India News: June 2005

PM to make cyber crime a punishable offence
Thursday, June 30, 2005 | JJ

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked Department of Information Technology and NASSCOM to draft new changes in the existing laws to make cyber crime a punishable offence. PM asked for the same in view to the recent allegation of an Indian call centre employee hawking confidential financial details of 1,000 British clients. Prime Minister's Media Advisor Sanjaya Baru ''The Prime Minister has asked the Department of Information Technology and NASSCOM to consult all stakeholders and come forward with suggestions for changes in existing laws, if found necessary, to ensure that any breach of secrecy, any illegal transfer of commercial or other privileged information and any other form of cyber crime is made a punishable offence."

2006 ICC Champions Trophy under New format
Thursday, June 30, 2005 | JJ

2006 ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in India will be played under a new format already approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) at its meeting in Dublin. Under the new format eight teams split into two groups of four with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals and final. Six teams will be selected from top six sides in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on April 1, 2006. The balance two teams will be selected from initial qualifying round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2006. Qualifying round will be an affair of four-team round robin play-off for the teams ranked 7-10 in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on April 1, 2006.

BCCI’s written appeal demanded by ICC
Thursday, June 30, 2005 | JJ

BCCI has to submit a written appeal to International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider the dispute the ban on India captain Sourav Ganguly who is currently serving a six-match ban in ODI for slow over-rate during the India-Pakistan one-day series in March. ICC President Ehsan Mani has confirmed that they were informed by BCCI ragrding the matter and said that the issue will be referred to Disputes Resolution Committee once BCCI writes to them.

Ashok Singhal to lead the re-constituted VHP
Thursday, June 30, 2005 | JJ

International Working President Ashok Singhal will lead the re-constituted Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Pravin Togadia was re-elected as the General Secretary. Togadia told reporters "Since VHP President Vishnu Hari Dalmia has opted to become part of the Advisory Committee, Ashok Singhal is formally elected as President of the VHP in the meeting of International Central Committee of the Parishad." Anand Shankar Pandya, Raghvender Rao, S Vedantam, P Ramchandran, Ashok Rao Chogle, Subhash Kapur and Mahesh Bhai Mehta were elected as vice presidents. Onkar Bhave, Srigopal Vyas, Balkrishan Naik and Shyam Gupta were elected as Joint Secretaries. G Pullareddy has been elected as Chief Treasurer.

UPA-Left leaders to resolve the deadlock today
Thursday, June 30, 2005 | JJ

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi who is arriving in the capital from her five-day visit to Shimla will meet CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat who is back in the capital after his Lucknow trip to resolve the deadlock of Left parties decision to keep away from the UPA-Left Coordination Committee meetings. Protests by Left parties are for the violation of National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) and disinvest in BHEL.

Pfizer Inc. to outsource tech jobs to India
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | AA

This will enable the New York-based drug maker to join other large corporations that are sending information technology jobs to a growing number of firms in India, China and other countries.Infosys Technologies Ltd. and Satyam Computer Services Ltd. of India would partner with Pfizer and provide some of the computer and technology-related services, reports here said. According to a company memo, "Evaluating Options: Moving IT Services to Low Cost Locations", the outsourcing would be done at a "carefully planned pace".The internal document was obtained by The Day newspaper of New London. "The outsourcing won''t affect current Pfizer employment", a spokeswoman told media. Pfizer, which employs about 6,000 people in New Jersey, has a plant in Lincoln that makes animal health products and does research.The company also has extensive research facilities in New London and Groton, Connecticut. Pfizer officials declined to comment on the document, calling it internal correspondence with its worldwide research and development associates.

HDFC Bank wins Asian Baking Award
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | AA

HDFC Bank of India has been awarded The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Banking Risk Management Award in India for 2004 in recognition of its risk management abilities.The award recognizes excellence in products and processes in retail banking in Asia and was announced in Beijing at The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services 2005 Awards ceremony, the bank said in a statement here today.The award is administered by The Asian Banker and referred by prominent bankers, consultants and academicians from around the world, it added.

Tamil expats demand parity in airfares
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | AA

Dubai, June 29.(PTI):Indian expats from Tamil Nadu are crying foul over preferential treatment given to Kerala NRIs by airlines and have demanded cheaper airfares for their community as well, a media report said.The Federation of Gulf Tamils (FGT), representing 20 different community groups of non-resident Tamils met recently to call for cheaper fares to Tamil Nadu airports similar to what is offered in destinations in Kerala and Maharashtra."There are nearly 400,00 Tamil workers in the UAE who cannot afford to travel to see their families even once in two years, as the airfare is often more than thrice their monthly earnings. Tamil workforce gets neither good passenger facilities nor competent fares despite being second only to the Kerala workforce," said Anwar Basha, a co-ordinator with FGT."Why are rates to Chennai, Coimbatore and Trichy so different (from destinations in Kerala) despite them being only 300km away from each other," he was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times daily.FGT also spoke about availability of more flights to destinations other than Chennai. There are only two airlines that touch Trichy and only one to Coimbatore.Only Indian Airlines and Air Lanka have flights to Trichy while Coimbatore is only served by Indian Airlines.FGT is now planning to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Tamil Nadu chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the report said.

