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June 2004
Factory in North-west Delhi catches fire; no injuries
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 30 A medium-intensity fire engulfed a factory premises in north-west Delhi in the wee hours today. The factory, situated on the GT Karnal road, caught fire around 0422 hours, the fire department said adding about 20-25 fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. Firemen are still trying to control the blaze, they said adding no casualty or injury has been reported so far. The cause of the fire was yet to be determined, they said.
India-Iran LNG deal by Sept: Govt
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 29 India and Iran are likely to sign a multi-billion dollar LNG deal by September after the two sides today thrashed out contractual term for New Delhi importing 5 million tonnes of LNG in exchange of Tehran giving Indian firms a stake in a discovered oil field. While price of the 5 million tonnes a year liquefied natural gas import from gigantic South Pars gas field in Southern Iran could not be reached, the two committees were constituted to work out the details. One committee, comprising Iranian Deputy Oil minister M H Nejad Hosseinien, IOC Director (Business Development) Naresh K Nayar and Gail Director (Planning) B S Negi, will find a compromise between the Iran's price of 2.22 dollars per million British thermal unit (mBtu) and the Indian expectation of 1.85 dollars per mBtu. The other would work on the contractual terms of Iran offering a 20 per cent share in the 300,000 barrels per day Hosseinian-Kush oil field. "We have reached an agreement to establish two committees to discuss about the two pending issues," Iranian Deputy Oil Minister told reporters after the two day meeting of Indo-Iran Joint Working Group on cooperation in hydrocarbon sector. M S Srinivasan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, who led the Indian side, said the two committees will give their recommendations by August 15 and Indian side would be visting Tehran in the first week of September to firm up the deal. "Lot of spade work for the deal have been done. We have reached broad understanding on most of the issues and a deal will be through in September," he said.
Kyun! Ho Gaya Naa...
Monday, June 28, 2004
What makes Kyun! Ho Gaya Naa... special? For one, it stars Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rai together for the first time. The duo is reportedly seeing each other. The film also features Amitabh Bachchan, who has had a flurry of releases hitting the marquee in 2004 -- Khakee, Aetbaar, Dev, Lakshya and Deewaar - Let's Bring Our Heroes Home. Kyun! Ho Gaya Naa... marks the directorial debut of Sameer Karnik, who formerly assisted Vidhu Vinod Chopra on Kareeb. As the title suggests, the film is an unlikely love story between a boy who is all for arranged marriages and a girl who is a diehard romantic. "We had a great time shooting the film," says Oberoi. Ash's reason for signing on Kyun! Ho Gaya Naa... is simple. "I wanted to do comedy," she says. The actress, incidentally, began her career in Hindi films with a romantic comedy ...Aur Pyar Ho Gaya. Ash sports a curly hairdo in the film. The soundtrack is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Javed Akhtar pens the lyrics. The romantic tale is slated for an August 6 release.
'I didn't want to be an actor'-Salman Khan
Monday, June 28, 2004
MUMBAI: Surprise, surprise! Macho man Salman Khan says he always wanted to be a director and took up acting only because no one took him seriously as a filmmaker. There's more. The Bollywood actor said in an interview that he likes romantic films and comedies, never mind his action hero image. Asked who his favourite co-star was, he said: "I like working with whosoever I work with." What inspired you to become an actor? Actually, I really don't know because I never wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be a director. When I used to go to people with my scripts, people used to say that why do you want to be a director, you should be an actor. I was not getting any work as a director as I was a small guy, not very serious about his work, and directors at that time were 50-60 years old and looked very mature. And no one would trust me with that much of money. Since I had to work, I started modelling. I joined acting classes, riding classes and everything. Eventually, I signed a film. What kind of movies do you like? I like comedies and romantic movies. What about action movies? In action I like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Amitabh Bachchan's movies. How is it working with Shilpa Shetty? I have done about six to seven movies with Shilpa and we are the best of friends. There are no ego problems. No hassles, so it's like friends working together. It's amazing working with her. As an actress, she is damn good, dances very well, on screen she is phenomenal and has a huge fan following.
Jaya Bachchan sacks ‘fraud’ filmmakers
Monday, June 28, 2004
By: Mayank Shekhar Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati may have managed to attract a host of known and unknown filmmakers to shoot in her state, courtesy subsidies and tax exemptions. But it looks like the party and blind doles are now over. For Jaya Bachchan, as head of the UP Film Development Council (UPFDC), has decided to look into shady scripts that were given a green signal under the previous regime and de-list fraudulent films approved. Says Bachchan, Several officers who were looking after the disbursement of funds from the state exchequer have been suspended. What has come to light are cases of money bungling, films that got approval without written notes from the organisation, producers who were not even genuine, and scripts that were unbearably tacky and low-grade. Hence, in a move to clean up the mess, Bachchan says she has appointed a new script committee to vet future projects and stall direct cash payments to producers. The payments would only be made to the concerned film processing labs. UPFDC, set up under the Kalyan Singh government with Shatrughan Sinha as its initial head honcho, had promised cash incentives of Rs 20 lakh (now upped to Rs 40 lakh), and tax exemptions for films shot at least 75 per cent in the north Indian state. Bachchan’s decision has obviously resulted in a roster of unhappy low-budget producers. Says Saawan Kumar Tak, president, IMPAA, the film industry body that is presently negotiating with the UP government, You cannot change policies and systems put in place without fulfilling previous commitments. Poor producers are now completely stranded. The only relatively known name in a list of a dozen producers that were granted UP state funds is K C Bokadia whose grouse is that he had decided to shoot in UP on the word of the previous CM. If change in governments lead to complete U-turns in decisions, we should stop trusting announcements made by state leaders when they visit Mumbai. Bachchan’s repartee is a succinct, Why does someone like K C Bokadia need government money? As for others, what will be the quality of movies made if they’re put together in unheard of budgets like Rs 12 to 15 lakh? Precious public money cannot be squandered on such projects.
Shekhar Kapoor wants Hrithik Roshan?
Monday, June 28, 2004
Bollyvista.com Now that Shekhar Kapoor has finally found a producer for his much-delayed 'Paani', we hear he's approached Hrithik Roshan to play the main lead in it. Designer turned director Manish Malhotra has also sent feelers to Roshan to feature in his musical, which is to be produced by Suneel Darshan. Keep watching this space for more!
Ambani, Jaya Bachchan get elected to RS
Monday, June 28, 2004
Lucknow, June 26: Ending the week-long high drama over rejection of nomination papers of two Congress candidates, 11 non-Congress nominees, including industrialists Anil Ambani and Lalit Suri, and film personality Jaya Bachchan, were today elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. Those who have been elected are Bhagwati Singh, Ram Narain Sahau, Nand Kishore Yadav and Akhtar Kamal, besides Jaya Bachchan (all SP), Murli Manohar Joshi and Arun Shourie (BJP), Mayawati and S C Misra (BSP), Anil Ambani and Lalit Suri (independents supported by the SP and BJP). Returning officer R P Pandey declared their election unopposed a day after he stuck to his earlier decision and rejected the nomination papers of the two Congress candidates as "invalid". The declaration was made today at the close of the withdrawal of nominations under a revised schedule fixed by the EC which had asked the RO to scrutinise again the papers of the Congress candidates. The Congress had alleged "foul play" and made an appeal for scrutiny again after the nomination papers of two of its candidates were rejected by the returning officer. On the directives of the EC, the returning officer had heard the complaints of the Congress nominees for two days and declared the results after the deadline for withdrawal of names expired at 3 p.m. today. (Agencies)
Amitabh all praises for Kay Kay
Monday, June 28, 2004
Though the release of his much-awaited film "Paanch" has been delayed, actor Kay Kay need not worry, as Amitabh Bachchan has praised him for his performance in "Deewar". "He is absolutely fantastic, he plays his negative character with so much confidence. Frankly speaking, I did not know much about him. But after acting in 'Deewar', I want to watch all his films on DVD," Bachchan told . Kay Kay has been in the entertainment business for 10 years, dabbling in theatre, TV and films and winning the admiration of Pritish Nandy and Anurag Kashyap. Hansal Mehta prophetically hails his entry in films as the arrival of a new star. Raised in Pune, Maharashtra, Kay Kay completed a bachelors degree in physics and an MBA at Pune University. This was followed by a stint as a manager in a Dadar office. But finding his job uninteresting and stifling, Kay Kay decided to pursue acting. His excellent performances on stage opened the doors for him. Hansal Mehta, who offered him the action thriller "Chhal", followed Kay Kay's career on stage for many years. Kay Kay was offered roles on television, which he chose carefully - avoiding gruelling soaps, focusing instead on substantial roles in other serials. The average television viewer would recognise him as prime minister in Zee's serial "Pradhan Mantri". The move to films was inevitable. He made his film debut in Mahesh Mathai's "Bhopal Express". Kay Kay has several upcoming projects, including a Pritish Nandy Communications film called "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi" and Anurag Kashyap's next directorial venture "Gulal".
Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum
Monday, June 28, 2004
Raju (Arya Babbar) and Rani (Shreya Sharan) are neighbors and studying in same college. But despite that they are not friends. They hate each other like anything. Rani always complains against Raju, due to which Raju's father (Kiran Karmarkar) responds angrily and blames him as good-for-nothing. However Rani's father (Ashok Saraf) is a police commissioner and a good friend of Raju's father. Once during a college competition, Rani slaps Raju. Raju is on fire now, and threatens Rani that he will take revenge. But before that, Rani's father gets transferred to Kodai Kanal. When Rani's family is leaving the town, Raju also goes to railway station to bid adieu. His frame of mind changes and his mood drops down. Rani is surprised with his behavior and feels that he is now a totally changed man... What happens next? Do both the characters and their attitude towards each other change (as the title suggests)? Do they patch up their differences? This is what the movie revolves around. The film also stars Nishigandha Wad, Shoma Anand, B.Venkat and Varsha Kapkar. Produced by Ramoji Rao (Tujhe Meri Kasam), the film is directed by Esmayeel Shroff (Bulandi, Love 86, Surya, Nischay, Police Public, Yeh Majhdaar and Tarkeib). Amar Mohile (who previously composed tunes for Road, Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Ek Hasina Thi, Gayab) is the music composer while A. Sreekar Prasad is the editor. The film will release on 2nd July 2004.
