM services are being offered not just for technical support as with QSupport.com but for other customer-centric activities for US and European companies like financial order processing and payroll processing to ticket bookings and medical transcription. These are run either by Indian companies or the Indian subsidiaries of MNCs like GE Capital and Dell. The trend-setter here is GE Capital, of which the service center in Gurgaon (near Delhi; another one is planned in Hyderabad) offers other companies services in accounting, phone support, transaction processing and e-commerce support. The India centers form part of a global GE service network which includes Mexico, Ireland and the Philippines. Other examples of global companies with service centers in India include Bechtel (CAD and 3D modelling), British Airways (airline reservations, frequent flier program management), Healthscribe (medical transcription for US hospitals), Convergys (call centers for 3Com), and CitiBank (customer service, telebanking). Indian software and services companies are scrambling to migrate from legacy application development and maintenance to Internet-centric computing and convergent platforms. Wipro, NIIT and Aptech have software development centers in India for high-volume offshore work, and have marketing presences in over 35 countries. Companies like Infosys are moving to a more value-based pricing approach as compared to a cost-based approach. Some Indian companies have also begun making small acquisitions in the US and have set up alliances abroad. Precious management expertise from Indian Internet veterans in Silicon Valley is increasingly being plowed back into the home country, via numerous start-ups and outsourcing partnerships; these entrepreneurs have become popular role models for an entire generation of aspiring ICT-savvy youth. Much of this "brain bridge" from Silicon Valley also extends to venture capital. IT and socio-economic development The NGO Drishtee has set up 90 kiosks across five Indian states for rural ICT infrastructure, providing government information and market prices; the states include Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Orissa. Drishtee is also a part of the core team constituted by the Ministry of Technology and MediaLab Asia for the implementation of community information centers in North-East India. As part of the India Healthcare Project in Rajasthan, village healthcare workers used handheld computers made by Apple (the Newton) for data entry in local languages, reducing data entry and speeding up decision making. The Gyandoot government-to-citizen network won the Stockholm Challenge Award in 2000 as well as the Computer Society of India's National Award. Launched in 1999, it was a rural community network initiative to meet information needs like agricultural commodity prices in nearby markets, land records, property registration, microcredit financing, employment listings, grievance redressal, application forms, matrimonial services, weather forecasts, local news, ration shop information, village council records, distance learning, voter lists, marketing services for dairy and handicraft products, emergency services, and access to expert advice (health, agriculture, cattle, law). In Maharasthtra, site of a severe earthquake in 1993, a GIS-based disaster management information system has been rolled out to better ensure resource mobilization, decision making, and situation monitoring. The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation is developing "knowledge centers" in south Indian villages to help ensure food security; the project includes local language content and wireless Internet access. In Gujarat, IT-enabled machines at the milk-collection centers of the Amul Cooperative are used to measure butterfat content of milk and increase the efficiency of making payments to farmers. This has helped reduce tendencies to increase the quantity of milk by adding water, reduced time for payments from 10 days to a matter of minutes. World Links, a Washington DC-based international NGO, has announced its plans to bridge the digital divide in India by training secondary school teachers in 125 Indian schools in the classroom application of information technology. World Links, the lead NGO in the World Economic Forum's Digital Divide Initiative for India, will provide school connectivity, basic computer literacy, and teacher professional development training to teachers in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. One of the most IT-savvy state governments in India is Andhra Pradesh. The bilingual CARD (Computer-Aided Administration of Registration Department) initiative is spread over 200 locations in the state, and has helped create a more transparent and less-corruptible system of property valuation, reduce archival problems from old paper documents, and introduce a more scientific structure to document classification and retrieval. Automated systems for delivery of certificates of income and nativity as well as ration cards, court documents, and census data are being rolled out in over 1,124 mandals (the administrative level just above village level) in Andhra Pradesh. Other systems are being implemented at post offices as well. In Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, WLL technology is being used by the Sustainable Access in Rural India (SARI) project, jointly undertaken by Media Labs, MIT, TeNeT Group of IIT Madras, Harvard Center for International Development and I-Gyan Foundation, Boston for deployment of telephones and Internet in villages. SARI is tying up with a number of content developers and application providers, encouraging creation of a variety of Internet contents useful to rural areas. It has tied up with Dhan Foundation, an NGO in the area, for agricultural information systems and transactions. At the level of grassroots innovation, the Honey Bee knowledge network catalogs innovations pioneered by villagers in the form of a multimedia database. Entries include a tilting bullock cart for easier offloading and a powder preservative for grain storage. A kiosk system has been launched in Tamil Nadu's Nellikuppam, the town where the Parry sugar factory is located, 40 Internet connections have already been given in the villages of the command area. A portal called indiagriline.com has been created, with latest weather updates, fertilizer/pesticide stock positions of dealers in the area, seed/seedling availability with local dealers/nurseries, scheduling of migrant labor, tractor rentals, farm consultancy offered by farmers in the area and more, all in the local Tamil language. The Warana Wired Village project covers 70 villages around Maharashtra's Warana river, and provides a network of kiosks for information services in agriculture, medicine and education. Software and training institute NIIT pioneered an innovative "Hole in the Wall" experiment to expose slum children to the Internet. This initiative of IT training via "technical emergence" of Net browsing skills has received $1.3 million in funding from the World Bank. The Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) uses one-way video two-way audio teleconferencing networks for training rural women managers in water conservation, child development, and financial services. Another notable example of what ICT can do for quality of life in developing countries is the computerization of India's railway reservation system, one of the largest in the world. It has saved millions of citizens hours of waiting time in long queues, which used to be the case before computerization. Policies and regulation Since independence from British colonial rule in 1947, India has made progress: life expectancy has increased from 32 to 63 years. The Green Revolution in the 1970s and White Revolution in the 1980s have ushered in massive expansion of the agricultural and dairy sectors, respectively. The New Economic Policy of 1991 effectively ended centralized approaches to economic planning, and ushered in a decade of deregulation, privatization and liberalization along with increasing Westernization and consumerism. The Indian government has also decided to allot at least 2-3 percent of its budget for information technology expenditures. Until the year 2000, the datacom environment in India was governed by colonial-era legislation like the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, which stipulated that the government is the sole owner and controller of telecom and broadcast channels. Other regulatory blocks include the forbidding of coupling between different service infrastructures (eg VSAT and Internet backbones). Regulatory bodies such as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India have unfortunately been hamstrung by inter-departmental politicking in their efforts to create a conducive Internet climate. While India may often be criticized by outside observers as being a fractious and divided set of communities who have yet to align their interests with overall national considerations of proficiency and professionalism, the Internet sector of companies has come together very well as an integrated set of interests. The rise of the software industry in India owes its success in part to the tremendous lobbying efforts of the National Software and Services Association (www.nasscom.org), which has done a stellar job of rallying software companies under its banner, conducting market research, hosting frequent industry forums, lobbying for progressive IT legislation, and evangelizing the prowess of the Indian IT sector to government agencies and chambers of commerce around the world. Throughout the coming decade, NASSCOM hopes to aggressively promote the India Inc or India.com brand abroad, on lines similar to Ireland's IDA. Numerous memoranda of understanding for bilateral cooperation in the software sector have been signed with countries like the US, UK, France, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Spain, South Korea and Singapore. The hardware sector has a similar lobby called MAIT (Manufacturers Association for Information Technology), but unfortunately hardware has been generally treated as a stepchild by much of the IT industry and government. As a result, precious opportunities in tapping the exploding market for personal digital communication devices are being lost to other parts of Asia. The Indian government began to promote the software industry in the late 1980s, via the Software Technology Park initiative, which included tax breaks and affordable bandwidth. The prime minister launched an IT Task Force in the late 1990s. While there was initially some alarm at the creation of an IT Ministry as well several IT companies prefer a hands-off approach by the government in the IT sector the track record till now seems to be more of open cooperation, with considerable space for inputs on policy making on key IT decisions. At the state level, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have the most forward-looking ICT policies and are active users of ICTs themselves. Others like Kerala are also catching up. For instance, the tourism board of Kerala has launched French and German editions of its informative tourism site, and is now used by 12,000 tourists a month. IT tends to be one sector where all political parties are generally in agreement that there is some potential relief for alleviating some of the society's problems. But there is need for a considerable amount of sharing of lessons and expertise between the different states of India. At the government level, India's Commerce Ministry has selected several organizations for coordinated EDI (electronic data interchange) implementation, such as Customs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Reserve Bank of India, and Container Corporation of India. The IT Act 2000 has several useful features. It legally recognizes email as a valid form of communication in India. Acceptance in an electronic form of any offer, culminating into an electronic contract is legal and enforceable. It has recognized digital signatures for the first time in Indian law. The new law has also granted a hierarchy of infrastructure consisting of a controller for certifying authorities, adjudicating officers and a Cyber Appellate Tribunal. "The Indian government demonstrates a strong reluctance to give up its control over telecommunications services. Government control is not always benign; in most instances, in India, it has been neither customer nor industry-friendly" according to Singhal and Rogers. The Center for Development of Telematics, set up in 1984 and headed initially by Sam Pitroda, played a major role in the proliferation of 650,000 public call offices across India for local and long distance calls. Future trends Efforts will be stepped up by government and private sector agencies to tackle obstacles like poor infrastructure, high telecom tariffs, government bureaucracy, low R&D spending by IT companies, inadequate original and locally developed IP, lack of user-friendly citizen interfaces in local languages, and unwillingness among government agencies to embrace open styles of functioning. According to an IDC study in 2002, in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan), India is expected to be next only to China in terms of total number of Internet users by the close of 2005. The number of cable TV households is expected to increase to 70 million by 2004-2005, up from 37.5 million in 2001-2002, driven by increased content availability and affordable pricing from large, consolidated operators. About 10 percent of all cable TV households are expected to subscribe to the Internet, driven by lower prices of cable modems and lower access charges. Projections for the number of cellphone users in India for the year 2010 have been released by Goldman Sachs (67 million), Morgan Stanley (68 million) and KPMG Consulting (76 million). Wireless channels and handheld devices may usher in new and more powerful forms of development-oriented ICT services than offered by the current PC-centric generation. India's Achilles heel is lack of a cutting-edge hardware industry for affordable PCs and cellphones as compared to its East Asian counterparts. Access to basic reliable electricity also hampers the widespread diffusion of PCs. Promising developments like the low-cost Simputer, developed in Bangalore but to be manufactured in Singapore, could help improve IT diffusion. On the telecom front, better revenue sharing between telecom providers and ISPs could help bring dialup costs lower still. In rural areas and poor urban neighborhoods, more community centers and cybercafes should be spawned to provide shared Internet access and local content generation, as with the case of the Gyandoot networks in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Meeting on CAS ends in deadlock
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Meeting on CAS ends in deadlock New Delhi,Wednesday, June 18, 2003: The CAS picture got murkier today with broadcasters quoting rates of pay channels far beyond the estimate of Government which described them as "unworkable" and threatened "coercive" measures to regulate them. Cable operators too expressed serious concern over the rates and the margin proposed to be allowed to them. A meeting convened by Pawan Chopra, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, ended in a deadlock after the Multi-System Operators and cable operators rejected as "too high" a list of rates of pay channels of Star, Sony, Zee and ESPN circulated by Star. As per the list, a consumer is likely to pay around Rs 550 to watch the free-to-air and pay channels under the CAS regime to be implemented in the four metros from July 15 as against the goverment estimate of only around Rs 200. A "disappointed" Chopra who walked out of the meeting in a huff, described it as a "lot of time wasted" and hoped the broadcasters would return with "reasonable prices" for pay channels. If not, Government could take "coercive measures" which could mean amending the Cable Act to make it more regulatory, said the Secretary, who held a series of meetings- first with the broadcasters, then the MSOs and cable operators and finally with both together. The MSOs described the rates of pay channels as "too high and not in consumer interest" and dubbed it as an attempt to derail CAS. The broadcasters rejected the MSOs demand for a 70 per cent distribution margin on pay channels saying they would agree to only around 15 per cent.
Gray says cricket boards had tendency to shield match-fixers
Thursday, June 19, 2003
International Cricket Council's outgoing president Malcolm Gray has hinted that some Cricket Boards tried to protect their national heroes in the match- fixing scandal as a result of which not many culprits were caught. In an interview to The Melbourne Age published today, Gray said that though ICC had been successful in suppressing match-fixing, it had been frustrating not to catch more culprits. "One of the disappointments is probably that we didn't get more scalps... but it's probably understandable because we and the anti-corruption unit don't have any legislative power. We cannot march into somebody's house and carry out a search or we cannot arrest people so we can only do it by investigation and by persuasion," Gray, who relinquishes his office tomorrow after a three-year term, said. "The other reason is that there is a tendency to want to protect the sporting hero, and that's the fans, the public and I think some of the authorities tend to as well," he said. Gray, who will hand over the reins to Pakistan's Ehsan Mani, said the crackdown on match-fixing was one of the highlights of his tenure but felt it was now time to "draw a line in the sand" and move on from the matter as it would not be worth trying to go back and find more culprits. 15:53 IST
Gray says cricket boards had tendency to shield match-fixers
Thursday, June 19, 2003
International Cricket Council's outgoing president Malcolm Gray has hinted that some Cricket Boards tried to protect their national heroes in the match- fixing scandal as a result of which not many culprits were caught. In an interview to The Melbourne Age published today, Gray said that though ICC had been successful in suppressing match-fixing, it had been frustrating not to catch more culprits. "One of the disappointments is probably that we didn't get more scalps... but it's probably understandable because we and the anti-corruption unit don't have any legislative power. We cannot march into somebody's house and carry out a search or we cannot arrest people so we can only do it by investigation and by persuasion," Gray, who relinquishes his office tomorrow after a three-year term, said. "The other reason is that there is a tendency to want to protect the sporting hero, and that's the fans, the public and I think some of the authorities tend to as well," he said. Gray, who will hand over the reins to Pakistan's Ehsan Mani, said the crackdown on match-fixing was one of the highlights of his tenure but felt it was now time to "draw a line in the sand" and move on from the matter as it would not be worth trying to go back and find more culprits. 15:53 IST
21 killed, 39 injured in bus mishap in Jharkhand
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Twenty one people were killed and 39 others were injured today when the bus in which they were travelling hit a tree and overturned near Angara, about 35 kms from here, a senior police official said. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Suman Gupta told the overcrowded bus was coming from Purulia in West Bengal when the accident took place about two kms from Angara. While 10 persons died on the spot, 11 succumbed to their injury at the hospital, according to Ranchi DCP Pradeep Kumar. 21:50 IST
Advani's visit was "very very good": Britain
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Britain today described Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's visit as "very very good" and said it reflected close relations between India and UK. "It was a very very good visit. It also illustrated the close relations between the two countries. Overall we are happy," an official spokesman of the British government said. The visit reflected the close relations between India and UK as also the increase in a series of bilateral exchanges that has been happening between the two countries since British Premier Tony Blair signed the New Delhi Declaration with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee last year, the spokeperson said. Asked whether the long-pending Hawk Deal figured in the discussions, he said "They (Advani and Prescott) would have discussed a little bit. Hawk is one of the bilateral issues and I don't think it is particularly contentious issue." During his visit, Advani held cordial discussions with Blair, had luncheon meetings with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Home Secretary David Blunkett and met the foreign Secretary Jack Straw separately. Advani left for Delhi by a commercial Air India flight. 21:50 IST
INS Talwar to add punch to Indian navy
Thursday, June 19, 2003
India today entered the stealth warfare era with the induction of Krivak-III class frigate 'INS Talwar', which Naval chief Admiral Madhavendra Singh said would be the "sharpest sword" of the country's maritime forces and would add punch to its naval might. "Every navy tries to acquire longer range weapons and sensor capability. This ship has much larger range and sensor capability than any ship of the Indian navy has today. It will enable India to target more further away," Admiral Singh told after the formal commissioning of the frigate at a colourful ceremony here. INS Talwar is first to be inducted among the three new generation stealth frigates India had orderd from Russia under a USD 900 million deal. The second frigate INS Trishul will be inducted on June 25, when Defence Minister George Fernandes is expected to visit St Petersburg to attend International Maritime Salon-2003. The third frigate Tabar, currently undergoing sea trials is to be delivered by the end of this year. The Indian naval chief noted that Krivak-III class frigates of the Project 1135.6 are the example of new trend in Indo-Russian naval cooperation, which has now confidently moved to joint designing, production and technology transfer. A large number of new generation systems, including sonar 'Hans', fitted on the Talwar class Indian frigates are designed and developed in India, Admiral Singh said. He said that India is firm on its policy of self reliance in defence and the country's three main shipyards have build 90 ships and vessels for the navy.
Badal questioned in connection with Irrigation scam
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was today questioned by Punjab police in connection with a Rs 4 billion irrigation scam and shortly afterwards he launched a counter-offensive asking Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to come clean on reports of acquisition of "under-cover" properties and business interests by him in foreign countries. Badal, when contacted, however denied he had been questioned by police officials in any case. Ferozepur range DIG R P Meena, under whom the investigation in the scam is in progress, told that SP(detective) Monish Chawla and DSP M I S Behal questioned Badal at his official residence here for about 45 minutes in connection with a case of forgery, corruption and conspiracy registered against several engineers in Gidderbaha in Muktsar district in 2002. The case was registered following an inquiry by the chief engineer irrigation, he said adding the case pertains to corruption in installation of shallow tubewell and acquaducts in Faridkot, Muktsar and Ferozepur districts. Badal told that "the present government is not initiating steps in accordance with law." "They (investigating agencies) are forcing people to sign blank papers," he said adding "all that is being done is illegal." Badal said he would soon move the Human Rights Commission to protest the "illegal methods" adopted by Amarinder Singh government to ""create fear" among Akalis". 21:50 IST
Pak plays down Advani's comments against Musharraf
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Pak plays down Advani's comments against Musharraf Islamabad,Monday, June 16, 2003: Pakistan today sought to play down Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's comments against President Pervez Musharraf's remarks on Kargil and called for quickening the pace of dialogue process. Asked about Advani's reaction to Musharraf's remarks that he would not rule out another Kargil, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Masood Khan said both the countries should not confine to statements coming from different quarters. "Let us look at the overall context and let us try to reinforce the process of engagement that has been started recently," Khan said. To a question whether reported Indian choice to hold talks at the level of Musharraf was an insult to Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, he said "I do not think that they are picking and choosing. What they are saying is that they are reacting to statements that have been made from here. What is more important is that the Indian leadership should talk loudly and clearly about the dialogue and resuming the dialogue. That is important. Pakistan is ready for talks at any level," he said. In an interview to Geo TV, Musharraf said that Kashmir still remained a core issue but it would be discussed alongwith all other issues with India. Before embarking on a four-nation tour, Musharraf also parried questions about reports of ban or restrictions by Pakistan on the activities of Hizbul Mujahideen. Asked about contradictory statements made by Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat on this issue, he said he was against terrorism. Khan said India and Pakistan appointed High Commissioners and made efforts to establish rail, road and air links. A Pakistani delegation would be in New Delhi on June 18 to finalise arrangements to resume bus services. "The next critical step is to resume a dialogue and start talking about the substance. The substance is the most important part of our engagement" Referring to the President's visit to UK, US, Germany and France, he said Musharraf is not going to discuss any road map with President George W Bush to resolve Kashmir issue. 21:47 IST
Indian Oil may bid in future Iraqi tenders
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Indian Oil is exploring possibility of bidding for Iraqi oil in future export tenders the company said today. "If there are tenders, we will look at the possibility of particpating," company Chairman M S Ramachandran said on the sidelines of the Asian Oil and Gas conference here. "We have been processing Iraqi crude in the past and we certainly look forward to access to Iraqi crude in the future," he added. In a separate development, the company signed a one-year contract to buy two million barrels of crude oil from Malaysia's state-owned oil company Petronas. Malaysia wants to sell more crude to India and is offering supplies from a newly discovered oil field off the West Coast of Borneo. On the prospects of increase in crude oil imports from Malaysia, he said, ``Petronas has got some other oil discoveries so we are looking at those crudes if they are suitable, we can process them. Ramachandran said it seemed that this crude is similar to the one that comes from Miri oil fields. ``But since it's a new discovery, we have to look at the compatibility of this crude to our refineries," he said.
BCCI clears Harbhajan's trip to US for finger operation
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
BCCI clears Harbhajan's trip to US for finger operation Mumbai,Monday, June 16, 2003: The Cricket Board (BCCI) today cleared off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's trip to the US where he will undergo an operation on his right hand finger at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dror Paley. The Board has given Harbhajan the green signal to go ahead with the operation and now it is upto him to decide how soon he wanted to get back to full fitness, a BCCI source said here today. The offie, who is considered an asset for the national side especially after he demolished the Aussies on Indian soil a couple of years ago, underwent an MRI Scan and X-Rays at the Leelavati Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday under the supervision of board's doctor Dr Anant Joshi and finger surgeon Sudhir Warrier's. Both doctors recommended that Harbhajan be sent to Sinai Hospital for the operation as the doctors over there had done a fine job on Sachin Tendulkar's injured finger recently. Harbhajan had injured his finger during the New Zealand tour earlier this year and like Tendulkar, he too had played in the February-March World Cup in South Africa with an injured finger. 17:16 IST
Pak not doing enought to stop cross-border terror: Advani
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Charging Pakistan with not doing enough to stop cross-border terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has said whatever changes had happened in its attitude were because of India's persistent pressure. Pakistan had assured India that it would not allow its soil to be used for export of terror but it was not fulfilled. "Not much change has happened in Pakistan's attitude and whatever changes have taken place, they are because of India's persistent pressure," he said. Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by Indian High Commissioner Ronen Sen here Sunday, Advani also regretted that Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the valley because of terrorist violence and said such an event elsewhere in the west would have become a major issue. He said during the last five years the present government at the Centre has succeeded in finding out and busting more than 175 ISI dens within the country. Earlier, Pakistan said there was no terrorism and what was happening in Jammu and Kashmir was "pure and simple freedom struggle." "Now they (Pakistan) say we are not responsible for the extremist killings." Advani said Pakistan wanted the two countries to resume sports ties. "But how can the two countries play Hockey when the killings of innocent people go on," he asked. 16:20 IST
Advani and Blair discus Indo-Pak issues and Iraq
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
London, 2003: India's "problems" with Pakistan and the contribution of Indian troops for peace-keeping purpose in Iraq figured prominently in the talks Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had with British Premier Tony Blair here today. "It has been a very good meeting with the Prime Minister. We have discussed several issues including Iraq and our problems with our neighbour Pakistan," Advani told reporters after the 50-minute parleys with Blair. In a rare gesture reflecting growing Indo-British ties, Blair came out to warmly receive Advani at the door steps of the 10, Downing Street and again came out to see the Indian leader off after the discussions covering bilateral and international issues. "It's good to see you here," Blair told Advani with a warm handshake and a broad smile in the bright sunshine as photographers clicked the two leaders exchanging pleasantries at the doorstep. "I would like to express my satisfaction at the manner I was received by the Prime Minister," Advani said. Asked whether the long-delayed 1 billion pounds worth Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk deal figured in the discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister said: "It didn't come up. It may come up later." Advani arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit at the invitation of the British Deputy prime Minister John Prescott. He is scheduled to have meetings with Home Secretary David Blunkett, Prescott and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw during his stay here. 17:27 IST
No consensus on women's bill, Speaker to hold further talks
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Yet another attempt at unanimity on women's reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies failed today but Speaker Manohar Joshi said he hoped to evolve a consensus on the bill, in its current or diluted form, before the Monsoon Session beginning mid-July. At an over three-hour all-party meeting convened by Joshi, parties opposing the bill in the present form made several suggestions including party-based reservation as proposed by the Election Commission, reduction of the quota from 33 per cent to 15-20 per cent and increasing number of seats to accommodate more women. Briefing reporters later, Joshi said he would have another round of talks with leaders of major political parties and may hold consultations with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in efforts to evolve a consensus on the issue before the Monsoon Session of Parliament. "We have come closer. It is not that total unanimity has come in today's meeting. I am happy most political parties are open on the issue of women's reservation," Joshi said hoping a consensus would be arrived at. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Government was open to supporting an amended or an altogether new bill if unanimity was not possible on the legislation in its current form seeking 33 per cent reservation for women. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said he favoured slashing the quota to around 15 per cent and opposed rotation of constituencies. He claimed support from RJD and BJP's allies like JD-U, Samata and Shiv Sena. 15:47 IST
India seeks clarifications from US on mandate of force in Iraq
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Adopting a cautious approach, India today sought clarifications from the US on the mandate of the stabilisation force in Iraq and indicated that Government would evolve a political consensus and consult countries in that region before taking a decision on sending its troops. A high-level Pentagon team here on the directive of U S President George W. Bush held talks with National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra and other top officials during the day and urged New Delhi to consider contributing its troops to the stabilisation force. Government wanted to know details of the nature of force required for stability operations, their role, mandate and the relationship with the UN, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said after the talks between the two sides on the issue of deployment. New Delhi also sought clarifications on development of a responsible Iraqi interim administration, future political evolution in that country and the humanitarian relief and reconstruction activities, the spokesperson said. The US team led by Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs, Peter Rodman held two rounds of discussions with the Indian delegation headed by B S Prakash, Joint Secretary (UN-Political) in the External Affairs Ministry. The decision to send the American team was conveyed by Bush to Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani during an unscheduled meeting in Washington last week. 20:17 IST
Supari
Monday, June 16, 2003
SUPARI is a film about today's youth - their wants, their desires and how far they would go to achieve that. Easy money was what Aryan [Uday Chopra] Papad [Rahul Dev], Chicken [Purab Kohli] and Mushy [Akash Saigal] wanted. And the one person who showed them the easiest way to make all their dreams come true was Mamta Sekhri [Nandita Das]. Aryan and his friends place a heavy sum of money on a bet allegedly rigged in their favour. And lose. It was money they didn't have in the first place. All their confidence and faith in their luck does not impress the 'bhais' who come to collect the money. A hapless Aryan turns to Pandit, the 'paanwallah' who had helped them place the bet. A now hostile Pandit suggests meting a lady called Mamta Sekhri. The mysterious Mamta makes a deep impact on Aryan. He is almost relieved, though surprised, by her maternal attitude in willing to help him when she offers him gun and a cover photograph for a contract murder (supari). The usually cool Aryan loses his composure but provoked by her contempt agrees to do the job. Thus begins the journey of their transformation and a step towards realisation of their dreams. Death becomes a fascinating game and the power that comes with it addictive. Aryan's relationship with Mamta and his maturity deepens, while the rest of the boys begin to enjoy the power. Misusing it becomes easy till Mamta tightens the strings. Even pseudo-power becomes addictive to Aryan, till he loses his best friend Chicken. Dilnawaz [Nauheed Cyrusi] gets shot by the opposite gang's bullet that was actually meant for Aryan. Now Aryan wants to get out of it and the only person who can help him with that is Mamta. Aryan's guilt of putting his friends into this whole mess, which they can't get out of or don't want to get out of, drives the film to its climax. SUPARI co-stars Irfaan Khan and Nisha Arora. Produced-directed by Padam Kumar, the film has music by Vishal-Shekhar, lyrics by Vishal, screenplay by Padam Kumar, Mushtaq Sheikh and Anuradha Tiwari, dialogues by Sutapa Sikdar, with additional dialogues by Atul Sabharwal, cinematography by T. Ramji and Velraj, choreography by Farah Khan and Rekha Prakash, editing by Sanjay Verma, art by Guruji Bros., sound by Rakesh Ranjan, costumes by Ashley Rebello and action by Ram Shetty. Meenu A. Kumar is the executive producer, while Krishan Arora is the co-producer. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Hritik Roshan
Monday, June 16, 2003
Once in 5 years comes along a phenomenon - a film by the "guru" Sooraj R. Barjatya that makes the entire Indian nation take notice of it. Bollywood fans all across the globe now look forward to his next release on June 27th, 2003 called 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' starring Kareena Kapoor, Hritik Roshan and Abhishek Kapoor. Q. Can you tell us about your character Prem ? A. I play Prem, I have been given the mantle of Prem. In "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon", prem is a character which I think is quite out of this world. In a sense that you rarely come across somebody who is as special as him. I don't think I have come across a human being that pure, that selfless. He is all heart and he has very strong conscious and he is loyal in friendship like no other.One very special trait about him is that he doesn't believe anybody in the world is bad. He exudes goodness and he believes that everybody is good. His premise is that everything and everybody is good, that is something that he starts off from. Q. How does one Prem differentiate from the other Prem in the Film? (Incidentally both Abhishek Bachchan and Hritik Roshan's are named Prem in this film) A. As a character one ... you could say one is black and one is white, but they both sort are beautiful colours. Black could look as magnetic and white as pure as possible. So the other Prem played by Abhishek is a very subtle Prem. He is a man of few words but a man with a lot of strength of character. He doesn't say much but when he talks it carries a lot of weight. Unlike the Prem that I play who is flamboyant and says what comes to his mind, just completely from his heart, there's no calculation, he doesn't know what he says, just shoots his mouth off and that is the basic difference, but they are as similar as they are different because both of them are very special human beings. Again, when they love they love with all their heart and they are very righteous and their belief in friendship, so with been very different from each other they are also very very similar. Q. Do you take away anything from the character after the film process was over ? A. On the constant basis actually there's lot of thing about Prem that if one would imbibe in their normal life, life could become so much better. Im sure id like to be as positive as Prem is and believe that being like that eventually makes a better journey, a more peaceful journey, with less bitterness. Q. How did this film happen for you ? A. Well, I think Mr. Barjatiya (Sooraj Barjatya) just gave me a call, he said, "I want to come over and narrate a subject to you". Working with Soorajji has been the best experience in the life. The simple reason is that I don't think there is any other man like him in this world. He is as rare as Prem himself. Working with him is you know so much about being a better human being in a strange way - I might not be making sense . He keeps telling me "Hritik, always keep your conscious clean only then can you express what is the truth". So he believes in things like that and when he enters the room you just cant escape the positive energy. You know the goodness that he radiates, it just hits you, and you just want to become like him. Before I signed/worked in the film I was a very big fan of Sooraj Barjatya the Director, but after working with him I have actually become the fan of Sooraj Barjatya, the human being. Q. You did "Mission Kashmir" and that was a quasi-negative role ? Do you think you have done too many "goody goody" roles and its time get a balance between the positive and negative side of things ? A. I don't know... in my first film I play a good guy, actually 2 good guy (refers to "Kaho Na Pyar Hai") and that paid off really well and then I played 2 negatives, "Fiza" and "Mission Kashmir" - relatively negative and at that time people said "Why you doing negative films, do you want to cross over to the bad side", so I said No, those were characters which interested me and I am an actor and going to play all kind of roles and since then, people have come to me with offers wanting me to play a good guy, I don't know why (laughs) all of them came to me playing this really good guy . Maybe you are right maybe I have been playing too much of that good guy (grins)...time to get bad. Q. You have yourself done a lot of action sequences in this film ? A. This film has got so much youth in it. We have done everything, Bungee Jumping, Jet Skiing ..... it was more than a 100 foot bungee jump..... Q. There's an amazing motorboat sequence ? A. That's a ride in New Zealand, its called the "shot over jet" and it looks as breath taking when you are in it as you feel when you see it, its absolutely marvelous that ride. There is someone obviously driving the boat and really swerves the boat at the last moment as you are about to hit this jagged edge that's coming out. You feel as if its gonna knock your head off. Q. Tell us about your experiences with Scuba Diving in the film. A. Scuba diving was great fun, Kareena and I were trained in a swimming pool for about couple of hours, though I was more conversant with it because I have done Scuba diving for "Kaho Na Pyar Hai" . So for me it was a joy ride. I completely enjoyed it. It's a different world down there with the fishes and others ...chuckles. Q. What are the tracks in the film Main Prem Ki Diwani that strike you the most ? A. All the songs are so good that I keep shifting my favourites. So, at this point of time my favourite is the song with the Abhishek and Kareena, but of course I keep shifting from there to "Kasam ki kasam hai " or "Chali Aayee", "Ladka Yeh Kahta hain" and "Ajnabi" . Q. If you can narrate a special incident between you and Surajji ? A. There are tons....there are tons ... to pick one special ... every moment with him is special. Every time I put the phone down after talking to him I sigh Wow! He's got a way in bringing the best out in you (thinks hard). Let me say this..... This is my first time I met Mr. Barjatya, he came to my house and sat in my hall, he had a script in his hand -- he requested that I have my entire family present over there, so that he wanted different feedback from all different people in my family. My mother, my sister, my wife he wanted them all there, that was itself a strange to hear, but so nice, so he was clutching his script and he said "Hritik, this is my film, I'll narrate the whole film and if you don't like it there is no problem we will work again in future, its okay if you don't like it, just be honest and tell me. It was just the way he came through telling me that, treating me as somebody more important than himself and he was saying "that this is the film I want you in it. But if you don't want to be in it its okay". I was completely speechless I did not know what to say. That just completed the humility that he has. It just increased my respect for that man by a 100 folds, I was amazed by that. That's not something that you hear generally when directors come to you with the script they are like little bit more.... Q. How do fans react to you in the UK as compared to your Indian fans ? A. For some strange reason I think they (fans in the UK) are more excited about me there then here, for some strange reason I think the fans over there love me more than...(laughs) maybe they're just louder. Q. Narrate one incident with your craziest UK fan ? A. Craziest UK Fan..... (thinks), my most memorable occasion has been when I was doing my shows in London Manchester and Birmingham. There was this group of fans who came for all 3 shows...wore the same clothes and had the same banner up and they were screaming non stop, and I threw them my jacket at the end of the Birmingham show and I just remember their faces and they were so..so much being expressed in there faces I cant express right now in words, but that group really made a special impression in my head. My Message to my fans.. Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, work hard because harder you work the luckier you get, and if you keep working hard you will one day achieve your dreams...realize your dreams.