Rumsfeld hosts dinner for Mukherjee
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | AA

Washington, Jun 28 (PTI) In an unprecedented gesture, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hosted a dinner in honour of his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee here prior to their scheduled talks.Those who attended the dinner last night, included US Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Steve Hadley, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, the first Marine general to be nominated as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Pete Pace, and several other senior generals.The atmosphere was described as "warm and spontaneous" by those who attended it.The conversation at the function centred on global issues, Indian Ocean issues and so on. PTI

US, India sign framework on defence
Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | AA

Washington, June 29 (PTI) India and the United States have signed a "new framework for the US-India defence relationship for the next ten years" which includes "new opportunities for technology transfer, collaboration, co-production and research and development".The agreement, signed here by visiting Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and American Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, defined the goals as strengthening "our countries' security, reinforce our strategic partnership, and build greater understanding between our defence establishments." "Both sides agreed that US-India defence relations are an important pillar of their transforming bilateral relationship," a statement said.The framework stated that both India and the US were entering a new era, "transforming our relationships to reflect our common principles and shared national interests".It said the defence relationship would support, and would be part of the broader US-India strategic partnership. It acknowledged that defence between the two nations had advanced to "unprecedented levels of cooperation unimaginable" since 1995, when both countries had signed the 'Agreed Minute on Defence Relations'.The two sides also agreed to expand collaboration relating to missile defence. PTI

Air-India will cut down services to Gulf
Sunday, June 26, 2005 | JJ

Air-India Chairman V Thulasidas said that Air-India would gradually cut down services to Gulf except Dubai. He said this to a reply to questions at a national seminar on 'Budget Airlines in India', Air India would slowly stop operating in the Gulf sector and allow its subsidiary AI Express to take over the services. Air-India flight to gulf will be terminated as the low-cost carrier Air India Express becomes operational. Air India Express will become fully operational as it acquires more aircrafts.

Anil made Chairman of Reliance Infocom
Sunday, June 26, 2005 | JJ

Anil Ambani younger of the two Ambani brothers who got Infocom as part of ownership settlement of the Reliance Empire between him and Mukesh took over as Chairman of Reliance Infocom after performing puja at a temple in the DAKC and walked to the company headquarters at Dhirubhai Knowledge City in Navi Mumbai. Details of the reconstituted Board were not immediately available. Reliance Infocom has employee strength of over 40,000 and revenue of over Rs 5,000 crore. Anil created Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Enterprises after the settlement with brother Mukesh. Besides Reliance Infocom Anil got Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital as part of his share.

Syneron Medical to market in India
Sunday, June 26, 2005 | JJ

Syneron Medical Ltd a Nasdaq-listed company from Israel will market its medical aesthetics products in the Indian market with partnership with India firm Suchita NuMed Tech Pvt Ltd. Moshe Mizrahy CEO of Syneron Medical Ltd said in the release "The two new agreements, in addition to the agreement in China announced, are part of a strategic decision in Syneron to enter these three emerging markets for medical aesthetic products in their early stage of development." Medical aesthetic applications are highly effective, safe and cost effective systems for hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenating the skin's appearance, and the treatment of acne, leg veins and cellulite.

India's candidature for UNSC seat gets US backing
Saturday, June 25, 2005 | JJ

US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns who is visiting India said India was a perfect candidate for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. United States had announced last week that it will back Japan for one of the two permanent seats on the UNSC. Final decision taken by President George W Bush and it will be a political decision.

Srinagar blast kills 4 and injures 30
Saturday, June 25, 2005 | JJ

Separatist guerrillas attacked an army convoy near the crossing outside the famous Mughal gardens, seven km from the city centre Lal Chowk. Senior police official said "The bus carrying army troopers was part of an army convoy. One bus, which had been hired by the army, was completely destroyed in the explosion in which four troopers of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles were killed." Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack in a phone call to a local news agency.

Decision on buying F-16s not finalized
Saturday, June 25, 2005 | JJ

Senior official of the defense ministry said "The F-16 is one of the aircraft that fits the range of performance that the IAF has asked for. But nobody has selected it," He also said that no decision has been made on buying other hardware like the P3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Senior officials said that will examine the "post-sale product support, including supply of spares and maintenance of equipment." Defense Minister Mukherjee's four-day visit beginning on Saturday will discuss the sale of US military equipment to India.