Deewaar
Monday, June 28, 2004
By Taran Adarsh If you are under the impression that DEEWAAR is about Prisoners of War languishing in the jails of Pakistan, you are bang on target! If you are under the notion that DEEWAAR is yet another film that is anti-Pakistan, you are partially right. The film is set in Pakistan, portrays the Indian soldiers in a positive light, a few Pakistanis in a negative light, but there's no Pak-bashing here, let's get that right! Gaurang Doshi's DEEWAAR, directed by Milan Luthria, walks on a tight rope... More than anything else, it is perhaps the first Hindi film that talks about the great escape of Indian POWs from Pakistani soil. The makers have ventured into a lane where not many producers, directors and writers of Hindi films have had the guts to risk into. DEEWAAR is a stirring example of courage and the indomitable human spirit. It thrillingly celebrates the heroism of men who never gave up the fight. DEEWAAR tells the story of a few prisoners of 1971 war, still in custody of the Pakistanis, leading a pathetic life in their jails. In India, the wives of these soldiers continue to wait patiently for their homecoming. But the relationship between the two countries being such, the Indian officials fear that if they raise the issue, their counterparts in Pakistan will eliminate the Indians for fear of being exposed. Gaurav [Akshaye Khanna] decides to get his father, Major Ranvir Kaul [Amitabh Bachchan], back to his homeland. But the path is thorny. Gaurav is aided by Khan [Sanjay Dutt] in his mission, also of Indian origin but held captive in Pakistan. The prisoners attempt yet another escape. And this happens to be the final escape... DEEWAAR borrows from two Hollywood masterpieces - David Lean's THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI [1957] and John Sturges' THE GREAT ESCAPE [1963]. With such illustrious textbooks to refer to, DEEWAAR just cannot go wrong... and it does offer plenty of thrills in those 3 hours. DEEWAAR may not be historically accurate, but it does not keep you away from enjoying the film, especially its second half. DEEWAAR is divided into two parts; the first being the son's quests to trace his father and get him back home and then the last hour focuses on the mass escape by prisoners. There is plenty of excitement throughout even while the prisoners are still trapped behind the barbed wire fences. DEEWAAR starts off well. The initial reels, depicting the plight of the POWs, seem straight out of life. The barbaric attitude of the Pakistani officer [Aditya Shrivastav], the torturous and brutal moments [Sanjay Narvekar being 'punished' by Kay Kay], the never-say-die attitude of the Indians... everything seems to be well explained. Akshaye's journey to Pakistan makes the goings-on more fascinating. His interaction with Akhilendra Mishra first [a Hindu residing in Pakistan] and with Sanjay Dutt subsequently makes the proceedings more interesting. But there's a problem here: The goings-on move at a slothful pace, often taxing the patience of the viewer. Besides, the violent proceedings in the first half do catch you unaware. Yes, violence has to be an integral part in a genre like this, but the impact is so strong and a few sequences are so brutal that the weak-hearted would squirm in their seats. With mixed feelings you watch the second half unfold before you. Thankfully, the post-interval portions save the film from being a mediocre product. The escape strategy, the eventual escape, the chase, the massacre... the final hour keeps you on the edge. But the post-interval portions [despite the fact that it is riveting] are not without their share of blemishes. The romantic track between Akshaye and Amrita stands out like a sore thumb. There was just no need to depict the song-and-dance routine ['Piya Bawri'] since it acts as a speed breaker in the narrative. Even the culmination of the romantic track looks like a compromise from the writing point of view. Frankly, it would've only helped had it been a flick without the heroine angle. Also, the film would've done without the songs in the second half. At least two songs come in rapid succession and dilute the impact of the hi-voltage dramatic scenes. DEEWAAR is director Milan Luthria's third outing [after the interesting KACHCHE DHAAGE and the utterly forgettable CHORI CHORI] and you can't help but notice the giant strides he has taken as a technician. The film is stylishly shot, has a grand look despite it being a prison film and care has been taken to make the goings-on seem as pragmatic as possible. Writers Sridhar Raghavan, Gaurang Doshi and Milan Luthria deserve a pat for attempting a novel theme and packaging it well, but how one wishes the narrative had a concise format. The film could've easily done without a few songs and as mentioned above, without the romantic track as well. In fact, it would only help if the film were trimmed by at least 15-20 minutes to perk up the goings-on. Cinematography [Nirmal Jani] is outstanding. Action scenes [Tinu Verma], though well executed, will meet with extreme reactions - some might sit through it, some might find it difficult to absorb. Music [Aadesh Shrivastava] is a mixed bag. 'Leke Aayee Hain Hawayein Ye Ishara' is the pick of the lot. 'Marhaba' is a mass-appealing number that is well placed in the narrative. Adesh's background music is superb; it often enhances the impact of the scenes. DEEWAAR has an impressive cast, but it is Amitabh Bachchan who towers above all with a splendid and power-packed performance. The actor seems to be accomplishing the unattainable with every film. This is his third memorable performance this year, after KHAKEE and DEV. Sanjay Dutt is in form yet again. Although his role isn't as well defined as that of Big B or Akshaye Khanna, Dutt comes up with an extremely likeable performance that is sure to win him plaudits from the viewers. His dialogues are well worded and are sure to appeal to the masses. Akshaye Khanna is a treat to watch. The youngster proves yet again that he is amongst the most gifted actors of the present generation. Amrita Rao is wasted. Kay Kay conveys a lot through his eyes, but the role isn't of the memorable type. Yet, his silent confrontation with the Big B [the first time they come together] is simply extra-ordinary. Amongst character actors, Raghuvir Yadav, Aditya Shrivastav and Akhilendra Mishra stand out with praiseworthy portrayals. On the whole, the plusses in DEEWAAR outnumber the minuses in the film. The lethal combination of a fantastic star cast, hi-voltage dramatic sequences, a riveting second half and vibrant action will ensure a successful run for the film. Yet, the action - specifically the brutal ones - is not the type that would catch the fancy of ladies/families. However, lack of a major release for the next two weeks will only help its distributors smile all the way to the bank!
Mallika to star opposite Jackie Chan
Monday, June 28, 2004
Mallika Sherawat has been in the news for her antics on-screen and off screen. Currently shooting for her next film KIS KIS KI KISMAT in Goa, she’s creating waves, and how! Apparently she was approached to act in the lead opposite Jackie Chan, tentatively titled TIME BREAKER. Mallika Sherawat has signed the film, which will be directed by the RUMBLE IN THE BRONX fame Stanley Tong. She will be flying to Shanghai to sort out the details of the project. It is said that she is offered a central role in the film. If true, this will be a hell of an opportunity for Mallika in the international market. Having signed for Rajkumar Santoshi’s film only recently things couldn’t get any bigger than this for her.
Big B is back as prisoner of war
Monday, June 28, 2004
By Bhaarati K Dubey (Asian Age) Thirty-five years have passed since Amitabh Bachchan played a Prisoner of War in his first film Saat Hindustani. Fans will see the actor play a PoW again in Milan Luthria’s Deewaar Lets Bring Our Heroes Back, which releases today. Deewar is the story of 54 PoWs, who remain unaccounted for after the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Pakistan denies their existence in any of its jails. Luthria has taken some cinematic liberties with the facts, though they insist it is based on a real incident. Bachchan plays Ranvir Kaul, leader of 54 prisoners of war in Pakistan who leads them to escape. Tinu Anand, who worked with Amitabh Bachchan in his first film Saat Hindustani, said, There has been a significant change in Amitabh Bachchan in the last 35 years. In his first film, he was just one of the characters. But today, films are being made keeping his character in mind. His stature as an actor has risen with every passing year. On the comparison between the Bachchan’s character in the two films, Anand clarifies, In Saat Hindustani he plays a freedom fighter who fights for the liberation of Goa, while in Deewaar he is a soldier fighting for the country. The director of the film, Milan Luthria was not aware of the fact that Bachchan played a POW in Saat Hindustani. I have heard a lot about the film. But I was unaware that he played a PoW in it. There are so many milestones in Mr Bachchan’s life that it is impossible to keep track of everything. All I can say is that he visited Jaisalmer after 31 years, explains the director. Bachchan last shot for Reshma Aur Shera there.
Vivek’s Kisna secret busted!
Monday, June 28, 2004
Actor Vivek Oberoi is currently busy shooting for Ghai’s Kisna. However, when you ask him about his role in Ghai’s film, he studiously remains tight-lipped about it. All that he discloses is that he plays a Christian in the film set in the year 1940. So what should we expect now: A prim-and-proper Kisna courting pretty girls in pretty dresses and attending Sunday Church? According to his friends Vivek, with his yen for getting into the skin of his characters, must have seen The Passion of The Christ too for inspiration. Did he see Baton Baton Mein though we wonder?
Key contest on for nine of 65 Rajya Sabha vacancies
Monday, June 28, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 28 A key contest is on today for the biennial elections to nine of 65 vacancies in Rajya Sabha with controversial transparent voting system, a bone of contention in a petition before the Supreme Court, being employed. Already 56 candidates have been elected unopposed in the elections. Five candidates are in the fray in Karnataka for four Rajya Sabha seats where a Congress candidate has to get votes of other parties to secure victory. In Madhya Pradesh, four candidates are in the fray for three seats. In Haryana, a stiff contest is on with INLD'S Ajay Chautala, Congress' Kiran Chaudhary and independent candidate and National Minorities Commission Chairman Tarlochan Singh being in the fray for two RS seats. The new open balloting system for the Rajya Sabha has provided some cushion to political parties against cross-voting by their members. Under the new system, MLAs of a particular party have to show their ballot papers to their party representative before dropping it in the ballot box. Giving partial relief, the Supreme Court on June nine lifted its stay on the election to 65 seats and allowed the Election Commission to go ahead with conducting the polls. However, a rider was put. The apex Court said the election of 65 members to the House of Elders would be subject to the Court's final decision on petition challenging the amended electoral law allowing open ballot system and doing away with domicile status of the candidates.
Aspirations of Kashmiris must for viable solution: Pak
Monday, June 28, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 27 India and Pakistan today worked out a slew of confidence-building measures (CBMs), including in nuclear and conventional spheres, even as Islamabad insisted that a "viable and just solution" to Kashmir issue has to be based on "aspirations of the Kashmiri people". "Kashmiris are the principal party to the dispute. A viable and just solution has to be based on aspirations of Kashmiri people," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan told reporters here after the first round of foreign secretary-level talks. Tomorrow's concluding round of talks will focus on Kashmir. Separatist Kashmiri leaderes Shabir Shah and Mirwaiz Omar Farooq met Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar today. After three-and-a-half hours talks between Foreign Secretary Shashank and Khokhar both sides expressed optimism on forward movement of the parleys. "Today's discussions focussed on peace and security, including CBMs," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters at a separate briefing. Both sides are expected to announce decisions tomorrow on several issues including restoring the strength of respective missions in Islamabad and New Delhi to 110 and progress on establishing bus links between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad (PoK) and Khokrapar and Munabao. Some proposals are likely to be announced on civilian prisoners, fishermen as also missing defence personnel. Both Sarna and Khan described the talks as "positive and constructive". Khan said the talks must continue and both sides were moving in the right direction.
China, India should remain "friends forever": Chinese Premier
Monday, June 28, 2004
Beijing, June 28 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today hoped that China and India could live together in harmony, remain friends forever and shelve differences to secure win-win results. In his keynote address at a commemorative rally to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Panchsheel principles here at the Great Hall of the People, Wen noted that the heads of states of the two countries have exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion, reaffirming their resolve to step up bilateral ties based on Panchsheel. "In their messages, the two sides reaffirmed commitment to the five principles of peaceful co-existence and expressed resolve to expand and deepen the long-term constructive and cooperative partnership," he said. "I am confident that with the concerted efforts of the two sides, the annals of China-India friendship and cooperation will be added with brilliant new chapters," he said at the function, attended by ambassadors and former Chinese diplomats. Panchsheel, jointly initiated by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his Chinese counterpart, Zhou Enlai on June 28, 1954 include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence.