Sangeeth Sivan to direct Tusshar - Aftab
Monday, June 16, 2003
CHURA LIYAA HAI TUMNE may not have worked at the box-office, but director Sangeeth Sivan has bagged a plum assignment after its release. Sangeeth has been signed by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Films to direct their next venture, which is expected to star Tusshar and Aftab Shivdasani in the lead. "The star cast is more or less finalised," Sangeeth divulges, adding, "We've decide to make a horror film." Meanwhile, Sangeeth's Jackie - Raveena starrer SANDHYA is all set for release in June this year. "If you felt that C.L.H.T. was a polished fare in terms of technique, SANDHYA will bowl you over completely," he remarks. In the meantime, a song from the film -'Maar Gayo Re' [picturised on Sophiya Haque] - has caught on in a very big way. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Germany sways to Indian music
Monday, June 16, 2003
All eyes are turned towards the Indian culture, Bollywood music and Bhangra are the in things and Germany is no exception. The German capital of Bonn is flooded with clubs with DJs playing more of Indipop, Bhangra and Bollywood remixes. Wekas Gaba, 23, an Afghan student, is known for hosting parties that includes, screening of Indian films, and DJs flown in especially to play the latest Bollywood hits and Bhangra. The reason, according to him, for this, is the westernization of Bollywood fashion and music, and maintaining the basics of Indian culture in a very stylish and elegant way. Not far behind is Elissavet Angu, of Greek-Indian origin, who is giving lessons in Bollywood choreography. Trained in Indian classical dance, 30-year-old Angu has trained many Germans to sway their bodies to the latest hits. According to her, Indian music has become the 'in' thing, simply because they (Germans) have either visited India, or the Indian music has worked its charm on them, or simply because it is hep to be able to choreographed dance sequences. Slowly but steadily Bollywood is working captivating patrons all over the world.
Koi.. Mil Gaya
Monday, June 16, 2003
After a successful stint as a hero, Rakesh Roshan turned producer with Aap Ke Deewane, Kaamchor and Jaag Utha Insaan and Bhagwaan dada. He decided to become an independent director in 1986 with Khudgarz. The box-office success of the film spurred him on to produce and direct hit films like Khoon Bhari Maang, Kishen Kanihaiya, King Uncle, Karan Arjun, Koyla and of course Kaho Na Pyaar Hai... Launching his son Hrithik, which became the biggest hit of the new millennium. Although he has directed for other producers, he has now decided to concentrate on directing home productions only. With Koi... Mil Gaya, the lucky threesome of Kaho Na Pyaar Hai... producer/director Rakesh Roshan, music director Rajesh Roshan and lead actor Hrithik Roshan, have come together once again to create a celluloid history. For Koi... Mil Gaya is the first science fiction film in Hindi! Realizing the importance of special effects in a sci-fi film, Rakesh Roshan has taken on the Hollywood special effects wizard Mark Kolbe (Godzilla, sword fish, independence day) to handle the special effects for Koi... Mil Gaya. Naturally Koi... Mil Gaya has turned in to a magnum opus where excellent performances vie with the extraordinary special effects. By tackling an 'Alien' subject in Koi... Mil Gaya, Rakesh Roshan has provided his vision as a producer and virtuosity as a director. Koi... Mil Gaya is the story about Rohit Mehra (Hrithik Roshan) who shows the world that friendship is truly universal. Sanjay Mehra (Rakesh Roshan) is a scientist obsessed with establishing contacts with extraterrestrial contacts. He invents many innovative gadgets, instruments and finally succeeds in devising a computer that can transmit message to space. His foresight becomes reality when as a response to his signals; a spaceship is sighted in the sky. But before Sanjay can even enjoy his success, he and his wife Sonia (Rekha) meet with a horrific accident where Sonia survives but Sanjay loses his life. Sanjay's son Rohit is born; a mentally challenged child who faces ridicule and torrent at every phase of his life. His lone companion is Nisha (Priety Zinta) whose compassion draws her towards Rohit. One day Rohit discovers his father's old computer and calls Nisha to help him use it. Both of them are completely fascinated by the images and instruction appearing on the screen and relentlessly experiment with the device; not realizing the impact they would have. The whole town witnesses a black out and bizarre phenomenon... in an incandescent glowing sky... a colossal spaceship is sighted. However more strange findings are in the store for Rohit's town... A pair of footprints not belonging to man or animal is found... What could this mean? Who will Rohit and Nisha find? Is danger lurking somewhere close? A nation holds it breath. And we have to wait to know what Rakesh Roshan's latest magnum opus, sci-fi flick 'Koi... Mil Gaya' is all about. More on bollywood at glamsham.com
Simran: Revisitng Bollywood
Monday, June 16, 2003
Mumbai, June 16 : Simran, the hit south Indian actress is trying to stage a comeback to Bollywood. Even after not so good start, the actress has not given up on Bollywood yet. She will now be seen in Shashi Ranjan's 'Ek Bar Phir Se'. he he has been paired up against Sanjay Dutt. Also starring along with Simran are actors Jackie Shroff and Raveena Tandon. According to souces, Simran will also be acting in a Mani Ratnam project.
Dual citizenship Bill will become law by end of this year
Monday, June 16, 2003
The Dual Citizenship Bill currently before the Standing Committee of Parliament will become a law by the end of this year, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said here on Sunday night. Replying to a largely-attended reception in his honour hosted by the Indian High Commissioner Ronen Sen at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre here, Advani said he had the privilege to pilot the Bill in the Lok Sabha. "It has been referred to the Standing Committee. After 2 to three months, it will come back to Parliament and before this year end the bill will become law," he said. The reception was attended among others by Lord Swraj Paul, Ambassador for Overseas British Business, Lord Navnit Dholakia, President of the Liberal Democrats, Piara Singh Khabra, Lord King and film producer Shekhar Kapur. Referring to his week-long visit to the US at the invitation of American Vice President Dick Cheney, Advani said during his visit to Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, he met a large number of NRIs and found that the NRIs were concerned about progress and developments in India. He said there was vast potential for India's growth but what was lacking was a "proper work culture." Prior to independence, he said politics was not a profession. "It was a mission. People like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Lokmanya Tilak gave up lucrative practices to join the freedom movement.
Decision on sending troops to Iraq only after political consensus: Govt
Monday, June 16, 2003
A day ahead of Indo-U S talks on the issue of sending Indian troops to Iraq, Government on Sunday decided to proceed cautiously, saying it would take a decision on it only after evolving a political consensus keeping "best national interest in view" and consulting countries in that region. The issue was discussed at a 70-minute meeting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had with leader of the Opposition and Congress President Sonia Gandhi at his residence here this evening, the first such exercise with an opposition party. Emerging from the meeting, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said "government would hold consultations with countries in the region as also interested political parties including partners of the ruling NDA and would ultimately take a view which is in best national interest." The cautious approach also comes in the wake of opposition from major political parties against sending Indian troops to Iraq apprehending that they would have to work under US flag. Vajpayee had invited Gandhi following her letter seeking clarifications from the government stand on the issue as the party is opposed to deployment of troops in Iraq under any arrangement other than that of the U N. Besides Sinha, the meeting was attended by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, National Security Advisor, Brajesh Mishra and Congress leaders Natwar Singh and Manmohan Singh.
Vajpayee will lead NDA again after the 2004 poll, says Advani
Monday, June 16, 2003
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will lead the Government even after the 2004 General Elections, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said here on Sunday night. Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian High Commissioner Ronen Sen, the Deputy Prime Minister said: "between 1988 and 1998, in 11 years there were as many as 7 Prime Ministers. But from 1998 to 2003, there was only one Prime Minister. "In 2004, Vajpayeeji will again become the Prime Minister. This is possible because of the good governance, containment of inflation, economic stability and a burgeoning foreign exchange." "May God give Vajpayee's leadership many more years to come," he said.
Pinjar
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Cast :Urmila Matondkar , Manoj Bajpai , Sanjay Suri, Sandali , Priyanshu Chatterjee , Isha Gopikar , Preview : If we eschew hatred, the world would be the most beautiful place to live. PINJAR is about harmony and love overpowering hate and violence. Based on a famous novel by Amrita Pritam, PINJAR depicts riots, mayhem, human sufferings and hope. During the partition, full-scale riots broke out in which lakhs of families were displaced overnight. The worst hit were the women. Thousands of helpless women were raped and kidnapped as communal and political tensions let loose in the Indo-Pak border villages. Intolerance, cruelty, kidnapping and rape of women rendered thousands of innocent lives as destitute, yet love and humanism blossomed. While there were widespread riots, there were people who still hoped in humanism to survive and were waiting for their dreams to come true. Character sketches Urmila Matondkar is Puro A victim of circumstances during the turbulent times of partition of India. How does she overcome the wrath of hostile communities and rewrite her destiny in the milieu of changing relationship of nations, communities and individuals? Manoj Bajpai is Rashid An unpardonable crime is committed by him. Will he be able to redeem himself and rise above the communal hatred spread across the sub-continent? Sanjay Suri is Ramchand A poet at heart. Once a rich man, he is now a refugee. He has lost everything, including his family. Will he be united with his loved ones? Sandali Sinha is Lajo A newly-married girl, life takes a dramatic twist during the partition riots. Will her cries be heard by the unjust society? Will she be able to change her destiny? Priyanshu Chatterjee is Trilok An idealist, enraged by the society. A son, a brother, a husband torn between relationships within the family. Will he be able to triumph over his internal strifes? About the music PINJAR has the essence of Punjabi rustic folk music. Music director Uttam Singh is at his best, while Pakistani poetess Zehra Nigah's lyrics add to the musical richness of the film. Gulzar's lyrics also heighten the pathos and romance of the period. PINJAR co-stars Isha Koppikar, Lillete Dubey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Farida Jalal, Alok Nath, Seema Biswas, Sudha Shivpuri and Dina Pathak.
Harbhajan likely to be operated in US
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is likely to undergo an operation on his right hand finger at a hospital in Baltimore in the United States, where batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar underwent a successful surgery. Harbhajan Singh, who sustained a finger injury during India's tour of New Zealand earlier this year, underwent an MRI scan at the Lalavati Hospital this afternoon. Speaking to after the scan, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) doctor and sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi said "Harbhajan underwent MRI scan and x-ray on his finger after specialist Dr Sudhir Warrior, who also treated Sachin's finger before the Mumbai star decided to go in for an operation at US, advised him to do so. "However, it will take atleast a couple of days for us (the two doctors and Harbhajan) to come to a final decision as I am going to Japan tonight but will keep in touch with both Harbhajan and Dr Warrior about the developments", Joshi added. "If his finger needs to be operated then the first choice would be to send him to the US as the doctors over there have done a very good job on Sachin's finger recently", he said. Harbhajan Singh, who played the World Cup with the injury, lost a lucrative contract with the English county side Lancashire after he decided against joining it after failing to recover completely in time. The offie had also sought medical opinion in South Africa and the doctors over there had said an operation was not needed and had advised him to rest his finger.
Harbhajan likely to be operated in US
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is likely to undergo an operation on his right hand finger at a hospital in Baltimore in the United States, where batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar underwent a successful surgery. Harbhajan Singh, who sustained a finger injury during India's tour of New Zealand earlier this year, underwent an MRI scan at the Lalavati Hospital this afternoon. Speaking to after the scan, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) doctor and sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi said "Harbhajan underwent MRI scan and x-ray on his finger after specialist Dr Sudhir Warrior, who also treated Sachin's finger before the Mumbai star decided to go in for an operation at US, advised him to do so. "However, it will take atleast a couple of days for us (the two doctors and Harbhajan) to come to a final decision as I am going to Japan tonight but will keep in touch with both Harbhajan and Dr Warrior about the developments", Joshi added. "If his finger needs to be operated then the first choice would be to send him to the US as the doctors over there have done a very good job on Sachin's finger recently", he said. Harbhajan Singh, who played the World Cup with the injury, lost a lucrative contract with the English county side Lancashire after he decided against joining it after failing to recover completely in time. The offie had also sought medical opinion in South Africa and the doctors over there had said an operation was not needed and had advised him to rest his finger.
"I won't step down till I am 60", says Narayana Murthy
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Dismissing reports that he might step down from office to take up a diplomatic assignment, Infosys Chairman and Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy today said he would continue to be at the helm of affairs till he is 60 in August, 2006. "There is no such thing...I will continue to be the Chairman and Chief Mentor of Infosys until the age of 60...I am 56 years and 10 months now and will continue... unless I am mentally or physically incapacitated," he told reporters here on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the NASDAQ-listed, Bangalore-headquartered software major. There were media reports earlier this week that Murthy may step down and accept to become Ambassador of India in a Western country.
Tourist influx up - Jagmohan
Sunday, June 15, 2003
The tourist influx to India, which had suffered a setback since 9/11, had gone up by 14 per cent and the foreign exchange earned through it had increased by 16 per cent, Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan said today. More and more tourists from the Middle East are turning towards India following tightened visa restrictions in USA and European countries since the attack on the WTC, he said inaugurating the four-day North East Tourism Conclave - 2003, organised by Kanchanjungha Tourism Association here. The tourism department on its part was taking all measures to attract visitors from Middle East providing the requisite facilities, he said. Besides foreign travellers, the number of domestic tourists increased by 25 mn following the Centre's decision to continue Leave Travel Concession. "The number of domestic tourists is increasing steadily," he said.
Rao Government's action banning VHP correct: Centre
Saturday, June 14, 2003
In a surprise action, the Centre today termed as "correct" the Narasimha Rao Government's decision to ban the VHP on the basis of Justice Bahri Commission findings that the organisation's leaders had made "provocative speeches" during the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya. "It was a correct measure of the Centre as it was based on provocative statements made by Ashok Singhal, Sadhvi Ritambara and Acharya Dharmendra Dev," Centre's counsel Lala Ram Gupta told Liberhan Commission probing the events leading to demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992. Ruling out any conspiracy in the demolition, he said at the most it may have been a "plan" devised by any person. "If at all there was any conspiracy, it would have been limited to 605 Shiv Sainiks, who allegedly had plans to hold Kar Seva at Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum)," he said. However, Shiv Sena leader Moreshwar Save had ruled out any role of the party or its leaders in the demolition, he poited out. Though there were intelligence reports that this group had a meeting on November 28, 1992 at Faizabad and decided to do the Kar Seva, there was no evidence to corroborate this, Gupta added. Denying that security arrangements around the disputed structure were not "proper", he, however, admitted that these proved to be insufficient as it failed to stop the mob frenzy. 19:43 IST
Pakistan "hotbed" of terrorism, says Advani
Saturday, June 14, 2003
In a tough reminder of changing realities to US, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has said Pakistan is now the "hotbed" of al Qaeda and charged it with trying to secure Kashmir through terrorism after failing to get it in three wars. In hard-hitting speeches here on Thursday at two separate functions, Advani said "Pakistan had all along been and continues to be a source of terrorism primarily against India but whose reverberations are also felt elsewhere." Stressing that both India and US are threatened by the same source of terrorism, he said Pakistan is now the "hotbed" of al Qaeda. Advani advised Pakistani leaders against holding peace hostage to resolution of their differences with India and challenged them to take a pledge to solve all issues through negotiations. "There has to be give and take in negotiations," he said, urging Pakistan to "sincerely" implement its own promises of putting a complete halt to cross-border terrorism against India and dismantling the terrorist infrastructure which it has "fostered over many years." Despite being a target of relentless terrorism, India has extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan, which has been appreciated the world over, Advani told the Chicago Council of Foreign Relations and later a large dinner meeting of the Indian community here.
Jaitley urges US business to avail new opportunities in India
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Minister of Commerce and Industry Arun Jaitley exhorted US businessmen to focus their attention on India, as it had an attractive Foreign Direct Investment regime. Interacting at the US-India Commercial Dialogue, he said most of the US businesses in India are profit-making ventures and some of them are household names. Urging US investors to take advantage of the Special Economic Zones and Agri-Export Zones, the minister said the SEZs with total or near total exemption from all duties presented a great opportunity for investment which US should exploit not only for the manufacturing of merchandise but also for services. Jaitely pointed out that India has carved a niche for itself in the knowledge trade sector and has considerable manpower resource of both skilled and unskilled labour "which can meet the needs of all the developed economies for all their manpower requirements." An Indian embassy release described the talks between Commerce Secretary Don Evans and Jaitley as "a frank and candid exchange of views on a range of bilateral issues." Both observed that there is significant potential for enhancing and deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the release said.
Madhavan's report "bundle of contradiction", says Azhar
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Hyderabad,Friday, June 13, 2003: Terming K Madhavan's report as "inconsistent" and "a bundle of contradictions", former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin today said the Cricket Board had made him a scapegoat in the match-fixing scandal by slapping a life ban on him. Continuing the arguments in the court of second additional chief judge, Azharuddin's counsel P Jagdish said that Madhavan, whose one-man inquiry into match-fixing had resulted in the life ban on Azhar, had approached the issue more with an intention to fix the former captain rather than finding out the truth. The counsel told the court, which is hearing Azharuddin's petition seeking quashing of the life ban on him, that though the charges were made against Azharuddin, no specific charge memo was served on him so that he could lead evidence that he is clean in the issue. In the entire issue, the BCCI was carried away by the malafide campaign unleashed against the cricketers and in order to appease the large public opinion, it worked out its make-believe strategy of appointment of some officer to inquire into this allegation and then fix the responsibility on somebody or the other, he said. The BCCI found Azharuddin as a helpless scapegoat and hence they made him the victim. The BCCI refused to look at the excellent game played by him in the matches, which were alleged to have been fixed, the counsel argued. The argumments would continue on Monday.
Shankar: Music is my life
Friday, June 13, 2003
Shankar Mahadevan works 12 hours a day. He travels worldwide for concerts every month. Still, he doesn't complain because music for him has never been a time-bound job. He says, "It's my life. I keep telling people that they're paying me including for the travel. Shankar, therefore, takes his wife and children along with him. "We're one happy family who have a blast being together. That's the only way I can spend quality time with them." He's enjoying Bollywood stint as a composer. "When Ehsaan, Loy and I did 'Mission Kashmir' and 'Dil Chahta Hai' we were raw. But after 'Ek Aur Ek Gyarah', we've become wiser. Now we compose our songs to suit the personality of the actor/ filmmaker". He cites the example of 'Armaan' watch has peppy music. He will continue doing quality music and won't be part of a music factory. He emphasises on maintaining standard. Shankar is fine-tuning his solo album. It will hit the market soon. He has shot a video and the promos will be on air shortly. He has arranged and composed the music himself, and Javed has done the lyrics. The album has nine tracks reflecting nine moods. This album will make a difference. "I don't churn out music and shoot eight flamboyant music videos. If my music is good my audience will like it."