Massive combing operation in Poonch to begin soon: Govt
Friday, June 24, 2005 | AA

New Delhi, June 23 (PTI) Amidst reports from various security agencies about presence of training camps in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Government today said a massive combing operation would be launched soon to flush out the militants and destroy their infrastructure. We have reports about the presence of militants who were also involved in running training camps for other militants in the higher reaches of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region. We will shortly begin an intense operation to flush them out," Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal told reporters here after his arrival from three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. "I will myself be present at the make-shift headquarters from where the combing operation would be controlled," the minister said. Asked whether it was failure on the part of army or security personnel in allowing the area to slip into the hands of militants, Jaiswal said "this area was not used for any purpose by anyone" but admitted that it was not in the control of security personnel. Jaiswal refused to get into the controversy as to whether the camps were being run at the behest of Pakistan and said "all will be clear only after we complete the operation." Asked as to when he expected the operation to begin, he said "very soon and the Government will give an update to it." Meanwhile, sources in security agencies said some operations were already underway to flush out militants from the higher reaches of Poonch and Rajouri. PTI

Marginal decline in gold and silver prices
Friday, June 24, 2005 | AA

Mumbai, June 23 (PTI) Both the precious metals declined marginally on the bullion market here today due to lack of buying interest in dull trade. Standard gold (99.5 purity) eased by Rs 5 per ten grams to Rs 6,220 from the overnight closing level of Rs 6,225. However, pure gold (99.9 purity) closed unchanged at Rs 6,255. In the international market, Hongkong gold resumed slightly lower at US Dollars 438.00/438.50 per ounce as against US Dollars 438.10/438.60 previously while in London, gold was quoted slightly higher at US Dollars 437.15 per ounce as against US Dollars 437.00 previously. Silver ready (.999 fineness) moved down by Rs 30 per kilo to Rs 10,900 from Rs 10,930. PTI

Sania to partner Simon Aspelin in mixed doubles
Friday, June 24, 2005 | AA

London, Jun 23 (PTI) Sania Mirza would have one more chance to corner Wimbledon glory when she takes to the court in the mixed doubles event here. The 18-year-old has teamed up with Sweden's Simon Aspelin and would take on Gaston Eltis of Argentina and Lisa McShea of Australia in the opening round. Sania, who has already caught the eye of the English public and media, lost in the first round of the ladies doubles and went down to US Open Champion and World No. 5 Svetlana Kuznetsova in the ladies singles second round. Multiple grand slam winner Mahesh Bhupathi will this time team up with former French Open champion Mary Pierce in the mixed doubles. The Indo-French duo will take on British pair of David Sherwood and Elena Baltacha in the opening round. Bhupathi along with Australian Todd Woodbridge has also reached the second round of men's doubles event. PTI

U S Dollar dearer against Rupee
Friday, June 24, 2005 | AA

Mumbai, June 23 (PTI) The U.S. Dollar ended mildly dearer against the Rupee at Rs 43.55/56 per dollar and the Pound sterling edged up at Rs.79.28/30 per pound at the close of the Interbank Foreign Exchange (FOREX) market here today.
Following are Interbank Forex and RBI Rates.

(In Rupees per Unit) Unit Interbank RBI Reference rates US Dollar 43.55/56 U.S. Dollar Rs. 43.53 Pound Sterling 79.28/30 Euro Rs. 52.74 Euro 52.64/66 Japanese Yen (100) 40.03/05 PTI

Reliance ownership battle ends, Ambanis reach deal
Saturday, June 18, 2005 | Editor