India, Pak Foreign Scretaries end talks
Monday, June 28, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 28 India and Pakistan today ended two-day crucial Foreign Secretary level talks on peace and security and Jammu and Kashmir on a "positive" note and made "forward movement" on a number of confidence-building measures. Talks were "positive and outcome is concrete," External Affairs Minsiter K Natwar Singh said after a meeting with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar and his Indian counterpart Shashank. "They have identified areas of future work," he told reporters adding he had encouraged them to carry on their efforts. Khokhar and Shashank called on Singh after concluding their two days of discussions mainly focussing on peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir and confidence building measures. Singh said both foreign secretaries had briefed him about their discussions. Khokhar said he was satisfied with the talks.
Bachchan star as prisoner of war in latest flick
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Mumbai, June 26 : Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan's latest Hindi film "Deewar" depicting the lives of prisoners of war languishing in jails in Pakistan is bang on target. The film, set in Pakistan, potrays the Indian soldiers in a positive light, a few Pakistanis in a negative light, but there's no Pakistan bashing in "Deewar" keeping in mind the latest peace initatives between New Delhi and Islamabad. Directed by Milan Luthria, "Deewar" is loosly-inspired by "The Bridge On River Kwai" and "The Great Escape" showcasing a daring escape made by Indian prisoners of war. A star-studded premiere of the film was held in Mumbai on Friday. Bachchan had acted in a film with the same name in 1972 which got him an image of an angry young man. Bachchan hoped the film would do more business than the earlier one. "I expect this Deewar to do more business than my earlier Deewar had done," said Bachchan. Co-starring Bachchan are macho-men Akshaye Khanna who plays his son and Sanjay Dutt who enacts a friendly Pakistani. "Deewar" is a stirring example of courage and the indomitable human spirit. It thrillingly celebrates the heroism of men who never give up fight. The film is divided into two parts-the first being a son's quests to trace his father and get him back from the prison and the last hour focuses on the mass escape by prisoners. "Deewar" is Luthria's third venture after box-office disasters "Kacche Dhaage" and "Chori Chori". Luthria lauded Bachchan's performance saying he deserved awards for it. "His (Bachchan's) performance in this film is mind blowing. That film (earlier film by the same name) was a classic in its own genre but this film is different and is the best. I feel it is award winning performance," he said. "Deewar" is first of a kind Hindi film which focuses on the lives of Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistani jails. Off late, the film industry has banked heavily on India-Pakistan relations with big-budget movies like "Lakshya" and "LoC Kargil".
Bollywood condoles death of Yash Johar
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Mumbai, Jun 26 : Evergreen hero Dev Anand described film maker Yash Johar, who passed away tonight, as a great person who had a sense of perseverance. "We worked together and I always found that he could get things done. The minute I said Yash I need this it was there," Dev Anand said. He said Yash made a mark and had a great sense of affection. He has a son, who is also doing well for himself, Dev Anand added. Noted director Mukesh Bhatt said "the death of Yash is a great loss to film industry. He was well versed in film making and was an encyclopedia in film production. He made good films and his loss will be felt by the industry."
Yash Johar--the man with the Midas Touch
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Mumbai, Jun 26 : Yash Johar, the man with the Midas touch, who churned out jubilee hits year after year like `Muqaddar Ka Faisla', 'Agneepath', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain', 'Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham' and 'Kal Ho Na Ho', today gently faded out of life's canvas. The passing away of the veteran film-maker marks the end of a glorious era and films, known for their opulence and dramatic extravaganza, scattered over breath-taking locations. Zooming Mercedes, the whirring blades of the helicotper, sprawling well-pruned lawns and aesthetically constructed mansions always formed part of the huge celluloid screen when it came to Johar's pictures. Johar, the man who successfully produced films that carried a healthy blend of high moral values, deep rooted Indian traditions, with stories set in exotic locales, began as a humble photographer. His films like `Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham' left many a hardcore family loving persons teary eyed and nostalgic over old Indian values. For a person, who began with his eye on a camera, his forte for spotting potential stories and translating them into potboilers, made him stand out in the film industry. Johar, later turned production controller and finally a producer. He culled his inherent talent over the years to master every aspect of the film making by ensuring that his 'Dharma' production churned out some memorable films. He was a senior member of the Film Producers Guild of India. His films included Dostana (1980) and Duniya Meri Jeb Mein (1984).
Manisha's Chaahat Ek Naasha
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Mumbai, June 26 : Manisha Koirala seems to have become choosy with the films she stars in. Her latest is an obsessive love story 'Chaahat Ek Nasha' launched yesterday with a mahurat clap by Hrithik Roshan at Filmistan studio in Mumbai. The film will go on a start to finish shooting schedule at various locales of Mumbai, Bangkok and Mauritius. Based on the backdrop of the music industry, 'Chaahat -Ek Nasha' has Manisha playing a pop star. Sharad Kapoor plays her body guard. The film also stars Sharad Kapoor, Preeti Jhangiani, Govind Namdev, Snehal and Sayaji Shinde.
Slain IRCON engineer's family to get Rs 15 lakh insurance
Sunday, June 27, 2004
New Delhi, June 27 IRCON today said family members of the company's slain engineer Sudhir Kumar Pundir would get insurance cover amount of Rs 15 lakh, apart from other benefits. "Pundir's family would get the insurance cover amount of Rs 15 lakh and also, as per the IRCON rules, the gratuity amount depending on the service period, besides 40 per cent of the last pay drawn as pension till the time of superannuation, Indian Railways Construction Managing Director B S Kapoor told here. Kapoor said "as the prestigious project progresses, the threat perception is also likely to increase. We have called all our engineers to Srinagar and discussions are going on with senior security officials to know what sort of security they would provide". Observing that work on the project was progressing "very well", he said the company has temporarily suspended it for a few days till adequate security arrangements are made. As far as the 18-year-old brother of the slain engineer is considered, Kapoor said he was not a company employee and so the matter would be discussed with the Railways Ministry. J and K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed yesterday sanctioned an ex-gratia relief of Rs five lakh for the next of kin of Pundir. Bodies of Pundir and his brother with their throat slit were found in a remote village, about 60 kms from Srinagar on Friday, three days after they were abducted for ransom.
2 ultras killed in house near mosque in J-K, operation called off
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Srinagar, June 26 Two militants, who had taken shelter in a house after escaping from a mosque, and an army jawan were killed and a major injured after 60 civilians, including 40 women trapped inside the place of worship were rescued in Litter village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, 70 km from here. The ultras had taken shelter in the house after the security forces launched an operation to rescue the trapped people from the mosque. The militants initally had taken shelter in the mosque when police launched a massive house-to-house searches to nab the gunmen involved in the gruesome killing of IRCON engineer Sudhir Kumar and his brother yesterday, the sources said. As the security forces approached the mosque, there was a brief exchange of fire between the militants and the troops. Army with the help of women police rescued 60 trapped civilians from the place of worship. The civilians had visited a nearby shrine to pay their obesiance when the firing broke out and they took shelter in the mosque, the sources said. The rescued civilians were immediately segregated and scrutinised by the troops to avoid militants escaping in the guise of the civilians, the sources said. As the scrutiny was in progress, militants who after escaping from the mosque took shelter inside an adjacent house opened fire on the troops again killing an army jawan and wounding a major, the sources said. The troops fired back killing both the militants whose identity and group affiliation was being ascertained. The operation was called off after the troops searched the mosque and adjoining houses.
Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee condemns Poonch killings
Sunday, June 27, 2004
New Delhi, June 26 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today strongly condemned the killings of 12 people, including a woman and her child, in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. He also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, spokesman to the former Prime Minister said. Vajpayee has also urged the state government to provide "adequate security" to the common men in the state, he said.
Pak Foreign Secy holds two-hour meeting with Geelani
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Pak Foreign Secy holds two-hour meeting with Geelani June 26, 2004 20:51:00 .NEWDEL DEL68 New Delhi, June 26 Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokar began his three-day visit to India with a marathon meeting with fire-brand Jamaat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in which the pro-Pakistani leader is understood to have been asked to allign with Itihadi Force, an amalgam of neutral separatist leaders not favouring direct talks with the Centre. Geelani, accompanied by some of his close associates, met Khokar for nearly two hours in which diplomats of the Pakistan High Commission also participated. Sources close to Geelani faction said the separatist leader was asked to allign with the Itihadi force, run by Shabir Shah, JKLF Chief Yaseen Malik, Peoples' League Chief Sheikh Abdul Aziz and members of Kashmir Bar Council. Geelani had demanded that Pakistan should exclusively extend support to his faction and not support other groups, which seems to have been turned down completely by Khokar as he was going ahead with his meetings with Shah, Malik, Aziz and others, the sources said. A serious rebuff to Geelani was the invitation extended to Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, senior leader of Hurriyat, the group with which Geelani had a bitter fight last year. Umer was likely to meet Khokar on Monday morning, when India and Pakistan will hold discussions on Kashmir issue. Geelani's plan to form a new party is also understood to have got a lukewarm response from Pakistan. Geelani and his group managed to give slip to the media and went out by a different gate.
CBI cracks whip on corrupt officials
Saturday, June 26, 2004
New Delhi, June 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday cracked the whip on at least 50 government officials, including five top bureaucrats, for alleged corruption and carried out simultaneous countrywide raids on their homes and offices. CBI Director U.S. Misra said: "The anti-corruption branch swooped down on corrupt officials all over the country, irrespective of their rank or official position." The raids were carried out in 75 places across the country and money and valuables worth millions of rupees was seized. Mishra said no one had been arrested in the sweep. "In these cases, cash and valuables worth Rs.2.8 million was seized and movable and immovable properties worth Rs.74.3 million was detected," he said. The corrupt officials, who had been under the agency's scanner for some time, were posted in different departments including income tax, central excise and customs. Giving details of the raids, Misra said: "A total of 38 cases were registered against some 50 people, of whom 30 were government servants including senior officials." Mishra said seven cases of officials possession assets disproportionate to their known sources of income were registered against seven government employees belonging to central excise, income tax, Cement Corporation of India, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and insurance and customs department. The raids were carried out in the house and offices of the commissioner of central excise in Mumbai, R K Aggarwal, who had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs.10 million. "The raids are still going on," Mishra said. Among the senior officials, a case has been registered against an additional commissioner of customs in Mumbai, C.K. Aggarwal, by the agency. Investigation has revealed that he had allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with certain private parties, thereby causing a loss of Rs.150 million to the exchequer, Mishra said. The CBI has also registered a case against a joint commissioner of customs in Mumbai, Hemant Kothikar, for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his income. "So far property worth Rs.41.2 million in his name and that of his family members had been detected," Mishra said. A Jaipur-based joint commissioner of income tax was booked for allegedly amassing assets by corrupt means and the CBI had so far detected assets worth Rs.6 million. A case of corruption has been registered against the protector of immigrants at Chandigarh for allegedly giving clearance to 370 people on the basis of fake and forged documents. In a similar case, Mishra said, a case was registered against officials of the regional passport officer in Kolkata who had been giving passports to people from Tripura on the basis of forged documents and no-objection certificates
Two Cong MLAs disqualified in Haryana
Friday, June 25, 2004
Chandigarh, Jun 25 Two Congress MLAs were today disqualified from Haryana Assembly under the Anti-Defection Law. Speaker Satbir Singh Kadian disqualified Karan Singh Dalal and Jagjit Singh Sangwan, who won as RPI and NCP candidates respectively, and had sometime ago joined Congress.