Chalte Chalte
Friday, June 13, 2003
He's brash, down-to-earth & spontaneous. She's sophisticated, charming and a perfectionist. In short, they form the perfect foil for each other. But will their love survive the end of time? Will the initial passionate fervor give way to annoyance? You won't know that till you see this universal boy-meets-girl saga toned in a refreshingly different manner! Shahrukh & Rani are at their endearing best, back to the genre they find themselves most comfortable in- the love genre. The Story Priya and Raj. Two different human beings with very different ways of thought. Chalte Chalte tells the story of these two different human beings and how they meet. Priya is sophisticated, smart and practical. Raj is impulsive, hardworking and emotional. Both come from the middle class. As they say, cupid has his own strange ways. Here too he plays his role well and Raj and Priya meet. They soon fall in love. They are completely aware of their differences but they are in love and they don’t care, till destiny changes that. Earlier they would do anything to be with each other. Things slowly change. And their needs are less compulsive, practical issues intervene and cupid’s arrow no longer hurts as much as it did. Love fades away as other responsibilities and duties take over. Will things come back on track. Will the two realise that the underlying love between them will bind them together? Review : As producer, Shah Rukh Khan missed the bus in his first two productions. Will he get it right the third time, with CHALTE CHALTE? Yes, he does! Dreamz & UTV's CHALTE CHALTE, directed by Aziz Mirza, is a feel-good film and though it has its share of loose ends, the outcome leaves you feeling thoroughly fulfilled. Opposites attract, right? That's what happens when Raj [Shah Rukh Khan] and Priya [Rani Mukherji] bump into each other on a highway. They are as diverse as chalk and cheese. Raj is an impulsive, middle class, hard-working, emotional guy, while Priya is prim and proper, highly sophisticated and brought up in the lap of luxury. They throw caution to the winds and dare to fall in love. But, gradually, things start changing. Romance takes a backseat, the need to impress no longer exists. What happens next? CHALTE CHALTE is a tale of two hearts… Primarily a love story, the film tackles the issue of marital discord an issue that has been witnessed on the Hindi screen since decades. Also, flashes of ABHIMAAN, KORA KAAGAZ, AKELE HUM AKELE TUM, D.D.L.J., RAJA HINDUSTANI, HUM DIL DE HUKE SANAM and the recent SAATHIYA [it may be coincidental, the makers haven't intentionally tried to incorporate moments from these films!] cross your mind as you embark on a journey called CHALTE CHALTE, but this film has its enduring moments moments that you carry home even after the show has ended. Actually, CHALTE CHALTE has no story to talk of, but it's the treatment of this waferthin plot, the characters, the moments, the dialogues, the overall impact that makes it so very special. Like his earlier works, director Aziz Mirza has set the film in a middle class locality of Mumbai [the setting makes the goings-on identifiable!] and garnished it with sequences that are straight out of everyday life. Somewhere, sometimes, to somebody you know, you've seen it happen and that's where the film works! The first half of the enterprise covers all aspects that contribute to the making of a love story the meeting, the affair, the marriage, the tiffs… In fact, the roller coaster ride in the first half is flawless in terms of writing, execution and interpretation. There're moments that bring immense joy to the viewer, like the one during the wedding reception [soon after SRK and Rani's first meeting] or the sequence in the aircraft [SRK boarding the same flight to Athens]. Likewise, the emotional moments are hard to forget. Sequences like the one outside Rani's house in Athens, when SRK talks about the moments they've shared, or Rani's entry into SRK's house after the marriage, have been handled with élan. Naturally, if the batsman hits a century in the first innings, the viewer expects an encore in the second innings [post-interval] as well. But the pace drops in the second half. Also, the goings-on tend to get lengthy and cumbersome as you watch the couple having tiff after tiff, most of which lack ground. How one wishes the editor would've used the scissors sharply to trim or even edit these portions! Fortunately, the second half has its share of brilliantly executed and emoted sequences that save the film from sinking. Like, for instance, the scene in the party when SRK gets to know that Rani has borrowed money from Jas Arora to clear off the debt, is one of the best sequences of the enterprise. Ditto for the sequence in the pre-climax, when SRK creates a ruckus in the foyer of Rani's condominium, after having reached the location in an inebriated state. Even the climax [slightly long drawn though!] when SRK breaks down completely at the airport the sequences manage to pull your heart strings and would prompt the delicate ones to reach for their handkerchief. Undoubtedly, CHALTE CHALTE is Aziz Mirza's finest attempt as a storyteller. Not only has he extracted outstanding performances from the principal cast, he has also struck the right balance between light and emotional moments of the film the two sides of the coin. It is thanks to Mirza's mature handling that the film neither becomes an out-an-out comedy, nor a complete tearjerker. If Mirza's work is top notch, the screenplay is equally gripping, though, of course, the second half could've been concise. Rumi Jafry's dialogues are excellent. It's truly amazing to see someone who has specialised in writing out-and-out mass-oriented stuff in David Dhawan's flicks come up with natural and sensitive writing this time around. The music [Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Shrivasatava] is a mixed bag not great, not bad either. Amongst the tracks, 'Tauba' and 'Suno Na' stand out for their honey-coated tunes, while the balance tracks range from quite good to strictly average. Ashok Mehta's cinematography is first-rate, like always. And now to the performances! CHALTE CHALTE clearly belongs to Shah Rukh Khan, an actor par excellence. One actually runs out of adjectives and personifications if asked to describe this performance by the actor. Clearly his most natural and likeable performance since DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE, SRK surrenders himself completely to the script and delivers a performance that is bound to be a big hit with one and all. Rani Mukherji proved her mettle as an actress of calibre in SAATHIYA and in CHALTE CHALTE, she takes a step forward. She slips into the character with amazing ease, proving that she's a reservoir of talent. Looks-wise too, Rani has never looked as gorgeous as in this flick. Jas Arora comes up with a fine performance. Johny Lever isn't loud this time around [Thank God!], but how one wishes his character was properly developed. Amongst character artistes, Satish Shah and Lillete Dubey stand out. On the whole, CHALTE CHALTE has several aces in its kitty the light and emotional moments, the performances, the deft execution of the subject that makes you fall in love with love… But, most importantly, the film has tremendous emotional appeal to make the family audience throng the theatres. At the box-office, CHALTE CHALTE has all it takes to emerge victorious. Highly recommended! The film portrays the eternal problems between the sexes. Director Aziz Mirza tries to find this out in his movie which promises to be soothingly different. With Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee playing the lead roles, this movie has to be so. Jatin Lalit and Adesh Srivastava’s music is also another plus point. Shah Rukh Khan: Raj A middle-class boy who knows the appointment he cannot miss is the last date of the month because that day he gets his pay check. He is educated and good-looking in a strange sort of a way. Everybody seems to enjoy his company, and he brings life to any discussion. He is a walking talking cure for grim faces. Emotional like most, he dreams of all things good for himself and the girl of his dreams…but reality bites and so does Priya sometimes when she looses her temper. But he tries…he wins sometimes and looses sometimes…but he looses his mind most of the times. All in all his dreams and aspirations are in the right place…only he doesn't know how he is going to reach there. To be Raj or not to be Raj is not the question…to remain Raj with a few adjustments is his only problem in life and love. Rani Mukherjee: Priya A girl with her heart and mind in the perfect slot. In fact all her dainty shoes are also stacked up in the right slots. Perfectionist to the core. She knows what she wants and she won't take no for an answer. A million dollar smile and looks that would stop trucks on a highway. Truck drivers…well that is another thing. A girl you would instantly want to take home to your mother…but she would only come if your house is clean, otherwise she would do it herself. She loves Raj because of what he stands for…but she knows what exactly about him she cannot stand. She wears the right shoes, the right attituide, the right tone... Supporting Cast Sameer - JAS ARORA Manubhai - SATISH SHAH Mrs.manubhai - JAYSHREE T Priya¹s father - RAJIV VERMA Anna mausi - LILLETE DUBEY Nandu - JOHNY LEVER Traffic cop - JAMEEL KHAN Shopkeeper - SURESH MENON Postman - HYDER ALI Dhobi - SURESH BHAGWAT Irani - DINYAR TIRANDAZ Paanwala - MASOOD AKHTAR Cleaner - GOVIND KHATRI Mechanic - GAGAN GUPTA Tambi - AAFAQ Eggseller - SATISH NAGPAL Flower girl - SUSHMITA DAAN Bank manager - GUL MANSUKHANI Announcer - ARUN VERMA Vegetable seller - ARUN SINGH Milkman - ATHAR NAWAZ Female plane passenger - KAMINI KHANNA Male plane passenger - MUKESH AHUJA Friends - VISHWAJEET PRADHAN, NAVEEN BAWA, ASHISH KAPOOR, HOWARD ROSEMEYER, BOBBY DARLING, MEGHNA MALIK, MADHAVI CHOPRA, VANI TRIPATHI, JUHI JAWAID Grand mother (Rani Mukherji) - DALJIT SOUNDH Friendly appearance - ADITYA PANCHOLI The Crew Director: Aziz Mirza Producers: Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Aziz Mirza Associate producers: Ronnie Screwvala, Zarina Mehta, Deven Khote Executive producers: Sanjiv Chawla, Sanjay Bhattacharya Director of photography: Ashok Mehta Story & screenplay: Aziz Mirza, Robin Bhatt Dialogues: Pramod Sharma, Ashish Kariya Lyrics: Javed Akhtar Music: Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Srivastava Background score: Aadesh Srivastava Choreography: Farah Khan Art director: Priten Patil
Boom
Friday, June 13, 2003
The fashion world meets the underworld and all hell breaks to make Boom Written and directed by Kaizad Gustad (of 'Bombay Boys' fame), 'Boom', is produced by Ayesha Shroff under the banner of 'Quest Films'. The line-up is impressive... Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Gulshan Grover, Jaaved Jaaferi, Madhu Sapre, Padma Lakshmi, Katrina Kaif, Seema Biswas, Zeenat Aman and Hollywood star Bo Derek, the film has been shot in Mumbai, Dubai and Sri Lanka in 63 days flat. Kahani yeh hai... 'Boom' revolves around three sexy supermodels Anu Gaekwad (played by Madhu Sapre), Sheila Bardez (Padma Lakshmi) and Rina Kaif (Katrina Kaif) who live and work together in India and belongs to the international world of fashion. They are the best in their field. Aur phir ek din... A prestigious, diamond-encrusted fashion show set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gateway of India, goes horribly wrong. Anu trips on the ramp, much to her public embarrassment and along with her two model friends, Sheila and Rina, she even picks up a fight with another model on the ramp itself. In the ensuing scuffle, this model's hair opens up and hundreds of glittering stolen diamonds which were due to be smuggled out of the country, fall on the ramp, only to be snatched by the paparazzi and celebrities alike. Cut to... Abdul 50/50 alias Chote Mia (Jackie Shroff), Mumbai's notorious gangster, who got his name because he takes 50% of every deal. The diamonds were stolen by his men and were due to be smuggled to Dubai the night of the fashion show. In Dubai, they were to be handed over to his elder brothers in the syndicate. Cut-Piece Saleem Suiting-Shirting alias Medium Mia (Gulshan Grover) is the go-between, the middle brother, not too small, not big enough yet. He handles the business side of their underworld operations, answering to Bade Mia (Amitabh Bachchan), the kingpin, the father figure and the most notorious gangster on India's Most Wanted list. And Bade Mia wants the diamonds back, COME WHAT MAY. The task is set and passed on to Medium, who in turn passes it on to Abdul 50/50. 'Get the diamonds back, or else'. The drama builds up... The stolen diamonds are priceless antiques and have to be recovered by the gangsters from Anu Gaekwad and her two best friends and fellow models, Sheila and Rina, as the gangsters hold them responsible for their disappearance. What follows is a plot-driven game of cat and mouse; hide and seek. Will the three gangsters outwit the three models or will the models use their myriad charms to get away? Or will it all just take a twist? Its all in 'Boom'. Behind the scenes... Ace designer Anna Singh has given each of the characters in 'Boom' a distinctive look. "The looks were decided by Kaizad and Anna well in advance," informs producer Ayesha Shroff. While Amitabh Bachchan sports white hair, green eyes, tanned skin and wears variations of full white throughout the film, Jackie Shroff is always in black, sporting a pair of trend-setting glares. But it is the flamboyant bad man Gulshan Grover, who gets to wear all the colourful outfits. In fact, Gullu's name in the film happens to be 'Cut-Piece Saleem Suiting-Shirting'... though that's not because of his outfits... but for his unique (!) ability to cut his enemies to pieces without touching their suiting-shirting (uh, oh!!). Coming to the director of the film, Kaizad Gustad, he's best defined in his producer's words. "Kaizad's a maniac," quips Ayesha Shroff. "At least he works like one," she adds. Minus his famous hair locks now, Kaizad is still very much the non-stop workaholic that he has been since 'Bombay Boys'... he's non-tiring, passionate about his work and also backs it up with some brilliant execution on celluloid. "If he had his way, he'd work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," quips old-friend Jaaved Jaaferi. Kaizad's written the script of 'Boom' too (on which he worked for 2 years... when he did that lil disappearing act even as 'Bombay Boys' emerged a hit). "He knew exactly what he wanted, so no time was wasted during shooting," says Ayesha Shroff. While acclaimed international cinematographer Himman Dhamija has handled the camera for 'Boom', the music is composed by Mercury Award winner Talvin Singh and Sandeep Chowta. Sanjay Jumani and Mel D'Souza are the executive producers while Laxmi Singh is the line producer. The film is put together by the international award-winning editor Reva Childs. 'Boom' is all set to release in about a month. More on bollywood at glamsham.com
Hollywood? Not for Kareena
Friday, June 13, 2003
Mumbai, June 13 It's almost as if Kareena Kapoor is on a role-shopping binge. Sooraj Barjatya, Govind Nihalani, Dharamesh Darshan, Deepa Mehta, Mani Rathnam -- those are the varied directors she is working with. "It isn't as though I've made a deliberate effort to seek such roles. But, yes, I've become conscious of my own abilities. And I want to do roles that stretch my abilities beyond what I've done so far," Kareena told . "After 'Refugee', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (K3G) and 'Khushi', I finally feel Sooraj Barjatya's 'Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon' has brought me to a new level in my career." Kareena wants to work with every major director in Bollywood. "I love hardcore commercial cinema! I don't believe in non-mainstream or crossover cinema. Nor do I want to go to Hollywood. Why would I want to do a Steven Spielberg film if he reduces me to a chorus dancer? "I feel we've wonderful directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowariker whose films have gone to the Oscars. Please let me go through the cinema of all our major directors. Then we shall see about Hollywood. I don't want to go abroad and be treated like an alien." "It feels very nice to have won the confidence of directors as dissimilar as Govind Nihalani and Dharamesh Darshan. I feel very enthused by the challenge. "It's reassuring to know that Govindji could have faith that I could play a scrubbed makeup-free Muslim girl in 'Dev' when I was a complete commercial actress dancing in red leather pants, singing 'You're my sonia'." "I guess talent speaks louder than backbiting," she adds. "I've been accused of being unprofessional and rude. It hurts me, but only on a personal level. Do you think Sooraj Barjatya, Dharamesh Darshan, Abbas-Mustan, Deepa Mehta, David Dhawan or Govind Nihalani would want to work with me if they believed I was troublesome? "So many new scripts are being narrated to me every day. Wouldn't they rather work with the girls who speak this way about me? Isn't Sooraj Barjatya one of the three best directors in Mumbai? Why didn't he sign one of the other supposedly more professional girls who're willing to compromise on their price?" There's the "great Rs.15 million wall" surrounding Kareena. Ask her about her unshakeable price and she bursts into an exasperated laugh. "I've slashed my price for Govind Nihalani and Mani Rathnam. If you come to Kareena Kapoor with a good script, you get her for whatever price you can afford. If it's a potboiler, then what do I do? I do get tempted to do films that I shouldn't just to make some money. "I did nothing except shoot throughout 2002. I had withdrawn into a shell, unwilling to defend myself. Working with Sooraj Barjatya healed my wounds. While the media was flogging me, this humble and sensitive man who happens to be a legendary director came along as my saviour. "He renewed my self-confidence by not only selecting me for his film but also by nurturing my talent, for whatever it may be worth. Does it matter what others say?" What really pleases Kareena is that the role of Sanjana in Barjatya's film, which opens on June 27, will give her a new image. "My character Poo in K3G is heavily embedded in everyone's mind. But I believe 'Main Prem...' will change that. For the first time I play such a simple homebound, though not unglamorous, character. "God willing, if the film does well, the nation would be pining to see much more of Hrithik (Roshan) and me together." The chemistry between the two charismatic stars is for all to see. "This is our fourth film together and there was great comfort level. I think Hrithik is a very special person and a very special actor. He's outstanding in 'Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon'. This film projects him as a complete hero." As she prepares to join Mani Rathnam's unit in Chennai, she touches wood. "I've been in the industry for just three years. At 22, my career and life are going very well. I couldn't have asked for more."
Ramgopal Varma
Friday, June 13, 2003
Ramgopal Varma feels vindicated... His just-released flick BHOOT has received a favourable response at the box-office, with viewers and critics who matter giving it a thumbs up. The response to the film has indirectly registered a tight slap on the faces of the self-proclaimed 'box-office pundits', who'd predicted doomsday for the film even before the film had hit the theatres. Ramu's mobile phone keeps ringing incessantly. The SMSs don't stop either. "I'm more than satisfied with the results," Ramu tells me, as he relaxes himself on the couch, "I was swimming against the tide. The film had no songs, no visually-striking locales, no Johny Lever brand of comedy, no saas-bahu melodrama to woo the Hindi belt... BHOOT went against every rule in the book, which explains why a lot of people felt it wouldn't work. But it's the paying public that decides what's good for them, not a minor section of the film industry." Made at a cost of Rs. 6.5 crores, the film opened to an excellent response everywhere, even at places where Ramu's previous flicks had opened to a dull response. "I think, the dialogue promos of the film did the trick," he admits. Continuing in the same breath, he says, "I started the preview shows of SATYA exactly a month before its release and everyone who saw it gave it a 5-star rating. Despite the glowing write-ups by the media, the film did not even fetch an opening at the box-office. In the case of BHOOT, the buzz wasn't positive before its release. Yet, despite loose talk and backbiting, the film opened to a fabulous response everywhere. It clearly indicates that the audience is the deciding factor, not a handful of critics." He actually jumps as he admits that BHOOT is not an original film. "Now that the film has released, I wish to admit to you that it's a copy of my earlier film RAAT. I caught glimpses of RAAT on a satellite channel yesterday and I wondered, 'Gosh, what an awful film!' Believe me, every time I see RAAT, I feel like crawling underneath the couch. This horror film was actually horrible," he laughs loudly. He continues, "I decided to remake RAAT, with a few alterations of course. Urmila enacted Revathi's role, Aakash Khurana and Rohini Hattangadi [Revathi's parents] were combined and made into Ajay Devgan's character, while Rekha enacted Om Puri's part. But the changes were carried out in such a way that no one could guess where the actual inspiration of BHOOT came from." The success of BHOOT has been an eye-opener not only for the film trade, but also for Ramu. "No more songs in my films henceforth," he says firmly, "When I look back, I feel I should've avoided songs in ROAD and even JUNGLE. But, let me clarify, I'm not against inserting songs in my films. If I attempt a film like D.D.L.J. or RANGEELA, it would be incomplete without songs. But in films like BHOOT and DARNA MANA HAI, there's no place for songs." Incidentally, there's just one song in Ramu's new film DARNA MANA HAI, directed by his erstwhile assistant Prawaal Raman. "It's a very different film. Like BHOOT, it defies the existing 'set of laws' for the formula-ridden Hindi cinema," he divulges, "I'm not focussing on the star cast, though I can easily capitalise on the names to generate hype for the film. This time around, I'm planning a wacky campaign to promote the film." Wild, that's for sure! Ramu is introducing fresh promos of the film, which are bound to raise eyebrows. "I'll actually ask questions to the viewer in these promos. Questions like - 'Are you expecting a love story? If you are, sorry, this film is not one, aana mana hai'. The second promo is, 'Are you expecting the locales of Switzerland and U.S.A. in DARNA MANA HAI? Sorry, this film doesn't have those locales, aana mana hai.'" He continues, "And days before the film hits the theatres, I'll highlight all negative comments used by some reviewers, like 'This film is bound to fail at 'B', 'C' and 'D' class centres, says XYZ, so don't watch the film' or 'This film will only work at multiplexes, says ABC, so avoid the film.' Unlike the trend of highlighting only positive stuff, I'm forewarning the viewer that he should stay away from DARNA MANA HAI." While DARNA MANA HAI is all set for a July 18 release, another Ramgopal Varma film - EK HASINA THI [Saif Ali Khan, Urmila] - will hit the theatres in August this year. "Mark my words, Shriram Raghavan, the director of EK HASINA THI, will be one of the most sought-after names once this film releases. He's made a fantastic film," Ramu says. Incidentally, Ramu had offered SHOOL to Raghavan, much before E. Niwas stepped in. EK HASINA THI has an equally captivating storyline [though Ramu revealed in detail the story to this writer, it would be unfair to reveal the plot to the readers at this juncture, when the promotion of the film hasn't started yet]. "If you felt Urmila was brilliant in BHOOT, then watch her performance in EK HASINA THI. Her performance in BHOOT is no patch on her work in EK HASINA THI. She's stupendous in the film," Ramu adds. Getting geared up for his most ambitious project, EK, Ramu is also continuing with the practice of introducing new talent to the industry. He speaks highly of Mohit Kumar, whom he's introducing in one of his forthcoming productions. "He's got the personality of a star. He's someone like Salman Khan - dashing to look at. And I think he'll work wonders in action-oriented roles." More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
The Return of the Khan
Friday, June 13, 2003
The much awaited movie releases today - "Chalte Chalte". Shah Rukh Khan after a long time is seen again on the silver screen. Plagued by back problems and a subsequent operation of the spine, Shah Rukh is all set to woo his fans with this one. From the look and the promos of the film, it sure promises the Shah Rukh fan his old magic. The film is also important for a lot of other entities. To start with for Dreamz Unlimited, an entertainment company floated by Shah Rukh, Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza. Dreamz got off to a "nightmarish" start with the box office bombing of its 1st film, "Asoka". "Chalte Chalte", will be a deciding factor for the fate of Dreamz, though the film is also backed by UTV. The movie is also tres important for Rani Mukherjee, who has not had a hit or a release for a long time. The last hit to her credit was Karan Johar's "K3G" (where she played a cameo). How will fans receive the movie? Will this film be another Khan super hit?
Hungama
Friday, June 13, 2003
With the horror genre casting a spell on the box office, ace director Priyadarshan is all set to tickle the audiences' funny bone with his laugh riot Hungama. Originally from the southern film industry, Priyadarshan shot to fame in Bollywood with his feudal drama Virasat in 1997, however, after a series of flops, his comedy flick Hera Pheri went on to become a major hit. Hungama is a situational comedy about three men vying for a single woman and trying tricks to win her love. Aftab Shivdasani, one of the lead actors of the film says that he was very happy with the way the film shaped up. "The movie has been well made. It is a good comedy and comedy is something that I am always comfortable doing. I am very happy doing the film," said Aftab. Aftab's last movie Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche failed at the box office. Though the film boasts of veteran actor Paresh Rawal and Akshaye Khanna, the surprise element of the film is debutante Rimi Sen. Before getting ready to roll on the big screen, Sen was the most oft-seen face in television commercials. She shot to fame with a soft drink commercial with actor Aamir Khan. "Well it was a very rich experience. I got a chance to work with Priyadarshan as a newcomer. This is my debut film and as a newcomer I feel lucky to grab this chance," said Sen. Priyadarshan is known in film circles as a director who can cut the budget of a movie by half just on the strength of his pace of work and his present movie too has been wrapped up at an electryifying speed. Although his last film Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar failed to rake in at the box office, industry sources say that this one may well hold on the audience to their seats.
'What would I play after Devdas? Hitler? Mussolini?'
Friday, June 13, 2003
The Khan with the biggest clout at the box office has a hard act to follow. Devdas was not just the biggest success of 2002, it also placed a huge responsibility on Shah Rukh Khan's shoulders. What next? "I'm tired of playing larger-than-life characters. What would I play after Devdas? Hitler? Mussolini?" Khan laughs. "I don't want fall into the image trap. Funnily enough, a lot of people think Devdas is a historical character. Ke aisa aadmi kahin rehta tha [There once lived such a man]. My doctor in London [where he recently underwent back surgery] didn't know about Devdas. I gifted him a DVD. It has done wonders for all of us abroad. Like Lagaan, Devdas does ring a bell among foreigners." Shah Rukh says he plays just a regular character in his new film Chalte Chalte. "Devdas was a hard act to follow. Films like [Aditya Chopra's] Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and [Karan Johar's] Kuch Kuch Hota Hai gave me a larger-than-life image. In each film, I was expected to make an 'entry,' the way heroes did in the 1970s with the camera panning the shoes first. Now it is time for me to behave like that character in mythology who decided to become a mosquito to fight the rakshasa [demon]. I play an ordinary character in Chalte Chalte. It's a simple character. It is a very Hrishikesh Mukherjee kind of film. It is really about people who are normal. I don't even want to be noticed in Chalte Chalte. Adaaon se mein maar khaa gaya nahin to main bahut achcha actor hota [Gimmickry got the better of me, otherwise I would have been a great actor]." The actor, who is currently holidaying with his wife and two children in London, is all praise for his costar Rani Mukerji, who replaced Aishwarya Rai in Chalte Chalte after she had shot for the film for two days. Says Shah Rukh, "Right from the start, director Aziz Mirza wanted Rani. She heard a full narration of the script before me. But she was doing what she thought was a similar film [Saathiya]. Though I had worked with her in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, I had never done a full-fledged role with her. She began her career with me in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She was supposed to do Dil Se.. with me as well. Chalte Chalte has given her a role worthy of her talent." The question is, will audiences accept their superhero as a workday guy who woos, and almost loses, the girl?
'Khwahish is not a sex film, but a women's weepie'
Friday, June 13, 2003
Seventeen smooches and more, promised Govind Menon's Khwahish. The film's lead couple, Himanshu Malik and Mallika Sherawat, also encouraged the belief that Khwahish was a 'bold' film. But the first day second show crowd felt it had been taken for a ride. The frank dialogues did come as a revelation, but there were only as many steamy scenes as had been shown in the promos, give or take a smooch. Did Menon and Malik's ploy to project Khwahish, a love story with a tragic end, as a steamy film boomerang? Dinesh Raheja has an animated discussion with Khwahish's director and hero. How would you describe the opening for Khwahish? Govind: The film got a bumper opening. Himanshu: The critics have definitely been hard [on me] but people have liked me in quite a few scenes. For instance, they liked the scene where I purchase a condom. Or when I try to act normal after the doctor tells me that my wife is suffering from cancer. Or when I break down in Kerala. Govind, why did you play up the sex scenes so much in the promos, since your film is an emotional love story? There is a lot of nepotism in the industry. It is difficult for young filmmakers who make films with new actors and technicians to complete a film, let alone release it. We had to get an opening by hook or by crook, because if a film like this did not get an opening with all the bad reviews, we would be dead meat. So we did whatever we could to get an initial. Himanshu, one felt you were flat in the emotional portions. I was trying to be subtle. Govind and I took a call on playing the dramatic portions in a subdued, restrained fashion, but it did not work out as we had hoped. It was a difficult role for a second film. I felt like I had been pushed from driving on the road to a Formula 1 race track. Now that the crowds have smartened up to the fact that Khwahish is not a sex film, do you think they will reject it? Govind: Well, the taporis are not happy with the end. They will slowly depart from the theatre, which is good news for me. I am confident that women will start coming in thereafter. In fact, they are already coming in after the opening weekend. They have realised it is not a sex film, but a women's weepie. Any afterthoughts? Govind: I think there are many places where I could have made changes for the better, but what matters finally is that we have been able to make a film. We surprised everyone, just like Kenya did in the World Cup. The scene in the locker room, one felt, was incorporated for sheer titillation. Himanshu: Some scenes might not be full of emotional content, but they project a slice of life. I had forgotten to bring my underwear that day and they decided to incorporate the fact into the script. Do you think the film will make money? Govind: My distributors are jumping with joy. I have sold the film for Rs 30 lakh [approximately US $64,300] in Mumbai and the distributor recovered the money in the opening weekend itself. Himanshu: The film has got an excellent initial. I am happy with the response to my work. As for the flaws in my performance, all I can say is that I am learning.