Press Trust of India
The ownership row in Reliance Empire was resolved on Saturday morning with Mukesh Ambani and his younger brother Anil reaching an agreement to divide the assets. The settlement of the seven-month bitter battle was announced by their mother Kokilaben. In a statement she said, "I have today amicably resolved the issues between my two sons, Mukesh and Anil, keeping in mind the proud legacy of my husband Dhirubhai Ambani." The Board of Directors of the flagship company RIL, chaired by Mukesh, has been summoned to meet in Mumbai shortly after 10.15 am to put its seal of approval on the deal hammered out during a marathon all night meeting between the two sides that ended at 7.00 am. lthough the restructuring and legal issues would take some time, a formal statement on settlement is expected very shortly, highly placed sources said. Insistence from Kokilaben expedited the settlement after prolonged negotiations between the two sides that started nearly four months back based on recommendations of ICICI bank Chairman and family friend KV Kamath. Under the agreement, Mukesh will retain flagship company RIL and its Petrochemcial venture IPCL while Anil will get Reliance Infocomm, Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital. "Mukesh will have responsibility for RIL and IPCL while Anil will have responsibility for Reliance Infocomm, Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital," Kokilaben said. Only after the Board meeting of RIL, details of the settlement could be announced, sources said. In the longest and fiercest battle of corporate India, the feud between the brothers had kept over three million shareholders desperately waiting for the settlement. Mukesh and Anil had met for the first time last week in connection with the settlement process. Corporate and financial honchos representing the two brothers had been working for the last four days to close a deal even ahead of earlier target date of July six, the death anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani. Details were being withheld by both the sides. But the two brothers reportedly attended Friday night's meeting. It was, however, not clear whether the two sisters, Deepti and Nina, along with their husbands attended the meeting. The top lieutenants of both Anil and Mukesh were incommunicado since Friday evening despite intense speculation that the announcement could be made any time. ICICI bank Chairman and family friend of Ambanis, KV Kamath had been asked by the mother way back in December to work out a settlement formula along with valuation of family assets and holdings in the group. The fight started in November and witnessed a spate of allegations and counter-allegations from both the sides on operations of the group companies. In the longest and fiercest battle of corporate India, the feud between the Ambani brothers had kept over three million shareholders desperately waiting for the settlement. The settlement is likely to be based on the formula suggested by Kamath that IPCL and RIL go to one brother instead of a split of the companies. The two brothers had met for the first time last week in connection with the settlement process. Corporate and financial honchos representing Mukesh and Anil have been working for the last four days to close a deal even ahead of earlier target date of July six, the death anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani.

Expansion of Union Cabinet next week
Saturday, June 18, 2005 | JJ

Expansion of Union Cabinet of Ministries is expected next week on June 23. Changes in some minister’s portfolio are also expected. Sources said that UPA met this evening and discussed the expansion and minister’s portfolio change. Aspirant for the post are JMM supremo Shibu Soren, A K Antony, Amika Soni, Vayalar Ravi, G K Vasan, Anand Sharma, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Chandra Sekar Sahu and M Ramadass.

Kolkata connects London by Air India
Saturday, June 18, 2005 | JJ

Kolkata will be connected with London by Air India thrice a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new flight will fly on Delhi-Dhaka-Kolkata-London route will also provide connectivity between Delhi-Dhaka, Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-London. AI's chairman and managing director Vasudevan Thulasidas said ‘‘the initiative will fulfill the long-standing demand of passengers to connect east India with Britain.'' Jet Airways launched its daily non-stop Mumbai-London flights on May 23.

Ambani brother’s settlement finalised
Saturday, June 18, 2005 | JJ

Ambani brothers seven-month-old ownership row of the Reliance Group is ended with the split of Reliance with Mukesh heading RIL and IPCL, and Anil heading Reliance Capital, Reliance Energy and Reliance Infocomm. Announcing this the mother of two brothers Kokilaben said ''I have today amicably resolved the issues between my two sons, Mukesh and Anil, keeping in mind the proud legacy of my husband Dhirubhai Ambani.'' She added ''I am confident that both Mukesh and Anil will resolutely uphold the values of their father and work towards protecting and enhancing value for over 3 million shareholders of the Reliance group.'' Reliance Industries board meeting will began at 1000 hrs.

Indian Spinners leads MCC XI to victory
Thursday, June 16, 2005 | JJ

Indian Spinners leads MCC XI to victory against International XI in the Tsunami Appeal match at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on June 14. Kumble claimed 3 wickets for 49 in his eight overs while Harbhajan claimed 3 wickets for 32. MCC XI defeated International XI by 112 runs. Kumble was adjudged the Man of the Match.

50 planes worth USD 7.5b ordered by Jet Airways
Thursday, June 16, 2005 | JJ

Jet Airways has ordered 50 brand new commercial jets, 30 B-777-800, B-737-200 and 300 from Boeing and 20 A330 from Airbus as a part of expansion of its flight into international routes. Jet has given a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Boeing worth about USD 4.2 billion to buy 10 long-range 777 airliners and 10 single-corridor 737 aircraft and has a option to buy 10 more of the 777 airliners. Jet also given LoI to Airbus worth USD 3.3 billion for 10 A330 jets and has the option to buy 10 additional aircraft.

US warns Pakistan on Iran-Pak-India pipeline
Thursday, June 16, 2005 | JJ

Petroluem Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told reporters "I am unfazed especially because my friend and Cambridge college mate, Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri had given a befitting reply (to US opposition) in Washington." Pakistan was warned by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to impose sanctions if it continued to pursue the proposed pipeline project to meet its energy demands. Minister said "So long as India, Pakistan and Iran hang together, there is every assurance of energy needs of India and Pakistan being met on the basis of remunerative returns for Iran and affordable price for India and Pakistan."