Dacoits loot valuables, stab passenger
Friday, June 25, 2004
Patna, June 25 In yet another incident of train dacoity in Bihar, armed criminals today injured a passenger and looted cash and valuables worth over Rs 0.15 million from an AC coach of the Mumbai-Howrah Mail near Bhabhua Road station on Mughalsarai-Sasaram section of the East Central Railway. The gunmen numbering around seven boarded the AS-1 coach of the train at Bhabhua Road station and went on a looting spree, SP Railways, Vinay Kumar told, adding they also stabbed a passenger and beat up a few others when they resisted them. "A passenger named Feroz received stab injuries. The dacoits looted cash and valuables and fled after pulling the emergency chain a few kilometres away from Bhabhua Road," Kumar said. Special Task Force personnel are carrying out raids at various places to track the dacoits, he added.
PM asks political parties to respect the Parliament
Friday, June 25, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 24 After the washout of the inaugural session in which he was not allowed to speak, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today voiced deep concern over disruption of Parliament and appealed to political parties to respect the institution but skipped the "tainted" ministers issue on which the Opposition rocked both the Houses. Utilising the opportunity of an address to the nation over television and radio, he said the country would have benefited if Parliament had been allowed to discuss the President's address, which outlines the comprehensive agenda of the government. The eight-page address detailed the priorities of his government in various areas, mainly economic, and made it clear that it was keen on continuing dialogue with Pakistan while maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent as a responsible power. Though he did not directly refer to the inclusion of "tainted" ministers in his government, an issue on which the BJP-led opposition disrupted Parliament, he said he shared the concern about "decline of moral and ethics in public life".
Rupee weakens further against US Dollar
Friday, June 25, 2004
Mumbai, Jun 25 The rupee weakened further against the US currency early today on sustained heavy allround dollar demand amidst dwindling supplies in nervous trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market ahead of the release of the inflation data. Opening around Rs 45.86/91 per dollar, the rupee slipped to Rs 45.94/95 in late morning deals, sharply lower from the overnight finish of Rs 45.88/90. Persistent heavy dollar demand from banks, custodians for large off-shore oil companies continued to exert pressure on the rupee amidst receding dollar supplies from trade and foreign fund inflows, dealers said. Customary month-end dollar demand also appears to have emerge early to further weaken the rupee, they added. The rupee declined by a whopping 15 paise yesterday, despite the previous day's smart rally of over 50 paise. Meanwhile, in cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 55.80/82, Pound Sterling at Rs 83.64/66, Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 42.73/75.
Dhananjoy's execution stayed
Friday, June 25, 2004
PTI KOLKATA: The execution of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, convicted in rape and murder cases, scheduled for Friday has been stayed, West Bengal's Advocate-General Balai Roy said on Thursday. Roy told reporters that a communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan received here said an application had been moved before President A P J Abdul Kalam for clemency to Chatterjee. A-G said the communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan said "the President is considering this application for clemency." He said the state had been asked to stay the execution of the prisoner until the President finally decides on the application. Consequently, steps have been taken to apprise Alipore Sessions Court, which had first issued the execution warrant, of the situation, Roy said.
PM's address to the nation
Friday, June 25, 2004
PTI Following is the text of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's address to the nation which was telecast on Thursday over All India Radio/Doordarshan: "My Fellow Citizens, I speak to you with a deep sense of humility, fully conscious of the sacred responsibility entrusted to me. You have assigned the task of governance of our country to the United Progressive Alliance and its supporting parties. You have delivered your verdict and the verdict is clear. You have sought a change in the manner in which this country is run, a change in national priorities, and a change in the processes and focus of governance. You have, through your mandate, made it clear that economic growth has to be accompanied by equity and social justice. You have expressed concern for the poor and disadvantaged sections of our society and for minorities and backward regions to be at the heart of all policies of the government. As I share with you the priorities of our government, I am reminded of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji had said that his mission in life was 'to wipe every tear from every eye.' Think of the poorest person you have ever seen, Gandhiji would say, 'and ask if your next act will be of any use to him.' That message of Bapu resonates in our ears as we settle down to the business of government. The National Common Minimum Programme has been prepared by us keeping in mind the priorities brought into focus by your mandate. The Address of the President of India to Parliament outlines a comprehensive agenda for the nation to which our government is committed. The country would have benefited if Parliament had been allowed to discuss the President's Address. I was eagerly looking forward to contributions from all parties in this discussion. Unfortunately, this was not allowed to happen. It should be a matter of deep concern for all of us when established mechanisms for a constructive dialogue and critique, which are vital for a parliamentary democracy, are disrupted and not allowed to operate. Parliament is a forum, which is sacred, and it must be our collective endeavour to ensure that we maximise its effectiveness. I request parties across the entire political spectrum to respect Parliament as an essential forum for public debate so that we can move forward on the task of nation-building which is a common goal for one and all. We can justly take pride in the fact that since Independence we have been able, with our efforts, to build the foundations of a modern economy and record an acceleration in the rate of economic growth. There have been impressive gains in terms of the educational and health status of the nation. However, the benefits of this performance have not touched all our citizens in equal measure. Growth is not an end in itself. It is a means to generate employment, banish poverty, hunger and homelessness and improve the standard of living of the mass of our people. It must also be environmentally sustainable. Equity and efficiency are complimentary, not contradictory, and we must move forward on both these while maintaining a high degree of fiscal and financial discipline, and a robust external economic profile. To be able to devote our attention and energy to economic development that improves the lives of our people, we must ensure social and political stability, communal harmony and respect for the rule of law. We must put in place policies and programmes, which empower all our citizens to lead a life of dignity and self-respect. Our government is committed to the security and welfare of all minorities, the protection of the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, of backward classes and all weaker sections. Equally we are committed to the empowerment of women. We will ensure equal participation of all in the processes of governance. The essence of the National Common Minimum Programme is the recognition that policies that are aimed at promoting economic growth must also advance the cause of distributive justice and create new employment opportunities. Economic reform is not only about freeing private enterprise from the shackles of bureaucratic control. It is also about making the government more effective, efficient and people friendly so that it can handle better the many tasks that only Governments can perform. And, it is also about ensuring fair and transparent regulation of the market where this is necessary. While many in our country are benefiting from their integration into the market and the global economy, millions of our citizens are still plagued by illiteracy, disease, want, hunger and malnutrition. Gender disparities are high and educational, nutritional and health levels of women are much lower than of men. Chronic poverty afflicts millions who lack income and food security. This is particularly acute among the scheduled castes, other backward castes and scheduled tribes. At a regional level, too, the disparities are high and while some regions of the country seem to be on an accelerating growth path, there is a concern that other regions are not only lagging but are also falling behind. Regrettably, minorities suffer from not only economic insecurity but also a sense of marginalization from political and governance processes. As a nation, we cannot accept such disparities. We have been given a mandate, which enjoins us to be sensitive to the concerns of these deprived sections and regions. We have an obligation to ensure that they too benefit from growth in full measure. Our commitment to investments in the social sectors is rooted in this reality. It is the responsibility of government, at all levels, at the Centre, in the States and at the level of the community, to address each of these economic and social challenges. However, I am convinced that the government, at every level, is today not adequately equipped and attuned to deal with this challenge and meet the aspirations of the people. To be able to do so, we require the reform of government and of public institutions. Much of the focus of economic reforms in the past decade has been on reducing the role of the government in controlling the Private Sector; controls that hampered entrepreneurial dynamism and often bred corruption. This was necessary. Yet, there are many areas, critical areas, that directly affect the quality of life of every citizen, where the government has a role, and is expected by every citizen to have a role. These include the provision of social and physical infrastructure for development, the provision of elementary education and public health, providing drinking water and sanitation. They also include economic infrastructure, which in our country in large part must be provided by the Government such as irrigation, power, roads and railways. Our people expect the government to be pro-active and sensitive to their needs. In each of these areas, at every level of governance, the reform of government is today an urgent task before us. We will pursue economic reform and widen the space for individual initiative and enterprise, but even as we do so, we cannot forsake the obligation of running a government that works, and works for the people. The reform of administration and of public institutions to improve efficiency and the quality of delivery services will be our immediate priority. There has been a neglect of the interests of the farmers in recent years and this is reflected in a significant slowing down in agricultural growth in the past five years. Farmers in many parts of the country have faced distress and there has been no helping hand. The National Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance is committed to giving a "New Deal" to rural India. Agriculture must receive the priority attention it deserves. Public and private investment in agriculture has to be greatly increased. A key concern in recent years has been the lack of access to credit. Our government is already addressing this issue directly by pursuing policies that improve the farmer's access to affordable credit. Agricultural research, training and extension also require much greater attention. I would like to see the emergence of new centres of excellence in agriculture, as we have in technology and management. There has to be a sharper focus on expanding opportunities for gainful employment in agriculture and in off-farm rural activities. Food for work programme, efficiently implemented, can greatly assist in achieving this objective. The Indian farmer has also suffered from too many controls and restrictions. There are still far too many internal barriers to trade that must go. We must also re-examine those aspects of our policies that prevent a creative interaction between farmers and agro- industries. I would like to see the creation of a "Single Market" across the country for both manufactured and agricultural produce with encouragement of agro-industry linkages. With the introduction of value-added taxation this integration of the Indian market will be further enabled. A striking feature of development in our country has been the rapid increase in urbanisation. There are now more than 30 cities with a population of more than one million. The rapid and unplanned growth of these cities has contributed to increased urban pollution, crime, the absence of the required infrastructure like access to drinking water, sanitation, roads, footpaths for pedestrians and public spaces, parks and greenery is making life in urban India a living hell for many. Most of the responsibility for this rests with States and Municipal Governments. It will be our effort to give special attention to policies that can encourage urban development and urban renewal. We will actively seek public-private partnership in building urban infrastructure in a planned manner. Higher rates of economic growth, urbanisation and the modernisation of agriculture will continue to increase the demand for energy. This demand can only be met with new investment, increased efficiency and rational pricing. Even as we plan to make more efficient use of conventional sources of energy, we must invest in the development of non-conventional sources. We will evolve an Energy Policy package that will cover all sources of energy and will address all aspects like energy security, access and availability, affordability and pricing, efficiency and environment. Water has emerged as a critical and contentious issue across the country. Even access to safe drinking water remains a problem in many parts of our country. Water management policies have to be so formulated as to address the needs of farmers and weaker sections, especially women, as well as those of city-dwellers. We will have to find innovative, cost-effective and community-based solutions. Groundwater replenishment and management and rainwater harvesting require close cooperation between government, panchayati raj institutions and non- governmental organisations. The government will reverse the neglect of public investment in irrigation, addressing the specific problems of each river basin, in an environment and people friendly manner. We need new thinking in health policy. While the government will continue to help in the growth of private and community based health and medical care, there is a crying need for the reform of public health and public hospitals. We will make public hospitals more efficient and accessible, through public-private partnership aimed at offering affordable