Bhoot
Friday, June 13, 2003
Bhoot Director Ram Gopal Varma Producer Nitin Manmohan Cinematographer Vishal Sinha Cast Ajay Devgan, Urmila Matondkar, Rekha, Nana Patekar Seema Biswas, Fardeen Horror films in Hindi cinema have been presented in a routine fashion over the years. The sound of the door, the owl on a tree, the pitch-dark night, the blowing of the wind, the soft movement of curtains, the lights going off… The Ramsays redefine the genre. The skull in the verandah, the dead body being buried in the backyard, the aatma resurfacing to avenge the murder, the scar-faced ghost… Nothing of the sort happens in BHOOT, directed by Ram Gopal Varma. BHOOT is atmospheric, spooky, bloodless and carried by strong acting and fleshed out characters. Dream Merchants Enterprise's BHOOT is an urban supernatural thriller set in Mumbai city. Vishal [Ajay Devgan], a stock analyst, is in search for a flat for his wife Swati [Urmila Matondkar] and him. He finds the perfect place on the 12th floor of a tall apartment building. The flat has a problem… the previous occupant, a young woman, had plunged to her death from the balcony. But a non-superstitious Vishal does not let this affect his decision to shift in. He just neglects to inform Swati about this. Eventually, Swati finds out about the young woman's death. She starts losing sleep over it. She begins to see things. She gets distressed. What Vishal thinks is a psychological problem begins to unravel into the unexplainable. He becomes helpless. In a fight to save Swati, Vishal will have to reach out into the horrifying and discover the truth. RGV defies several 'rules' of Hindi cinema, like Rule 1: Hindi films are incomplete without songs. RGV has done away with the mandatory song-dance sequences in BHOOT. In fact, the film has no songs at all and one doesn't miss songs in an enterprise like this. Rule 2: The makers need to intersperse comedy with the intense portions to balance the proceedings and provide 'relief' to the viewer. There're no 'light moments' or 'relief factors' in the film. In fact, the film is so very content-driven that one hardly longs for any 'relief' or 'light moments'. Rule 3: The hero has to romance the heroine, otherwise the romantic track looks incomplete. The romantic track exists, but has been treated differently. The intimacy between the couple is more mature, unlike the routine stuff. Rule 4: Matching the star cast with heavy production values is a must. Foreign locations/grand sets enhance the look of the film. One of the USPs of this 1 hour, 59 minutes' film is that the story is set in the middle of the city. There's tremendous identification with the goings-on, with every character looking believable. The desire to watch breath-taking visuals does not surface in a film like this. The first time the ghost appears, you get a shock of your life. And then the ghost comes face to face with Urmila Matondkar. The impact is eerie. So strong is the impact that the sequence stays with you even after the show has ended and you've retired to bed. The murder at the interval point raises the expectations from the second half. Post-interval, more characters are introduced Nana Patekar [who comes a scene before the intermission!], Rekha, Tanuja, Fardeen Khan, Victor Banerjee… and the reasons that prompted the ghost to haunt the house are unveiled. The sequences thereafter, right till the climax, have a nail-biting effect. It keeps you on the edge all the while. RGV is in complete form this time around. Undoubtedly one of the best makers in India today, RGV proves yet again that he has the guts to take the untrodden path and come up with awe-inspiringly different stuff. The director's contribution looms large in every frame. Writers Sameer Sharma and Lalit Marathe have developed a complex subject with dexterity. Identification with the story is a major asset of the film. From the screenplay point of view, the story moves on a singular track all through, without deviating into unwanted tracks. It's refreshingly different from the formula-ridden stuff. Two more aces of the film are Dwarak Warrier's sound effects and Salim-Sulaiman's background score. Both are of international quality. In fact, sound plays a major role in a film like this and RGV has ensured that the sound quality is superior. Vishal Sinha's cinematography is appropriate. The performances are of a high order. Ajay Devgan enacts a role that is in sharp contrast to his action image he plays a helpless husband remarkably. Nana Patekar is extremely competent as the tough-talking cop. Rekha is superb in her role, while Fardeen Khan [neighbour] registers an impact in a small but significant role. Tanuja [mother] proves yet again that she's a dependable performer. Victor Banerjee [psychiatrist] is first-rate. Ditto for Seema Biswas [house maid], whose performance adds to the mystery. But the film clearly belongs to Urmila Matondkar all the way. To state that she is excellent would be doing gross injustice to her work. Sequences when she is possessed are simply astounding. If this performance doesn't deserve an award, no other performance should. It beats all competition hollow. On the whole, BHOOT is a richly rewarding experience for the discerning horror fan. It has thrills and chills to entice, excite and scare the viewer. At the box-office, the film should prove to be a winner all the way. Business at multiplexes will prove to be the best. Ram Gopal Varma's Bhoot is a break free from the routine horror flicks. It is one of the scariest films of recent times. Thankfully, there are no cliché things that one witnesses in horror flicks. The film proves that one does not have to depend on horrifying surroundings to witness ghosts but it can even enter your drawing room and scare the daylight out of you. Vishal (Ajay Devgan) is a modern day guy working in share market. He is in search of a house. And he finds his dream home on the 12th floor of an apartment. The broker and the secretary warn him that the earlier occupant of the house fell down from the balcony and had died. Vishal does not have any problems with that and he shifts into the house with his beautiful wife Swati. But as destiny would strike it, the ghost of Manjeet (Barkha Madan) and his son Akshit haunts Swati. Slowly, but surely, things turn ugly for Swati and she behaves abnormal. All attempts by the doctors and the psychologists fail and finally as destiny would strike, everyone is convinced about the existence of the ghost of Manjeet. Thankfully, the pace of the movie is very good and keeps the viewer engrossed immediately after the first five minutes of the film. The film has some very scary moments that scare the daylights out of the cinegoers. Scenes where the ghost enters the first time, make an impact. The scenes of Urmila with Rekha are really engrossing. One major factor, which makes the film highly scary, is the background score by Dwarak Warrier. The film definitely belongs to him and he is the hero of the film. On the other hand, small things like the lift, the chair of the watchman, the doll etc are used to perfection and keeps the viewer wanting for more. The film maintains a very fine balance between emotionally involving the audiences and constantly scaring them. An average cinegoer might ponder over the importance given to the car coming and being parked again and again in the parking area, Ajay Devgan packing his backs and leaving office, the lifts and of course the door bell -- but at the end of it is all results in the technicality of the film. Another added advantage is about the cast, not one actor is actually introduced just for the sake of it. They all come in the narrative and all have an important part to play in the flow of the film. Like Nana Patekar, the inspector who comes in the picture when he has to investigate the murder in the building. Similarly, Tanuja comes in when Rekha calls her, as she is the mother of Manjeet. Even Fardeen comes in the pre-climax when he is called. So, in a way it works overall for the film and there are definite well built characters rather than any attempt to cash on their star value. Every character is used in a perfect manner, like the watchman who seems to be suspicious and later on he actually turns out to be one of the culprits. Rekha looks what she is supposed to look and Tanuja does what she is needed to do. Nana Patekar plays his role to perfection. However, the only 'flaw' if any is its climax. This is one aspect that may not find complete acceptance from a section of the audience that doesn't believe in the supernatural. On the flip side, Ram Gopal Varma fails to bring in an impressive climax. After the first half of the film, the expectations rise from the second half and the climax of the film. But sadly, the second half till the climax is not as impressive as the first. The climax comes as a major disappointment. One wonders what could he have done otherwise to finish the film. Also, the film depends too much on the technical aspects like wide-angle shots, and sound effects, which will leave the masses a bit confused. However, he also succeeds in not following the age-old trend of camera following people in a horror flick. The film belongs to the characters and everyone has done justice to their roles, be it the doctor - Victor Banerjee or the bai - Seema Biswas, all of them have specific jobs to do in the film. Rekha, on the other hand, speaks with her eyes. She proves that she a fantastic actress. Nana Patekar is stellar in his role; he does complete justice to his character. Fardeen Khan and Tanuja are just about average and do their part honestly. It is Ajay Devgan and Urmila, who steal the show, they both complement each other perfectly. It is very difficult to actually judge who is better and where. While Urmila steals the show in the first half, Ajay Devgan is a winner in the second. Also special mention to Barkha Madan as the ghost, she definitely looks scary. Sabir Masani, Akshit, Amar Talwar and Lalit Marathe pass muster. The whole credit of the excellent narration goes to Ram Gopal Varma. This is another feather in his cap and the film will be appreciated largely for the way he has shot it and the excellent fashion he has narrated. At the Box-office, the film has all that it takes to appeal to the cinegoer. But if not for the debatable climax, the film would have done wonders. Kunal Shah India Syndicate
Khwahish
Friday, June 13, 2003
Perry Pictures' KHWAHISH, written-directed by Govind Menon, could've been a refreshingly different love story, but in an effort to provide 'hatke' entertainment, the director loses track and stumbles badly, making a complete mess of the film in the process. Himanshu Malik is a super-rich brat, who hates his dad as much as he likes car racing, while Mallika Sherawat is the daughter of a chicken farmer. The film starts with an unusual scene where the boy meets the girl in a shop. They have an argument over buying a kurta-pyjama, but after they are through with their shopping, they realise that there is more to their relationship than fighting over kurtas and pyjamas. Life goes on a fast lane wherein after a few meetings, the couple fall in love. After the exams, when Mallika talks about going back to her village, Himanshu can't take the separation and proposes marriage. She agrees and takes him to her village. There is no opposition from her father. He accepts the relationship. Now, Himanshu has to persuade his family for the marriage. His father, however, has different plans. He wants Himanshu to complete his studies first and think about marriage later. Himanshu is adamant. The marriage takes place, but not before Himanshu's dad has ousted him. The couple now shift into a chawl, where Himanshu is studying for his MBA, while Mallika takes care of the house by taking music classes. Himanshu completes his MBA and gets himself a good job. However, with a high profile job comes a very hectic schedule. Mallika, at times, feels lonely, they try to socialise, but that does not seem to work. They think of a different option, to have a child. But as fate would have it, Mallika can't conceive. Medical reports indicate she has blood cancer. The rest of the story is about the couple's battle for survival and how they cope up with this harsh reality. The director tries hard to bring some freshness in the dialogues, its settings, the characters, the treatment and some bold scenes to support his cause. He does try everything in the book to keep the viewer mesmerised, but one wonders if such a change would really appeal to the Indian audience, who are used to watching strong emotions in a love story. Why, even the target audience - the youth brigade - might not be able to identify with the goings-on. Actually, the screenplay hampers the proceedings to a great extent. It looks drab and is hardly captivating. Though the first half moves at a brisk pace, it looks disjointed [several questions have been left unanswered!], while the second half is outright predictable, with the focus shifting to too many things before finally zeroing on cancer. Also, the bold scenes are nothing much to talk about and are inserted just for the heck of it [was it to enhance the commercial aspect of the flick?], with no relevance to the story whatsoever. Even the characters are far from real. The director seems to have scant knowledge about weaving the screenplay. For instance, the father-son animosity lacks a firm ground. Even the emotional bonding between the couple is missing. Subsequently, the concept of having a child to perk things up is not just a wierd thought, but will be hard to digest by the audience. The dialogues, however, lend a fresh feel to the film. They are simple, which add to the realism the director tries to portray. Milind Sagar's music is on the ordinary side, with 'Baila' and 'Jaaneman' being the best songs. Cinematography is alright. Amongst the performances, Himanshu Malik is strictly okay. He doesn't convince in emotional sequences. Mahamud Babai, playing Mallika's father, pitches in a good act. Shivaji Satam is wasted. Shahbaaz Khan leaves a mark. The beneficiary, however, from this film will be Mallika. Considering her debut film, her performance makes an impression. And with sex appeal to go with her talent, she could lengthen her stay in Bollywood. On the whole, KHWAHISH leaves many 'khwahishes' unfulfilled. The gentry would find it hard to relate to a love story with minimal emotions, while the front benchers - expecting a lot of skin show - will be grossly disappointed as well. At the box-office, the film will face an uphill task. Rating:- *.
Haasil
Friday, June 13, 2003
Karma Network's HAASIL, written-directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, is a love story set against the backdrop of University politics in Allahabad. Though the film has several gripping moments and a power-packed performance by Irfan Khan, the outcome is hampered when the movie drifts into predictable zone, post-interval. Ashutosh Rana and Irfan Khan are arch rivals and leaders of two political groups with their eyes on presidency of student's union. The rivalry turns intense as Irfan Khan shoots Ashutosh Rana's close associate. Then starts the revenge drama. Meanwhile, amidst all this political mayhem, a love story blossoms… Jimmy Shergill is a University student and an enthusiastic participant in college dramatics. He secretly loves Hrishitaa Bhatt. Their relationship progresses in a rather subdued manner thanks to the conservative norms of the society. It is only through glances, smiles and letters that they finally come to know they are in love. While rehearsing for one of his shows, Jimmy accidentally bumps into Irfan Khan, who, after committing a murder, is escaping from the rival gang. Jimmy helps him escape. One thing leads to another and they become close friends. The problem for the lovers starts when Hrishita's father, with help from her cousins, catches the couple red-handed. The following day Jimmy shoots one of Hrishita's cousins and escapes to Mumbai. But, soon, Jimmy realises things are not as straight-forward and returns to his hometown only to find that Irfan Khan is about to marry Hrishita. The rest of the story is all about the struggle of the two lovers to overcome all odds and remain together. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia does a commendable job in depicting how politics has seeped into college universities. Also, the problems associated for boys and girls to interact in an orthodox society are deftly executed. Tigamnshu has given the story a very realistic touch. Every aspect of the political functioning and the rivalry is looked into, in detail. The conservative norms, the helplessness of the students and the prevalent jungle raaj has all been described aptly. However, in his effort to give an insight into the political scenario that is gripping the students' life, the director goes a bit too far, considering the love angle is overshadowed by the power-maniac politicians. The initial footage given to the rivalry scenes is too lengthy. Instead, more scenes could have been added between the lovers to present a strong emotional bonding building up to the climax. At times, you do feel sorry for the lovers and their worried parents, but otherwise the emotional quotient is on the lower side. Jatin-Lalit's music is pleasant, complimenting the mood of the film. Cinematography is in accordance with the proceedings. Tigmanshu Dhulia's dialogues come in for special mention. His one-liners are witty and clean and keep your ears open for more. Performance-wise, it's Irfan Khan all the way. Rarely do you see a performer in a negative role rising head and shoulders above the rest of the star cast. His presence and dialogue delivery instills life in every frame. Jimmy Shergill comes across as a natural performer. His transition from a carefree teenager involved in dramatics to a fugitive on the run is convincing. Ashutosh Rana, in a cameo, makes his presence felt. As usual, he essays his part with conviction. Hrishita Bhatt, with limited scope, is fair enough. Raj Zutshi goes overboard. Tinnu Anand is fair. On the whole, the reality element coupled with good performances will go in favour of the film. Business in U.P.-Bihar and to some extent in Mumbai should prove to be better thanks to the identification with the story and the college setting. However, lack of an aggressive publicity campaign, coupled with the fact that the film is clashing with the biggies, will make a dent in its business. Rating:- * *.
Ishq Vishk
Friday, June 13, 2003
There's a myth in the industry that music video directors/ad film-makers can rarely make good commercial feature-films. For these makers, form holds more importance than content. Also, very rarely does one witness a newcomer exploding on the screen with amazing talent. The myth lies shattered. Ken Ghosh is a director to watch. And Shahid Kapur is the new star on the horizon. Tips Films' ISHQ VISHK is straight out of Archie's. There's Veronica, there's Betty. Two girls loving the same guy. There's Jughead too, the confidant. Shahid and Amrita Rao have grown up together. Amrita is a simpleton ['Behnji' for the gang!], while Shahid is forever looking for a glamorous companion. The two go through a tumultuous phase in their relationship when a glamorous girl [Shenaz Treasurywala] joins the college. Not just Shahid, but all the hunks can't keep their eyes off her. Shahid tries a ploy to woo Shenaz and wins her attention subsequently. But, slowly and steadily, he realises that his heart beats for Amrita, not Shenaz. The first thing that catches your attention in ISHQ VISHK is the youth factor. Right from the colours to the body language of every character in the film, it is evident that Ken Ghosh has targeted the flick at the youth. The sole problem with ISHQ VISHK is its waferthin storyline. A story like this has been witnessed time and again by Hindi cinema buffs. But a weak plot gets sidetracked with the way Ken has treated the subject. The film has its share of light-hearted scenes, in fact in ample doses. The nitty-gritty of college life has been presented so minutely that the college crowd will love it. The dialogues and the witty one-liners compliment the goings-on so beautifully that it makes the process of watching the film an enjoyable experience. While the first half of the film has its share of enjoyable moments, the drama actually takes place in the post-interval portions. Ken has handled the emotional moments between Shahid and Amrita brilliantly and your heart does go out for the girl who loves her childhood sweetheart unconditionally. The sequence in the birthday party, right till the climax, is proof of good writing, good direction and good acting. Another asset of the film is its music [Anu Malik]. While practically every song is a treat to the ears, their picturisation is not just lavish but very stylised. The dance competition track ['Kya Mera Chehra Romantic Hai?'] is the best song, picturisation-wise, while the title track is a gem, lyrically speaking [Sameer]. Cinematography is in keeping with the mood of the film. Dialogues hold immense appeal for the youth. The sets and the overall look are first-rate. Shahid Kapur is an actor to watch. He has all the qualities to hit the top slot. Not only is he good looking, but he is an amazing performer as well. Very original as a perormer, the youngster has handled the dramatic and emotional moments with flourish. He is an exceptional dancer as well. All he needs to do is pick and choose his forthcoming assignments with care, so that the journey to the top slot is minus hiccups. Amrita Rao is a revelation. If she was quite okay in her first film, she is incredible in her second film. Here's an actress to watch. Her emotional sequences are so powerful that they are bound to melt even the stone-hearted. Only thing, she needs to go easy on her make-up. Shenaz is confident. The length of her role is not substantial, but she does register an impact. Amongst the friends, Vishal Malhotra [Mambo] is excellent. He compliments Shahid at every step. Yash Tonk is a complete natural. Satish Shah, Neelima Azim, Upasna Singh and Anang Desai lend adequate support. On the whole, ISHQ VISHK is a film that grows on you. The film will be loved not only for the youth factor, but a strong emotional base as well. Hit music and excellent promotion by Tips will ensure that its investors reap a good harvest at the box-office. Rating:- * * *.
Nayee Padosan: Worth a few laughs
Friday, June 13, 2003
Here is a film that comes across as one that will entertain. Nayee Padosan does just that. Director BH Tharunkumar succeeds in scoring a few aces in this laugh riot. And, the good thing is, there are no lewd, toilet jokes. Three blokes, Ram, an aspiring actor (Vikas Kalantri, Raju, a Sachin Tendulkar wannabe (Anuj Sawhney) and Raja, a Michael Jackson fan (Aslam Khan) compete with each other to win the new neighbour, Pooja’s, (Mahek Chahal) affection. To impress her, all three invent ways to land up at her home. Ram wants to be tough like Pooja’s grandfather, Raju buys and cuts vegetables for Pooja’s mother and Raja wants to learn classical music from Pooja’s father (Vijay Kashyap). What follows is a game of one-upmanship between the three non-eligible bachelors. Their problem is compounded further by a fourth bachelor Parch (Rahul Bhatt), a baldy who seems just right for Pooja. Expect more confusion on learning that there exists Prabhu’s lookalike who too desires to marry Pooja. Pooja’s hit-and-fit grandfather, classical music teacher father (Vijay Kashyap), homely mother and a dhobi who mocks Star TV add to the hilarious proceedings. Find out who among the five finally marries Pooja and how. Nayee Padosan offers harmless fun, entertainment and raises quite a few gags. But by and large the humour is loud and over the top. A good amount of the credit for it goes to the dialogue writer, Raghuvir Shekhawat’s funny, witty, Mumbaiya speech. The screenplay, although not pathbreakingly fresh, holds your attention because the young actors display some good comic timing. The music is a letdown except for the foot-tapping Saari saari raina. The sad part is that as the film nears its climax it begins to drag into familiar territory. Of the cast, Rahul Bhatt who has a slightly meatier role excels. Vikas Kalantri’s effort to act shows. He ends up overacting. Aslam Khan’s is by no means a dream debut but he does impress occasionally, but more because of his lines than of his effort. Anuj Sawhney makes a mark in his debut effort. Pretty looking Mahek Chahal’s debut is nothing to sing a song about. She simply doesn’t have anything striking to do except for the scene where she breaks Raju’s window glass. Director BH Tharunkumar manages to add zing and chutzpah to his film. Nayee Padosan is worth a few laughs but because of her other padosis. Courtesy: Free Press Journal
Seven Abhishek films this year
Friday, June 13, 2003
Abhishek Bachchan, who has not had a release for a long time now will have seven releases this year. He will soon be seen in Rajshri's Mein Prem Ki Deewani hoon, followed by Apurva Lakhia's Mumbai Se Aayaa Mera Dost, Rohan Sippy's Kuch Na Kaho, J.P. Dutta's LOC, Boney Kapoor's Run, Babloo Pachisisya's Zameen and Mani Rathnam's next project. When asked what he felt about that, he said: "I have not had a release for a long time and now I will be having seven films these year and three of them will be released soon. It's scary, every time my film releases, I get extremely nervous and now with three releasing in quick succession, its double trouble for me. But I am very excited to see how these films do at the box-office and how people react to them. I am excited to see how they react as all the three are extremely diverse in content. Hopefully, the year will be good for me". India Syndicate
'Shah Rukh would scold me if I performed badly'
Friday, June 13, 2003
She was a background Odissi dancer for actress-dancer Meenakshi Seshadri long before she entered films. Today, Rani Mukerji sports a new look -- straight, coloured hair with kohl-lined eyes. The actress does not have many hits to her credit in her six-year career in the industry. Her debut film, Ashok Gaekwad's Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (co-starring Shadaab, son of the late Amjad Khan) vanished into oblivion. She does have a lot of fans, however -- both within the industry and outside it. That started before the Bengali beauty made people notice her in Vikram Bhatt's Ghulam (1998), as she held her own against co-star Aamir Khan. In fact, on the popular Indian television show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Vikram recounted one of Rani's first shots in Ghulam. The shot required her to run into Aamir's arms. He said the actress was so nervous that she ran hard into Aamir, and both toppled over. For the next shot, Aamir braced himself. This time, she did not run quite as hard -- both fell forward. She is also one of the few actresses who shares a fabulous rapport with her female co-stars. Take her special bond with her Chori Chori Chupke Chupke co-star Preity Zinta. And the Khan family -- Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail and their father Salim -- dote on her. Rani has worked with Salman in Hello Brother, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Last year did not begin well for her. Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai, Chalo Ishq Ladaye and Mujhse Dosti Karoge sank without a trace, while Chori Chori (Ajay Devgan) has been indefinitely delayed because of the untimely death of its producer Raju Narula. But her last release in 2002, Saathiya, won her the Filmfare Critics' Award for Best Actress. The film was also one of the few hits of the otherwise barren year. Now, Aziz Mirza's Chalte Chalte, where Rani plays Shah Rukh's wife, is slated for a June 13 release. The role seems similar to what she had done in Saathiya, you would think. But she begs to differ: "Saathiya was about a married couple, but it addressed different problems. It was about the nitty-gritties and problems a young couple who have just started living together face. Chalte Chalte deals with a more mature and deeper form of love. It is about how a man and woman react to situations. Indian films concentrate a lot on emotions and relationships like mother-father, father-son, married couple, unmarried couple, etc. You cannot really get very different with the characters, but you can put them against a different background and different scripts." This is her first film as Shah Rukh Khan's heroine. The two have so far made only guest appearances in each other's films. Rani had a cameo in Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Shah Rukh had made guest appearances in Raj Kanwar's Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Shaad Ali's Saathiya. Rani admits SRK used to scold her to during the shooting of Chalte Chalte. "I had to really work hard to match up with his talent and energy. It was like a school for me because I would learn something every day. But I did not have to do any homework. He scolded me quite often if I performed badly. Things have not changed at all since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," she smiles. Chalte Chalte is about a couple with contrasting personalities who fall in love. Raj (Shah Rukh) is emotional and impulsive; Priya (Rani) is a perfectionist. They marry. Then the problems start, as trivial domestic issues blow out of proportion and lead to adjustment problems. Rani elaborates, "The film is about two individuals who are completely different in their thinking, upbringing, and nature, how they meet and fall in love. Of course, there has to be a clash because they are different people with different ideas." This is Rani's first film with director Aziz Mirza. "Aziz has a very simple way of portraying things," she says. "Portraying simple and natural emotions is more difficult than dramatic scenes. "For me, a director is more important than a big banner. A great director can do wonders. Of course, banners do matter because, ultimately, after all the hard work you put it, the film must release. This will happen only if you work with a good banner or a producer who markets your film well, gives the director whatever he wants, and releases the film." The actress, who plays a journalist in her next film, Sudhir Mishra's Calcutta Mail (Anil Kapoor), was considered for some of the best projects of 2004 -- Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani (Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor), Ketan Mehta's The Rising (Aamir Khan) and Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades (Shah Rukh). While she was dropped from the first, she has still not signed on the dotted line for the other two. Rani considers each of her 20-plus films different from one another. She says, "Directors portray characters differently. I too try to make the characters look different in my own way. Besides, with every co-star, you have a different experience. You learn different ways of acting and doing scenes. That makes the characters look different."
Bhoot has set the box office coffers ringing and is coming out through everybody’s ears.
Friday, June 13, 2003
With a very predictable, staccato title, one hardly expected Ramgopal Varma to turn the very concept on it’s head. Havelis give way to a 12th floor duplex apartment, the woman in white with long flowing hair is replaced by a woman in a black sleeveless dress and short hair; horrifying Ramsay like masks and claws give way to minimal grey and black shades of make-up, the chills and jolts mainly coming from the silent deathlike presence as against sharp camera angles. And no songs. The superb performances from Urmila and Ajay Devgan are the icing on this chillingly different cake. Combining Shymalan’s Sixth Sense treatment with a Hitchcockian approach, Varma’s Bhoot ushers in relief for an industry plagued by flops. It is a sign of a great and different future ahead, where filmmakers will risk trying to be different. is akin to a ride on a roller-coaster, screams escaping your lips every time you brace yourslf to go downhill. Bhoot deserves every bit of its success, but like everything, there are some who carp on Varma’s successful experiment. It has taken the industry by surprise. The film did not match their expectations. It did match my expectations, quips Varma who’s redefined the horror genre in Bollywood. Some have written that the film has surprisingly taken a bumper opening at the box office, but will not be able to sustain itself. What does that really mean? They didn’t expect the film to work at the box office. They only know how a film should be made and how they run at the box office. He says Bhoot has broken the myth that a songless film does not work. The audience either likes or dislikes a film. Bhoot is different on so many levels - it does not have songs shot in Switzerland, does not have a conventional storyline and has been made on a shoestring budget, but as Varma says, it’s opening matched that of a big budget film. Without romance and songs, one wonders what made it work. Varma says, The film’s opening has a lot to do with the promotional campaign of the film. All we showed were reactions of the characters with no bhoot at all. Besides, we kept challenging the audience with promos saying ‘do you believe in ghosts?’ It provoked them to visit the theatres. He says the approach was totally Hollywood their teasers keep teasing the audience. To his critics he said, Fardeen being raised to the wall was not the intention in the film, it was to evoke a startled reaction on Nana Patekar’s face A medium budget film getting a big film opening seems to have given the industry a fresh lease of life. Well, someone had to bell the cat and it had to be me. A medium budget film with a cost of Rs 6 crores took an opening that was equivalent to that of a Rs 30 crore film. Just yesterday I met a director who came and told me he is going to ask his producer to scrap the songs from his film because it is marring the narration of the story. I am quite certain producers are now going to listen and become receptive to new ideas and experiment now. Bhoot didn’t really get the kind of appreciation that Company got. I feel Bhoot is far more superior for me directorially. Because Company had a lot of material and one had to package it attractively. In Bhoot, I had to create something out of nothing using sound and movements of the camera. An ordinary scene of Urmila walking down the stairs to go to the fridge becomes a crucial sequence and that is where the command of the directorial medium comes. Bhoot is definitely the beginning of major jolts to come from RGV.
Salman might play ‘big brother’ to Saif
Friday, June 13, 2003
Rumors are abuzz that Salman Khan has been approached by director Anees Bazmee to play a big brotherly role to Saif Ali Khan in director’s next movie. The yet-to-be-titled movie will also have Anil Kapoor playing the third hero in the film. Although not much information is forthcoming, it is believed that the film is the story of three brothers. Bazmee is also thinking of roping in Tabu for one of the female lead roles. Other heroines are yet to be finalized. The film is being produced by Boney Kapoor.
Russia not for ties with Pak at the cost of traditional allies
Friday, June 13, 2003
Moscow,Friday, June 13, 2003: Russia would not go for any improvement in relations with Pakistan at the cost of Moscow's traditional allies in the region, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov has said. "Russia intends to further advance the joint work with the Pakistani side to remove existing differences, move towards development of multi-plan and mutually beneficial ties, but of course, not at the cost of our traditional partners," Losyukov said in an interview to and the Hindu ahead of Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov's South Asia tour. Ivanov is leaving for the sub-continent tomorrow night during which he is scheduled to spend a day in Islamabad and two nights in New Delhi. This would be first visit of Russian foreign minister to Pakisan in 10 years, since Andrei Kozyrev visited Islamabad in 1993. "During talks in Islamabad the Russian side will reiterate its known concerns regarding threats of terrorism, extremism and illegal drug trade emanating from the direction of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Losukov said. According to Losyukov, Russia gives 'its due' to Pakistan for its participation in US-led anti-terror operation in Afghanistan and steps taken by President Pervez Musharraf's administration to neutralise the activities of miltant Islamists in the country. "Moscow (however) expects Islamabad to consistently fulfil all the obligations taken by it for combating terrorism and religious extremism," he said. 10:05 IST
US opposed to restrictions on outsourcing
Friday, June 13, 2003
The US is opposed and trying to resist restrictions on outsourcing of call centres and IT services as proposed by some American states, according to US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick. Zoellick, at an intensive three-hour session with Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday, told Jaitley the Federal Government's stand on restrictions on outsourcing as proposed by New Jersey and four or five other States. Jaitley informed Zoellick about Indian "concerns and sensitivities" at the level of both public and political opinion. India feels that such restrictions are "completely contrary to the spirit of market access," Jaitley said. Jaitley also raised with Zoellick what is technically called restrictions on "the movement of natural persons" -- the right of skilled and unskilled labour to move freely across borders to take advantage of job opportunities-- pointing out that trade in services is as important as trade in goods, with India specially interested because it is becoming a "knowledge economy." Jaitley, who had met Commerce Secretary Don Evans the previous day, also raised with Zoellick several other issues of concern to India, which, if met, will benefit both India and the United States. 10:05 IST
Advani, others exempted from personal appearance in Babri case
Friday, June 13, 2003
The special CBI court hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case today fixed June 19 as the next date of hearing and exempted Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and seven other accused from personal appearance. Special judge Justice Vinod Kumar Singh exempted Advani and seven others including some top BJP leaders from personal appearance on the submission made by their counsel. Besides Advani, the seven accused in the case include HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharati, Vinay Katiyar and VHP leaders Ashok Singhal, Giriraj Kishore, Vishnu Hari Dalmia and Sadhvi Ritambra. The copies of supplementary chargesheets submitted by the CBI during the last hearing were made available to the counsel of Advani and others.
Badal-Tohra Announce unity
Friday, June 13, 2003
Patiala,Friday, June 13, 2003: In a significant development in Punjab politics, Shiromani Akali Dal Psident Parkash Singh Badal and Sarv Hind Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra today formally announced unity between the two factions. Badal drove down here this morning and met Tohra at his son-in-law Harmail Singh Tohra's residence. Tohra read out the brief unity draft written in Gurmukhi language. "Keeping in view the sentiments of the party rank and file and political need of the situation it has been decided by us to unite," Tohra said in the statement read out by him. Both the leaders hugged each other and exchanged sweets. They said other modalities would be worked out at a later stage. The new party, they said, would be known as Shiromani Akalidal. Tohra said Sarv Hind Shiromani Akali dal (SHSAD), floated by him, has been disolved. The event was unannounced and only a few Akali workers new about it. Prominant among those present on the occasion included former ministers Manjit Singh Calcutta and Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal. Badal and Tohra parted ways six years ago when Tohra talked about decentralisation of power in the Akali Dal and was unceremoniously shown the door by Badal. Tohra later floated the SHSAD.