Sale of Non-iodised salt banned
Thursday, June 16, 2005 | JJ

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss announced after a UNICEF-government strategy review meeting on Reproductive and Child Health “We are giving two months to manufacturers. The ban on non-iodised salt will be enforced from August 15.” He said regarding the impact on price due the ban “It will almost have no impact...There will be only 10 paise per kilogram hike.” He said “The National Institute of Nutrition was experimenting with double fortification of salt with iodine and iron. There was a problem of stability and colour.”

Many killed and injured in Kashmir bomb blast
Tuesday, June 14, 2005 | JJ

Many people were killed and injured in the terror attacks which took place near a security force camp at Pulwama in south Kashmir when a car packed with about 40 kg RDX exploded. Official report says 13 people, including three CRPF personnel and two students, were killed and about 60 others wounded in the explosion and is expected to increase as many injured are in a critical condition and have been admitted to various hospitals.

Convert Siachen into peace mountain: PM
Monday, June 13, 2005 | JJ

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh currently on a three-day visit to Ladakh, was in Siachen and took an aerial survey of the area and addressed the troops at the base camp. He said to the troops "Now the time has come and we should try to convert this battlefield into a peace mountain.'' He said that the world's highest battlefield, Siachen, should be converted into a "peace mountain'' without redrawing "established borders.'' He said “We should create an atmosphere in which no one perceives any danger and this place becomes an example of perfect peace,'' Mr. Singh became the first Prime Minister to visit the Siachen glacier on the Indo-Pak border, the highest battlefield in the world.

Indian scientist won World Food Prize
Monday, June 13, 2005 | JJ

Indian scientist, Modadugu V. Gupta won the prestigious World Food Prize for his work on enhancing nutrition for over one million people mostly poor women, through expansion of aquaculture and fish farming in South and South East Asia and Africa. Dr. Gupta retired as Assistant Director General at WorldFish, an international fisheries research institute under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) based at Penang, Malaysia. Dr Gupta reacting to his selection said "The prize is a great honour for all those who work on improving fish production for reducing poverty. It is a recognition of the importance of fisheries in protecting nutritional security of the world".

Ganguly’s 142 failed to rescue Glamorgan
Sunday, June 12, 2005 | JJ

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly 142 failed to rescue his county Glamorgan against Kent in the County Championship - Division One match at Cardiff. Ganguly’s brilliant 142 off 124 balls included 20 boundaries (4 x 15, 6 x 5). Ganguly came to bat at the fall of third wicket when the score was just five runs.

CPI will retaliate if petrol, diesel prices hiked
Saturday, June 11, 2005 | JJ

CPI general secretary A B Bardhan said speaking at the NCP convention said "We will retaliate if petrol and diesel prices are increased. We met the Prime Minister recently and urged him not to go ahead with the fuel price hike as it ultimately affects the common man." He warned the UPA government "We want the government to complete its term but if our request on the issue is ignored, then we will fight, we are of the opinion that all economic reforms should have a human face. It is with this thing in mind that we keep on clashing with the UPA government".

Advani to continue as BJP president
Saturday, June 11, 2005 | JJ

L K Advani would continue as BJP President as he withdraw the resignation after BJP Parliamentary Board unanimously passed a resolution, acknowledge Advani’s Pakistan visit. Regarding the controversial comment of Mr. Advani that led him to the resignation Mr. Naidu said ''The BJP is of the view that Pakistan is a theocratic state and non secular.'' Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporter regarding the resignation issue ‘‘this is a roadshow by the BJP which is surviving on these tamashas.'' VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia said that Advani, has "insulted the country which will never forgive him. The saints of VHP will also not forgive him." by not apologising for his remarks. VHP treasurer Ramnath Mahendra said "We will strongly oppose BJP president L K Advani's withdrawal of his resignation as party president. We will not accept him anymore."

Sonia on four-day official visit to Russia
Friday, June 10, 2005 | JJ

Sonia Gandhi, Congress President and UPA Chairperson will leave for a four-day visit to Russia on 13 June. Mrs Gandhi trip to Russia will be a official one as she has the status of a Cabinet Minister due to her UPA Chairperson post will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. Russian visit will also help Ms. Gandhi in the image building in international arena.

Meeting to resolve BJP Leadership postponed
Friday, June 10, 2005 | JJ

BJP Parliamentary Board meeting to resolve Leadership crisis was postponed twice. Earlier Board had rejected Mr Advani's resignation and appealed to him to reconsider his decision and lead the party through a resolution. Mr Advani was not happy with the resolution as it did not support his controversial comments on Mohammad Ali Jinnah which led him to resign as BJP President. BJP’s former President President Murli Manohar told ''Jinnah is a person responsible for the partition of India and creation of Pakistan on religious lines and any person believing in one-nation theory could never accept him as a secular person.'' which has created hindrance to resolve the Leadership crisis.