and humane health care. We need community based and public health-oriented solutions to tackling communicable diseases, epidemics, especially HIV/AIDS, and disability managment and population stabilization. People are a nation's greatest resource. Our greatest asset will be an educated and capable work force. Our government will work along with State governments to step up public spending on education, to universalize access to elementary education and to improve the quality of our education. We shall make effective use of mid-day meals programme for school children to achieve this objective. I am particularly concerned about the access to schooling and higher education of children belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, weaker sections and minorities. The education of the girl child and female literacy will be priority areas for us. We will do our utmost to provide scholarships to help them acquire the training and skills that can make them self-reliant and proud citizens. Our children need modern and relevant education aimed at making them concerned, capable and caring citizens of the Republic. Our economy has been rapidly integrating with the global economy over the past decade, with a growing sense of self-confidence. However, domestic enterprise needs world class and cost-effective infrastructure. Better roads, better connectivity, modern airports and railways, efficient ports and affordable and reliable power are all the basic requirements for a competitive economy. For centuries India has been a trading nation, actively engaged in the movement of goods and people across continents and high seas. We will pursue policies that enable our economy to be better integrated with the world economy without hurting the interests of our people. We will create an environment conducive to the utilization of the talent pool of the vast and diverse Indian diaspora. We greatly value their participation in the development of our nation. No objective in this development agenda can be met if we do not reform the instrument in our hand with which we have to work, namely the government and public institutions. Clearly, this will be my main concern and challenge in the days to come. We will maintain our tradition of an independent foreign policy, built on a national consensus and based on our supreme national interests. We will expand our network of international relationships - preserving solidarity with traditional allies and strengthening new partnerships. We will work with like-minded nations for an equitable, multi-polar world order, which takes into account the legitimate aspirations of developing countries. We desire to live in a neighbourhood of peace and prosperity. We will actively pursue the composite dialogue with Pakistan. We are sincere about discussing and resolving all issues, including Jammu & Kashmir. We recognize that resolution of major issues requires national consensus and accommodation of public sentiment in both countries. It is self-evident that terrorism and violence would cast a dark shadow over this process. With our other South Asian neighbours, it will be our sincere effort to jointly realize the vast potential for cooperation, and to ensure mutual security, stability and development. In our relations with China, we are encouraged by positive developments, which we are committed to strengthening. Bilateral economic cooperation has shown remarkable growth and diversification. We shall carry forward the process of discussion to resolve the boundary question from the political perspective of our bilateral relations. As two of the world's great democracies, our strengthened relationship with the USA is a fact of considerable importance. The transformation of our relations with USA has been supported by the expansion of economic links and people to people ties. We will welcome the expansion of cooperation between the two Governments to include new and mutually beneficial areas, particularly high technology. The strength and vibrancy of our partnership with Russia has withstood the flux of the post-Cold War world. We will accelerate the diversification of our relationship, particularly in defence, high technology, space and nuclear energy, while intensifying economic cooperation. We have traditionally strong relations with the countries of Southeast and West Asia, based on cultural affinities, economic interaction and a vibrant Indian expatriate community. We aim to build upon these. While speaking of West Asia, I must share our deep concern about developments in Iraq and the suffering of the people of that country. It is our earnest hope that democracy would be restored and full sovereignty transferred to a truly representative Government of Iraq. India is committed to participate in all endeavours aimed at bringing stability and to ensure the well being of the Iraqi people. We will also strengthen our bilateral relations with developing countries of Latin America and Africa. Similarly, strong ties with the nations of Central Asia are of importance for our international trade, as well as for our strategic and energy security. We will actively pursue a cooperative relationship with the European Union to expand the political and economic frontiers of collaboration. We welcome the inclusion of many new member states, with whom we have a long tradition of cooperation. I wish to place on record the nation's deep sense of gratitude and pride in the valour, professionalism and the spirit of self-sacrifice of our armed forces. I assure the nation that we will not be found wanting in providing for our armed forces, or in caring for our ex-servicemen. We will streamline defence acquisition procedures, so that our forces obtain the modern weapon systems and technologies. Our government will ensure that the necessary funds are made available for these purposes. We will maintain a credible minimum nuclear deterrent, along with a policy of 'no first use' in our nuclear doctrine. India is a responsible nuclear power, and we will continue to work to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, we remain committed to the goal of universal nuclear disarmament. Internal security remains an important challenge. Terrorism poses a grave threat to the unity and progress of our nation. We shall combat it with all the resources at our command. There shall be no doubt whatsoever about our resolve to deal with this insidious threat to our nation. The government will continue the process of dialogue with the Hurriyat and all other groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The Government is willing to talk with all disaffected groups provided they shun the path of violence. We will adopt a comprehensive approach to the problem of national security, to create greater synergy between our intelligence agencies, closer coordination between internal security structures, more efficient civil-military interface and more effective harnessing of technology to national security management. My fellow citizens, I share the feeling of well-meaning citizens when they express pained concern about the decline of morals and ethics in public life. There is, however, no better way to deal with this incipient threat to our democracy than to meet it head on by joining public life ourselves. When I chose to enter public life, I did so because I was convinced that our democracy needs more professionals to become more engaged and active in politics. I therefore appeal to each one of you to also participate in our public life so that governments at all levels - central, state and local - are all constantly put on notice and not just tested once in five years. When I travel across the country, I am always heartened by the increasing number of young and idealistic people I meet, who work with voluntary organizations, empowering the dispossessed and the disfranchised. We shall make effective use of the resources of the civil society to improve the quality of governance and delivery of important public services. Fellow citizens, I urge you to come forward and take an active role in the nation's public affairs. Each one of you can make a difference. I seek your support to restore to our public life a greater sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to decency, morality and the hard work needed to take our country and every one of our citizens forward. We must re-capture the spirit of idealism and self-sacrifice, which characterized the high noon of our freedom struggle. Working together, we shall ensure that this ancient, sacred land of ours regains its rightful place in the comity of nations. Jai Hind."
eBay buys India's Baazee.com
Thursday, June 24, 2004
EBAY, the world's leading online marketplace, has agreed to acquire India's largest internet auction site Baazee.com for $US50 million ($73 million), the companies said. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2004, a joint statement said. The statement said the agreement would allow eBay to expand its global footprint into the nascent but growing Indian market, while Baazee.com will strengthen its position in India's e-commerce market. "The combination of Baazee.com and eBay will allow buyers and sellers in India and around the world to gain access to a broader range of choice and convenience," the statement said. "Our relationship with Baazee.com is another important step in the growth of eBay's global marketplace," eBay president Meg Whitman said. "Although it's early days for e-commerce in India, we believe there is great opportunity over the long term. Baazee.com's strong management team and solid focus on its community make it a natural fit with eBay." Bombay-based Baazee.com offers a diverse online marketplace for a range of buyers and sellers throughout India. It has currently more than one million confirmed registered users who trade in a wide range of categories from consumer electronics and computers, to home decor and jewellery. "Our partnership with eBay validates Baazee.com's business model and position in the industry," said Avinash Bajaj, chairman of Baazee.com. "Our local expertise combined with eBay's global perspective will allow us to take e-commerce in India to the next level." The statement said India's internet penetration is growing steadily, with nearly 17 million users which is expected to grow to more than 30 million in 2006. Agence France-Presse
UTI Bank, IDBI Bank to merge
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
NEW DELHI: UTI Bank and IDBI Bank are getting merged to become U&I Bank, according to banking sources.However, the development could not be confirmed as the administrator of UTI-1 who is also the CMD of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), M Damodaran is travelling abroad and could not be contacted. UTI-1 owns 33.36% in UTI Bank while IDBI has 70% holding in IDBI Bank. The merger would make the the total deposits base of the combined entity to above Rs 30,000 crore and advances to Rs 17,700 crore. Book value shares of IDBI Bank and UTI Bank are Rs 7.32 and Rs 49.06 respectively. At the same time earning per share of UTI Bank as on March 31, 2004 was Rs 12.06 as against Rs 7.32 of IDBI. Therefore, if the merger goes on, the share swapping ratio will be in favour of UTI Bank share holders. On the network front, UTI Bank is much ahead of IDBI Bank. UTI Bank has over 1200 ATM as against IDBI Bank’s 300 ATMs. IDBI Bank has around 100 branches whereas UTI Bank has over 250 branches. The combined bank will have a large all India network. A senior UTI official maintained that nothing was confirmed as yet. HSBC has also taken substantial stake (15%) in UTI Bank which it wants to increase further to 20%. In fact, other foreign and private sector banks were also trying to take over, either of these two highly promising banks. But, it is learnt that the top management of the bank were planning to merge them together to create a size which could make them a highly competitive bank. Foreign banks are talking to the private Indian banks as a takeover bid to consolidate their position. ING has already taken controlling stake in Vysya Bank. The new bank is known as ING Vysya. A senior executive of a foreign bank said that they were going slow on an acquisition because of the government’s unclear policy on the voting rights.
Yash Johar still critical
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Yash Johar still critical Mumbai, Jun 22 (UNI) The condition of renowned Bollywood film producer Yash Johar, who was admitted to the ICU of Leelavati Hospital on Saturday following lung infection, continues to remain critical, hospital sources said. Leelavati Hospital Vice President Dr Narendra Trivedi said here today that the 76-year-old film producer was still under observation. ''Though he has not shown signs of improvement and continues to be critical, he has not deteriorated any further and remains stable,'' Dr Trivedi said. Mr Johar was admitted on Saturday morning following difficulty in breathing when he developed lung infection. He was put on nebulizer to remove congestion in the lungs.
Indo-Pak talks on Baglihar begins
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Indo-Pak talks on Baglihar project begins on positive note New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) The crucial talks between India and Pakistan on the 450 MW Baglihar Hydro-Electric project on the river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir began here this morning. The Secretary -- level talks, the first ever at this level on the contentious Baglihar issue, began on a ''positive note''. ''Am I not smiling'', Mr V K Duggal, Secretary in the Water Resources Ministry, asked newsmen when they wanted to know about the progress of the talks after an hour, indicating that there is a likelihood of a positive outcome. Both the Indian and Pakistani delegation are expected to hold a joint press conference on the outcome of the talks in the evening. While Pakistan Water and Power Secretary Ashfaq Mehmood led the five-member team, the Indian side was represented by Mr Duggal and top officials in the Water Resources Ministry. Though India made preparations for a technical presentation on the Baglihar project, it was not needed as the Pakistani delegation was aware of the details of the project, sources said. Besides Mr Mahmood, the Pakistani delegation comprises of Mr Syed Jamait Ali Shah, Izhar Ul Haq, Shair Bahadur Khan and Jalil Abbas Jilani. The Secretary-level talks came just three days after the successful conclusion of the expert-level talks on nuclear Confidence- Building Measures (CBMs). The Baglihar project on river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir is nearing completion and is expected to augment electricity supply to the state which faces huge power shortage. However, Pakistan has expressed some ''objections'' to the design of the project and alleged that it was not in conformity with the 1960 Indus Water Treaty. Under the Treaty, India has first right to use the waters of the rivers Sutlej, Beas and Ravi. Being a riparian state, Pakistan has first right over Indus, Chenab and Ravi. India is constructing Baglihar project on the Chenab on Indian side. Though Commissioner-level meetings between the two sides have been taking place from time-to-time on a periodical basis, the new format for talks was worked out as per the agreement reached by the two countries during the last one year. The Pakistani delegation is likely to call on Water Resources Minister Priyaranjan Das Munsi this evening.