India living in a "tough neighbourhood": Advani
Friday, June 13, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani hsa said that India is living in a "tough neighbourhood." To its north, Maoist insurgents operate with impunity in Nepal which had implications for the security of both the countries and to the east, insurgent groups from India have sought refuge in Bangladesh and Myanmar and receive support from some elements in these countries who are inimical to India, he said at a function here on Thursday. Advani said India was "cautiously optimistic" of the peace process in Sri Lanka but the threat of terrorism had not receded in the island nation. "We are cautiously optimistic of the peace process in Sri Lanka but the threat of terrorism in that country has not receded," he added. 13:27 IST
Advani confident that BJP would win next year's elections
Friday, June 13, 2003
Chicago,Friday, June 13, 2003: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata party would win the parliamentary elections scheduled for next year and that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would continue to lead the country. His party, he said, would not fight elections purely on political issues but stress on good governance, development and other economic issues. Since forming the coalition government, BJP has tried to fulfill the promises it has made in its election manifesto. It might not be one hundred per cent successful but it also cannot be accused of ignoring them, he said. There is no denying that the country has made much more progress under the leadership of Vajpayee than under several earlier governments. In this connection, he paid tribute to statesmanship of Vajpayee who, he said, had successfully led the government in coalition with several parties, some whom once did not want even to "touch" BJP and in the process has proved wrong the doom-sayers who were predicting the fall of the government within a short time. Vajpayee is now the longest serving non Congress Prime Minister, he added. Advani made these remarks both at meeting of party workers and later at the meeting of the Indian community. Some sixty Indian American organizations had come together to give a warm welcome of Advani. 13:27 IST
Harbhajan raring to get back into groove
Thursday, June 12, 2003
PTI NEW DELHI: Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has recovered from a finger injury and now wants to use his curtailed stint at Lancashire to get back into the groove for India's engagements against New Zealand and Australia towards the end of the year. ``I cannot wait to get going after being out of action for two months,'' Harbhajan said on the eve of his departure to England. The Sardar is expected to join Lancashire county on Friday. He missed the start of Lancashire's county campaign because of an injury on his bowling arm, which gave an opportunity to former West Indies skipper Carl Hooper. Hooper made a fine impression with both bat and ball in the three matches he turned out for Lancashire. ``I have followed Hooper's exploits closely,'' said Harbhajan. ``Now, it is my turn to perform for the county.'' Harbhajan has, indeed, kept a close eye on action in the county circuit, including the stuttering start of his team-mate Yuvraj Singh for Yorkshire, whom he could well be bowling to in the Roses match between the two counties in the National Cricket League, at Manchester, on June 20. The off-spinner has been troubled by the injury in his bowling hand, particularly the big gap between his thumb and index finger. After the triangular tournament in Dhaka in April, Harbhajan went to South Africa and was relieved by the medical opinion that he did not need surgery. ``I was relieved they did not recommend an operation. They had a close look at the hand and felt it was just a case of over-use." Harbhajan has bowled continuously for India since his second comeback against the Australians in a home series in 2001-2002, featuring in 25 of the 29 Tests, and 64 of the 80 one-day internationals the country has played during this period. Harbhajan has so far played 33 Tests and picked 144 wickets at 26.60 apiece, with a five-wicket haul on 11 occasions and a 10-wicket booty twice. He has also turned out in 77 one-day internationals for India, picking exactly 100 wickets at 28.29. ``Specialists in South Africa prescribed a set of exercises to strength the area and it is healing will,'' said the lively Sikh. Harbhajan does not want to try out anything new during his stay at Lancashire and says he will stick to the basics and get his rhythm back. ``I don't want to experiment much. It would be fine if I get my rhythm back and gain confidence.'' Send this Story to your friend
India-US seal informal pact
Thursday, June 12, 2003
WASHINGTON: Profound changes are taking place in India-US ties. Almost every- thing that Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani said on Tuesday at the end of his two-day visit to Washington points to an unprecedented level of confidence, warmth, and fealty between two sides that have had a hard time being on the same wavelength for half a century. Short of declaring a formal alliance, the two countries have now signalled their intent to work together in a global and regional architecture that accepts American pre-eminence but recognises India's own sphere of influence and independent line of action without jeopardising the interests of either country. "President Bush expressed his strong desire to continue the process of transforming Indo-US relations," Advani said in a statement at the end of two days of meetings with the US leader- ship. " He also reaffirmed the US stake in building relations with India in a strategic context." The White House did not issue any state- ment but US officials endorsed the sentiments. "On my part, I assured President Bush that we did not view our relations with the United States as a matter of convenience, but as a partnership of trust and confidence, which can stand up to whatever challenges the future brings," Advani said. The two sides ironed out several wrinkles in course of Advani's visit, even agreeing to disagree on US policies towards Pakistan. On India's peace initiative with Pakistan though, Advani said President Bush had expressed "warm admiration" for the Prime Minister's move of gambling for peace and improving political space for resolving differences. He said, Bush had reiterated that he would be speaking to Presi- dent Musharraf about creating a climate in which this initiative could succeed. When asked, at a press conference, whether the US agrees with India that no progress in Indo-Pak talks is possible unless cross-border terrorism into Jammu and Kashmir ends, Advani ap- peared to acknowledge differences on this point. He said, "The American government is conscious of all these facts (terrorism) but every government has its foreign policy interests to safeguard, and those foreign policy interests may be based upon certain assessments with which India may not agree." But the Pakistan issue, for once, was marginal to deputy prime minister's talks. Advani, credited with a tough position on India's neighbour, went so far as to say that unlike his last visit here, this one was not Pakistan-centric." In fact, the issue of Indian troops for Iraq appeared to dominate talks with the principals, a fact Advani conceded. He insisted, however, that there was no pressure to commit and the government of India "is free to take a decision" after hear- ing clarifications about the nature and mandate of the mission and the command structure from the Pentagon team that is visiting India. Advani also said he did not take up the issue of outsourcing in any of his meetings because it was a matter for American compa- nies who stood to benefit from the process to lobby against legislation aimed at stymieing it. In his statement however, Advani said President Bush had told him "that he saw India as one of the leading drivers of the high- technology world who had contributed significantly to the in- crease in US productivity by providing Indian manpower, know-how and entrepreneurship." Shortly before leaving for Los Angeles on Tuesday for meeting the Indian community, Advani had a luncheon meeting with vice presi- dent Dick Cheney, his official host and a man, who along with defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld, is credited with providing the intellectual inputs to the new American world view - projecting force and seeking new alliances. Advani said Cheney in his invitation letter had expected their meeting "to cover the strategic nature of Indo-US relationship and the agenda for bilateral cooperation...In line with this suggestion and in consonance with my own expectations, my inter- actions with the US leadership has helped in promoting both these objectives", the deputy prime minister confirmed at the end of a landmark visit that appeared to seal an informal alliance between the two countries.
Former Miss Bangalore held in Delhi sex racket
Thursday, June 12, 2003
New Delhi/Bangalore, June 11: The Delhi police on Wednesday claimed to have unearthed a high-profile prostitution racket with the arrest of a 22-year-old model at a five-star hotel. Jyoti Reddy, alias Ritu Reddy, was arrested by Crime Branch personnel at a five-star hotel at Chanakyapuri late on Tuesday afternoon. The model claimed to be a former Miss Bangalore. However, the website of Dream Merchants, the event management company that has been running the pageant since it started in 1994, makes it clear that no Jyoti or Ritu Reddy was ever crowned Miss Bangalore. While the fashion fraternity in Bangalore is not certain about who Jyoti Reddy is, a prominent makeup artiste from the city recalls working with a "certain Jyoti Reddy" a couple of years ago. She says, "She used to do a few small shows and had taken part in some local beauty contests. I don’t know when or if at all she moved out of the city. But I haven’t worked with her in the recent past." After a tip-off, the Delhi police set up a decoy customer who called Reddy on her cellphone to fix a deal. They struck a deal for Rs 15,000, of which Rs 2,000 was paid to her as advance.
Hillary praises Delhi girl’s poem in memoirs
Thursday, June 12, 2003
New York, June 11: US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s memoirs Living History has a whole chapter, "Silence Is Not Spoken Here," about her visit to India and other countries in South Asia in March 1995 and being inspired by a Delhi college girl’s poem. The title of the chapter has been taken from the poem, written by Anasuya Sengupta, then a student of Lady Shri Ram College, and presented to the former First Lady on her trip to India. Ms Clinton reveals in Living History that the chance gift of the poem saved her from a writer’s block and presented her with a theme and a cause she was to take up earnestly later that of the women whose voices were never heard. Of the reasons behind her visit, she said: "The state department had asked me to visit the subcontinent to highlight the administration’s commitment to the region... I had wanted to visit India ever since I was a freshman in college... "Before I decided on law school, I had considered going to India to study or teach. A quarter century later, I was making my first trip there, representing my country. Bill (President Clinton) had asked me to go because he wanted to oversee the development of good relations with India after 40 years of the Indian policy of nonalignment and its ties with the Soviet Union during the Cold War." More than reasons of state, it is the author’s human quest that comes through. "I wanted to see for myself the world’s largest democracy and learn more about grassroots efforts to spur development and women’s rights. I was excited about what I’d be seeing, even though I knew my time and exposure would be limited." The poem by Anasuya Sengupta was a turning point. "I had agreed to make a speech on women’s rights at the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, but I was having trouble writing it. I was looking for one clear image that would express what I wanted to say. At the women’s luncheon, Meenakshi Gopinath, the principal of Lady Shri Ram College, presented me with my inspiration a hand-printed poem written by one of her students, Anasuya Sengupta. It was called Silence, and it began: Too many women/ In too many countries/ Speak the same language/ Of silence... "I couldn’t get the poem out of my head. As I worked on my speech late into the night, I realised I could use the poem to convey my belief that issues affecting women and girls should not be dismissed as ‘soft’ or marginal but should be integrated fully into domestic and foreign policy decisions... The voices of women became my theme, and I decided to end my speech by quoting the poem." Numbed by jet lag and sleeplessness Hillary said she could barely see the pages. She concluded with these lines from the poem: We seek only to give words/ To those who cannot speak/ (too many women In too many countries)/ I seek only to forget/ The sorrows of my grandmother’s silence. Hillary said: "The poem struck a chord with the audience members. Anasuya, lovely, humble and shy in the face of all the publicity her poem generated, was astounded that women all over the globe were requesting copies of it. "Her words also affected my travelling companions in the Washington press corps, who responded to me personally to what I was saying about women’s lives and rights. Reporters asked me after my speech why I hadn’t addressed these issues sooner... The transformation that took place in my relationship with the press was one of the pleasantest surprises of the trip." Living History is itself making history with a record first print run of one million copies. It sold 1,000 copies at the opening book signing at the Barnes & Nobles bookstore at Fifth Avenue and 48th Street here Monday morning.(Indo-Asian News Service)
Bush to send team to clarify Indian troops' role in Iraq
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Reflecting US keenness for India sending its troops to Iraq, US President George W Bush is dispatching a team to New Delhi next week to provide any clarification on the exact role of the proposed peace force. Bush brought up the issue of India contributing its troops to the US-led efforts to stabilise Iraq during a 30-minute unscheduled meeting with visiting Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at the White House today. The US President, who dropped by when Advani was holding talks with National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, said the Pentagon team would visit New Delhi on Monday to address whatever clarification India had with regard to contributing its troops in Iraq. Emerging from the meeting, Advani said Bush decided to send the team when he told him that the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security had discussed the issue twice and needed some clarifications. "It is only after that the Government of India would be able to take a decision on the issue", Advani told reporters. US has been keen on India's participation in the stabilisation force in Iraq, because of the country's track record in the realm of peacekeeping operations. The issue was raised by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Sunday when in a rare gesture he called on Advani. Before taking any decision, India wants clarification on certain issues, including the need for such a force, its roadmap and the command under which it would work.
Bush reflective of Indian position on cross-border terrorism
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
India's concerns and problems resulting from Pakistan-sponsored cross border terrorism were conveyed today by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to US President George W Bush who fully "reflected" the Indian position. Departing from protocol, Bush dropped by when Advani was in a meeting with National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice at the White House, and held a 30-minute discussion with the Deputy Prime Minister focussing on the global war against terrorism. Bush backed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's peace initiative and particularly refered to his speech in Srinagar which provided political space to Pakistan. India's peace initiative with Pakistan, the issue of New Delhi sending its troops for peacekeeping in Iraq and a range of other matters also came up in their discussions. Advani said that Pakistan-sponsored cross border terrorism came up for discussion and "he (Bush) refleced our concerns and our problems". The meeting assumes significance as it took place days before the visit of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to US to hole talks with Bush. 14:39 IST
Statutory probe into Frontier Mail fire unable to trace cause
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
A statutory probe into the Frontier Mail fire near Ludhiana last month that claimed 36 lives has not been able to trace its cause pending a report of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh. The fire started from S-4 coach, according to the Commissioner of Railway Safety, North Eastern Circle, Bhupender Singh, who held the probe. An offficial release said Singh, who held a statutory enquiry into the unusual occurrence of fire in three coaches of 2903 Up Golden Temple Mail at about 0355 hours on May 15 between Ludhiana and Lodowal Railway stations, has not been able to come to any conclusion as to how the fire started till such time the report of the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh, is received by him. The enquiry was held at Ludhiana from May 18 to 21 and thereafter here from May 24 to 27. 16:32 IST
Jaitley asks Americans, NRIs to invest in India
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Jaitley asks Americans, NRIs to invest in India New York,Tuesday, June 10, 2003: Inviting Americans and NRIs to invest in India, Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley has assured them that the country has taken decisive steps to upgrade infrastructure and fine tune economic policies. Jaitley also offered investors all facilities and incentives in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in which private sector would play the major role. "Indian economy because of its basic soundness has withstood the shock of terrorism, Iraq war and global economic slow down and has continued to grow", he said addressing a meeting of the India China Chamber of Commerce on Monday. He said India had achieved economic growth despite anti-terrorism steps taking a large chunk of the country's resources, both men and material. "India has turned the corner to become a nation of surpluses from one of shortages whether in industry, education and telecommunications". Promising streamlined investment process, Jaitley said investors would have one window clearance of all their problems and issues that might come up. The Minister said India is seeking investments in diverse areas and has great potential in areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication. Impressive presentations were made on the facilities provided in the SEZs including tax holiday, provision of services, zero licensing, 100 per cent FDI in industries, development of road and rail links, during the meeting. 11:11 IST
Advani, Bush discuss cross-border terrorism, Iraq
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Advani, Bush discuss cross-border terrorism, Iraq[ TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003 02:57:21 AM ] WASHINGTON: Cross-border terrorism and the possibility of sending Indian troops for peacekeeping in Iraq came up for discussion at a meeting at the White House on Monday between Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani and US President George W Bush. Emerging from the half-an-hour meeting to which the Deputy Prime Minister was invited by Bush, Advani told reporters that he discussed with Bush cross-border terrorism and a range of other issues. Asked whether ties between India and Pakistan were discussed in detail, Advani said, "He (Bush) reflected our concerns and our problems but not specifically. Asked whether Indo-Pak relations would be discussed between Bush and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf when the military ruler visits US in the last week of this month, Advani said, "I'm sure that will be discussed. He said Bush brought up the issue of India's contribution to peacekeeping operations in Iraq and Advani said he told the American President that the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security had discussed the issue twice and needed some clarifications. Bush immediately agreed to send a team to New Delhi next Monday to discuss the issue and provide the clarifications, he said. India has so far hedged on the issue of sending troops to Iraq where the US is finding the going increasingly hostile. Bush, according to Advani, said he greatly appreciated the peace initiatives taken by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Pakistan and he naturally had in mind that India can take initiative of this kind only if it is confident about its own security, said. "Bush agreed every country has to look after its security," Advani said. President Bush said, in his discussion with Vajpayee in St Petersburg recently, he had referred to the Prime Miniter's initiative several times. Bush was particularly appreciative of the Indian Prime Minister's speech in Srinagar which provided political space to our neighbour, said Advani. "We can only hope that Pakistan responds positively to this initiative and that it yields results," the Deputy Prime Minister said. Advani said he conveyed to Bush and Rice India's satisfaction over the kind of relationship that is developing between India and the US in various fields, including defence. Advani said, during his discussion with various key officials of the US administration, he got the feeling that Indo-American relations are now on a different level altogether not tied to any specific issue. "It is not an alliance of convenience," said Advani, adding "it is a principled relationship between the world's biggest democracies, the largest and the strongest. It is proceeding very satisfactorily in that direction." "There is cooperation on various issues including defence, sharing of information on terrorism and so on," he added. Advani pointed out that the director of India's Intelligence Bureau KP Singh was with him on this trip as also home secretary N Gopalaswamy. He said that they discussed details as to what should be done further in so far as sharing of intelligence is concerned. He said the two countries have been sharing papers in this regard. During the St Petersburg meeting between Bush and Vajpayee, Advani said, Vajpayee told the American President that he would like Bush to visit India before the election campaign starts in the US. Advani said he was hopeful that the visit would materialise. Reflective of Washington's acknowledgement of Advani's clout and decision to put ties with India on a sound footing, Bush invited Advani to the Oval Office as the Deputy Prime Minister went to meet National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice. Earlier in the day, Advani had a luncheon meeting with US Attorney General John Ashcroft and terrorism is understood to have figured prominently at their meeting. Advani and Ashcroft are also believed to have discussed the laws both countries are pursuing to make it difficult for terrorists to operate, both in banking and other channels to fund terrorism. Other subjects discussed between Advani and Ashcroft included the Indo-US agreement on counter-terrorism, the implementation of the mutual legal assistance treaty, extradition and crossborder terrorism. Advani is understood to have invited Ashcroft to visit India. The visit is expected to materialise towards the end of the year.
Structure perishes as tourism fails to peek
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
MATTANCHERRY: Even as millions of rupees are being shelled out for heritage conservation and tourism development in West Kochi, the old court of Mattancherry, which has immense heritage value, is slowly fading away due to the negligence of the authorities. The court building, which would have been a great tourism attraction had it been maintained properly, now stands as haven for antisocial elements. It was with the shifting of courts from here to Thoppumpady few years ago that the bad times of this unique building began. The building had been built nearly 150 years ago during the British period, close to the Mattancherry Palace, in the traditional Kerala architecture style. The êinalukettu, êr and the well and the thulasithara are enough to make this structure unique as no other building in this heritage area possesses them. Few years ago, the Public Works Department had decided to demolish this building and construct another one to house the courts. During the last LDF rule, Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for the construction of the new building. Of this, Rs 35,000 lakh was made available initially. However, the interference of the Archaeological Survey of India in the nick of time saved the building. For the last few years, the PWD had been engaged in a tug of war with the ASI for the demolition of the building. However M K Muneer, Minister of PWD, who visited Mattancherry few months ago, directed the department not to demolish the building. Precious wood articles inside the building have already been stolen. The thieves have turned their attention now to roof tiles. Besides antisocial elements are making the building their haven during night time. It is learnt that the Government is thinking of bringing back at least some courts to the building after renovating it. Residents demand that action must be taken quickly so as to save the structure. Else it will have the fate of some other heritage structures in the area, they point out.
Vajpayee is 'the' leader: Advani clarifies
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Vajpayee is 'the' leader: Advani clarifies WASHINGTON DC: Exactly a week after BJP President Venkaiah Naidu kicked up a controversy over who will lead BJP into the next general elections, Deputy PM L K Advani effectively drew a curtain on the row on Monday by asserting that PM Atal Behari Vajpayee will lead the party to "victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls and remain in his post for many more years". Advani made the declaration while addressing members of the Indian community at a dinner hosted by Indian Ambassador to USA, Lalit Mansingh, at Omni Shoreham Hotel here on Sunday night. Advani had earlier debunked the media for "twisting and building" the issue and had dismissed the controversy. However, it was the first time since then that he made such a categorical announcement on the issue. Though Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi had continued to make attempts to put Naidu in the dock, his was the lone voice in the open against the BJP president. Joshi had clearly failed to mobilise any support in his tirade against Naidu. In this situation, a persistence with his current drive was bound to make Joshi's own position embarrassing and make him vulnerable to the charge of indiscipline. Naidu, notwithstanding Joshi's campaign, is apparently safe now with Vajpayee and Advani having struck peace. He could lose his job if Vajpayee had so demanded. However, Vajpayee, after administering a public snub to him, was content with leaving the matter there. On his part, Naidu had made sufficient amends for his misdemeanour. A meeting between Vajpayee and Advani at the former's residence on June 5 had settled the matter completely. Vajpayee, realising that the matter had been blown up rather too much, was also in a conciliatory mood. He referred to his Advani-will-lead-the-campaign-remark and asked the Deputy Prime Minister during the meeting: "Aapne galat to nahin samajh liya (Hope you haven't misunderstood)?" To this, Advani responded by telling him that he had not.
Bollywood finds entry in Oxford English Dictionary
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Bollywood finds entry in Oxford English Dictionary UNI LONDON: With a meteoric rise in interest for Indian fashion, food and films in the West, Bollywood has become an oft-used word, so much so that the word has been Christened as an English word and included in the new edition of Oxford English Dictionary. Bollywood has seemingly danced its way along with a-list, Academy Awards and Honey Traps into the Oxford English Dictionary. Though stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shabana Azmi have objected to the term Bollywood while referring to Indian films, but now "Bollywood" is here to stay. Lifestyle choices of stars have also made its way into the new publication. Pilates, Rehab, Docusoaps, Reiki and G-spot, all of them are now in. The dictionary also includes things that makes many choose a life away from the spotlight, such as "Deep Vein Thrombosis" and "Search Engines." Yardies, Gangstas, Tree-Huggers and Peacenik have also got their way in. The illustrated dictionary from Dorling Kindersley is expected to be released this week.
28-year-old woman alleges she was raped by AIIMS employees
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
NEW DELHI: A 28-year-old woman who came for treatment to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was allegedly raped by two employees of the hospital on Monday. Police later arrested the two Class IV workers. One of them is an X-Ray technician while the other is a medical record attendant at the Institution Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS. They are being interrogated. Police said the woman from Faridabad had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for the past couple of years. Since May 30, she had been coming to the hospital every day. She got an X-Ray done on Monday and was waiting for the report. The victim's husband works in a private company in Badarpur Border. He had asked her to contact Patrick, the 45-year-old medical record attendant in the cancer ward. Officials said the victim's husband knew Patrick for the past few years. The woman would often seek Patrick's help in getting appointments with doctors and dates for various treatment procedures. According to the complaint with the police, the woman contacted Patrick on Monday as she had to undergo some tests. When she reached AIIMS, Patrick allegedly took her to meet Jaipal, the 40-year-old X-Ray technician. Officials said that Jaipal asked the woman to meet him at his staff quarters in East Ansari Nagar, which is behind AIIMS but within the hospital campus. Using this pretext, the he and Patrick allegedly got the victim alone in Jaipal's quarter. According to the complaint, the men assaulted and raped her. DCP (South) Vivek Gogia said that the police were informed around 2 pm, two-and-a-half hours after the crime. The woman's husband had called the Police Control Room, he said. Gogia said that the woman immediately called her husband, who rushed to the hospital. A medical examination of the victim has confirmed rape. Police officials said that a case has been registered at the Defence Colony police station. The victim is in a state of shock and traumatised, officials said. AIIMS PRO Shakti Gupta said: "According to our information, the incident took place at the residence of the two employees working at the Institution Rotary Cancer Hospital. The police will submit us a report. We will take action as per the rules. If found guilty, the employees will be suspended."
Intel's employee strength to top 3,000 in India
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Intel's employee strength to top 3,000 in India MUMBAI: World's largest chip maker Intel Corp will more than double its manpower in India from the existing 1,110 to 3,000 people by 2005, to tap the growth of Information Technology (IT) in the country. "India is one of Intel's fastest growing sites in the world and is considered as the largest non-manufacturing site outside the US," Intel Corp president and chief operating officer (COO) Paul S Otellini told reporters here on Monday. The company would increase its focus in the non manufacturing sector, which would be mainly in Intel architecture, including chip, micro-processor and network designs, he added. Commenting on the company's workforce in the country, Otellini said that it had grown from 100 to 1,000 in just three years, and added that Intel's operations include software and hardware design and development at the Intel India Development Centre in Bangalore. The manpower allocations would be in sales and marketing, as the company sees a good potential in the country, he added. On investments in India, the Intel COO said that India being an emerging market, the company had invested in over 30 companies and have targeted growth sectors like enterprise software and telecom. Intel would continue to invest in the country, with the objective of expanding the local market and assisting local companies in their pursuit for global market opportunities. He, however, did not quantify the amount of investments in India and added that Intel has no plans to make the country a manufacturing base. Meanwhile, in his keynote address on "India Total IT Nation", Otellini said the country needs to accelerate its adoption of wireless technology to strengthen its presence in the "technology savvy global market". "Around the world, Wi-Fi growth continues unabated with additions of over 27,000 hotspots everyday, while in India it is just over 100 spots," he said, adding this was one arena where the country needs to gear up. The growth of hotspots (wireless access points) would drive the growth of Wi-Fi in India, he said, adding hotels, airlines and other industries would be the beneficiaries. The Intel COO also said that Indian Hotels group and Infosys have deployed Wi-Fi in their premises and are "excellent examples" of adoption of emerging technologies. Summing Wi-FI, Otellini said Wi-Fi is the next big thing happening in the IT industry and is the "most exciting" thing in computing. On India's progressiveness in the IT industry, he said that emphasis on IT education, quality and governmental programmes would be the key drivers in the country. The deregulation of the telecom sector, growth in IT professionals, which is expected to touch a whopping 17 million by 2008 would be the other drivers of the Indian IT industry. Quoting Dewang Mehta, past president of National Association of Software and Associated Companies (Nasscom), he said "Indian IT industry is expected to grow to around US dollar 87 million by 2008 and IT would be to India what oil is to Saudi Arabia". Reiterating Intel's commitment to India, Otellini said the company would meet top government officials and its partners and customers to get an operational review of the company. "Increased productivity, rapid expansion, thrust on emerging technologies and evolving usage models will be Intel's roadmap for India," he added. On the global IT industry, the COO said that IT spending around the globe is falling, with Intel itself cutting 10 per cent of its total IT spend. While the semi-conductor market is experiencing a five-six per cent growth around the world, the emergence of newer technologies and competition would result in a slash in memory prices, he added. Speaking about competition in the industry, Otellini said this would result in faster development of technology, resulting in the industry being the gainer. On the recovery of the personal computer segment around the globe, he said the industry is experiencing a growth of around six to 10 per cent, and this trend was likely to continue. "The world has become one global village, while this is good for the economy it is bad as far as viruses are concerned," he said. Stressing on the need of security, Otellini said they (viruses) spread faster, endangering the whole system.