Pathan bowled by Harbhajan for Sixty Eight
Friday, June 10, 2005 | JJ

Indian pacer Irfan Pathan coming at number eight position to bat scored a well-paced 68 for Middlesex in the Frizzell County Championship Division One matches against Surrey at Lord's. Pathan's 68 runs came in 93-ball with 11 boundaries which was his first half century for Middlesex. Later Harbhajan Singh bowled him to complete his brace of 35 overs, 10 maidens, 87 runs and two wickets.

Fly on Kingfisher Bangalore- Delhi flights
Friday, June 10, 2005 | JJ

Bangalore- Delhi route for Kingfisher Airlines became operational with a double daily service using brand new Airbus A320 aircraft in both directions which will be thrice daily soon. Flight schedules are Delhi-Bangalore flights take off at 0630 hrs and 1740 hrs while Bangalore-Delhi flights take off at 1000 hrs and 2055 hrs. Fare fixed for this sector is Rs 4,999 exclusive of airport tax (Rs 221).

Veto Power after 15 Years for G4 nations.
Friday, June 10, 2005 | JJ

The G4 nations India, Japan, Brazil and Germany trying to become permanent members of the Security Council came out with a new draft in which they have dropped their demand for veto power for 15 years. Amended draft proposes increase in the members of the Council from 15 to 25 members with six new permanent seats, four for G4 nations and two seats may go to African nations. Nirupam Sen, Indian UN Ambassador replying to a question said the amended draft has not been diluted so far as veto is concerned as it keeps the principle intact.

Babbar Khalsa International chief arrested
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | JJ

Police Commissioner K K Paul told reporters Indian chief of the Babbar Khalsa International Jagtar Singh Harwara, was arrested from Alipur Narela area of North-West Delhi at about 0600 hours. He was arrested along with Jaspal Singh and his associate Vikas Sehgal, mastermind behind Liberty-Satyam cinema blast. Jagtar Singh Harwara was also required in the killing of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and had a reward of Rs five lakh on his head.

Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson replaced
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | JJ

Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson Sonal Mansingh, who had been in the centre of a controversy at the Akademi was replaced by Ram Niwas Mirdha a former Union minister who handled various portfolios during the days of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and was also chairman of Joint Parliamentary Committee appointed in the 1990s to go into the securities scam. Mr Mirdha, had also earlier served as chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi.

Rane sworn in as Goa 16th CM
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | JJ

Pratapsingh Rane was today sworn in as 16th Chief Minister of Goa. Governor S C Jamir administered the oath to Chief Minister and Two ministers, one each from the party's allies NCP and MGP at Raj Bhavan. The ceremony was attended by AICC General Secretary and Goa incharge Margaret Alva, PCC chief Ravi Naik, former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and all BJP MLAs.

BJP President Advani resigns
Tuesday, June 7, 2005 | JJ

BJP President Advani resigned from the post of party Chief. The resignation comes in reply to the Sangh Parivar criticizing over his controversial remarks on Mohammed Ali Jinnah during his visit to Pakistan. Resignation letter was handed over to BJP General Secretary Sanjay Joshi at Mr Advani residence. M Venkiah Naidu, Sanjay Joshi, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Bal Apte, Ananta Kumar, Uma Bharati, and Muqtar Abbas Naqvi visited Advani tried to persuade to withdraw his resignation.

Tendulkar need 14-16 weeks to return to cricket
Monday, June 6, 2005 | JJ

Sachin Tendulkar who underwent tennis elbow surgery in London last month returned back. Speaking to reporters at Mumbai airport he said, "It (recovery process) is progressing quite well and I will need 14 to 16 weeks to return to competitive cricket. I have been given a programme (by the doctors) to follow. I will go back to London to consult the doctor again." Tendulkar will be missing the triangular series in Sri Lanka in July-August.

Congress won in Haryana, Goa loses elsewhere
Sunday, June 5, 2005 | JJ

Results for by-election held on June 2nd for one Lok Sabha and 16 assembly seats spread over six states shows gain for Congress in Haryana and Goa whereas it lost in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. In Goa Congress is back into Power where President's rule was announced in March after controversial confidence votes. In Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, won to the assembly at Kiloi seat with a margin of over one lakh votes defeating INLD's Azad Singh Attri. S Bangarappa won the Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency as Samajwadi Party candidate. He had resigned Shimoga Lok Sabha as a BJP member few months ago.