No use indulging in blame game: Naidu
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
No use indulging in blame game: Naidu Mumbai, June 22 With the ghost of Gujarat haunting the party in the wake of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's critical remarks, BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that there was no use in indulging in blame game and finger pointing but maintained collective responsibility does not preclude individual accountability. "Our party does not believe in blame game and finger pointing. Unlike most parties in the Indian political system, the BJP is not a personality-based party. We believe in the principle of collective responsibility - both in victory and defeat", he said in his presidential speech to the three-day national executive meeting that began in Mumbai for introspecting the electoral debacle. Reminding every functionary of the party that BJP had a distinctive culture of introspection and analysis, Naidu said "our approach to introspection and analysis should always be positive and constructive. In other words, analysis cannot be only for finding out what went wrong; rather, its principal purpose should be to enable us to overcome the shortcomings and forge ahead with greater confidence and resolve. Over 150 partymen including Vajpayee, former deputy prime minister LK Advani, Jaswant Singh, MM Joshi and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi are attending the meet. However, Keshubhai Patel, a critic of Modi, was not present. Taking responsibility both for his individual actions and performance of the party as a whole, the BJP president pledged to work with redoubled energy. Conceding that the party's performance in the Lok Sabha polls fell way below our expectations, he said as decided at the Parliamentary Board meeting, the party shall constitute a small committee which would conduct a comprehensive, in-depth and objective analysis of the election result and pinpoint the factors that contributed to this setback. The names of the Committee members would be announced at the end of the meeting, Naidu said. While asserting that there was no question of being apologetic about Hindutvav, he said, "I would also like to make one thing clear. There is no question of giving up our efforts to reach out to all sections of the Indian society, including the minorities". In an apparent reference to the Sangh Parivar, he said "our party will maintain good relations with all nationalist organisations working for the cause of nation-building." Toeing the Advani line that the final verdict was an aggregate of state verdict influenced mostly by local factors, Naidu said the party suffered in a few states on account of the alliance factor. He, however, said the party had no regrets on this count and BJP was firmly in favour of "further strengthening the NDA and our relationship with the supporting parties". "It is true that some allies left NDA prior to elections. In every single case, they left on their own. We did not leave any of them. Yes, we have to identify the shortcomings and correct the lapses. We have to learn lessons from the past, and move forward leaving the past behind", the BJP chief said. Gujarat, which had dominated the party in the run-up to the national executive, barely found any reference in Naidu's inaugural address except a mention in his state-wise analysis of the poll debacle. Rejecting any anti-NDA or pro-Congress wave, he said, even in Gujarat, where the BJP is said not to have fared well, "we won more seats than the Congress, although it was below our expectations". He took strong exceptions to attempts at making the controversial Gujarat police encounter into a Hindu-Muslim issue. "What is shocking is that certain pseudo-secular parties and organisations are using this incident in their anti-BJP campaign and also trying to make it into a Hindu-Muslim issue", he said and warned that BJP will launch a major nation-wide campaign on competitive pseudo-secularism.
Rollback in fuel prices possible only after budget: Aiyer
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Chennai, June 19 : Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer today said any rollback of prices in petroleum products could be made only after the Union Budget, as it depended on the 'fiscal changes' to be effected by Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the budget and concessions that might be announced for the oil industry. "What changes are to be effected in petroleum prices totally depend on the fiscal changes and concession that may be announced in the union budget', he told reporters here. Considering the international price situation, there was no scope for any rollback now, the Minister asserted. Justifying the hike, he said prices of petroleum products should reflect the 'fluctuating' price of crude in the international market. Even when he took over as the Petroleum Minister, he had stated that he would wait for the outcome of the OPEC meeting. Though the prices had come down slightly in June, the crude oil price in the international market was 'unprecedented' in the past 15 years. Even during the Gulf War, the prices had not shot upto this level, he added.
Vajpayee says issue of Modi's removal thing of past
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Bhuntar (Kullu), June 19 In a characteristically intriguing statement, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said the issue of removal of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is now a "thing of the past" but did not elaborate. "That has become an issue of the past. Look at the new year and the coming Assembly elections and we have to face them," he told reporters at the airstrip here before winding up his week-long holiday. He was asked whether he was still in favour of Modi's removal. Vajpayee's statement, coming on the eve of the BJP Parliament Board meeting in Delhi tomorrow, could mean either he has yielded to RSS-VHP leadership which does not want Modi to be touched or he has been assured that Modi would be removed but the issue should not be raked up in public. The former Prime Minister began his holiday last week telling reporters that Gujarat violence was one of the reasons for the party's electoral debacle. Later in an interview to a television channel he had said that the Gujarat violence and Modi's removal would be discussed in the next week's BJP National Executive meeting. While the party President M Venkaiah Naidu issued a statement ruling out Modi's removal and a discussion on Gujarat in the National Executive, Vajpayee stuck to his guns saying these issues would be taken up at the meeting.
IIM(A) hikes scholarship amount to Rs 10 mn, fees to be same
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Ahmedabad, Jun 19 Ending a long wait, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad today announced that its fee structure would remain the same as in previous years at Rs 158,000 but the allocation for Need-Based Scholarships would be hiked four times, from Rs 250,000 to Rs 10 million. The fee structure would remain the same but the allocation for NBS has been hiked from Rs 250,000 to Rs 10 million for students whose parents income does not exceed more than Rs 200,000, Chairman and Infosys Chief N R Narayanamurthy told reporters emerging from a crucial meeting of board of directors of IIM(A) here.
India, Pakistan agree to elaborate and work towards CBMs
Sunday, June 20, 2004
New Delhi, June 19 Approaching the first-ever crucial expert-level talks on Nuclear Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in a "positive framework", India and Pakistan today exchanged views on their respective security concepts and nuclear doctrines and agreed to elaborate and work towards CBMs. "Both sides approached the talks in a positive framework aimed at taking the process forward and making them result-oriented," an "agreed" press statement said at the end of the first session of talks lasting two hours. "The two delegations identified areas of convergence including in the context of multilateral fora. They also exchanged views on their respective security concepts and nuclear doctrines and agreed to elaborate and work towards CBMs," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said while giving details of the statement. The discussions will continue tomorrow.
3,000 kms range Agni III test firing when required-- Pranab
Sunday, June 20, 2004
New Delhi, June 19 India will conduct tests of its most powerful missile Agni III capable of striking upto a distance of 3,000 kms "when required", Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today amidst indications that the DRDO had completed preparations for the trials. "We will conduct the tests as and when required" he said when asked when the country would go ahead with the trials already put off twice since late last year. The test firing of the solid state missile assumes significance in the backdrop of Pakistan going ahead with test firing of number of short and medium range Hatf and Ghauri missiles. Agni III was to be test fired in November last year and was put off to be carried out early this year. Without giving any time frame for the test firing, the Defence Minister told newsmen on the sidelines of a function organised to fete Navy's successful Everest expedition team "you will get to know when we carry out the tests". For the first time, Mukherjee also made it clear that the new Government had no intention of carrying out any blanket review of the major defence deals signed by the NDA Government. "It is not true whenever there is a change of government, everything will have to be verified", the Defence Minister said to questions whether the new regime was putting under scanner major contracts like the multi-million dollar deal for acquisition of French scorpene killer submarines and their manufacture under licence in India.
Brazil, India and China - To the G8?
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Mario Osava and Thalif Deen SAO PAULO, Jun 18 (IPS) - China, Brazil and India, three major players in the developing world, may be invited to join the ranks of the world's most powerful group of nations, the Group of Eight (G8), according to diplomatic sources here. Although no formal decision has been reached, there are strong indications the three developing nations are potential candidates to join the privileged group. It is only a matter of time, a Third World diplomat told IPS. And it is also a matter of political reality. Asked if there was any truth to the speculation, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim told IPS: I haven't seen anything specific. But he agreed that such a move would signal a broadening of political power throughout the world. I think it is the recognition that you cannot attempt (to rule the world) -- not the G8, nor a G11 or G12 could do that either, because those things have to be dealt with institutionally. Let's just say, even to tackle the tasks that will be discussed institutionally, you can no longer gather the seven richest countries, or eight counting Russia (which is an important country not for its gross national product but for other reasons); you cannot just have those countries decide, he said. Also, added Amorim, today's world is very complex and what happens in China, India or Brazil will have an impact on rich nations. If the three countries are invited, he said, it is not to do us a favour, or recognise our importance, but it is because it is important for themselves. If offered membership, the three nations will follow in the footsteps of Russia, which accepted a formal invitation to join the then Group of Seven (G7) in June 2002. The original seven, described as the world's most industrialised nations, were the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan. When the G7 extended the invitation to Russia, it was considered a personal victory for President Vladimir Putin. Although his nation had taken part in several G7 meetings, it was not a full-fledged member. Although there is no official word as to when China, India and Brazil would be invited to join the G8, diplomatic sources predict that it is likely to happen in 2006, when Russia will host the G8 summit. India and Brazil are also strong contenders -- along with Germany and Japan -- for three new veto-wielding permanent seats in the 15-member United Nations Security Council. China is already one of five permanent members -- in the company of the United States, Britain, France and Russia. The proposed U.N. move, according to several diplomats, would dramatically change the political and economic equation on the international scene. The possible expansion of the G8 -- to G11 -- is also being viewed as a bold diplomatic manoeuvre by Washington and the European Union (EU) to neutralise the growing clout of the G20 developing nations, a bloc dominated by China, India and Brazil. The three countries are also an integral part of the 132-strong Group of 77, alongside some of the poorest of the world's poor, including Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, Chad and Liberia. If invited to join the G8, the three nations may be forced to leave the G77, the largest single grouping at the United Nations and the collective voice of the developing world. In 1994, Mexico became the first developing nation to exit the G77 when it joined the rich nations' club, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It was followed by South Korea in 1997. Last month, two other members, Cyprus and Malta, were forced to leave the group after they became members of the EU. Strangely, China -- a country that may soon have the world's fourth largest economy, behind the United States, Japan and Germany -- is still a member of the G77. It has also long been tipped to join the G8, because of its tremendous economic clout. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan himself is ambivalent about China: should it be deemed a developing or a developed country? At a press conference here Monday for the meeting of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, Annan said, in fact, the group that is here sees China as a developing country and part of them. But, he added, there are countries that will debate that. And there are countries that see China very much as part of the developing world and China does have lessons for the rest of the members. (END/2004)
Vajpayee owns responsibility for BJP's defeat
Friday, June 18, 2004
Pirni, Jun 18 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said he owned "maximum" responsibility for BJP's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and that he would do "penance" for it. "I take maximum responsibility for the defeat because the elections were fought in my name. I will do penance for it," he told reporters. Asked what he meant by penance, he said we will work very hard. "There will be no lacking in hardwork", Vajpayee said. To a question whether the next election would be fought under him, the former Prime Minister said no one knows what will happen in future but we will work very hard. (more)
No rollback of fuel price hike: Petroleum Minister
Friday, June 18, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 18 Notwithstanding the demand of the Left parties, Petroleum Minister Mani Shanker Iyer today asserted that there would be "no rollback" of the hike in petro products prices. "Our's is not a rollback government. What has been decided has been implemented", he told reporters on the sidelines of a workshop organised by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration here. Referring to criticism of his move from various quarters, Iyer said "criticism has been muted". Asked if the Left Front's opposition had more to do with political compulsions, he said "I have no problem with mild criticism." The minister, however, added that a comprehensive review of the crude oil policy would be undertaken soon. Earlier Left Front leaders met the Prime Minsiter and demanded a rollback in the hike.