Team will miss Le Roux's presence: Tendulkar
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Team will miss Le Roux's presence: Tendulkar Mumbai,Monday, June 09, 2003: Sachin Tendulkar today said the Indian cricket team would miss the services of South African fitness trainer Adrian Le Roux as he had a positive influence on the team which reflected in its overall performance. Le Roux quit his post to take up a similar job with his national team yesterday. Tendulkar told here that the team's overall fitness level had improved, that too in short time, and Le Roux should be given the credit for it. "He had different set of excercises for each player and within a short span of time the players' fitness improved by leaps and bounds which reflected in the overall performance of the team. Obviously we will miss him," he said. "Infact, he personally saw to it that each and every member of the team goes through the excercies scheduled for him and all of us felt the fitness level increase to a great extent," Tendulkar said. "I am sure the Cricket Board will find a replacement soon," the little master said. On his finger operation in a Balitmore hospital in the USA recently, Tendulkar said he would be totally fit by the time the home series against New Zealand starts in October. "There is no pain now and the operation on my ring finger was a success. However, I will have to go through the rehabilitation process -- pressing tennis balls and other finger exercises -- for the next three months", he added. "The time spent with my family after the operation has also helped me relax and the past five weeks was quality time spent with my family," Tendulkar said. 18:31 IST
Monsoon delay will not impact agricultural production: Singh
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Monsoon delay will not impact agricultural production: Singh Bangalore,Monday, June 09, 2003: The delay in the onset of monsoon in the country will not have any adverse impact on agricultural production this year, Union Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh said today. "The one week delay in monsoon will not have any adverse impact on agricutlural production," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the World Seed Congress here. The Government would not revise the estimate for agriculture production and its exports, he said referring to the arrival of monsoon in the north east and the Kerala coast. Earlier, in his inaugural address at the Seed Congress, organised by the International Seed Federation for the first time in Asia, Singh called on the Indian seed industry to play a major role in dissemination of the latest agricultural technologies to the farmers by providing "good quality seeds" to them. "As Indian economy is changing rapidly, the Indian seed industry must also change and compete with the global industry in technology, quality, innovation and cost-effectiveness for the benefit of the farmers in India and abroad," he said. Singh said the concerns of potential impact on human health and environment through genetically modified crops must be addressed if the benefits of this technology were to reach the farmers. 13:39 IST
India, US to broadbase military ties
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
New Delhi,Monday, June 09, 2003: Set to chalk out a new range of military exercises, India and US are to broadbase their military ties which may include high-level dialogue on an early decision requested by New Delhi for sale of Patriot anti-missile system to it as well as holding negotiations on the upgraded Arrow system. The two countries will roll off these joint interactions in the next month's crucial meeting of security experts - the second in the series - which would discuss India's plea for lifting curbs on sale of duel-use technology. Highly placed sources here said that the US did not categorise Patriot anti-missile system as well as Phalcon, an air-borne early warning radar, as items of duel use, but systems like the joint US-Israel Arrow missile shield could fall in this category. This meeting, the sources said, would be followed by the annual meeting of the joint Indo-US Defence Policy Group to be held here in August. The last meeting of the DPG was held in US last year and the Defence Secretary Subir Dutta is a co-chairman of the Group. The sources said that the Indian request for Patriot missile, which served as an anti-missile shield in both the Gulf Wars, was presently "under discussion." They said the negotiations on the next generation missile shield, the Arrow system, was also being held at the highest level. The US authorities, the sources said, view the Patriot as well as Phalcon radars as "defensive armament systems" and has no objections to their transfer to New Delhi. 21:33 IST
Monsoon rains start to move across India
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
India's annual monsoon rains are falling on the southern coast in Kerala state. They are bringing respite from a three-week heat wave that has killed more than 1,300 people. Weather forcasters says conditions are favourable for its advance to the east. Millions of Indians have been praying for rains and searching for water as wells dried up in the last few weeks. Over 1,300 people have died in southern Andhra Pradesh state due to sunstroke and dehydration. The monsoon proper is not expected to hit Andhra Pradesh until mid-June. The heatwave alert stands for several parts of the state. Dozens of people have died in neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both countries are reporting some rainfalls and dropping temperatures.
Bilateral issues including growing defence cooperation between United States and India figured prominently during talks Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld here. "During the meeting, they discussed bilateral issues and expressed satisfaction at the pace of progress of the growing defence cooperation between the two countries", a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Washington said on Sunday. "In a very special gesture, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld came to meet Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at his hotel on Sunday, as Mr Rumsfeld was going to be travelling out of Washington DC", the statement said, adding "The Deputy Prime Minister has greatly appreciated this gesture". "Secretary Rumsfeld raised the question of India contributing troops for the stabilisation of Iraq. The Deputy Prime Minister said that this matter was under the consideration of the Government of India and that a decision will be taken after taking all aspects into account", it said. The next meeting of the US-India Defence Policy Group has been proposed on August 6 and 7 in Washington", the statement added. Rumsfeld called on Advani at his hotel shortly after the Indian leader arrived here from New York on a week-long official visit to this country.
US eyeing military bases in India, says Pentagon report
Monday, June 9, 2003
United States, which has lined up several joint military exercises with Indian armed forces, is interested in establishing access to military bases in the country, claims a US defence specialist quoting a latest Pentagon report. The report, quoted by the American specialist who advises US industry and policy-makers, says "American military officers are candid in their plans to eventually seek access to Indian bases and military infrastructure". The report based on interviews of senior US and Indian military officials has been quoted by the specialist, John E Carbaugh Jr, in a website US-India friendship.Net. "India's strategic location in the centre of Asia, astride the frequently travelled Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) linking West Asia and East Asia, makes India particularly attractive to the US military," Carbaugh said quoting the recent Pentagon report, entitled 'Indo-US Military Relationship: Expectations and Perceptions'. Carbaugh, in his paper on the same issue, said "currently, the Pentagon is undertaking a major review of the future of US bases in Asia in order to have more flexibility in responding to regional crises and to deal with terrorism". He quotes the Pentagon report as saying that for many American military personnel "India is the most attractive alternative. For these reasons, several Americans underscored that eventual access to Indian military infrastructure represents a critical strategic hedge against dramatic changes in traditional US relationships in Asia".
Vajpayee asks pol parties to stay away from Ayodhya issue
Monday, June 9, 2003
In a significant statement, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday asked political parties and leaders to stay away from the Ayodhya issue so that the "lingering" dispute could be resolved early through talks between representatives of Hindus and Muslims or judiciary. "It seems difficult that ... fruitful talks can take place between political parties and their leaders," he said at a function here organised on the completion of 50 years of Swami Jayendra Saraswati as Shankarachrya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth. "It is .. clear that the Ayodhya issue can be resolved only when it is freed from politics and when political parties stop looking at it from the point of view of who gains and who loses," Vajpayee said. Asserting that his Government wanted to resolve the Ayodhya issue, he said a solution to the problem "lies either in dialogue leading to a mutually acceptable agreement or in a verdict of the judiciary. However, these two options are not mutually exclusive. They can be made complementary".
Terrorism, Hawk deal to figure in Advani's talks in UK
Monday, June 9, 2003
A gamut of issues including international and cross-border terrorism, long-pending Hawk deal and prospects of India deploying its troops in Iraq will figure during the talks Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani will have with British leaders including the Prime Minister Tony Blair here from June 15. Besides Blair, Advani will have separate discussions with his host Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Home Secretary David Blunkett, and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw during his 4-day visit. Though no detailed itinerary has been decided, one of the issues that will certainly come up during the talks with Home Secretary is Britain's arms sales to Pakistan, a home ministry spokesperson has said. Advani, who will reach here after his week-long visit to the US, will apprise the British leaders about India's fresh peace initiative with Pakistan and the need to end the terrorists' traffic from across the border before the two countries could resume a dialogue. The Deputy Prime minister will emphasise that the fight against terrorism would have to be world-wide and no country should be spared for aiding terrorism. Britain is expected to raise the question of deploying Indian troops for Iraq, where the US-led alliance troops are getting bogged down in an increasingly hostile situation. The visit assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee's talks with US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Jacques Chirac in St. Petersburg last week. 09:40 IST
Actor Saeed Jaffrey appointed the Experience Corps' Ambassador
Monday, June 9, 2003
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, versatile actor Saeed Jaffrey has been appointed the Experience Corps' Ambassador for Asian Community in the UK. London-based Jaffrey has acted in a number of well known films including Gandhi, My Beautiful Launderette and Henna. He started his career as an announcer in All India Radio, New Delhi, before starting a radio programme for New York Times in the USA. He is known for his interview with India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Jaffrey was conferred with the honour at the launch of a new website - www.historytalking.com - at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, where the actor spoke about his association with Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor and other leading lights in the Indian film industry. As the Community Ambassador for The Experience Corps, the veteran actor will appeal to the people from the Asian community to offer their skills, experience and some of their time to help in their local communities by becoming a member of the Experience Corps. Vijay Rana, local adviser for the Corps and founder of the website said "Volunteering is a key component of Asian faiths and culture. The Experience Corps is aiming to use the valuable skills that Asian people over 50 have to offer their local organisations. Having a Community Ambassador of the stature of Saeed Jaffrey is an honour for the Corps and we know that with his support we will be able to bring the work of the organisation and its members to a wider audience".
Vohra meets Bhim Singh in J&K
Monday, June 9, 2003
Centre's interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir N N Vohra on Sunday began his second round of dialogue process by meeting Panthers party (JKNPP) chairman Bhim Singh here on the first day of his week-long visit. Accompanied by a team of eight officials, Vohra, on his first visit to Jammu since his appointment as the pointman in February, held an hour-long meeting with Singh who submitted a 15-page memorandum concerning "aspiration" of Jammu people. Singh, whose party is a coalition partner in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government, discussed several aspects of J&K, including socio-economic development, militancy and peaceful solution of Kashmir issue with Vohra, according to official sources. Singh, during talks with Vohra, rejected any move to divide J&K and advocated merger of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) with Jammu and Kashmir as that part was culturally ethnically, socially, linguistically and geographically part of the state.
Advani to hold wide-ranging discussions with top US officials
Sunday, June 8, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani arrived here on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States during which he will hold wide-ranging discussions with top Bush administration officials, including on India's peace initiative with Pakistan, and interact with think tanks, editors of major news papers and the Indian community in Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Advani will leave for Washington today where he is slated to meet Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary for Homeland Security Tom Ridge. A meeting with President George Bush might also take place though it is not on the agenda. Advani would impress upon the American leadership that Pakistan needs to end cross border terrorism which is essential for the Indian peace initiative to succeed. The visit assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's talks with US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Jacques Chirac and Chinese President Hu Jintao in St. Petersburg last week. 09:52 IST
Searing heatwave persists, death toll 1396
Sunday, June 8, 2003
Increased humidity, dust haze and hot winds added to woes of the people reeling under an oppressive heatwave in most regions even as 46 more people succumbed to soaring temperatures pushing the countrywide death toll this scorching summer to 1396. Thirty-six fresh deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh, which turned into a furnace with killer heatwave claiming 1317 lives in the past three weeks, and 10 in Haryana as showers drenched parts of North-East India. West Godavari in Andhra accounted for 261 fatalities followed by East Godavari 199. Nalgonda 192 and Guntur 184, officials in state capital Hyderabad said. Weather office said with conditions becoming favourable, monsoon is likely to finally hit Kerala in a day or two. Pre-monsoon showers had already lashed Kerala and Karnataka and good rainfall activity was continuing in the North-East, it said. Monsoon is advancing towards remaining parts of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim and some areas in sub-Himalayan West Bengal. Mercury hovered around 43 degree celsius at many places in northern India as hot winds blew across the region make life miserable for the denizens. Dust blanket coupled with increased humidity further added to the woes of the people. Mercury touched 43 degrees celsius in Chandigarh while Hisar in Haryana recorded a high of 42.8 degrees celsius. Patiala in Punjab sizzled under 42.9 degrees celsius. 19:58 IST
Concerned RSS tells BJP to focus on ideology, not individuals
Sunday, June 8, 2003
Expressing concern over the leadership controversy in the BJP, RSS Chief K S Sudarshan has counselled the party to focus more on its ideology and principles and less on individuals even as he appreciated the "good work" being done by party Chief M Venkaiah Naidu. Ahead of the BJP's crucial brainstorming session near Mumbai beginning June 17, Sudarshan telephoned Naidu from the party headquarters at Nagpur Friday evening and said while it was important for political parties to project their leaders, the emphasis should be on ideology, principles and programmes of the organisation, Sangh Parivar sources told. The advice came close on the heels of a statement by HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi that the projection of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as 'Vikas Purush' (man of development) was a personal viewpoint of Naidu and not endorsed by any party fora. The Sangh had been consistently "opposed" to the emergence of any "personality cult" not only within the RSS but also all the affiliated organisations such as VHP and BJP as it tends to "dilute" ideology, principles and programmes which were "paramount", the sources said. 19:09 IST
Mosque demolished at Advani's instigation, allege accused
Sunday, June 8, 2003
In a new twist to the Babri Masjid demolition case, five accused today alleged they had pulled down the disputed structure at Ayodhya at the instigation of L K Advani and other senior BJP leaders, a charge denied by the lawyer of the Deputy Prime Minister. The five -- Vinod Vatsa, Santosh, R C Khatri, Amar Nath Goyal and R N Das -- made the allegation while speaking to reporters outside the special CBI court hearing the case here. They alleged that the VIP accused had got their case separated by "exerting influence" and demanded that all accused should be treated at par as far as the trial was concerned. Denying the charge, the Deputy Prime Minister's lawyer Stayapal Jain said in Chandigarh "there is no evidence against Advani and the allegation seems to be tutored against him". "I think there seems to be some mischief somewhere. Otherwise there is no evidence and the credentials of these people who are now saying this is yet to be established", he said. Jain said it appeared that "there are some people who might have been instigated by certain people to say something against Advani". He said so far as the evidence before the Liberhans Commission of inquiry is concerned, no leader, no witness and no CBI official has said that there is any direct evidence against Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati. "I think in the court also till date no witness has said that they did anything at the asking of Uma Bharati or Advani or Joshi", he said. 19:09 IST
World Bank approves 54 mn USD credit to India
Saturday, June 7, 2003
The World Bank has approved a 54 million USD credit from the International Development Association, its soft loan arm, to India to help improve the quality and safety of food and drugs in the country. The Food and Drugs Capacity Building Project will be the first stage of a long-run programme supporting India's vision of ensuring safe, high quality food and drugs for the public. "The project will benefit society at large, but in particular the poor, who will gain from lower morbidity and premature mortality as a result of increased safety and quality of foods and drugs available," a Bank release said. "India has made considerable progress in improving the health status of its population in the last 50 years, but disparities between regions and between the poor and non-poor continue to widen," it said. "Food and drugs oversight is an essential public health function, but inadequate institutional arrangements and limited financial resources prevent India from fulfilling its role," the Bank said. "In addition, India has a large and rapidly expanding food and drugs industry, and pharmaceuticals are a large and growing component of health care expenditure. Consumption of street foods as well as processed foods is also on the rise, as is the concern for consumer protection," it said. "The poor would especially benefit from the Food and Drugs Capacity Building Project because they are more likely to be victims of poor quality foods and access to medication," said G N V Ramana, a senior public health specialist for the World Bank and task leader for the project. 12:35 IST
HC asks Centre to approach Speaker on Cong petition
Saturday, June 7, 2003
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman to resolve the dispute over a Government order asking the Congress Party to evict three of its official premises in the capital. "In case the aforesaid functionaries are able to give their advice and the matter is resolved, that will put an end to the dispute," Justice A K Sikri said perusing the writ petition filed by the Congress Party challenging the eviction order. The Judge said if the Speaker and Vice Chairman "still refuse to give any advice, the matter may be brought to the notice of the court and in that eventuality, it will proceed with the matter on merits". The Directorate of Estates in April 2000 had communicated to the party to evict the three premises -- 24 Akbar Road, 5 Raisina Road and C-II/109 Chanakyapuri --- stating that as per the policy decision political parties recognised by the Election Commision would be allowed to retain only one housing unit from the general pool in Delhi for their office use. The Directorate had allowed Congress to retain 24-Akbar Road subject to the undertaking that it would vacate the same within three years during which it would obtain a plot in an Institutional area. The order had also cancelled all other premises in the occupation of the party with immediate effect. The Congress Party had approached the High Court after its petition challenging the eviction orders were dismissed by the Additional Sessions Judge. 21:58 IST
Fake Bank drafts worth Rs 45 cr seized in Delhi, two held
Saturday, June 7, 2003
In the largest haul of its kind, Delhi Police have seized fake bank drafts worth Rs 45 crore and arrested a financial consultant and a film producer on charges of forgery. Chandan Anurag (41) was arrested by the sleuths of Special Cell when he was in the process of clinching a deal with the Bank of Rajasthan officials in Janpath Hotel Thursday after convincing them that the HDFC drafts he possessed were genuine, police said. He had handed over two bank drafts worth Rs eight crore to the Bank of Rajasthan officials and in lieu of that had secured genuine pay orders worth Rs 2.6 crore in the name of various companies, they said. After Anurag's interrogation, his associate Shabbir Ahmed (37) was nabbed in New Friends Colony in South Delhi and fake bank drafts worth Rs 37 crore were seized from him, they said. Police also recovered a forged letter of HDFC certifying that the drafts were genuine, they said. Anurag revealed he was a film producer, financial consultant and ran a computer institute, police said. He owns Maa Shakti Pictures company which produces serials for regional TV, they said, adding he had earlier been booked for criminal intimidation in Vasant Vihar in 2000. Shabbir was a financial consultant to C R Bansali's CRB Capital Services Ltd till its collapse in 1997, police said. Both Anurag and Shabbir had suffered huge financial losses prompting them to hatch this plan, police said. The two were produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Paramjeet Singh who reanded them to seven-day police custody.
Whole of Jammu and Kashmir is disputed: Pakistan
Saturday, June 7, 2003
Pakistan today responded to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement on Pak-occupied Kashmir claiming that the whole of Jammu and Kashmir is a "disputed territory" and its status was yet to be determined as per the UN resolutions. As far as Pakistan was concerned, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir was a "disputed territory" and its status was yet to be determined as required by the UN Security Council resolutions, Pakistan Foreign Minsiter Khurshid M. Kasuri said in an interview to India's NDTV, carried by the state-run APP newsagency today. Kasuri claimed that this position had been maintained in the Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration. Kasuri was asked about Vajpayee's remarks on Tuesday that if talks have to begin with Pakistan on Kashmir, then they would have to start with the part of Kashmir which is under Pakistan occupation. He said that as far as Pakistan was concerned, PoK had its own President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court as well as its own Parliament whereas that was "not the case with Indian Occupied Kashmir." He also claimed that Pakistan provided full access to Human Rights Groups and the international media to visit PoK. But India did not allow entry of international media into Jammu and Kashmir, he was quoted as saying. 15:26 IST
Tendulkar returns home after successful finger surgery
Saturday, June 7, 2003
Sachin Tendulkar today returned home after a successful operation on his left hand ring finger at a hospital in Baltimore in the US. A tired looking Tendulkar arrived by a British Airways flight alongwith doctor wife Anjali, daughter Sara and son Arjun. They were received at the airport by his elder brother Ajit. Family sources said Tendulkar was fine and would now work on his rehabilitation under sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi. Tendulkar had not only played with the injured finger in the recent World Cup in South Africa but had also amassed over 600 runs to win the Man-of-the-Tournament award. 19:00 IST
Rupee surges against US dollar in early trade
Saturday, June 7, 2003
The Rupee surged against the US currency early today, backed by robust trade and capital inflows and renewed weakness of the dollar overseas. In hectic trade at Interbank Foreign Exchange Market here this morning, the rupee is currently quoted at Rs 46.8350/8450 per dollar, sharply higher from Thursday's finish of Rs 46.8950/9050. The rupee opened distinctly firm at Rs 46.86/88 per dollar. Robust trade and capital inflows amidst receding dollar demand from corporates and importers drove the rupee sharply higher in early trade, with the renewed weakness of the dollar overseas adding to its strength, a forex dealer said. The US greenback came under renewed pressure and dropped against the Euro and the British Sterling, forcing the European central bank to cut the rate by 50 basis point to two percent in order to contain the Euro's sharp rise. In cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 55.57/60, Pound Sterling at Rs 77.97/78.00 and Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 39.81/84.
Thackeray opposes Indo-Pak Cricket ties
Saturday, June 7, 2003
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, a staunch critic of the BJP-led NDA government's soft stance vis-a-vis Pakistan, today strongly opposed resuming cricketing ties with the neighbouring country. "I am against India playing cricket matches with Pakistan...the matches should not be played", Thackeray told reporters here. His statement assumes significance in the light of indications of resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan following Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's latest peace initiatives. "When hundreds of Hindus are being killed in Jammu and Kashmir (by militant forces backed by Pakistan), how can you play Cricket with them ?," Thackeray asked. 19:00 IST
Advani dimisses as "absolute nothing" the leadership issue
Saturday, June 7, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today dismissed as "absolute nothing" the controversy over leadership in BJP but another party heavyweight and HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi criticised BJP Chief M Venkiah Naidu for "limiting" Vajpayee's image saying he represented the "sum total personality" of BJP. Breaking his silence after two days, Advani said "There is absolutely nothing in it. There is no controversy. I don't want to make any comment. "I am a newspaperman. I know how controversies are made without any basis. Of late, shortcomings have crept into journalism and attempts are made to make something sensational. And this is one example. My respect for newspapers has come down that much," he told reporters before emplaning for his tour of US and Britain. However, Joshi said the party had not not taken any decision to project Vajpayee as 'Vikas Purush' and it might be Naidu's personal opinion. No meeting of the BJP Executive, Election Committee or the Parliamentary Board had decided to project Vajpayee as 'Vikas Purush or that Purush'. Joshi, who apparently does not not share good equations with Advani, told NDTV 24x7 "Vajpayee is not not only Vikas Purush. He is our leader. He represents development, guidance, leadership. He represents the sum total personality of BJP and also of NDA. So to limit him to a small segment of political and economical development was never discussed in the party". 21:58 IST
Vajpayee to lay foundation of rail bridge on Kosi River
Friday, June 6, 2003
Tight security arrangements have been made for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is arriving here today to lay the foundation stone for a mega rail bridge across the Kosi river. The Prime Minister would land at Purnea by an IAF plane and proceed in a helicopter to Nirmali in Supaul district for the foundation laying function, which will be attended by Railways Minister Nitish Kumar and Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. He would also address a public rally at Nirmali before returning to Delhi later in the day. Security has been beefed up at Purnea and Supual districts and borders with Nepal have been sealed in view of the PM's visit. About 1000 police personnel and special services bureau jawans would be on duty for Vajpayee's security, Supual Superintendent of Police R P Singh told. SSB guards along the Indo-Nepal border have been put on maximum alert in view of stepped up activities of Maoists and ISI in the Himalayan Kingdom and border districts of Bihar. The 2-kms long bridge, to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 323 crore, would be the second major rail bridge of the four mega rail bridges planned under National Rail Vikas Yojna announced by the Prime Minister on Independence Day last year.
India signs USD 300 million deal for Sukhoi production
Friday, June 6, 2003
State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Russia's 'Stankoimport' have signed a USD 300 million deal for supply of equipment to produce the advanced Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighter jets at HAL's Nasik plant. The contract has been signed within the framework of Indo-Russian deal for the licensed production of 140 'four-plus' generation Sukhoi multirole fighters in India to phase out MiG-21 and MiG-27 production by HAL. Stankoimport said in a release Thursday that the equipment to be supplied to India would be of "general industrial purpose" - meaning that it does not fall into banned items under Russia's international non-proliferation obligations. Under the USD 3.5 billion Sukhoi license deal inked in December 2000, Moscow-based aero-engine design bureau 'Lyulka-Saturn' and Bashkiria-based Ufa engine plant (UMPO) will transfer full technical documentation and technology to HAL for production of unique 'AL-31FP' thrust-vectoring engines for Su-30MKI. The work for the transfer of technology and production of "AL-31FP" engines in India at Koraput is already underway, General Director of JSC "NPO Saturn" Yuri Lastochkin here said. 10:20 IST
Pak for UN-controlled peacekeeping force in Kashmir
Friday, June 6, 2003
Rejecting Indian demand that activities of Jihadi groups in PoK should be reined before resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue, Pakistan today asked India to agree to a UN-controlled peacekeeping force in Kashmir to deal with terrorism. "If you think we are encouraging infiltrators into Kashmir, why don't you agree to a UN-controlled peacekeeping force jointly patrolling under the UN auspices," Pakistan's Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said. Participating in BBC World's weekly programme "Question Time Pakistan" broadcast today, Hayat claimed that none of the Jihadi organisations were working in Pakistan. "We do not allow Jihadi organisations in Pakistan. They (India) have mentioned a few organisations (that they say) are working in Kashmir, over which Pakistan has no control. We have already told them (the Indian Government) to give us evidence." He disagreed with New Delhi's expectation that activties of Jihadi groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should be curbed before any dialogue between the two nations could begin. Answering a question on Sharia law, Hayat criticised the introduction of Sharia law in its present form in the North West Frontier Province. He attacked the provincial government there, led by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal alliance of six religious parties. "If we follow their brand of politics, if we follow their brand of Islam, their brand of religion, (it) will be leading us once again towards the Talibanisation of Pakistan," he stated. 10:20 IST
Jat sikhs and dalits clash, 1 killed, 11 injured
Friday, June 6, 2003
One person was killed and 11 others were injured, four of them seriously when police opened fire to disperse members of Jat Sikh community and dalits who clashed at two places in Punjab's Jalandhar district Thursday night prompting authorities to clamp curfew at a village, police said here. A dalit boy Vijay Kumar (30) of Buta Mandi was killed in the clash, police quoting hospital sources said. The seriously injured have been identified as Ashok Kumar, Puran Chand, Sudhir Kumar and Satnam Singh. 10:20 IST
83 companies take part in Petroleum Ministry's road show
Friday, June 6, 2003
At least 150 delegates representing 83 companies, including Cairn Energy of UK, took part in the promotional road show here organised by Petroleum Ministry of India to invite bidders for oil and gas blocks under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). "The response is encouraging. I do expect the road show here to be fruitful," Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Ram Naik told reporters after the show on Thursday. During the road show, the department showcased 24 blocks, 12 deepwater blocks, 11 on-land blocks and one shallow water block on offer. Ronen Sen, India's High Commissioner to London, offered that the High Commission would do its best to facilitate all investors bidding under NELP-IV. Naik SAID that NELP-IV was launched in the backdrop of the recent huge deepwater gas discoveries made in the Krishna-Godavari basin on the East Coast of India. "In fact some of these have been mentioned as being the largest in the world during the year 2002. So far a total of 9 discoveries with initial in place reserve estimates of over 300 million metric tonnes of oil plus oil equivalent gas, have been made under NELP during the short span of less than three years of exploration," he said. "The last date for submitting the bids is September 30 and after evaluation a final decision will be taken by December 31 this year," Naik said. This is the second road show of the fourth round. The first one was held in New Delhi on May 20 this year. 10:20 IST
Chattisgarh bandh begins, FIR registered against V C Shukla
Friday, June 6, 2003
Raipur,Friday, June 06, 2003: As day-long Chattisgarh bandh began today to protest killing of NCP treasurer Ram Avatar Jaggi, police has registered an FIR against party state chief V C Shukla and about 150 supporters after they allegedly stormed a police station demanding registration of an FIR against Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and his son in connection with the murder. The station house officer of Mohdapara police station V K Pandey registered the case Thursday under various sections of IPC, including a case of dacoity. "I was forced by Shukla, Dr Anil Varma, Pawan Soni, Pramod Choubey and about 100 to 150 supporters when they came to my chamber, forced me and pressurised me to accept their complaint as an FIR," Pandey said in his FIR. "When I tried to explain them that an FIR has already been registered and he was ready to take their statement, they shouted at me, pressurised me and finally snatched my mobile phone and landline phone from my hand and did not allow me to talk to any of my seniors or go out of my chamber and used foul language and threatened me," the SHO said. Working on their pressure, the SHO said, he had to accept their "false report" and on his report a case has been registered under various sections, including dacoity, against them and investigation into the matter was on. Jogi and his son Amit have denied the charges. 10:20 IST
Vajpayee causes flutter, says Advani to lead BJP
Thursday, June 5, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, June 04, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee tonight caused a flutter with a cryptic statement that Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani will lead BJP to victory but the party leadership rallied behind him saying he would remain their undisputed leader. In the midst of a week-long controversy over his remarks of retirement made to a German publication and flip-flop statements by party President M Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister broke his silence on the the issue saying "a self-confident nation and a self-confident party. Neither tired, nor retired. The party would march to victory under the leadership of Advani." He made these remarks at a gathering of his partymen brought by Naidu to felicitate him on his "successful" foreign trip at his residence. A surprised Naidu immediately got up and said "we want to be under your leadership. You are not only the leader of BJP, NDA, India but also Venkaiah and even Advani." Naidu later explained to reporters that what the Prime Minister meant was that Advani would lead the party's poll campaign. "He (Advani) would be our Sarathi (charioteer)," Naidu said. Advani, however, declined to comment on the Prime Minister's remarks. A visibly relaxed Vajpayee, who moved to the lawns, asked journalists present "what are you going to write?". When told they enjoyed his speech, he shot back, "I have that much satisfaction". 22:12 IST
Pak downplays Vajpayee's remarks on PoK
Thursday, June 5, 2003
Pakistan today sought to downplay Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remarks on Pakistan- Occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying leaders should realise the "importance and sensitive" nature of the issue. "I don't think there is any need to react. We are at the receiving end. You just analyse by yourself the statement of the respected Prime Minister Vajpayee for the last one month. So you will be in a better position to realise what he wants to say," Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. Vajpayee had said last night that if talks were to resume with Pakistan on Kashmir issue, they have to be on the one-third portion of Kashmir which was under Pakistani occupation. "It (Kashmir) is a very touchy subject...The leaders should realise the importance and sensitive nature of the subject. We should not not give any harsh statement before it (dialogue) starts," he said. Ahmed told two Indian TV channels separately over telephone that "as far as Pakistan is concerned we are waiting for his (Vajpayee's) response and the timing for the dialogue and we believe and we want that we should start with a good atmosphere and a positive approach...." Asked at what stage should Kashmir issue come up in the talks, the Pakistani Minister said it was a "million dollar" question. "The most intelligent and intellectual diplomat cannot reply in one sentence on how we are going to manage..." Ahmed said he believed when the dialogue starts, there would be a solution. 16:39 IST
Cong accuses Vajpayee of "flip-flop" on Kashmir
Thursday, June 5, 2003
Accusing Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of "flip-flop" on Kashmir, the Congress today objected to his making various statements on the subject and said he should have taken the nation and Parliament into confidence before speaking in a foreign land. "During his foreign visit, Vajpayee made several announcements with regard to Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. At one place, he talked about serious compromise on Kashmir. He even announced retirement if he failed in his Kashmir initiative," Cong Spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters. "On his return, Prime Minister is talking about POK. We take serious objection to Vajapyee's statements on such a sensitive issue outside India without taking political parties and Parliament into confidence", he said. Vajpayee on his return from the three-nation tour had said last night that if talks were to resume with Pakistan on Kashmir issue, it has to be on the one-third portion of Kashmir which was under Pakistani occupation. Stating that the Prime Minister's "flip-flop" policies were not not in the interests of the nation, he said it was expected from him to follow traditions of consensus on major national issues. He also assailed BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu for his "double and multiple" speak on construction of Ram Temple and Babri Masjid side by side at Ayodhya as also projecting Prime Minister Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani as the twin leaders leading the election campaign for the next Lok Sabha polls.