Tarapur Atomic Power Unit-4 synchronized
Sunday, June 5, 2005 | JJ

15th nuclear power reactor and the largest atomic power unit in the country Tarapur Atomic Power Project (TAPP-4) was synchronised to the grid up to 50 per cent of the power level. Power of the unit will be increased in steps to achieve full power based on the mandatory tests results and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) authorization. Commercial delivery of electricity from TAPP-4 is expected by August, eight months ahead of schedule. Eight other nuclear power plants are under construction.

President returned after four-nation trip
Sunday, June 5, 2005 | JJ

President A P J Abdul Kalam returned after four-nation trip of Russia, Switzerland, Iceland and Ukraine. The official trip was for 14-days. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his cabinet colleagues Arjun Singh, Shivraj Patil and Kumari Selja received president at airport.

Counting begins for by-election held on 2 June
Sunday, June 5, 2005 | JJ

Counting of vote began this morning for the by-election was held on June 2nd for one Lok Sabha and 16 assembly seats spread over six states. The by-election was held for Shimoga Parliamentary constituency in Karnataka, counting is taking place for five assembly seats in Goa, four in Uttar Pradesh, three in Haryana, two in Kerala and one each in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Semi-Conductor unit to be set-up in AP
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

AP government would extend cooperation in setting up the Nano-Tech Silicon India Pvt Ltd, the Semi-Conductor unit in the State and urged Min, Chairman of Intellect Inc, Seoul, Korea to launch the project at the earliest. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mr. Min and the State Government on 6 December, 2004. Logic semi-conductor fab developed at the unit would have a capacity of 30,000 wafer start per month and will start with 0.35 um(sub micron) three or four metal layers 10,000 wafer start per month and would be extended to 0.25 um(sub micron) five metal layers 20,000 wafer start per month.

IJT, Dhruv of HAL to display at Paris Air Show
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

HAL’s indigenously developed Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv, will be both flying and static display at International Air Show at Paris, beginning at Le Bourget on June 13. HAL release says both the aircraft would be flown by HAL's Chief Test Pilot Sqn Ldr Baldev. Israel and Nepal having been acquiring Dhruv and many domestic and international operators were in dialogue with it for possible procurement of Dhruv in the near future.

CBSE's PMT entrance test Merit List
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

CBSE's All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Examination has announced the merit list of 1,654 candidates and the same number on wait list. Out of total 210,061 students had appeared for the preliminary examination 17,108 students had qualified for the final examination conducted on May 15. Results are available on www.cbseresults.nic.in, www.cbse.nic.in and www.results.nic.in. Candidates slected in the merit list would be called for counseling.

Sam Pitroda dropped from NAC
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

Sam Pitroda, who recently became the Chairman of the newly-constituted National Knowledge Commission, has been dropped from the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi set up to oversee the implementation of the UPA government's National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP). Noted economist Jean Dreaze, co-author of several books of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has also been dropped from the National Advisory Council (NAC). Prime Minister's Office release issued says ''they have other commitments and will not be able to devote enough time for meaningful participation in the NAC.''

Indo-American wins spelling bee contest
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

Anurag Kashyap, 13 an eighth grade student from Meadowbrook Middle School, in San Diego California, an Indo-American has won the 78th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee Contest. Samir Sudhir Patel, 11, of Colleyville, Texas, took second place at the competition. Kashyap said on his success ''It was very hard. This competition is a game of perseverance. However, the best part of the bee is the friendships you make. Talk to the speller who sits next to you, and it helps to ease the tension of the contest.''

Narmada boat mishap 30 feared killed
Saturday, June 4, 2005 | JJ

Boat carrying 30 people on board capsized in Narmada River at Malsar village, about 80 kms from Vadodara. Seven people died and bodies have been fished out from the river, 20 others were feared drowned and three others were rescued and were in serious condition.

Offered a ticket, family will decide: Sanjay Dutt
Thursday, June 2, 2005 | JJ

Sanjay Dutt informed at a press conference that family would decide, who will contest, if Congress offers Lok Sabha constituency his father was representing. He said "Its too quick, too soon. We haven't given it a thought. We have just returned after immersing his (Sunil Dutt's) ashes. But if offered a ticket, the family will decide, who will contest the seat." Sanjay said, "Our family will discuss and decide on the issue."

Hurriyat delegation leave for Pakistan
Thursday, June 2, 2005 | JJ

Hurriyat delegation of eleven-member which include Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, JKLF chief Yasin Malik and other separatists left for Pakistan in Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus ''Karavan-e-Aman (Caravan of Peace). Massive security arrangements have been made to ensure safe and secure journey for the leaders.

India-Pakistan match in Azlan Shah Hockey
Thursday, June 2, 2005 | JJ

India will face Pakistan in Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Kuala Lumpur. Indian won the first match against the South Africans and lost two matches against Malaysia and South Korea. Pakistan won three matches against New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea and draw against Australia.