Inflation surges to 5.55 pc
Friday, June 18, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 18 Inflation continued to move up, rising sharply to 5.55 per cent for the week ended June five due to a whopping five per cent rise in vegetable prices and a substantial hike in manufactured items and fuels used for power generation and fertiliser production. The point-to-point Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose for the fourth consecutive week by 0.52 per cent from the previous level of 5.03 per cent despite UPA government's assurance to keep the commodity prices under check. The index was 5.36 per cent in the year-ago period. WPI surged by 0.6 per cent to 182.7 points in the first week of June with indices of Primary Articles, Fuels and Manufactured Products going up. It was 173.1 in the previous year period. Centre revised upwards the final inflation to 4.57 per cent for the week ended April 10 as against the provisional level of 4.40 per cent. The final WPI stood corrected at 180.8 points during the second week of April as compared to the provisional figure of 180.5 points. Analysts told that inflation was likely to surge in the coming months if the "cascading effect" of the recent hike in prices of petroleum products, especially diesel, was factored in. Government had hiked the price of petrol and diesel by Rs two and Rs one per litre respectively and that of LPG by Rs 20 per cylinder on June 15.
Vajpayee owns responsibility for BJP's defeat
Friday, June 18, 2004
Pirni, Jun 18 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said he owned "maximum" responsibility for BJP's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and that he would do "penance" for it. "I take maximum responsibility for the defeat because the elections were fought in my name. I will do penance for it," he told reporters. Asked what he meant by penance, he said we will work very hard. "There will be no lacking in hardwork", Vajpayee said. To a question whether the next election would be fought under him, the former Prime Minister said no one knows what will happen in future but we will work very hard. (more) RK SMS VSC SYM 06181331 D
Laden wanted to hit White House on Sept 11: report
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Washington, June 17 Osama bin Laden wanted to target the White House as part of the terror attacks on the US on Sept. 11 but ringleader Mohammed Atta believed that the Presidential mansion was too difficult to hit and backed the Capitol instead, the Commission investigating the 2001 strikes reported. Laden wanted Atta to agree to the plan to hit the White House, which the latter found difficult to put in place. Eventually, Atta agreed but kept the Capitol on reserve, the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the US said. Based on exchanges between the hijackers, the report said it remains unclear exactly which was the target on Sept 11. Al Qaeda had intended to use a total of 26 hijackers for the plot but in the end 19 took part. The Commission identified "candidate hijackers" who were supposed to part of the strikes at one time. However, two were removed by the al Qaeda leadership, two failed to acquire US visas, two backed out after one of them was stopped by security officers in Bahrain, one was stopped by US officials at the airport in Orlando and two apparently withdrew under pressure from their families.
India a key strategic ally: Britain
Thursday, June 17, 2004
London, Jun 17 Describing India as a "key strategic ally" and an "increasingly more important player" in the global economy, Britain has said that bilateral ties with it are "growing ever stronger". After a meeting here yesterday with visiting External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, his British counterpart Jack Straw said "India is a key strategic ally of the UK. "From the promotion of democracy, to the expansion of the global economy, to combating of international crime and terrorism--these are common, crucial objectives which both countries share," he told reporters. Straw said he had asked Singh to pass on the British government's congratulations to the Indian people and authorities for staging recently such a "successful, thrilling and lively" democratic contest, the largest election in the world. The British minister described his talks with Singh as "very friendly and productive", covering a range of bilateral, regional and international issues. "Our economic relations are just as vibrant as our political ties. India is an increasingly more important player in the global economy," he observed. Observing that Britain has traditionally been one of the biggest foreign investors in India, he said in the last few years India has become an important investor in Britain. India is now the eighth largest foreign investor in the UK.
Matsyagandha mishap caused by boulders falling on track: Lalu
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Ambawali (Maharashtra), Jun 17 Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has said that the accident involving Matsyagandha Express, which left 14 people dead and 62 others injured, was caused by boulders falling on the track due to landslides. "Prima facie, it seems that there was a landslide and boulders fell on the tracks. The driver had to break hard. Of course, there will be an investigation by the Commission of Safety," Lalu said last night. "I also want to thank villagers, youths and people of neighbourhood as I saw them in television helping very much in rescue operations," he said. A speeding Mumbai-bound Matsyagandha Express from Mangalore derailed between Karanjadi and Veer near Roha in Raigad district of Maharashta yesterday killing 14 people and injurng 62 others. "Earlier, I was informed that around 20 people have died but finally I came to know that the number of killed is 14," Lalu told reporters at the accident site last night. "When we investigated on the site, we found out that one point was not covered by the netting which is built to prevent boulders from falling on the tracks. I believe this had caused the accident," he said. "Commiissioner of Safety will look into the details of the accident, including if this had happened due to negligence, and submit the report within one week", he said. On the ex gratia amount, he said Rs one lakh will be given to the next of the kin of the killed and Rs 15,000 to the injured passengers. Railways will meet all expenditure of medical treatment of the injured, he added.
Cong nominates Bhinder from Punjab for Rajya Sabha polls
Thursday, June 17, 2004
New Delhi, June 17 Former Union Minister Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder was today nominated by the Congress for Rajya Sabha elections from Punjab. She is the second party nominee for the three vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state going to polls on June 28. Party General Secretary Ambika Soni had yesterday filed her nomination papers for the RS elections from the state. Besides, Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Rajmohinder Singh has also filed his papers for the Rajya Sabha seats. According to official sources, the Congress was in no position to win two seats from Punjab and one would go to the Akalis. Of the three Rajya Sabha seats from the state, one fell vacant following the death of SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra (SAD) and the others two due to the impending retirement of Sukhdev Singh Libra (SAD) and Gurcharan Kaur (BJP).
Heavy rains hit restoration work at Matsyagandha accident site
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Mahad (Maharashtra), Jun 17 Heavy rains since last night have slowed down the operation to clear the tracks of mangled bogies of Mangalore-Kurla Matsyagandha Express at Amboli, 17 kms from here, where the train derailed killing 14 people and leaving 62 injured. Works to remove the mangled bogies and the blockages had begun late last night. However, heavy rains since have considerably slowed down the relief and restoration operation, official sources said. Two huge cranes of Konkan Railway meant for evacuation of bogies have arrived from Vashi in Navi Mumbai and Verle near Goa, and are likely to be pressed into service today, the sources said. The derailed bogies of Matsyagandha Express are still lying on the rail route and will be removed today. The track repair works will be taken there after and the trial run will begin by the end of the day before normal traffic is restored on the Konkan Railway route, KR spokesperson told.
20 die in India train accident
Thursday, June 17, 2004
BOMBAY: At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a train bound for India's commercial hub Bombay derailed yesterday while crossing a bridge.Ten coaches and the engine of the Matsyagandha Express jumped the rails on the western Konkan coast after the engine crashed into large boulders that had rolled down from the mountainside due to heavy monsoon rains lashing the area. Officials said rescue workers struggled to remove bodies from three coaches that hung from the bridge after the accident that happened in pouring rain about 160km south of Bombay. "It was a difficult task to remove the bodies. Some were hanging precariously out of the coach. But we managed to get them out," Vaishali Patange, a senior railway official, said. Medical and rescue teams rushed the injured in pelting rain to a hospital near the crash site while some others were moved to Bombay where anxious family members crowded a railway station to scan the list of passengers. "It was God who saved us. We were supposed to travel in the same coach that fell off the tracks but it was too crowded so we went behind," said a dazed Elvis Rebello. "The train jerked twice and stopped suddenly. When we got out, we saw the coaches were hanging from the bridge," Rebello, who was travelling with his sister, told a television channel. Railway engineers tried to remove the damaged coaches from the tracks to make way for other trains, which were either diverted or cancelled. "This is a dangerous stretch. Regular patrolling has to be done. Railway officials found guilty of neglecting their duty will be severely punished," Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav told reporters. Officials said the train was heading for Bombay from Mangalore, Karnataka state.
Cinemas attacked over lesbian film
Thursday, June 17, 2004
NEW DELHI: Hindu hardliners smashed glass panes and ripped posters in cinemas, then said yesterday they'd pressure the government to censor or ban a film about a lesbian couple."We are going to push the government to order the deletion of objectionable scenes in the film. Shots which are against Indian culture should be removed," Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, vice-president of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, said.Hindu protesters attacked cinemas in several Indian towns, tearing down posters for the film Girlfriend, which deals with a lesbian relationship - a rare theme for India's film industry. In the northern city of Varanasi, 12 protesters from the hardline Shiv Sena were arrested for damaging public property after they broke windows at a movie theatre and disrupted the screening of the film. In Indore, central India, police chased away protesters who ransacked a cinema while the film was being screened. Some cinema halls in India's western state of Gujarat stopped showing the film on fears of attacks. "The film should be withdrawn," Jai Bhagwan Goel, a Shiv Sena leader said. "The film shows one woman in a relationship with another woman. We strongly object to this portrayal of Indian society." India's Bombay-based film industry, known as "Bollywood," churns out more than 900 movies a year. The director of Girlfriend, KarAn Razdan, said the Hindu hardline groups' attempts to have the film banned were unjustified, because it had been certified by the federal Censor Board. The film is also coming under fire from gay and lesbian groups in India. "The film does a total disservice to lesbians by depicting them as man-hating psychopaths," said Shubra Gupta, a film analyst in New Delhi. "Girlfriend reinforces all the negative stereotypes about lesbian and bisexual women," said Chatura, of the Organised Lesbian Alliance for Visibility and Action. "Not only is it a cheap and titillation-oriented film masquerading as one that's liberal, but it portrays the minority community in a negative light," said Chatura. Leading homosexual activist Ashok Row Kavi said: "We have a major problem with Razdan for demonising lesbians. "The film takes our sexual identities and makes a joke of them," he said.
Even prayers are outsourced to India
Thursday, June 17, 2004
BANGALORE - With Roman Catholic clergy in short supply in the United States, Indian priests are picking up some of their work, saying Mass for special intentions in an unusual version of outsourcing. American, as well as Canadian and European churches, are sending Mass intentions, or requests for services like those to remember deceased relatives and thanksgiving prayers, to clergy in India. About 2 per cent of India's more than one billion people are Christians, mostly Catholics. In Kerala, a state on the south-western coast with one of the largest concentrations of Christians in India, churches often receive intentions from overseas. The Masses are conducted in Malayalam, the native language. The intention - often a prayer for the repose of the soul of a deceased relative, thanksgiving for a favour received, or a prayer for a newborn - is announced at Mass. The requests are mostly sent through the Vatican, the bishops or through religious bodies. A significant number arrive via e-mail, a sign that technology is expediting this practice. In Kerala's churches, memorial and thanksgiving prayers conducted for locals are said for a donation of 40 rupees (S$1.50), whereas a prayer request from the US typically comes with US$5 (S$8), the Indian priests say. A bishop from Cochin, a port town in Kerala, said his diocese received an average of 350 Mass intentions a month from overseas. But critics of the phenomenon said they were shocked that religious services were being outsourced, a word normally used for office jobs that migrate to countries with lower wages. -- New York Times
'Naalo' is composer Deva's comeback track
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Film: "Naalo"; Composer: Deva; Singers: S.P. Balasubramaniam, Anuradha Sriram, S.P. Charan, Krishnamraju, Sujatha, Charan, Devan, Mamithi, Malathi Laxman. Top Tamil composer Deva has made the music for a Telugu film after a long gap. In "Naalo", he has churned out a cluster of tunes, including a rehash of an old Tamil hit of his, that will appeal to several sections of the wide audience for film music. The album opens with Cheppedhama..." in the mellifluous voices of S.P. Balasubramaniam and Anuradha Sriram. It has all the makings of a chartbuster - a soft-tune, a matching lyric and delightful rendering. Singer and actor S.P. Charan, who plays the lead role in the film, joins Krishnamraju and Sujatha to belt out "Rukku rukku..." It is followed by "Hei tholiga valapu...", a fast-paced Western number rendered by the versatile Balasubramaniam along with Charan, Devan and Mamithi. Side B starts with the folksy lilt of "Peyta peyta..." by Malathi Laxman. This is bound to be on the lips of the youth and the masses soon. Then, after a repetition of "Cheppedhama", comes the concluding song that is also the crown piece of the album. "Kallu kallu illa..." is reminiscent of an old Tamil hit by Deva, but his success lies in making it sound so different in Telugu. If Deva's ambition was to re-enter Telugu filmdom in a big way, the album has certainly paved the way.