Hindutva will not be poll plank in MP: BJP
Thursday, June 5, 2003
Dhar (MP),Wednesday, June 04, 2003: Just five months ahead of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, BJP has said Hindutva will not be its poll plank and accused its main political rival Congress of "cloning" it on the controversial issue. BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate Uma Bharti, however, asserts that the Bhojshala issue, which threatents to turn into another Ayodhya, will be an issue of "shraddha (sentiments)" for the party during the polls. She spoke about it after visiting and offering prayers at the disputed complex here during her ongoing state-wide 'Rath Yatra', a move seen as an indication that the party wants to associate itself with the issue in run-up to the polls. "We will not use Hindutva as a poll issue... I don't have to prove my sentiments for Hindutva. Our main issues for polls will be development of the state," Bharti told a group of journalists from Delhi here on Tuesday. She, however, accused Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the state's Chief Minister Digvijay Singh of "cloning" BJP on Hindutva and other religious matters. "While Sonia has started going to temples and offering garlands to Hanuman, Digvijay Singh has issued directions to his ministers and MLAs to organise prayers," Bharti charged, adding "this indicates that they are losing confidence". 16:39 IST
US tried to stop Phalcon sale to India but failed: Khokkar
Thursday, June 5, 2003
Islamabad,Wednesday, June 04, 2003: The US has informed Pakistan of its inability to stop the sale of Phalcon airborne radars by Israel to India, saying it was an internal matter between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokkar said. Khokkar, who is currently in Washington to do the groundwork for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's visit later this month, said US officials told him that they had resisted the sale but could not stop it as this was a matter between Israel and India. "We did raise this issue with US officials and told them how this will affect the conventional balance between India and Pakistan. We also told them that it was not a helpful development," Khokkar was today quoted as saying by Pakistani media. The Bush administration had taken note of Pakistan's concerns in this regard, he said adding Musharraf would raise the issue with US President George W Bush when they meet at Camp David on June 24. He said State Department officials had informed him that US is expected to offer Pakistan an economic package during Musharraf's visit. "The Americans are working on some sort of a package. They haven't spelt out its clinical details but have implied to us that it will be worthwhile," Khokhar said. US has already written off USD one billion debt to Pakistan and extended financial assistance amounting to over USD 600 million. Pakistan also wanted the US to write off the remaining USD 1.8 billion as "compensation" for the losses it suffered during the war in Afghanistan. 16:39 IST
Ponting and Tendulkar win awards
Thursday, June 5, 2003
Ponting and Tendulkar win awards Mumbai,Wednesday, June 04, 2003: Australian one-day skipper Ricky Ponting was today declared the winner of the CEAT cricket rating International Cricketer of the Year while Indian offie Harbhajan Singh won the International Bowler of the Year Award. Sachin Tendulkar bagged the Cricketer of the 2003 World Cup award, while his teammate Virender Sehwag was declared the International Fielder of the Year. Ponting also bagged the International Batsman of the Year award. Releasing the list, former test player and executive director of CEAT cricket rating, Sanjay Manjrekar said "as an Indian, it is nice to note that there have been two Indian CEAT international cricketers of the year so far (Venkatesh Prasad in 1996-97 and Sourav Ganguly in 1999-2000), but the Indian team was ranked 7th and 6th respectively in those years". "However, this year there is no Indian at the top for the International cricketer title but the team has been ranked its highest ever at third spot. Indian cricket is doing just fine", he said. The players, who have won the international cricketer title so far apart from Prasad and Ganguly, are Brian Lara of the West Indies (1995-96), Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka (1997-98), Jacques Kallis of South Africa (1998-99) and Muttiah Muralitharan twice in 2000-01 and 2001-02). The Aussies have won the International Team of the Year award three times (1997-98, 1999-00, 2001-02) while South Africa have won it twice (1998-99 and 2000-01) and Pakistan in 1996-97.
Indian girls advance into second round of French Open
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
PARIS: Sania Mirza and Sanaa Bhambri moved into the second round of the girls' doubles in the French Open tennis championships on Monday with a straight sets victory over their French opponents. Mirza and Bhambri defeated the pair of Virginie Ayassamy and Laura Thorpe 6-2 6-1 in a first round tie.
India needs 2.4 million IT professionals
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Ranchi: Union Minister of State for Human Resources Sanjay Paswan said about 2.4 million Information Technology professionals would be required in the country by 2008 and the Government was sparing no pains to meet the demands. The Government had set up Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in different parts of the country, he added. Speaking to media persons in Ranchi on Monday, Paswan said apart from setting up IITs, different educational institutions had given IT education with the help of DOAEC. But private sectors should also come forward and join hand with the Government for speedy development of IT education, he said. The Human Resource Development Ministery would extend full cooperation, if the Jharkhand Government set up Centre of Excellency in the state. Instead of taking formal education, the Youths should take vocational education with a view to meeting the employment demands, he said. Paswan said the Centre was considering to provide special status to Jharkhand as given to the North Eastern states of the country for speedy development. The Minister had earlier reviewed with State Education Minister P N Singh about progress made over the Centrally sponsored schemes in the state.
Vajpayee has "demonstrated real leadership", Kasuri
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Making it clear that it was not "ruffled" by statements from India insisting on Pakistan addressing cross-border terrorism, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri today said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has "demonstrated real leadership" by taking the peace initiative. "I absolutely believe that Prime Minister Vajpayee has demonstrated real leadership. He has shown much strength in the background of very provocative statements from his ministers......I am quite happy with Vajpayee. His heart is in the right place," Kasuri said in an interview well-known anchor Karan Thapar here for SAB TV. He said Pakistan was not "ruffled" by a series of subsequent statements putting emphasis on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism. "We politicians talk to different audience.....It happens all the time." "We have to learn to live with each other. We cannot chose interlocutors. We have to deal with whosover in power in both the countries," the Pakistani Foreign Minister said. On Pakistan's perception that Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani was a hardliner, Kasuri said the Indians should stop demonising President Pervez Musharraf. Likewise, Pakistan too should stop demonising Advani. "We have to learn to live with each other. We cannot chose interlocutors. We have to deal with whosover is in power in both the countries. Our relationship is far more important than to get bogged down with rhetoric," he said adding by doing that both the countries would be strengthening Vajpayee and Pakistan Premier Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali to bring about a meaningful dialogue. 10:45 IST
Pentagon for close cooperation with India
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
The US Defence Department has recommended viewing of India as a strategic partner of US and selling modern American technology and equipment to ensure interoperability between the two countries to meet any regional crisis or threats that may loom in the 2020s. The Pentagon recommendation is on the lines of the advice of US ambassador to India, Robert Blackwill. The report "Indo-US Military Relationship, Expectations and Perceptions," said the most promising areas for cooperation are the naval sector and the joint exercises in dense jungles and learning to flush out terrorists out of their hideouts. Prepared by John E Carbaugh, a consultant who issues "India report" regularly for the Pentagon, the document said the US military could benefit more from training with Indians, more so if the exercises are held on Indian territory. The report, which is based on interviews with scores of senior US and Indian officials, including military personnel, said "India has a variety of landscapes, from ice-clad mountains to deserts, and it would help the Americans because military training ranges are shrinking and becoming increasingly controversial in the United States." "For the US Navy, training with the Indian Navy is the best way to become proficient in the Indian Ocean region." The report noted that the US Navy's elite SEALS and the Indian Navy's Marine Commando are planing a joint exercise to test their unconventional and clandestine warfare skills. The first ever air combat exercises between the best US and Indian fighter squadrons are planned in early 2004, it said. 18:39 IST
Free and pay channels may cost consumer around Rs 200: Govt
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Under intense pressure to make Conditional Access System consumer-friendly, Government today said 60-70 free-to-air channels may be available for Rs 72 even as it ruled out any delay in its July 15 implementation in the four metros. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who had parleys with BJP President Venkaiah Naidu as well as Multi-System operators, also estimated that the entire package of free-to-air channels and pay channels was likely to cost a consumer around Rs 200. "The MSOs have assured their cooperation. We have an assurance from broadcasters that they will announce their pay channel rates by June 15," he told reporters. 18:39 IST
Paes emerges winner in battle with former partner
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Paes emerges winner in battle with former partner New Delhi,Tuesday, June 03, 2003: In their first Grand Slam face- off, Leander Paes emerged better than his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi as he, combining with David Rikl of Czech Republic, registered a tough three-set victory today to reach the semi-finals of the men's doubles event in the French Open. Paes and Rikl, the fifth seeds, came back from the brink of ouster to beat Bhupathi and his partner, Max Mirnyi of Belarus, 3-6 7-5 6-3 in a quarter-final classic at the Roland Garros in Paris. The second seeded duo of Bhupathi and Mirnyi comfortably took the first set 6-3 and were leading 5-3 in the second before Paes and Rikl rallied remarkably to cause the upset. Paes and Bhupathi were meeting each other for the first time in a Grand Slam. They had won the French Open together in 1999 when they reached the finals of the all the four Grand Slams. Paes and Rikl will now take on the US pair of Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan who defeated Massimo Bertolini of Italy and Sebastien Prieto of Argentina 6-1 6-4 in another quarter- final match.
Russia wants India to be strong: Kadakin
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Chennai,Tuesday, June 03, 2003: Russia's ambassador to India Alexander Mikhailovich Kadakin today said his country was sharing its latest technology in various spheres with India as Moscow was keen to see a strong India. "We want to see India as a great power but are sure that the power will not be directed against its friends. We are also supporting it for a permanent seat in the UN security council", he told reporters here. On cross-border terrorism, he said Moscow completely supported New Delhi's demand that not only cross border terrorism but also terrorism along international borders should be stopped. Pointing out that Russia had noted the peaceful steps being taken by India in a bid to restore normalcy between India and Pakistan, Kadakin said his country expected Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf "to carry out in full measure the steps announced by him to combat terrorism". According to the Ambassador, Kashmir was not the focal point for the unrest between India and Pakistan but cross border terrorism. "If the line of control became the line of friendship it can solve the problem between the two coutries, he said. Asked whether Moscow would send troops to Iraq, he said his country would not send troops to serve under the US command. "If we send troops it will be only under the UN command", he said.
Vajpayee would be PM candidate in next polls: BJP
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, June 03, 2003: BJP today categorically stated that Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be its Prime Ministerial candidate in the coming Lok Sabha elections and projection of L K Advani alongside him should not create any ambiguity. Clarifying his statement yesterday that the party would project both Vajpayee as 'Vikas Purush' (development man) and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani as 'Lauh Purush' (Iron Man) during its election campaign, BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu said next year's general elctions would be contested on Vajpayee's "naam and kaam" (name and work). "Vajpayee would remain the Prime Minister candidate. He is neither tired nor retired. As the senior most person next to him, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's name would naturally come up during the campaign. He is number two in the party," Naidu said. 20:17 IST
India ready to resume bus service to Pak from July one
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, June 03, 2003: As part of its peace initiative with Pakistan, India is all set to resume Delhi-Lahore bus service from July one, provided everything goes according to schedule. The issue was discussed at an Inter-Ministerial meeting convened today by the External Affairs Ministry where it was decided that the bus service, stopped following the terrorist strike on Parliament on December 13, 2001, could be started from July one if Pakistan agreed to the schedule. Official sources said while India is ready, several issues including those related to logistics, visa and immigration facilities, customs and security aspects would have to be sorted out before the bus journey started. They said a meeting with Pakistan authorities would have to take place before the service could be restarted. After Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended his hand of friendship to Pakistan on April 18, Government announced a number of confidence-building measures including decision to restore fully diplomatic relations and resumption ofrail, road and air links. India has appointed Shivshankar Menon, currently Ambassador to China, as its High Commissioner to Pakistan, which has named its Foreign Office spokesman and an old India hand Riaz Ahmed Khan as its next envoy to New Delhi. 20:17 IST
India to extend loans to developing nations only through IDIF
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, June 03, 2003: Close on the heels of the decision to prepay 1.6 billion dollar bilateral loans, government today decided to stop extending new lines of credit to developing nations. However, the lines of credit already entered into and partially utilised might be allowed to continue till their completion. An official announcement said fresh release of funds to developing nations would be through the India Development Initiative Fund (IDIF). "The IDIF would also meet the demands for lines of credit through funding of interest differential in respect of credit to be managed and operated by Exim Bank of India. This is being proposed to ensure proper and effective utilisation of the lines of credit through an organisation in a professional manner," the official release said. Presently, India has committed 239 million dollars to Kyrghyzstan, Mauritius, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Surinam while another Rs 1.07 billion has been sanctioned to Vietnam. The decision follows the implementation of IDIF as announced by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh in his budget speech. 20:17 IST
Hero Honda May sales increase 12.25%
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Hero Honda (HROH.BO, news) Motors Ltd., registered a 12.25 per cent growth in sales for the month of May to 1.63 lakh units. This was attributed to a strong growth in sales of the Splendour, which hit an all-time high with sales of 1,02,050 units during the month of May. For more stories visit www.capitalmarket.com
'Bhoot' frighteningly fabulous, haunted Urmila steals the show
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
MUMBAI: Ram Gopal Varma is nothing if not a pathbreaker. "Bhoot" would be considered his finest directorial undertaking if "Company" hadn't come along earlier on. "Bhoot" lacks the spatial dimensions and dramatic impact of "Company". While the "action", if it can be called that, is largely situated in and around a high-rise apartment in Mumbai, there're constant undercurrents of smothered expressions threatening to implode on Varma's stunningly mounted frames. But like bits of bright molten lava, the tensions recede just in time to remind us that in life, as in art, drama isn't about what we see, but what we feel. Throughout this two-hour song-less excursion into the realm of the supernatural, Varma never loses his grip on the essential ordinariness of his milieu. The special feature of "Bhoot" -- besides its utterly original take on supernaturalism -- is the sound design. Together, sound designer Dwarak Warrior, background scorers Salim-Sulaiman and the debut-making cinematographer Vishal Sinha imbue a sense of normalcy to a highly disturbing narration. The cinematography is extremely stylised -- check out Rekha's introductory scene with the frames melting in sensuous undulations. The sound design, though sometimes a little overdone, puts a clamp around your heart. A routine noise like the lift moving in its chute here acquires an ominous relevance. Such rituals of the routine occupy a large part of the first-half, deliberately numbing us into a sense of submission before bludgeoning us with a platter of para-normal episodes. In the first-half when our average upwardly mobile couple Vishal (Ajay Devgan) and Swati (Urmila Matondkar) move into their new abode, we "sense" trouble ahead. In creating that essence of foreboding Varma displays a stirring energy in his storytelling. Curiously the first-half is devoted almost entirely to building a mood. No other major character except the couple and their spaced-out maid (Seema Biswas) is introduced. In the second-half they all show up in gloriously defined cameos. Rekha and Victor Bannerjee representing supernaturalism and science are curiously complementary. While Rekha's presences oozes an aura, Bannerjee's subtle interpretation of the psychiatrist's dilemma is extraordinary. But this is Urmila Matondkar's moment of glory. As the woman possessed she transcends all normal definitions of mainstream performing. The last time we saw an actress playing a possessed woman with such skill was when Linda Blair did the demonised act in "The Exorcist". Urmila makes Blair seem like a blur. In the scenes with the doctor and with the mother of the girl whose soul enters her, Urmila goes the whole hog. And then some more. This performance, so bereft of reference points it's almost like walking on thin air, should fetch her awards galore. After "Pyar Tune Kya Kiya", Urmila once again proves herself to be the most adventurous actress of her generation. Ajay Devgan is strongly supportive. His metamorphosis from a cynical rational being to a fear-stricken husband carries us along the un-trodden path of appalling anguish and nagging terror. But Fardeen Khan in a climactic appearance is wasted. There are several significant subtexts to the plot about possession and absolution. But the most disturbing is one on the pitfalls of a nuclear family. The Sooraj Barjatya-Karan Johar type of utopian joint family (so alien to Varma's cinematic vision) and its utter disintegration is modern times have eventuated in a world of stunning isolation where a work like "Bhoot" is born. While enjoying the process of piecing together a layered supernatural thriller Varma stops to comment on the brutal self-absorption and collapse of moral values of city life. These undercurrents make "Bhoot" his most emotional film to date. Too bad Varma and his editor Shimit Amin are in a hurry to move on. There're pockets of unbearable pain in "Bhoot". Feel free to revel in them. Or otherwise just enjoy "Bhoot" as the cleverest most original horror film since man invented terror to keep his mischievous instincts in control. An absolutely international film, Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot" can easily rub shoulders with those twin terror-towers Alejandro Amenabar's "The Others" and Manoj Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense". Bhoot, by the way, is far superior to Shyamalan's "Signs". It should immediately be dubbed into the English language. Not that pain and redemption need a tongue. Starring Ajay Devgan, Urmila Matondkar, Nana Patekar, Rekha, Victor Bannerjee, Tanuja, Seema Biswas and Fardeen Khan
Sarp Vinash exposes intelligence failure; Army shows documents to Advani
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
NEW DELHI: Operation Sarp Vinash has unearthed documents that show the Military Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau failed to sense the scale of activities in Hill Kaka for about four years. Army chief General N C Vij met Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani last week and showed him the documents recovered. Those included receipts of grocery shops and PCOs frequented by terrorists in Surankote. Among them is of a call made to Gandhinagar on September 23, 2002, a day before the attack on Akshardham temple. The place _ which the field intelligence units of both the IB and the Army thought was a mere transit point for terrorists _ turned out to be a full-fledged command and control centre for almost all tanzeems (terrorist outfits) operating in J&K. There were 250-350 terrorists living there at any given time, making it one of the biggest hideouts south of Pir Panjal. Other documents recovered from there include a register of accounts, giving details of money transaction worth Rs 1.8 crore between October 2001 and May 2003. Funds were being distributed from the base to various terrorist organisations including Lashkar-r-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Al Badar. Receipts of Surankote provision shops found in the base show that the terrorists were buying grocery items in bulk and paying five to six times more than what the locals paid. Receipts show purchase of as much as 50 kg wheat flour, 50 kg rice and equal amounts of various pulses, as also huge quantities of eggs and mutton. "All these things were being purchased and then carried up to the base. It's shocking that it escaped all the field intelligence units," sources said. And subsequent investigations revealed that locals in Surankote, including some businessmen, had a fairly good idea about what was happening but they chose to remain quiet since they were benefiting from the free flow of money. The same was the case with the Bakarwals, the shepherds frequenting the area for grazing of their animals. "Even they had been paid handsomely to remain silent," sources added. The Bakarwals did not give out any information either to the IB or the Military Intelligence for the past four years, the time since the base is supposed to have been active. The fact that there was some activity in the region was known to security forces as 110 terrorists were killed in smaller operations since 2001. It was finally the Israeli-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Herons, of the Indian Air Force which gave a reasonable idea about the extent of the operations, sources said. The base was also being used for indoctrination of Kashmiri youth before they were exfiltrated into Kotli and various other terrorist training camps in PoK. The sheer magnitude of terrorist operations at Hill Kaka left the security forces stumped. Now, intelligence outfits have been asked to pull up their socks and gear up to the task of locating the 200 terrorists who succeeded in escaping from the base. The Army managed to kill about 100 terrorists and more than 200 are missing, believed to be either still hiding in the region or perhaps having crossed into PoK. Advani, extremely concerned about the intelligence failure, made his displeasure apparent to both, the Army chief and Director IB K P Singh. A Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had been set up as per the Group of Ministers (GoM) recommendation following the Kargil war in 1999. The DIA is supposed to ensure better coordination among various intelligence agencies including the IB, Military Intelligence and R&AW. The DPM also spoke to Lt General Davar, chief of DIA, and asked him to streamline the agency and get more actionable intelligence.
Akash test fired
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Balasore,Monday, June 02, 2003: India today test fired the medium range surface-to-air missile Akash from the integrated test range ITR at Chandipur- on-sea, 15 km from here, according to Defence sources. The missile was fired from a mobile launcher at about 1.15 pm. The indigenously developed sophisticated multi-target missile has a range of 25 kms and is one of the five missiles currently under various stages of development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The 650 kg missile has the capability to carry a 50 kg payload and uses the integrated two-stage ramjet propulsion technology. Defence scientists are also developing the Rajendra radar along with Akash as an air shield system. The last trial of Akash was conducted from the ITR on May 29 last. 17:10 IST
SC refuses to stay Jadeja's return to domestic cricket
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Allrounder Ajay Jadeja's cricketing career received a boost today with the Supreme Court refusing to stay a Delhi High Court interim order allowing him to play in domestic cricket notwithstanding the objections of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Directing the BCCI to approach the division Bench of the High Court to seek modification or changes in its May 28 order, the apex Court disposed of the Board's petition saying "he has been allowed to play only domestic cricket." Disposing of the petition, a vacation Bench comprising Justice N Santosh Hegde and Justice Shivaraj V Patil said though the High Court had fixed next hearing in the matter for July 21, it would not preclude the Board from approaching the High Court before that to make appropriate submissions. Jadeja, who was present in the Court during the hearing, refused to comment on the issue saying he did not understand the order passed by the Court and would consult his lawyers before airing his views. Appearing for the Board, senior counsel Gopal Subramaniam assailed the May 28 ex-parte order of the High Court saying it amounted to ordering implementation of the Arbitration Award giving a clean chit to Jadeja in the match fixing scandal, in which BCCI had imposed a five-year ban on the allrounder from playing domestic cricket. 14:53 IST
Pak troops fire on outposts to disrupt fencing work
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Pakistani troops fired on some Indian border outposts along the International Border in Jammu division to disrupt the ongoing fencing work, BSF sources said here today. Pakistani rangers from across the ib opened fire on the outposts at Nikowal in R S Pura sector, at Alfa Machal in Akhnoor sector and at BOP Phadpur in Samba sector on Sunday night, the sources said. The Indian troops retaliated and exchange of intermittent small arms fire continued till early this morning. Pakistan troops have been targeting the border outposts where fecning work along the IB is in progress, they said. About 100 families have migrated from Bala Keri and Dhera villages in Bhawani sector in Rajouri district on May 31 due to firing from across the Line of Control, official sources said. These families were now camping in the government high school at Khwas village and authorities were providing them some relief, they said. 13:09 IST
Global support for India's stand on talks with Pak: Vajpayee
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Lausanne (Switzerland),Monday, June 02, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said there was global support for India's stand that cross-border terrorism should end beore talks can begin with Pakistan. U S President George W Bush had promised to take up the issue with President Pervez Musharraf when the Pakistan ruler meets him in Washington later this month, he told a press conference here, winding up his three-nation tour. Vajpayee said leaders of the five permanent members of UN Security Council, including China, during their talks with him welcomed India's peace initiative with Pakistan and observed that they would make efforts to see cross-border violence ends. Asked whether Bush had promised that he would put pressure on Musharraf to ensure stoppage of cross-border terrorism, the Prime Minister said he did not not say it that way. To a question whether he was convinced if the U S would persuade Pakistan, Vajpayee said "let's see". 17:10 IST
Kacchiguda-Puttaparthi Express coach derails, no casualties
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Hyderabad,Monday, June 02, 2003: In the second rail mishap in less than 24 hours, passengers of the Kacchiguda-Puttaparthi Express had a providential escape when one of its coaches derailed at Veldurti in Andhra Pradesh in the small hours of the day. No casualties or injuries were reported in the mishap which took place at 1 AM IST in Ananthapur district, South-Central Railway sources said here. A coach and two wheels of the engine of the 7604 Express jumped the track on Dharmavaram section disrupting the rail traffic as the section has only a single track for UP and DN trains, they said. One passenger had been killed and 25 others injured when 14 coaches of Patna-New Delhi Magadh Vikramshila Express derailed near Buxar in Bihar on Sunday. 13:09 IST
Sonia hints at tie-up with Mulayam in UP
Monday, June 2, 2003
A Congress-led Front against the NDA government in time for the general elections is emerging with party president Sonia Gandhi stating on Saturday that an electoral tie-up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh is a possibility. Sonia said she has an open mind on a grand pre-poll alliance at the national level. Speaking to reporters after the two-day Congress chief ministers' conclave here, she explained that the issue of alliance will first be discussed within the party forum and then with the leaders of other parties. She also announced a Pachmarhi-like brainstorming session before the general elections. This is the first categorical indication of the party's poll plans and it implies that the Congress will now rely on allies in the four difficult states that account for 201 seats - UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. In West Bengal, though the CPM could not become an ally, it is expected to support a Congress-led alternative at the Centre. The party had won just 14 of these 201 seats in 1999 elections and is in no shape for an early recovery. While it had alliances in Bihar and TN, Sonia's announcement on UP has made all the difference as far as a national coalition of anti-BJP forces is concerned. Sonia said the Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh and Amar Singh and the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Ajit Singh had met her and that the three parties had approached the UP governor, seeking the dismissal of the Mayawati government. Sonia also down-played the issue of her daughter's entry into politics despite Priyanka's work in UP. And the election strategy, now for the four north Indian states and later for the general elections, appears to be to stick to development and not to allow the Sangh Parivar to divert the agenda and polarise the polity, particularly in the Congress-ruled states. The Congress' new thrust against soft Hindutva was in display with Sonia saying the party will face the Sangh Parivar and that the Himachal Pradesh election campaign will be the model. This, obviously, implies a shift from the Gujarat campaign, where the Congress tried to give a Hindutva-edge to the election campaign. In fact, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's containment of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad campaign has been highlighted by Sonia, who also endorsed Gehlot's move for reservation for the poor among the upper castes. Sonia opposed the BJP's decision of setting up a commission and instead sought Constitutional amendment to implement upper caste reservation: "Our government in 1991 had decided on 10 per cent reservation for the upper castes. "Later, it was also incorporated in our manifesto for Uttar Pradesh elections," she said. When asked whether the Congress was keen on engaging Kashmiri separatists in dialogue, Sonia reiterated that the Congress stands for dialogue with "all sections of the society".
Here comes the new "Khanna"
Monday, June 2, 2003
Here comes the new "Khanna" First it was Vinod Khanna, then sons Akshay and Rahul Khanna followed. Now it is confirmed that Karan Khanna, who is Vinod's nephew is all set to join Bollywood. Producers A. Jhaveri and Chaitanya Shantaram have signed Karan Khanna in their film "Escape", which is being made under the banner Skyline Motion Pictures. This film will be directed by Rakesh Rathore and has music by Nikhil-Vinay.
Preity Zinta's "Armaan" maybe down and out, but she is not
Monday, June 2, 2003
The critics "murdered" the recently released film "Armaan". The "Trade pundits" called it every word and outside the English dictionary. All this and most thought (me included) that the film was brilliant. Well anyway, while "Armaan" has zoomed to nowhere on the box office, Preity Zinta who plays a negative role in the film is certainly looking positive. She has atleast 3 projects in the "pipeline", which seem very promising. The first is Rakesh Roshan's "Koi Mil Gaya", Karan Johar's "Kal Ho Na Ho" and Farhan Akhtar's "Lakshya". Now this is what one calls a new "Armaan" to look forward to Preity.