Joint R&D fund set up by India-Israel
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal and Israeli deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Ehud Olmert in Tel Aviv have signed an agreement to set up a joint industrial Research and Development fund of USD 1 million each in order to encourage investment and joint ventures. Five priority areas selected for enhanced cooperation between both sides are Nano-technology, bio-technology, water management, non-conventional energy and space and aeronautics.

Bihar Assembly polls in Oct-Nov
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

In a press release Election Commission announced that "Having carefully considered various pros and cons and the recommendations of the two-member team, the full Election Commission is of the unanimous view that holding a free and fair poll during the period July, August and September, 2005 is ruled out. The Commission is further of the considered view that the suitable period for holding the general election in Bihar will be October to November, 2005.”

Hinduja's & Bofors Co. cleared in Bofors case
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Justice R S Sodhi, of Delhi High Court in his 22-page judgement, has quashed all charges against Europe-based three Hinduja brothers and Sweedish arms manufacturer A B Bofors in the Bofors case. Judge said "based on this dubious material, to allow prosecution for going on for many more years, in respect of a transaction of more than 20 years vintage, is sheer persecution, waste of public time and money." He added "I cannot foresee any chance of the successful termination of such a useless prosecution".

First Trieste Science Prize to Indian
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Award instituted by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) - UNESCO administered non-governmental organization First Trieste Science Prize in the Physics category is being awarded to Professor of Physics at Banaras Hindu University Dr. Tiruppattur V Ramakrishnan for his contribution to the understanding of the physical forces that turn liquids into solids. Other recipient of the award is Brazilian biologist Sergio Henrique Ferreira, Professor of Pharmacology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil for his contribution to knowledge of how enzymes reduce high blood pressure and lessen the sensation of pain. TWAS President C N R Rao said, ''These two scientists, represent not only the best of science in the developing world but the best of science throughout the world. They are indeed worthy recipients of the first Trieste Science Prize.''

Agreements on air services by India-Iceland
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Mahesh Sachdeva, Ambassador of India to Norway, and Ambassador Olafur Egilsson, signed two agreements on air services, which include a MoU. The agreements are expected to have a wide-ranging and positive implication for bilateral ties and facilitate contacts between aviation operating agencies in both the countries. There will be a great boom in tourism sector as more people are traveling to European counties.

Miss Canada Miss Universe 2005
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Miss Canada Natalie Glebova was selected as the Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok. Glebova a native of Russia moved to Canada 11 years ago. "This is all happening too fast and it's unreal. It's slowly starting to sink in," she told reporters moments after being crowned from last year's winner, Australian Jennifer Hawkins.

Paes/Martina goes up, Mahesh/Lisa out of French Open
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Fourth seeded Anastasia Myskina of Russia and Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden defeated 6-4, 6-2 seeded seventh Mahesh and Lisa in the quarterfinal of the mixed doubles in the French Open grand slam tennis tournament. The winner of the match between Sixth seeded Leander Paes - Martina Navratilova and Corina Morariu - Jared Palmer will reserve their mixed doubles semi-final berth.

EC(team) to submit its report to CEC
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Two-member Election Commission (EC) team Deputy Election Commissioner Anand Kumar and Legal Advisor S K Mendiratta is meeting with the CEC to submit its report -the-spot study of the ground situation for holding the Assembly Election. EC sources said that team members, who returned on Sunday, met two of the three Election Commissioners, including Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon on Monday, and apprised them of the ground realities.

IAF team reaches peak of 'Mission Everest'
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

IAF spokesman wing CDR Sanjeev Sharma said ''Three members of the 19-member team -- Wing Commander R C Tripathi, Sq Ldr Chaitanya and Sergeant N R Choudhary -- reached the peak of Mt Everest between 0515 and 0630 hours this morning.'' Air Officer administration at the Air Hqs Air Marshal H S Garkal has complimented the team leader, Wing Cdr Amit Choudhary, over satellite phone, wing Cdr Sharma said, adding that later the chief, Air Marshal S P Tyagi also contacted the team leader to congratulate him and his team members on their historic achievement.

Asia’s most advanced naval base inaugurated
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | JJ

Asia's most advanced naval base and India's first ship-lift system located at Karwar in Karnataka was dedicated to the nation. This Naval base will have all the most potent weapons - destroyers, stealth frigates and possibly even the soon-to-be acquired Scorpion submarines. The greatest advantage of this base is safe from possible Pakistani missile and fighter attacks. Admiral Arun Prakash told reporters "This naval base is less vulnerable from Pakistani attacks if you compare it with Mumbai." "This is the only harbor which will be exclusively used by the navy," Admiral Prakash said.