Vivek does crazy things for Aish
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Love makes the world go crazy. Vivek Oberoi is no exception either. Else why would anybody buy a picture of Aishwarya Rai for such an astronomical price? At an auction held in Mumbai recently, he had bought a picture of Aishwarya Rai for a massive Rs 52,000! This is in spite of the fact that Aish is easily one of the most photographed models in India. Wait a minute! If Vivek Oberoi is going to go about buying each and every photograph of Aish, how much would he have to spend? And, with Aish going to Hollywood, we wonder if this love story will continue as strong as it was before.
Vajpayee-Modi episode a closed chapter: BJP
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 15 BJP today sought to put a lid on the controversy trigerred by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remarks on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's removal saying it was a "closed chapter" and asserted that Vajpayee remained the party's "tallest leader". "After the statement given by party President M Venkaiah Naidu yesterday following consultations with Vajpayee, it (episode) is a closed chapter. We have nothing more to add," party Vice-President and spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters here. He said Naidu had given the statement after "taking Vajpayee into confidence". Commenting on media reports that the former Prime Minister has been "isolated", he said, "this and other terms may be good for the media but it is not in the party vocabulary. He (Vajpayee) remains our tallest leader." After talking to Vajpayee over telephone, Naidu had yesterday ruled out Modi's removal and made it clear that even the issue
Petrol, diesel prices to go up by Re one per litre
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 15 Petrol and diesel prices are to be hiked by Re one per litre each even as Government plans to slash excise duties on petroleum products to cushion the impact of surge in crude oil prices. An announcement of hike in petrol and diesel prices is likely late in the evening today and the revised price would be effective from midnight tonight. Government also plans to cut excise duties on products but will leave the customs duty on crude oil unchanged till the budget, sources said. Petroleum Minister Mani Sankar Aiyar said an annoucement would be made late in the evening as is the convention. He, however, refused to elaborate on the quantum of price increase or duty cuts. After the Cabinet meeting this morning, which approved the oil package including marginal hike in product prices and cut in duties, Aiyer held detailed discussions with officials of PSU oil companies.
CPI-M gives five-year warranty to UPA govt
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Kolkata, June 15 The CPI(M) today pledged that it would support the Manmohan Singh ministry for full five years against any attempt by the Sangh Parivar to destablise it, but said that it would protest if the government pursued any 'anti-people' policy in economic and other spheres. Addressing a meeting of the party's student's body, SFI, CPI(M) state secretary Anil Biswas said it would be a mistake to think that dangers from the BJP and other 'fascist forces' like RSS had diminished after NDA's disastrous election results. "There is danger from the RSS. BJP and RSS will wait for every single opportunity to defame the government. We have to be vigilant and carry on the fight. The present coalition government at the Centre is dependent on leftist support for its survival," Biswas a Politburo member said. "We will do everything to protect the government from the onslaught of communal forces. It is the responsibility of the leftists to see that the government does not fall," Biswas said. He said that Left's main effort would be to act as a watch dog and whenever necessary it would protest inside and outside Parliament to check any deviations from the Common Minimum Programme or against pursuing any anti-people policy by the government in economic and other spheres.
Indian Navy to set up Asia's largest academy
Monday, June 14, 2004
Asia's largest naval academy, being set up at Ezhimala in the southern state of Kerala, will be ready within the next two years, a top Indian navy official has said. The academy is being set up in Kannur district and it is expected to be ready by 2006-2007, said Vice Admiral V. Bharathan, the navy's chief of personnel. As many as 900 foreign cadets will be trained in the Ezhimala academy every year, he said. Bharathan was speaking after reviewing a passing out parade and awarding "wings" to graduating pilots of the 62nd helicopter conversion course at INS Rajali at Arakkonam naval base, about 90 km south of Chennai, Saturday. The first phase of the naval base in Karwar in neighbouring Karnataka, is expected to become operational in 2006. This project will be fully operational in about seven years, Bharathan said. The Karwar base, once in operation, will help take over much of the extra workload of the naval base at Mumbai. The Russian Gorshkov aircraft carrier will join the Indian Navy in another four years, after it conversion, he said. At the passing out parade, the Kerala governor's rolling trophy for the best all-round trainee pilot was awarded to Cadet Mohit Sharma, who also won the rolling trophy of the flag officer commanding-in-chief, eastern naval command, for trainee pilots.
RAW still clueless about missing spy
Monday, June 14, 2004
Almost a month after the mysterious disappearance of a senior official of India's external intelligence agency, authorities appear to be in the dark about his whereabouts. Ravindra Singh, a highly trained spy of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) who took part in several secret operations worldwide, was reported missing May 14. Singh held the rank of joint secretary and had been under surveillance by his agency's counter-intelligence unit months before he disappeared. Amidst reports of Singh defecting to the US, the home ministry has sent a terse note to RAW instructing the spy agency's top brass to trace Singh at any cost. "Tracing Singh should be a top priority for the agency," said a senior government official. There has also been no word from Indian missions abroad on the whereabouts of Singh and his wife, who too has been missing since May 14. Singh was in-charge of RAW's Southeast Asia desk for the past two years and had been caught taking files and documents home from office. Internal investigations carried out by RAW have suggested Singh had no access to secrets like coded messages relating to future spy operations, but the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind his disappearance has not been ruled out. "Singh will not be of any use except for passing on information that he knew or on secret operations he had joined. Besides that, no secrets will get out," said a source. According to the RAW's internal probe, Singh and his wife left their Defence Colony house here separately and met in Nepal before reportedly flying to Europe. On condition of anonymity, a source said Singh's relatives in the US were apparently helping him because they claimed that he had not turned up in America after his disappearance. Singh's daughter is married to a man settled in the US. His disappearance has baffled the RAW top brass because all his movements were monitored -- whether in the office or outside -- as he was under surveillance by the counter-intelligence unit.v Singh's neighbours claimed the he and his wife were not very friendly and kept to themselves. Before disappearing from the house, Singh's wife had told her neighbours she and her husband would be going to the US to attend their daughter's wedding. But no one actually saw them leaving.v Singh's car is still parked outside the house and neighbours could not recollect the last time they had seen him using it. "There used to be some relatives who visited them regularly but we don't know anything more than that," said a neighbour. Singh's two relatives who are based in Delhi have been questioned but nothing much has come out of this, said sources.
Court clears singer Daler Mehndi's US visit
Monday, June 14, 2004
A court in Punjab has permitted pop singer Daler Mehndi, barred from travelling abroad as he has been charged with human trafficking, to visit the US to take part in the Indian Independence Day celebrations there. Mehndi was dragged into a headline-grabbing controversy in October last year when Punjab Police arrested him in a multi-million human trafficking case. The singer was, however, released after sufficient evidence was not found against him. The police have now moved an application seeking his discharge in the case. Mehndi was nominated to lead India's I-Day parade in the US. Last year, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan had received the same honour. The singer's counsel moved an application in a court here this week seeking release of his passport for the US visit. The singer would also visit other countries during the year for shows. Mehndi was earlier allowed to go abroad in March after his passport was released for a concert trip to Pakistan when the Indian cricket team was touring there. The singer's passport is deposited with the court of the chief judicial magistrate here. Mehndi and his brother had been accused of illegally taking youths abroad as members of the singer's troupe for shows. The singer was nabbed by police last year after evading arrest for over two months.
Aiyer, Chidambaram discuss oil pricing policy
Monday, June 14, 2004
New Delhi, Jun 13 Petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyer today met finance minister P Chidambaram to give final shape to the pricing policy of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. The two will tomorrow meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to get a final nod for revision in Petrol and diesel prices, which have remained unchanged for the past five months despite a 7 dollars per barrel surge in crude oil prices. Sources said a new policy will be announced by June 15, the net due date for revision in petrol and diesel prices. Based on the spurt, petrol prices in Delhi will have to be raised by Rs 3.53 per litre - from Rs 33.71 to Rs 37.24, and diesel prices by Rs 2.25 per litre - from Rs 21.74 to Rs 23.99 per litre. It is, however, unclear as to how much the prices will be raised by as a proposal for cutting duties to limit impact of high crude oil prices was also being considered. Sources said Finance ministry was unwilling to give major concession by slashing customs and excise duty subsidy on LPG is most likely to be extended by another two years to 2007. LPG and Kerosene price have remained unchanged since April 2002 and subsidy has progressively come down, resulting in rupees 130 per cylinder and rupees 4.43 per litre of under recoveries on LPG and Kerosene respectively. "Government is trying to weave a policy that would pass on the least burden on common man," sources said adding public sector oil companies may also be asked to bear a part of the burden. State-run oil firms have lost rupees 1200 crore on selling petrol and diesel below the cost while under recoveries on LPG and kerosene are estimated as rupees 14,000 crore in 2004-05.
No new law after repeal of POTA: Patil
Monday, June 14, 2004
London, Jun 13 Government today said no new law will be enacted after the repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act as the existing laws were sufficient to deal with terrorism and other related crimes. "We are for repealing POTA ... We are not saying that a new law will replace POTA. What we are saying is clear that the existing laws are sufficient to deal with the situation today," Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on a BBC Hindi radio programme. "In future, if a situation arises, in which we feel and all others feel that in the given circumstances, some changes in the existing laws are required or a new law is required, then with unanimity, and with the sanction of Parliament we can proceed in this direction," Patil said. Asked whether the government would restrict its dialogue with Hurriyat only or extend it to other Kashmiri groups, he said it would talk to Hurriyat and make efforts to talk to others who were ready to talk to the Centre. "When to talk, what to talk, how to talk and where to talk could be decided after receiving details from those willing for a dialogue," he said. On the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, Patil said the court verdict would be leagally binding on all. "If someone is making efforts to resolve this outside the court, we will not say that do not make such efforts. But for such a solution to be acceptable to the whole country, it will have to be in the form of a decree of the court of law, giving it a legal sanction."
Nuke secrets leak: Interrogation continues
Monday, June 14, 2004
Mumbai, June 13 As security agencies interrogated Akhtar Hussain Qutbud |