Poonam Jhawer to launch Vyajyantimala's son
Monday, June 2, 2003
Actress Poonam Jhaver now turns producer and launches Vyajyantimala's son, Suchinder Bali in her debut movie "Aanch". The film also stars Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Sharbani Mukherjee, Raghuveer Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, and Arun Bakshi. The actress-turned-producer Poonam Jhaver says, "Aanch" is a movie based on North Indian culture, especially of the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The film will be a reflection of life in those states." Elaborating the point, she also said, "It is about the clashes of ego between two group heads, played by Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal." Poonam is remembered for her cameo in "Mohra" opposite Sunil Shetty. She is a trained actress and has trained other none other than ace teacher, Kishore Namit Kapoor.
Big B honoured with Life-Time Achievement Award
Monday, June 2, 2003
Each time you here about an achievement by the man, he always does something bigger. The King of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan was chosen for the Bollywood's 'Life-Time Achievement Award' by the famous London-based Asian Guild. At a well-attended ceremony on Saturday night, Shah Rukh Khan too was conferred with an award - ' Bollywood Star of the Decade Award '. The Big B recently gave a performance of his life in "Armaan" as a Doctor pursuing his dreams. He has recently signed a movie, which is an autobiography on Nelson Mandela. Other award recipients were Prof Raman Bedi (Community Service Award), Sir Devinder Maini (Science Award), Krishnan Guru Murthy (Media Award), Naaz Coker (Asian woman of the year award) and Naresh Goyal (Commerce and Enterprise Award).
Akbar Khan recreates "magic"
Monday, June 2, 2003
Akbar Khan's magnum opus "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story" is making good progress and nearing completion. Next week, Khan will recreate the famous Meena Bazaar in Jodhpur. The recreation of such a grand set is for the scene where Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) and Arjumand Bano (Mumtaz Mahal) meet for the first time. The set will be lit with over a thousand lamps and over 500 junior artistes will be a part of this set. Isn't this pure magic ?
"I was just across the border doing some meaningful roles" - Chunky Pandey
Monday, June 2, 2003
Ask Chunky Panday about his absence from the scene for six long years and he'll deliver a dissertation on "Bangladesh, Bangla films and Bangla food". The brief period that he spent "across the border" as he calls it, hasn't changed Chunky's sense of humour. If anything, there's a fresh look on his face and a renewed enthusiasm about his second innings in the industry. Your decision to make a comeback in the industry after six long years, seems to have been welcomed by the producers, what with the offers that you are receiving. I am glad about the interesting offers that are coming my way. I have already got a few good films including 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost', 'Qayamat', 'Fresh Lime' and 'Yahoo', to start with. On the other hand, the past six years have been eventful for me in terms of acting. Actually, I wouldn't really call it a comeback. I was just across the border in Bangladesh, exploring some meaningful roles in Bangla films. I call it cross-border terrorism (Laughs). In fact, I have got a big film releasing there in August, one of the biggest films ever made. Could you elaborate on the roles that you are playing in 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost' and 'Qayamat' ? I am doing cameo roles in these two films but they are hilarious to the core. I decided to take them up because they are big films and big films never go unnoticed. Besides, I thought I'd give the audiences a trailer before giving them a full dose of fun and laughter. The role in 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost' is a very interesting one too. The character triggers off a chain of events in the film which also end with the character. As for 'Qayamat', I remember Harry (Harry Baweja) telling me that he could get any artiste to play the role but he only wanted an 'actor' to do it. He also wanted to create an element of surprise with the character in the film. I was game for it. Besides, I was supposed to work with Harry way back but it never quite materialized. And the price he offered wasn't bad either. What about 'Yahoo'? What was the experience like working with Govinda after such a long time ? I am playing a double role in 'Yahoo', one which is crazier than ever. The role was to be played by Saif earlier but he had to back out due to date problems. As for working with Govinda, it was as if we had met only the previous day when the two of us gave our first shot in a film together. Besides, I have been in touch with Govinda over the years. He's one of my favourite co-stars. We even did a few shows together. What about your film 'Fresh Lime', which has attracted considerable attention in the trade for its hot media campaign and supposedly steamy scenes ? That's another interesting project. Its about a father and son. It deals with Indians living abroad and having double standards about their sex life. The father and son duo own a hotel abroad and are desperate to hop into bed with every single female but get a cold shoulder. It's like water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink. The film is a rip-comedy and the ad campaign has managed to tickle the minds of people. But there is nothing 'sexual' about the film. Any other projects in the offing ? There are a few more under negotiation and all of them seem interesting. I am ensuring that I take up roles in really good films. It is always a good film that makes a successful actor and not vice versa. Even the best of stars can't make bad films run. I am still remembered for some of my old work like the role I did in 'Tezaab'. I went to Bangladesh because I was not getting the work I wanted here. When I was away, the scenario started growing here. But in my own way, I was growing in a different country. Come to think of it now, it is comparable to actors going to the South for work and then coming back. So where does that leave Bangladeshi films now ? They are very much there on the cards. But now I will do only one Bangladeshi film a year. I am going the Aamir Khan way in Bangladesh. The people there are loving and respectful. Its sad that none of our artistes are keen on working there. I love their food too. If they would have their way, they would not let me work in all the Bollywood films that I plan to. I have very consciously avoided learning Bangla. I'd rather not because the day I do it, they'll make me a citizen there. (Has a hearty laugh).
ONGC, Reliance among world's 500 largest companies
Monday, June 2, 2003
Two Indian companies, ONGC and Reliance Industries Ltd, have found a pride of place among the world's 500 largest companies this year. ONGC, the public sector giant, is ranked at 326th in the Financial Times Global 500 list, with a market capitalisation of 10.7 billion US dollars and is categorised in the Oil and Gas sector. Reliance Industries, India's largest private sector company, with a market capitalisation of 8.4 billion US dollars is ranked at 442nd place and features in Diversified Industrial sector. Both ONGC and Reliance are the new entrants in this year's list. Hindustan Lever, which had featured in last year's list at 450th place, did not find a mention this year. Topping the list this year is Microsoft with market value of 264 billion US dollars, displacing General Electric from the top spot. Microsoft and GE have been swapping places on this list since 1996. The United States still dominates the Global 500 listing with 240 US companies, nearly half of the total, finding place in it, five times as many as its closest competitor, Japan. In terms of market capitalisation the UK retained its second position. UK's 34 companies on the list were worth 1,000 billion US dollars, which is ahead of Japan's 872 billion US dollars with 47 companies. 10:09 IST
Exports surge by over 8 per cent in April
Monday, June 2, 2003
Exports surge by over 8 per cent in April New Delhi,Sunday, June 01, 2003: Despite various negative factors like war in Iraq and SARS, India's exports grew by 8.71 per cent to 4.34 billion dollars in the first month of the current fiscal as compared to 3.99 billion dollars in April 2002. Imports jumped to 39.44 per cent to 5.86 billion dollars in April 2003 over 4.21 billion dollars a year ago, an official release said here. According to provisional foreign trade data, trade deficit for April 2003 was estimated at 1.52 billion dollars, which is higher than the deficit of 212.55 million dollars in same month last year. Oil imports during April were 1.72 billion dollars, 38.37 per cent higher than oil imports valued at 1.24 billion dollars in the corresponding period last year. Non oil imports were higher at 4.14 billion dollars as opposed to 2.96 billion dollars in April 2002. According to provisional estimates of exports, imports and trade balance released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, the exports during April registered a growth of 5.28 per cent in rupee terms. The rupee value of exports stood at Rs 20573.66 crore in April this year, the release said. "The growth has been achieved despite the very high base of April 2002 which had seen a growth of whopping 28 per cent in dollar terms," it added. Imports also increased by over 35 per cent in the rupee value compared to over 39 per cent growth in the dollar terms. 17:00 IST
Success of talks with Pak rests with Islamabad
Monday, June 2, 2003
Success of talks with Pak rests with Islamabad Raipur,Sunday, June 01, 2003: BJP National President M Venkaiah Naidu today said the success of the talks with Pakistan rested with Islamabad but denied Congress allegation that the Vajpayee Government was inconsistant with its policy with the neighbouring country. "The success of the proposed talks with Pakistan rests with Islamabad and it should create a conducive atmosphere for that," Naidu told reporters at BJP headquarters here. India wanted peace and finish off terrorism, that was why the Centre has taken steps in that direction, he said adding the process to bringing peace should be continued. Referring to Congress allegation that the Vajpayee Government lacked consistency in dealing with Kashmir policy, the BJP President said the whole world knew that Pakistan made the Kargil intrusion and derailed the Lahore peace process with India. It was only for political reason the Congress President Sonia Gandhi had criticised the Centre on the issue, Naidu added. 17:00 IST
Vajpayee to urge China to allow pilgrims to Kailash via Leh
Monday, June 2, 2003
Vajpayee to urge China to allow pilgrims to Kailash via Leh Leh (J&K),Sunday, June 01, 2003: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would urge China to allow Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash Mansarovar via Leh during his visit to Beijing beginning June 22, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said here today. Speaking at the annual "Sindhu Darshan" festival here, Advani said he would request Vajpayee to tell the Chinese leaders to permit journey to Kailash Mansarovar from Leh along Sindhu River to cut down the conventional journey time drastically. Advani said Defence Minister George Fernandes had taken up the matter with the Chinese leaders during his recent visit and the latter had agreed to look into it. The Deputy Prime Minister said he would request Vajpayee to ensure that the matter was carried forward. The journey at present takes 27 days, he said and added that if one trekked along river Sindhu, it would take only four days. He said if the proposal succeeded, pilgrims could come here for 'Sindhu Darshan' and spend four days for Kailash Mansarovar yatra. The 'Sindhu Darshan' festival aims at projecting river Indus, the cradle of Indian civilisation, as a symbol of multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-existence. 20:50 IST
A complex RIDSAT under construction
Monday, June 2, 2003
A complex RIDSAT under construction Bangalore,Sunday, June 01, 2003: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is building a complex Rs 3.5 billion Radar Imaging Satellite (RIDSAT) for remote sensing and agriculture purpose which it plans to launch using the indigenous PSLV rocket in 2006. "It is a very complex satellite and we are adopting a new approach to build the radar antenna. It has over 500 clusters which really synthesise the radar antenna and each has to be controlled independently to synthesise the antenna", ISRO Satellite Centre Director Dr. P S Goel told here today. The next-generation RIDSAT, which aims to provide flexibilty for ISRO to map images through new applications, will have S band transponders for resource mapping and agriculture, he said. India is one of the first few countries to build the radar imaging satellite, which is expected to cost about Rs 3.5 billion compared to over USD one Billion in the west. "This kind of satellite will cost about a billion US Dollars to build in the developed world," Goel said. The satellite will be launched by the indigenous Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which put into space India's remote sensing satellites in lower earth orbit. According to ISRO, the satellite will do the complex data management of images, which earlier was being done on the ground. 17:00 IST
Fernandes warns of WMD falling into terrorist hands
Monday, June 2, 2003
Fernandes warns of WMD falling into terrorist hands Singapore,Sunday, June 01, 2003: Defence Minister George Fernandes today warned of the threat of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of deviant states or terrorists. "It is bad enough if such proliferation takes place at the level of states of one assisting another belligerent or deviant state in obtaining such weapons from scientific laboratories or the nuclear grey market", he said. He said the bigger challenge would be if such capabilities fell into the hands of deviant states or if political parties that share fundamentalist ideology find a place in nuclear decision making. Calling for collective action against terrorism to be broad-based, he said such actions should not be unilateral or taken by "coalitions of the willing", in an apparent reference to recent U.S actions in Iraq. He said though the action could be successful in the short run, yet "the problem of the longer haul after the military success remains". "Absolute power has its own limits. If we have common objectives confronting the threat of terrorism and proliferation, it is important that our efforts are based on a common pool of experience and that they endure", he said. Fernandes told the delegates at the Second Annual Asia Security Forum here that the nature of new challenges, made it imperative that response goes beyond the confines of domestic and regional police and paramilitary capability and coordination. 19:28 IST
'Chura Liya Hai Tumne' in Thailand
Monday, June 2, 2003
The unit of Pantaloon's CHURA LIYA HAI TUMNE left for Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand on October 10 for a 32-day schedule. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the film stars Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, Gulshan Grover, Salil Ankola, Vijay Raaz, Rakhee Sawant, Tanushree Kaushal and Master Parth Dave. Music: Himesh Reshammiya. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Music Review : Hungama
Monday, June 2, 2003
Hungama - With a title like this you expect a fun-filled rollicking album with lots of dhoom, masti and maza. But once you listen to it, it is just the other way around where the focus is entirely on melody rather than anything else. Directed by Priyadarsan, this Venus production stars Akshaye Khanna, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal and new find Rimi Sen. Supposed to be yet another breezy comedy, Hungama has been made as a quickie and is expected to hit the theatres in a couple of months. Album begins on a somewhat average tone with 'Pari'. A romantic number, this Babul Supriyo number has the guy comparing his girl with a 'pari'. Nothing new about this Nadeem Shravan number, it just fails to rise and finishes off the same way it started. In sum, a very flat number. Proceedings somewhat pick up with 'Tera Dil' by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. As the entire album has a romantic feel about it, this one too carries on the similar feel and somewhat succeeds in doing so. A good number, it may not be remembered for months to come but somehow manages to stay afloat. 'Ishq' is a beautiful ghazal sung as solos by both Richa Sharma and Kumar Sanu. Somehow this version by Richa Sharma reminds of Salma Aagha (Nikaah). A track about how it is a beautiful world when two hearts meet but very sad when the love is only one-sided, it is a fusion of Nadeem Shravan's melody with the ghazal rendering. Kumar Sanu too does full justice to his version and the song remains etched for a long time. After three romantic track appears the title track and as the word itself suggests, it is an attempt at being 'full-of-life'. Just an attempt because this number by Shaan doesn't leave much of an impression due to some ordinary lyrics by Sameer and some very unoriginal/conventional music. A track that may appear here and there in the background score of Hungama, it is not at all in the league of similar title track like that of 'Mast'. 'Hum Nahin Tere Dushmano Mein' seems to be a very conventional party song by Abhijeet, Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam, what with the situation of two guys wooing the same girl. Just an OK song, it looks like here the lyrics and vocals have just been incorporated over a tune that has been used repeatedly for many a Nadeem Shravan's melodies now. 'Chain' is again somewhat above average lovey-dovey track by Shaan and Sadhana Sargam. Based on the old fashioned style of melody like it used to be associated with Shammi Kapoor / Jolly Mujherjee / Biswajeet songs, this too is easy to ears. But this too has the same effect like 'Pari' i.e. the same feel throughout the number - no variations what-so-ever ! In sum, the music of Hungama is such that you do not hate it due to it's simplistic approach but neither do you run around the town publicizing it to your near and dear ones STRICTLY AVERAGE !! Rating: * 1/2 More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Rajkumar Santoshi To Direct Hrithik
Monday, June 2, 2003
Hrithik Roshan may be going through a rough patch professionally, but the actor continues to get the best of offers from the best of film-makers. However, sources close to the actor tell me that Hrithik has decided to be extra cautious when it comes to signing his forthcoming lot of films. Also, Hrithik has decided to concentrate on solo hero projects henceforth, the sources divulge. The latest development is that producer Jatin Kumar [who's currently producing the Big B - Bipasha - John Abraham starrer AITBAAR] has signed Hrithik for his next project, which will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. At a point of time, there were rumours that Santoshi was contemplating signing Hrithik for KHAKEE after Akshaye Khanna opted out of the film, but Santoshi had denied the development then. Later, of course, Tusshar stepped in Akshaye's shoes. Although the Santoshi - Hrithik project hasn't been titled yet, nor has it gone on the floors, one thing is for sure - the expectations from the film are bound to be enormous. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
Pawar re-elected NCP president
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Nationalist Congress Party on Friday criticised Congress for its failure to provide an alternative to the BJP-led NDA government and asserted that it would intensify its efforts to bring together all secular forces. "Congress, which is the main opposition party, has proved to be a failure to provide an alternative, both in Parliament and outside....The NCP will endeavour to work towards dislodging the BJP-led NDA government and intensify its efforts to bring about better coordination amongst like-minded secular parties," a political resolution moved at the party's national convention in Hyderabad said. The day-long convention is being presided over by party chief Sharad Pawar, who was unanimously re-elected as party president for the second time. Senior party leaders P A Sangma, Tariq Anwar, V C Shukla, Jagannath Mishra and Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal are among those attending the meeting. The NCP convention coincided with a two-day conclave of chief ministers of the 15-Congress ruled states, which is likely to discuss the crucial issue of tie-up with political parties in the next assembly elections as also in Lok Sabha polls. Moving the resolution, Sangma said there was no difference between BJP and Congress as the former was pursuing hard Hindutva and the later soft Hindutva. "Both are not acceptable to us," he said. He said Congress party also failed to act when opportunities knocked at their door to dislodge the BJP-BSP government in UP at the time when it was cracking under defections in the BJP.
Indian moon mission to get underway soon
Sunday, June 1, 2003
India's first moon mission will be an unmanned one and clearance from the government is expected in the next couple of days. Chairman of Space Commission Dr K Kasturirangan said that the first moon mission would explore the topography, mysteries of craters as well as the origin of the moon. The Commission has already sent a Rs 350-crore proposal to the Union Government for the Cabinet's approval. "We hope it will be cleared as soon as we have the complete preliminary studies of the scheduling, economic and technical aspects," he said. Asked about the justification of sending an unmanned moon mission thirty years after the Western countries have explored it, Dr Kasturirangan said all over the world the space community had been showing renewed interest. "The United States is sending six missions. China, Russia and Japan are also doing so. We are one of them and there are scientific justifications of the mission as all the earlier missions had left more questions than answers and we will try to solve some of them," he said. He said there would be several missions and at a later stage the manned mission could also be planned. The Space Commission Chairman was also optimistic about joint planetary exploration with other countries in this century. "In the 21 century, this remains the biggest adventure and we are certainly part of that," he said. Dr Kasturirangan is in Guwahati to participate in the fifth convocation of the IIT, in the city.
Music composer Anil Biswas passes away
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Music composer Anil Biswas, who introduced great playback singers Mukesh and Talat Mehmood and the concept of orchestra into the Indian celluloid world, passed away on Saturday morning. The end came after a brief chest ailment. He was 89 and is survived by two sons and a daughter. The cremation would take place on Sunday, his daughter, Shikha Vohra said. She said her brothers, based in Mumbai, had followed the footsteps of Biswas as music composers and would reach Delhi on Saturday. Son Utpal Biswas--part of famous music group Amar Utpal--has composed music for Amitabh Bachchan starrer Shahensah and Main Azad Hoon. The other son Amit Biswas has recently started a digital studio in Mumbai, she said. Biswas introduced Bengali folk music and orchestra for the playback songs and background music and they became an integral part of Hindi movies and songs. Referred fondly in the movie circle as Bhishm Pitamah of film music, Biswas composed music for a large number of movies before he came to Delhi in 1965 to join All India Radio as director of the national orchestra. The unforgettable music composed by Biswas for Dil Jalta Hei To Jalne Do sung by Mukesh for the movie Pehli Nazar in 1945 propped him as a singer who was to dominate playback singing for many decades to come. It was Biswas again who gave chance to Talat Mehmood in the film Arzoo in 1949 to sing one of the best songs Yeh Dil Mujhe Aisi Jagah Le Chal Jahan Koi Na Ho. Born in 1914 in a nondescript village Barisal in then East Bengal, Biswas became a freedom fighter at a young age but his artistic talents drew him to Kolkata and he got associated with the famous Bengali poet Qazi Nurul Hasan and the Rang Mahal theatre. Like anybody trying a career in films, he went to Mumbai in 1934 to begin his career as a music composer with the wealth of experience he had amassed during his theatre days in Kolkata. He did not have to wait much. He composed music for the film Dharam Ki DeviDevi the very next year of his arrival in Mumbai. And there was no looking back for him.
New superfast PCs, courtesy new chips
Sunday, June 1, 2003
PC manufacturers are prepping a new generation of higher-performance desktops that should sell at midrange prices. The PCs, due later this month, will come courtesy of a new generation of processors and chipsets from chipmaker Intel and its rival Advanced Micro Devices. The Intel and AMD silicon, including several higher-performance Intel Pentium 4s and an Athlon XP, promises to boost the performance of a broad range of PCs, priced from as little as $800 on up to about $1,500. Not only are the microprocessors faster, but the chipsets inside these PCs work to more rapidly shuttle data between components, too. And the chips and chipsets are expected to sell for only a slight premium over existing hardware, not the larger increase that might have been seen in better times. That makes it easier for manufacturers to tout performance PCs to the low-price crowd. However, even though the new chips promise a jump in performance for only a small increase in price, the transition isn't likely to create an immediate groundswell of new buyers, analysts said. That's because, among those buying PCs right now, many are opting for notebooks or choosing desktops in the sub-$800 range. And though a small number of people are purchasing desktops priced over $1,500, there's not a lot of activity in the middle, analysts said. Still, over time consumers and businesses may begin to gravitate toward these machines because of the disparity in performance between what they own now and what these new systems offer. Intel will make the debut of its newest desktop chipset--the Intel 865 chipset, also known by the code-name Springdale--near the middle of May. Meanwhile, AMD is expected to deliver its new flagship processor, the Athlon XP 3200+ at about the same time. Intel baked several enhancements into the 865, including a faster 800MHz bus--which accelerates the speed at which data travels between the processor and system components such as memory--and dual channel 400MHz DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM. The chipset will also sport a faster built-in graphics processor. The 865 is similar to a performance chipset introduced by Intel in April, called the 875P. As a result of the enhancements, the 865 could lead to a significant rise in performance for lower-priced PCs. A new PC could debut that offers a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 with Intel's hyperthreading technology, the 800MHz bus, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, at least a 40GB hard drive and a CD burner for between $800 and $900. Right now, a PC fitted with a 2.53GHz Pentium 4, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, a 60GB hard drive, a CD burner and a DVD drive as well as a 17-inch monitor and a 1-year warranty costs about $988 from Dell Computer. The price is before shipping, which is normally about $99, and it excludes rebates or other special offers. The newer system promises to deliver more performance for about the same price. The 865 chipset will spawn such a large number of desktops because of its flexibility. It will be available in a wide variety of configurations. The most popular is likely to be dubbed the 865G, which will include built-in graphics, along with the 800MHz bus. It should also support Intel's current 533MHz bus and 400MHz bus speeds. Most manufacturers will adopt this version of the chipset because it will let them build a wide range of different models from the same basic design. A single product family could include a low-price Celeron desktop, a midrange Pentium 4 machine and a top-of-the line model, for example. Intel will also likely offer an 865PE, which supports the three bus speeds but does not include built-in graphics, making a separate graphics board necessary. Some manufacturers use this chipset in more expensive desktops, which typically offer separate, high-performance graphics boards and so don't need integrated graphics. Still, many manufacturers will continue to use Intel's current 845 chipset for their lowest-price Celeron desktops for the time being. These PCs typically sell for between $500 and $800. Because the new chipsets offer a faster bus, Intel will also issue new Pentium 4 processors. The chipmaker is expected to deliver them at speeds of 2.8GHz, 2.6GHz and 2.4GHz. The chips will incorporate the 800MHz bus and Intel's hyperthreading technology. A 3.2GHz Pentium 4 is expected at a later date. Hyperthreading grants a performance increase to desktop users who perform multiple tasks at once, or for applications that are tuned to take advantage of the technology, which lets a single processor do more things at the same time. Meanwhile, AMD's new Athlon XP 3200+ will come with a 400MHz bus for the first time. It will require some chipset re-engineering. But the real change will come in September when AMD launches its next-generation desktop chip, the Athlon 64. The first few new desktops will hit shelves as the summer buying season kicks off. Most every manufacturer should have theirs in place for back to school. Although the new machines promise big performance gains, analysts are somewhat skeptical that PC buyers will flock to get a new PC just because it has the latest components. Meanwhile, only low-price and very-high-end PCs are selling much, creating a soft spot at the midpoint of the market, where sales have been slow. The new generation of desktops could bring some life back to the midrange of the market. But average selling prices are still likely to stay fairly low.
SC orders UP to keep areas adjoining Taj clean and green
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Mughal monument of love, Taj Mahal, standing amidst encroachments and facing constant threat from mushrooming light industries, got a breather with the Supreme Court directing the Uttar Pradesh Government to keep the adjoining areas clean and green. The State Government recently gave an undertaking to the Court that the area measuring 89.87 hectares in Shamshabad and Fatehabad, adjoining the monument, would be maintained as 'green zone' and would not be converted into non-polluting light industrial zone. This undertaking was given through counsel Ajay Agarwal before a Bench comprising Justice M B Shah and Justice Arun Kumar following serious concerns shown by it towards the proposals which would have converted the adjoining areas of the 17th century monument built by Mughal emperor Shahjehan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Court noted in its order that "the State of UP undertakes that area measuring 89.87 hectares in Shamshabad and Fatehabad would be kept as 'green zone' as previously notified and would not be converted into non-polluting light industrial zone." The undertaking further said that "competent authority would take immediate steps for removal of any unauthorised construction at any place within that area". 09:15 IST
Economic issues to top Vajpayee's agenda at G-8 Summit
Sunday, June 1, 2003
After hectic parleys with the world's most powerful leaders in St Petersburg, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee moves here for a fresh round of economic diplomacy with them at the informal G-8 summit organised by the French President Jacques Chirac ahead of the two-day conference of the eight industrialised nations beginning Monday. The leaders are gathered for participation in a Chirac effort for a "Broader Initiative" in an informal summit to discuss global concerns to discuss the risks generated by globalisation and the need for better "global governance". Though economic issues may be on top of the agenda, issues like security in the context of global terrorism that has the potential to derail development and furtherance of democracy are also high on the agenda. Vajpayee is a special invitee from developing nations along with some of those from G-77, NAM, Africa and and top executives from United Nations, World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation, besides China. The Prime Minister will also have another opportunity to carry forward the parleys he had had in the last two days in St Petersburg with leaders including US President George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder besides Chirac on various global issues.
One killed, 18 injured as Patna-Delhi Express derails
Sunday, June 1, 2003
One passenger was killed and at least 18 others injured as 14 coaches of the Patna-New Delhi Magadh Vikramshila express derailed in the Baruna-Barasia section of Danapur divivion near here in the wee hours today, railway and hospital sources said. One person succcumbed to his injuries at the Buxar Sadar hospital while the condition of one of 18 others admitted to the hospital was stated to serious, hospital sources told over phone. The name of the victim was not knowm, they said. The mishap took place around 0340 IST, East Central Railway (ECR) chief spokesman A K Chandra said adding that the cause of the accident was yet to be ascertained. ECR General Manager R S Varshney, Danapur Division Railway Manager (DRM) P K Goel along with Senior Divisional Commercial officer Neeraj Ambastha have reached the site and are supervising the relief operations. A special relief train with doctors, technicians and others has been rushed to Buxar from Danapur while another was being sent from Mughalsarai, he said. The train (2391 UP) altogether had 24 coaches. The coaches that derailed were joined from Patna to 10 other coaches from Bhagalpur, he said. Train services remained affected in the Mughalsarai-Patna section and many Up and Dn trains have been re-routed, sources in the Danapur division said. 09:15 IST
CBI forms "Economic Intelligence Wing" to tackle eco crimes
Sunday, June 1, 2003
In the wake of growing "white collar" crime globally, the CBI has formed an "Economic Intelligence Wing" to tackle it even as list of run away economic offenders was being readied for extradition. Highly-placed agency sources told that the new wing had been formed to tackle the growing menace of economic crime as it had developed a dangerous trend of financing terrorist crimes with September 11 attacks in US as a pointer. CBI has recruited a senior official of Reserve Bank of India as a technical officer to the wing alongwith some Deputy Inspectors General of the agency who have been specialising in probing economic offences, the sources said. The first and foremost task of the wing is to track down economic offenders who have fled the country after committing a crime and duping banks and other financial institutions of crores of rupees. The wing has been tasked to gather intelligence and also share and act on information being provided by organisations like Stock Exchange Board of India and Intelligence Bureau. Meanwhile, efforts were on to bring back economic offenders like Manjit Singh Makan, Virendra Rastogi and his brother Narendra, Amarendra Nath Gosh and J B S Bakshi, who fled the country after duping several banks and institutions of crores of rupees.
